Helgasfolly Anti Hotel Residence

this is not a Hilton five star experience and for those who want a pizza delivered to their room at midnight. It is old worldly but immensely charming.It is for someone with an artistic eye and interest in history as well as a desire to have an insight into a Sri Lanka of a by-gone era. Helga’s Folly is an incredible experience. The decor is unusual and eccentric. The stereophonics passed by and decided to dedicate a track to Helga. We were lucky enough to meet the Chatelaine, Helga, herself whose more stunning Cruella de Ville outward appearance , masks a warm and generous hostess. she is the biggest draw and the history of the house and the people that have passed through… Her daughter in law was the incredible Izzy Blow, who discovered Alexander McQueen, so why wouldn’t you expect style here? Her staff are family retainers and professional hoteliers who make you feel as though you are actually staying with the family. This stay was truly the highlight of our three week stay in Sri Lanka. We felt part of a movie , having excellent breakfast with porcelains and beautiful silver ! The food is great btw!! And yes, the bathrooms need a little renovation maybe ☺️Thank you all!!❤️

Helga's is so fascinating full of character and history. Helga herself is absolutely charming and entertaining. Helga makes no pretensions to being a six star hotel and she warns everyone who looks at the hotel's website that it's not. I can't believe the comments recently about the hotel being dirty, yes it is a little dusty in places but not dirty. We have stayed many times and have never seen signs of blood on the sheets we have noticed some small rust type marks which are bound to appear in such a humid atmosphere. Goodness me people will complain about the masses of candle wax around the candelabra! This a collection of wax which has been deliberately left to make a more fairytale setting. If you want a Holiday Inn experience then don't go to Helga's but if you want a genuine historical experience and delicious food and company Helga's is for you. Every time we visit there is something new to experience.

We had to go and visit Helga’s Folly after reading about it. It’s a short 5 minute tuk-tuk ride from centre of Kandy. We stopped off at the Kandy view point to take some pictures because it is on the way. We were greeted at reception and we decided to have a drink as well as a tour. All I can say is wow…the decor is fabulously quirky and the more you look the more you see. It is a little dated yes but looking past that it is also fabulous. A must visit place if you are in Kandy

Reading previous reviews we were looking forward to our stay in this unique ‘boutique’ hotel. We had two nights booked - during the Kandy festival week so was expecting the hotel to be busy with lots of atmosphere. On arrival the outside looked tired and run down albeit the artwork was quirky and fun, and there was no one in sight! The two staff who greeted us were very warm and welcoming and helpful when we discussed arranging a tuktuk to travel to the festival that evening. (It’s a very long walk down a very steep hill) As we were shown to our room it became apparent that the hotel was empty (many empty rooms with open doors/ mattresses leaning against walls- and confirmed there were only 3 rooms booked that night), very run down and not clean in places. The numerous corridors and nooks were full of the weird and wonderful, pieces of artwork, furniture set up’s and displays and unique decor. And it was lovely to read about the fascinating Helga’s life. Unfortunately this fantasy journey changed when we reached our room (12a) as we noticed the sheets were dirty, blood stains on the pillows, a foot mark on the cover and stains on the sheets. There was no hand soap or soap at all in the bathroom. The grout in the shower was black and it smelt as if it had just been run but not cleaned as there was still water on the tiles. The musty smell throughout the building was not pleasant and when asked to see the rooftop pool, we were greeted by a dirty pool, overgrown surroundings, broken seating …. Sadly I could go on. At a price of $130 per night we decided that we were leaving! This hotel can be viewed as a museum tour, now that I would pay the $6 for as it is facilitating… but unfortunately will not be recommending it as a ‘Boutique’ hotel to stay in.

Staying at Helga’s Folly was like stepping into another dimension. From the drive up out of Kandy’s hustle and bustle, the warm welcome by staff, the first extraordinary exploration of the awe-inspiring rooms and the exciting trek down dark corridors to our bedroom. We stayed for two unforgettable nights with our 12 year old son. We had a dip in the jungle pool, drinks in the green room (entertained by a lively troupe of monkeys), dinner in the blue room and watched Elephant Walk in the cinema. We were very lucky to be the only guests, which only added to the feeling of being a part of some magical dream. Madame Helga spoke with me on the reception phone on our second day and arranged an evening rendezvous. The tall and elegantly dressed Helga appeared with an ice bucket of homemade rice wine to share with us, along with some fascinating conversation. A life well lived, with the inevitable highs and lows. Helga simultaneously projects honesty, charm, vulnerability and strength of character and it was a privilege to share some time with her in her magical home. Words just can’t describe the spirit of the folly and it’s an experience I’ll never forget. It’s a short walk down to Kandy lake, but life felt a touch boring outside the folly’s gates so we didn’t venture too far.

A one off place, you simply must try & experience the particular magick. I loved so many things- from the embedded history, to the delicious food & sumptuous bed. Waking up to the sounds of the jungle & tinkling chandeliers, roaming the halls covered in family pictures & murals… heavenly, very special, unique things that you won’t find anywhere else & that’s before you’ve even met the iconic Helga- who is charming & full of an ancient grace. I wish there were more places as interesting as her folly…but there just isn’t & I suppose that’s the point. A humongous thank you- to Helga & all the crew - your kindness & wonderful hospitality made my time there so memorable. Ps: Big love to the rambunctious monkeys - I miss their naughty little faces.

Holidays make memories right? Right! Well look no further than Helga’s Folly. We were truly amazed by what we found hidden within Helga’s Folly, tucked away in the jungle of Kandy. The whole house is a living history of Helga’s family, but also a truly special spectacle of the artists of the region as every nook and cranny are painted and covered with artworks, the more bizarre the better!. Make sure to ask the hotel manager to explain a little about the family, he did so passionately, and this made us more excited, and amazed at what was around us. We were lucky enough to meet Madame Helga herself, and we were honestly a bit star struck! The breakfast was also a highlight of ours, the egg curry, freshly made coconut rotis, and the coffee in the elaborate silver pot (which I imagined also served Elizabeth Taylor when she stayed). We did have quite an eventful experience with a couple of monkeys in the pool, so just keep your wits about you, and our shower was cold - but a nice relief from the sticky Kandy air.

Have been 2016 (not 2023, but couldn’t choose) there and left it right away on next day. Room and even bathroom have been in a really bad shape, old and dirty!. Totally rip off, just making money out of the spectacular told story of an glamorous woman and her family. Even in this I wouldn’t believe. Sorry.

Helga's Folly is real must .. I know many folk from around the world who put it at the top of their to do list, but didn't quite know why... it must be the most individualised hotel in the world ... and to meet Helga .. words cannot describe what an amazing lady. Do visit when you are in Sri Lanka. Just amazing