We were hoping to have some experience of Bawa's amazing architecture, and this was a real treat! It is an intimate family home (the De Saram family still use it regularly) that is operating as a B&B with just 4 bedrooms. We took the smaller room, but really loved it - it has multiple windows for views out and breezes in, and just downstairs is a beautiful pavilion sitting area overlooking one of the courtyards. It's also in a great part of Colombo (Cinnamon Gardens) where it is quite quiet and civilised to walk around, but close to many places of interest. And then there is Anthony - the host - who is a wealth of information, humour and kindness. it was towards the end of our trip, and we just spent a lot of our time hanging out in our room and the pavilion, and enjoyed every minute.

It's a modest house with understated elegance, and a little shabby in spots. We loved it for the character but do not expect luxury. A bridal photoshoot that wafted through the spaces while we were breakfasting was a little disconcerting!

I stayed two consecutive nights in 2 different rooms, and it was an amazing experience to stay at De Saram House. The interior design, without question, was so beautiful. Since there are only 4 rooms, the hospitality and interaction with the staff were personal, and the manager also showed me another room that was not occupied that day, and also the music room. I spent some time reading in the patio and I had the common areas to myself most of the time, so it was a very quiet time to sit down and just be there to experience the space. Extremely recommended for people who is visiting Colombo to see Bawa architecture - De Saram House is extremely affordable compared to House No.11, Kandalama or Lunaganga.

This room had a shower room that connected to the exterior (no glass etc.), so there were a few cockroaches in the evening when it was dark. But that is also part of the design to not have the boundary between nature, so I was okay with it (of course, none the better).

It’s an exceptional space. Calm, beautiful and so peaceful. It feels like you’ve been invited to participate in a design conservation exercise, and it’s as inspiring as it is restful. My stay was a treat at the end of a long trip in Sri Lanka, and it did not disappoint. My room was perfectly appointed, spacious and exceptionally clean. The hot shower was very welcome, and the staff are a delight. Particular thanks to Anthony who makes you feel incredibly welcome and ‘looked after’. I wish I could have stayed longer, and would wholly recommend this place!

Nothing to dislike.

Iconic residence, situated bang in the middle of upmarket area of Colombo. Staff is warm, breakfast is delightful. Please note that this is not your typical hotel or Airbnb with "amenities". It is a house designed by the great Bawa & the guests are to experience the spaces like owners would. So if you are going to crib about how spartan the rooms are & how you have to repel the mosquitoes at sunset, then you are better off booking in a million other places around town. Come here to experience the mastery of hierarchy in spaces, play of light & shade, the blurred lines between the indoor & outdoor & the genius of Sri Lanka's most iconic architect.

The entire team of De Saram House is so sweet and helpful. They made our experience even better than expected! It's a beautiful house and we even got a quick tour of it. The backyard is a great reading spot and the Sri Lankan breakfast was very good!

Our time at the house was great! We only have a couple of small things to mention: a) There was no cleaning of the room after the first night, which is ok, but we needed more water and soap already. b) The ceiling in the bathroom is moldy. c) We were not offered the Sri Lankan breakfast on the first day, just saw another guest having it. The Western breakfast was not good, you should always offer your traditional - and delicious - local option for a true experience.

The De Saram House is a beautiful architectural gem in the heart of a leafy neighborhood in central Colombo. I stay here whenever I am in town as it is comfortable with restrained elegance and always affable, kind and generous staff. Why stay in a bland hotel when you can be in a home of architectural significance and feel like you can escape from it all?! Strongly recommended not only for architects and design inclined but for those seeking a different kind of experience from all the hotels that are now pervasive in this fast changing city.

The hotel (or essentially is a massive house of De Saram family) is stunning, it looks exactly like the picture and more. The staff (Anthony's protege, I believe, sorry forgot his name) was very helpful, and he offered me a small tour of the house, very courteous, and hospitable.

The hotel (again, it is essentially a house) has a gate policy that it will be closed after 10pm. So, if you return to the house after this hour, you need to call the staff to open the gate. It's not a major thing, but it feels like I cannot come and go as I please, and I feel bad to wake the staff up to open the gate for me when I return.

De Saram House is a beautiful way to experience Geoffrey Bawa's architecture and legacies in Colombo. The house itself is stunning, with beautiful rooms, artwork, and garden. If you are someone who is interested in art, design and architecture, this is definitely a spot you want to experience, even if it is for a night. Wonderful views and beautifully designed bathroom, it really was a worthwhile experience. Staff, especially Anthony was great. He provided a lovely tour of the house. The breakfast was nice, especially to have in the dinning area to enjoy the house and space. It is also in a wonderful neighbourhood, close to many restaurants, cafes, and shops, like Black Cat. The wifi in the room was great. The room and bathroom was clean and very spacious.

The air conditioner setting made the room super cold, and since the house is next to a school grounds it was noisy at times, especially early in the morning.

Breakfast was sliced fruit, fried egg and sausage, and toast with jam and marmelade. Very good for 2,000 rupees extra. Anthony was the man on duty throughout my stay. Very nice man and easy to talk to. He helped me repack my bag before departure! I have wanted to stay in this hotel for a long time because Geoffrey Bawa is a famous Sri Lankan architect and a Cambridge graduate (as am I) and it is a very well designed and beautiful place. Bawa died a bachelor in 2003 but a trust runs the hotel, and Anthony said the De Sarams come once a year from England.

I can't think of anything really.

“Architecture is for experience.” From Lunuganga Bentota to Gallery,then to the DeSaram house,inspired by Bawa's design objects Inspiration and ingenuity,insight into one and one stories about this great architect,we completed our architectural journey in Sri lanka. What an amazing architectural day 8.12! DeSaram house,although Bawa didn't live and work in this place, his unique design is revealed every corner in the house. Everything is well preserved,the service staff is very friendly,it’s a quiet and comfortable big house. We seemed to live in time and felt the flow of time…

•some mosquitoes,the mosquito repellent is empty but the bedroom is big. •no hot water but the bathroom is big. ·no breakfast but the table is big.