Paradise Beach Club

This contemporary beach resort has appealing grounds and modern interiors, but is on the pricey side for the quality of offerings. Much of the hotel has a contemporary, minimalist design, sporting concrete floors, white walls, and white or natural wood furnishings. Large glass windows and open-air spaces let in lots of light and show off the spectacular views. The lobby is a bright space, open to the pool, beach, and hotel driveway, with padded wicker sofas creating several seating areas. Behind the turquoise front desk, a wavy concrete wall mirrors the ocean outside. The grounds are lovely, with plenty of trees and shady spots to relax, though the pool tends to be sunny. The hotel is well-suited to leisure travelers looking for a laid-back beach vacation.

This hotel is on Mirissa Beach, a gorgeous and popular spot in a small bay on Sri Lanka’s southern tip. The area is known for its laid-back atmosphere and there are several bars along the beach to aid in finding that vibe. There are also a few beachfront cafes and many restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the hotel. At the end of the beach -- also about a 10-minute walk -- Parrot Rock reaches into the sea and is a gorgeous, natural spot to enjoy the crashing waves. It is a 12-minute walk, or a three-minute drive, to the harbor where a whale watching trip can be booked. The city of Galle, with its pedestrianized areas and 16th-century fort, is a 50-minute drive away. The capital city of Colombo is about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the hotel, and Bandaranaike International Airport is 10 minutes longer.

Rooms are generally spacious, outfitted with traditional wooden furnishings and basic amenities. Tile floors and ivory walls paired with dark-wood furniture are a bit bland, but they're largely clean and comfortable. There’s little embellishment or color beyond a floral lampshade. Standard Rooms have a king-size or two twin beds, with upgrades offering sitting areas and additional bedrooms. All rooms have TVs (some flat-screen), kettles, and safes, plus minibars are available. Rooms in the newer section of the hotel are nicer, especially the bathrooms. Older bathrooms feel dingy, some with dirty grout, mold, and complaints of leaky showers. Showers are typically walk-in stalls with glass doors; some upgrades have whirlpool tubs. Hairdryers are provided, and free toiletries include soap and individual packets of shampoo. 

All the basics are checked here for a relaxing beach vacation. The pool is big and in a beautiful spot, surrounded by trees and offering a lovely ocean view. There are a wading section and a bench with jets in the water. Wooden loungers covered in tacky plastic have black cushions on top. There are no umbrellas and little shade from palm trees. Tables under white umbrellas are a scenic spot for a drink from the bar. A tiny black building with a thatched roof offers poolside massage and spa treatments. Past the pool terrace, guests have direct access to the stunning Mirissa Beach -- a gorgeous sandy strip with shallow waters. There are plastic sunbeds available (no umbrellas), but most of the space is open.

An on-site restaurant serves buffet-style meals with a mix of local cuisine, fresh seafood, and Western flavors, though guests find the quality less than satisfying. Breakfast is not included, but packages are available for breakfast and dinner. Many prefer to enjoy fresh seafood and local cuisine at nearby eateries instead. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal is poor in rooms, particularly those farthest from the reception area and pool.