Accommodation in Sri Lanka blends the island’s geographic diversity with its warm hospitality, meaning that whether you choose a hostel, homestay or luxury hotel, you can be confident that the people and the surrounding landscapes will personalise an unforgettable stay.
There are fantastic options available across the island for all budgets. Platforms such as booking.com and Hostel World are the best way to see entire lists and can often be booked with flexible cancellation policy and no upfront costs. Accommodation will always be available regardless of how far in advance you plan to book.
Our recommendations are broken down by region. So, if you’re planning an island-wide adventure, be sure to book ahead of time if you want to experience some of our favourites.
Colombo
Colombo’s capital city offers so many places to stay that it can often feel overwhelming to choose the right one. The best way to navigate accommodation options is to understand the layout of the city. The ‘city centre’ does not actually exist in the traditional sense, with many hotspots and lively areas scattered across the city, but the central areas are indicated using ZIP codes. Colombo 1 - 7 are the most central areas, and Colombo 2, 3 & 7 are the best for travellers hoping to be comfortable yet close to the action.
Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) offers iconic seafront hotels such as the Granbell ($70 per night) and the Galle Face Hotel ($150 per night), which are perfect if your budget is slightly higher and you want to enjoy a perfect sunset looking out over the Indian Ocean. A low-cost alternative close to the iconic Galle Face Green is the Hostel at Galle Face ($10 per night).
Colombo 7 (Kurunduwatta, or “Cinnamon Gardens”) offers a quieter alternative, populated with great cafes and easy to navigate on foot, budget options such as Ceylon StayZ ($20 per night) and Fern Colombo ($50 per night) are the perfect way to stay in an expensive district on a lower budget. Jetwing Colombo 7 ($100 per night) is a luxury hotel with a stunning infinity pool overlooking the city skyline.
Colombo 2 (Ibbanwala, or “Slave Island”) has many comfortable options with a central location, including Lost & Found ($30 per night) and Park Street Suites ($70 per night), as well as many rental units and apartment blocks if you prefer a bit more space.
Sigiriya
Tree House Hostel ($15 per night) - Nestled away in the jungle, Tree House Hostel is the perfect base for exploring Sigiriya and the surrounding areas. The hostel is walking distance from Pidurangala Rock, which offers panoramic views of the iconic Lion’s Rock, and the hosts are always willing to arrange transport for other activities and onward travel. Here you can either relax by the pool with a book, indulge in local organic cuisine with your fellow travellers, or enjoy a long walk in the peaceful surroundings.
Roy’s Villa ($25 per night) - A social hostel with plenty of activities and experiences, Roy’s Villa brings travellers together perfectly. The hostel hosts cooking classes, local tours, barbecues and parties, and is the perfect place to meet like-minded travellers and enjoy what the area has to offer.
Otunna Guesthouse ($60 per night) - Dinesh and his family embody Sri Lankan hospitality. They are attentive, enthusiastic and caring hosts. The cabins and chalets are built into nature, meaning that flora and fauna flourish on your doorstep, and you can be confident that you are supporting a family-owned business working hard to preserve their environment. Otunna Guesthouse is comfortable, clean and memorable, making it an affordable luxury option.
Hotel Sigiriya ($100 per night) - With Lion’s Rock towering above the pool, Hotel Sigiriya offers a luxurious stay in the heart of the jungle. The hotel offers incredible food, a variety of activities, and is walking distance from the local towns where you can explore the area at your own pace.
Kandy
The southern edge of the Kandy lake has a wide range of accommodation options, many of which offer stunning views of the city and surrounding hills. There aren’t as many hostels in the city but there are plenty of affordable hotel options.
White Rose Hostel ($10 per night) - In the heart of the city, the hostel offers easy access to all local attractions and a communal space to meet fellow travellers.
Blinkbonnie Inn ($30 per night) - A simple, clean and comfortable hotel with views overlooking the lake. You can be sure you’ll be well looked-after and well-fed, especially with their huge breakfast spreads.
SWP Eco Lodge ($70 per night) - A modern lodge that embraces its surroundings, with an open-air bar and restaurant that look out over the Kandy Lake.
Jungle Tide ($40 per night) - Located slightly further out of the city centre, this homestay offers the perfect escape to the hills. Hosted by Jerry and Sally - a retired couple who returned to Sally’s home after 50 years away - you’ll be treated to home-cooked feasts, warm hospitality, and peaceful surroundings with access to stunning hikes and local villages.
