Planning your trip to Sri Lanka and looking to book the best hotels? We’ve rounded up our favorite accommodations across the island, from budget guesthouses to beautiful boutique hotels. If you’re booking via Booking.com, it’s smart to reserve at least a few days in advance. Whether you’re chasing waves, tea hills, or tropical sunsets, there are plenty of incredible stays to choose from.
No matter where you go in the country, Sri Lanka proves to be full of beauty. From its lush tea plantations in the hills to its tropical beaches, stunning wildlife parks, and giant rock formations. That also means you’ll find some fantastic Sri Lanka hotels dotted in between. We’ve rounded up our favorites for each destination we visited during our 3 weeks in Sri Lanka.
Note: Prices double or triple in high season, please always double-check before booking.
Arugam Bay Hotels & Guesthouses
Arugam is all about the beach! As such, most of the accommodations are located along the coastline. From charming beach huts to mid-range guesthouses or upscale beach resorts, there’s something for every budget.
Cool off in your accommodation’s pool after soaking up the sun on the beach or having gone surfing. The waves here are world-famous; rent a board and head out onto the water. Afterwards, unwind at good beach restaurants like The Hideout Lounge or Stay Golden – our favorite thing to do!
Ella Hotels & Guesthouses
Ella is full of fantastic accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts with swimming pools and beautiful views. It can be fun to stay in the hillside guesthouses outside of town, where youโll have great views and easy access to hiking trails.
Tuk-tuks are everywhere, and your guesthouse can usually arrange one to take you to town if you want to eat out in the evenings. We used this option numerous times to get around the area and explore the many different sites.
Galle, Sri Lanka: Hotels & Guesthouses
Anywhere within Galle town is lovely. However, we found that accommodation within the fort itself is the best, as itโs beautifully peaceful, away from the traffic and buzz of the city. Hotels are known to be a bit more expensive within the walls, so you can also opt for a more reasonably priced guesthouse outside the fort.
Alternatively, you can spend some time in one of the beach towns further down the coast and visit Galle Fort on a day trip.ย
Hikkaduwa Hotels & Guesthouses
Hikkaduwa is home to a long beach with various accommodation options on both ends. Think laid-back surf hostels, cozy guesthouses tucked behind palm trees, and boutique beachfront hotels where you can fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Whether you’re here to party, snorkel with turtles, or just chill with a coconut in hand, there’s something for every vibe and budget.
Tip: If youโre staying at Hikkaduwa Beach and want something a little quieter, we recommend staying a little bit out of town, as tourism can be busy in the center.
Hotels & Guesthouses in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Kandy is one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka! Plus, it offers a good selection of affordable hostels and hotels. Stay in the city center to explore everything easily, or choose calmness by staying in the hills.
Kandy has a lively but laid-back energy, where tuk-tuks weave through the streets and locals gather by the scenic lake at sunset. It was by far one of our favorite towns in the country, surrounded by misty hills and lush jungle. This also gives it a much cooler climate, allowing you to slow down between the temples, colonial charm, and surrounding nature.
Read more: Things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Mirissa Hotels & Guesthouses
Mirissa is relatively small, so most guesthouses and hotels will be within walking distance of the beach. You’ll find everything from breezy beachfront stays to jungle bungalows just a short stroll inland. The town has a nice, laid-back surfer vibe, with beach bars, smoothie spots, and sunset views that made us want to stay longer!
As with most areas in Sri Lanka, prices are low for accommodation, and you can find beautiful beachside hotels, with views of the ocean, for a lot less than you might expect!
Hotels in Negombo, Sri Lanka
Negombo is a great place to stay for cheaper accommodation (than Colombo), with swimming pools where you can relax and unwind after the flight.
The beaches are also far more picturesque in this city. So, if you want to enjoy coastal relaxation, we find it a better choice to begin your trip here. Soak up the views of golden sands, swaying palms, and warm ocean dips to ease you into the island life.
Nuwara Eliya Hotels & Guesthouses
The famous train from Kandy goes all the way to Ella, making a few stops along the way, including in Nuwara Eliya. Get off a little earlier and spend a night in the natural beauty of this area, which is well-known for its luscious tea plantations.
Tangalle Hotels, Sri Lanka
Hidden on the southeastern coast, Tangalle is a bit harder to reach as itโs further away from the usualย Sri Lanka route,ย but it’s so worth a visit! This means that few tourists visit Tangalle, creating a more tranquil experience (youโll notice that the area only contains a handful of visible resorts).
Udawalawe Hotels & Guesthouses
Udawalawe is a beautiful national park with many parrots, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and of course, elephants. It’s a good destination to travel to after Ella, with plenty of great accommodation options in the area. Choose from safari camps or upscale resorts; you’ll find something for every type of budget here.
There’s is a lot to do in Sri Lanka! Check out our complete Sri Lanka travel guide.
Unawatuna Hotels & Guesthouses
Unawatuna is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations in the country. Because of this, expect to pay slightly higher prices for hotels and guesthouses. But with its buzzing beach bars, calm swimmable waters, and palm-fringed coastline, it’s easy to see why travelers flock here. We really enjoyed the lively yet relaxed feel to the town, perfect for those who want a bit of everything in one place.
Tip: Hotel Tri is a beautiful hideaway near Unawatuna, around Koggala Lake. The sunrises and sunsets here are one of a kind, overlooking the beautiful lake and cinnamon plantations.
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