During my recent visit to northern Sri Lankan city of Jaffna, I stayed at the Fox for two nights. The hotel is not far from the city centre and is located by the main street so reaching it easy. The hotel’s rooms are cozy, the food is great and the service is fantastic. Here is this Midlifer’s Review of Fox Resort in Jaffna, Sri Lanka.
Table of Contents
The Check-In Time Challenge
I traveled to Jaffna from Colombo by a night bus, which usually reaches its destination at around 5 a.m. When arriving so early at a location, I often book an early check-in because I prefer a shower and a place to keep my luggage before starting the day.
While hotels like the Courtyard by Marriott in Taipei and JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai have allowed me complimentary early check-ins in the past, this time the hotel had some challenges accommodating my request. I decided to pay a discounted fee for the early check-in.
CHECK MY VIDEO ON MY FOX RESORT JAFFNA EXPERIENCE
My reservation included a breakfast buffet, but due to the early check-in, I didn’t have it on the first day.
But that was okay. I wandered out and found a nearby restaurant where I savored freshly made hoppers—crispy, bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk batter, with a fiery sambol made with crushed chillies and salt. And what better way to complete the meal than with a piping hot cup of milk tea?
The Room at Fox Resort Jaffna, Sri Lanka
My room had a charming rustic feel with dark brown furniture that contrasted with the king-sized bed’s white bedding. The bed was comfortable and was flanked by side tables on both sides.
Then there were wooden armchairs with cushioned seats for relaxation.
The room featured modern amenities, including a television, a desk, and a coffee-tea station with an electric kettle, Jones-brand tea, and Nescafé sachets. I appreciated the two complimentary bottles of filtered water.
There was a cupboard with a closet, a mini refrigerator, and a safe. The air conditioning worked well, and there was a ceiling fan for extra comfort.
Power outlets conveniently located above the side tables were a thoughtful touch.
The Bathroom
The bathroom was spacious and modern, with a sink, toilet, and a shower behind a glass door. The hotel provided towels and toiletries, replenished as needed. Hot water was available, though I often opted for cold showers in the tropical climate.
Wifi
The hotel’s Wi-Fi was excellent and easy to connect to via a QR code.
Food at Fox Resort
Breakfast Buffet
The breakfast buffet was a standout feature of my stay. It offered a wide variety of options, from Western-style bread and muffins to Sri Lankan delicacies like thosai (dosa), string hoppers, and coconut sambol. There was always dhal curry, coconut sambol, and fish and chicken curries.
There were fruits (usually bananas, watermelon and papaya slices), and one of the items I liked was the warm milk to go with tea/coffee. I always enjoy warm milk as cold milk tends to cool down the tea and siphon off some of the taste.
Other Meals
For a late lunch, I enjoyed a meal of rice and fish curry, accompanied by dishes like the ubiquitous dhal curry, beetroot sauté, and fresh salad.
Other Facilities
The hotel has an open-air pool, which I didn’t get to use due to rain and limited time.
The Exterior of Fox Resort in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
The hotel is surrounded by meticulously maintained gardens with palm trees, coconut trees and betel nut trees providing a touch of tropical charm. The neatly trimmed shrubs add a sense of order to the natural beauty.
In certain areas, narrow paths meander through the greenery, reminiscent of cobblestone streets, inviting guests to take leisurely strolls and soak in the serene ambiance.
The Bunkers
One of the unique and must-see items of this hotel is the series of bunkers.
The hotel used to be a residence, but it was taken over by the Tamil Tiger rebels when they controlled the area, and they reportedly built the bunkers.
Later, the area was taken over by the Sri Lankan military and they continued to use this building as one of their bases.
Now, two of the three bunkers have been converted into museums of artwork by the hotel management. One of the bunkers hosts replicas of artwork by a number of famous Sri Lankan artists, including those belonging to the so-called Sri Lanka ’43 Club. These are replicas while the original works remain with the owners.
The second bunker hosts works related to the history of Jaffna.
The Service
The service was exceptional. From accommodating my early check-in to preparing meals after regular hours, the staff went above and beyond.
One morning we had some guests and decided to invite them to enjoy the breakfast buffet. And I still cannot forget how some of the staff members ensured the little kid of the family had a great time.
Then, on the last day, my bus to capital Colombo was leaving at 9 pm (fortunately for me, the bus stopped right outside the hotel) and they allowed me to stay in the room for as long as possible, that was up to five pm before they had to prepare the room for the next set of guests.
Final Comments on Fox Resort in Jaffna, Sri Lanka
Fox Resort Jaffna is a delightful place to stay, offering excellent service, a serene environment, and a touch of history. I only wish I had more time to enjoy its amenities fully.