Lagoon Paradise Beach Resort

The property itself is very nice and was almost empty whilst we were there which was great as it was like having a private pool and beach. The pool is great and the rooms are large but there was no mosquito net which resulted in my being eaten alive by the little monsters. The best part was the crocodile restaurant which was right on the beach, here is why the front of house staff should study how to deliver first class customer service as one of our waiters was named Nalaka was exceptional. He would greet us with a big smile every time we entered the restaurant and despite it being fairly empty would reserve a seat at the table we used on the first occasion. His recommendations for food were excellent and he even asked the chef to write down and explain one of the dishes.

Hmm, well it was the front of house staff who really tainted our experience here for a few reasons. 1. When we arrived we were greeted with a cold drink and cold towels which was amazing however that was the last decent service we received from the front of house. 2. I was asked to fill in my details (formalities) however whilst filling in my details I was asked twice (fairly forcefully) to pay immediately which is the first time I’ve ever encountered this at a hotel. So as soon as I handed back my details they asked me to pay for the whole stay upfront. I find this bizarre as traditionally I would have put drinks and food on my bill and paid at the end. 3. Whilst being frog marched to pay, I was informed that if I paid by card they would not charge me a card fee (please note that when I booked this via Booking.com it was one of the terms and conditions that there were no card fees at the hotel) so be cautious if ever staying here that they may take a 3% card fee. 4. Despite having the price in writing in my app, the exchange rate is a random number chosen by a staff member as he deliberated for around 10 seconds when entering the exchange rate on the calculator for the total price. 5. Once I’d paid in cash, I was not given an invoice or given any information such as the pool is here, or what time breakfast is or even informed about local activities (we noticed there were kayaks but never informed how we went about booking these. 6. I returned later that day to get an invoice as I’d paid in cash and when I asked them (3 front of house staff) they begrudgingly printed one out despite them discussing something in the local language for around 2 mins. Again no please or thank you were offered or even enquiring if I’m enjoying the stay. 7. Before we checked out we asked about a taxi to Mirissa (most guides say between 3K-4K for this journey) but not our man at reception, he has a quote of 8.2K which is extortion 8.