OZO Kandy Sri Lanka

Part of the stylish OZO brand, this hotel is expectedly hip and fresh, though lacking a bit in local charm. Upon entering the lobby, guests are greeted by striking purple lights in the shape of trees inbuilt into the walls and ceiling, as well as an island reception desk. To one side are chic neutral-tone furnishings and lovely colorful photos of Sri Lanka along the walls. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors and windows let in lots of light and lead to a huge terrace that wraps around the building with fresh seating and gorgeous vistas of Kandy's hilly landscape. The most attractive space, undoubtedly, is the rooftop pool and trendy bar, outfitted with hanging basket chairs, loungers, and offering more of those impressive vistas. The hotel is primarily popular with couples, followed closely by groups of friends and families. 

Perched on a hillside overlooking Kandy Lake and the mountains, the hotel is located a 15-minute walk from the center of the city. It's also a five-minute drive, or a 30-minute walk, from the Royal Palace and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. There's not a ton of restaurant and bars in the immediate area, but ample can be found closer to the town center. Tuk-tuks (the most common transportation) can be hailed outside the hotel. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is about a three-hour drive away, while Bandaranaike International Airport is about two and a half hours. 

The OZO Kandy Sri Lanka has four room types spanning the hotel’s five floors, starting with 312-square foot (29-square-meter) Sleep Rooms with garden and mountain views and going up to 441-square-foot (41-square-meter) OZO Suites with lake or mountain views and separate living areas. The stylish, calming design consists of light-wood floors, a mix of leather, wood, and wicker furniture in neutral tones, and printed curtains and throw pillows. Striking and huge Sri-Lanka inspired prints of elephants in muted blue and purple hang above the beds. Many, but not all, rooms have balconies with various pretty vistas. It's worth noting that some past guests have complained of noise from adjacent rooms, as well as the rooftop bar, which plays music from afternoons into the night. 

All rooms feature air-conditioning, 40-inch LCD TVs with cable channels, blackout curtains, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, work desks, rattan couches, safes, and free Wi-Fi. King- or twin-size beds, and interconnecting rooms are available. Compact bathrooms feature rainfall showers, hairdryers, and Breeze Spa amenities. 

The all-day EAT restaurant serves Sri Lankan and international specialties with a healthy bent -- including breakfast and dinner buffets -- but the food can reportedly be mediocre. The simply decorated restaurant features white partitions, blue couches, and rattan chairs with olive-green cushions, as well as outdoor seating on a wraparound terrace. Meanwhile, the trendy BOMMU rooftop lounge and bar delivers cocktails, light meals, and tapas. Thanks to an adjacent swimming pool, the venue serves as a pool bar by day and a hip lounge at night. There are lots of seating and sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and lake. Meanwhile, the pool is flanked by white daybeds and black loungers shaded by white umbrellas. There is also a modern gym with cardio and weight-training equipment, however, the hotel lacks a spa. A meeting room is available, as is free Wi-Fi throughout the property.