The Hill Country
Sri Lanka’s hill country offers incredible experiences that vary dramatically across the region, and it’s often worth planning a trip around accommodation options that provide the experiences you’re looking for.
The town of Nuwara Eliya offers a mix of bungalows, cottages and homestays that embrace their local heritage. Nicknamed “Little England” due to its cooler climate and resemblance to the British countryside, the town was historically a holiday destination for British colonial officers.
The best area to stay is on the shores of Lake Gregory, where you’ll be rewarded with sunset views in the evening, as well as being only a short walk from great food options.
The Bungalow, The Montfort, and Serenus Boutique Villa all offer amazing views and great hosts at a similar price range ($60 per night), while up-market hotels and guesthouses such as Galway Heights ($90 per night) and Hotel Grand Turf ($100 per night) offer accessible luxury and comfort.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, consider staying at one of the many cottages and homes in “Little England Cottages” on the edge of town, a quirky community that recreates a British housing estate in the suburbs, or the Grand Hotel ($200 per night), a heritage hotel that has hosted some of the world’s most famous names.
Elsewhere in the Hill Country, you’ll find incredible accommodation nestled away in nature, offering remote and eco-friendly escapes from the tourist trails.
The town of Ella offers a variety of homestays that offer stunning views of the mountains and easy access to town. Ella 100 View Cottage ($40 per night) has an infinity pool and comfortable terrace at a great price, while Wild Bee Hostel ($30 per night) is the perfect place to meet fellow backpackers and chill out in their hammocks overlooking the mountains
Just outside of Ella if you’re hoping to escape the tourist trail, AMBA Estate ($70 per night) is a social enterprise just outside of Ella that prioritises investment in the local community. An old farmhouse converted into comfortable bungalows, the hotel serves organic, locally-grown food and employs local staff, investing in the surrounding villages and caring for the environment. Simon, the owner, is passionate about local development, so you can be confident that your money is going directly into the hands of local people.
Haputale also offers a less-discovered alternative to Ella, home to homestays and hotels deep in the mountains that embrace nature and local hospitality. If you want to truly embrace the outdoors, consider Eco Lodge Haputale ($30 per night) and their tents and cottages, which offer a basic, safe and affordable way to experience the natural beauty of the hill country. Other local guesthouses maintain the incredible hospitality and views in the regions, including Vantage Hills Haputale ($50 per night) and Amaya View Guest Inn ($30 per night). Dream Cliff Mountain Resort ($250 per night) offers a luxurious experience with panoramic views of the mountains, incredible food, and luxurious lodges.
The most unique experience in the hill country is the Cliff Lodge (price varies between $250 and $500 for two nights depending on group size) offers a remote hill country retreat like no other. Only accessible by jeep and without excessive modern amenities, it offers an all-inclusive off-grid experience that embraces nature, community, and relaxation. With one of the best sunrise views in the entire region and a team of staff who are proud to showcase their surroundings, hospitality and service is unmatched. This is truly a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s hill country
The South
Sri Lanka’s south coast offers a huge variety of accommodation depending on budget and priorities. Hostels offer a great social scene and the opportunity to join group activities such as surf schools and cooking classes, while local guesthouses and hotels combine fantastic hospitality with luxury amenities at a fair price.
Hostels and Guesthouses
Iconic hostels include The Doctor’s House ($15 per night) - an old Dutch hospital that occupies a beautiful stretch of coastline near Matara, Dot’s Bay House ($30 per night), the heart of Hiriketiya’s social scene, Hangtime Hostel ($15 per night), a boutique hostel that overlooks Weligama bay, and Kabalana Surf Hostel ($12 per night) which offers direct access to one of the best surf spots on the island.
Beyond the lively hostel scene, there are so many guesthouses that can be booked last-minute, meaning that it’s possible to change your plans and find a comfortable bed for the night. The most commonly used platform by hosts is booking.com and this will be the best way to ensure bookings are monitored and communication is prompt. Every beach town along the south coast hosts plenty of affordable options, and a private room with A/C and breakfast can cost as low as $20 per night.
Mrs Wijenayake's ($40 per night) is an affordable favourite. A beautiful guesthouse inside Galle Fort once home to the Deputy Mayor, this historic home blends old-style architecture with modern comfort at the heart of the Fort. It also comes with an incredible breakfast feast each morning.
Some hand-picked affordable guesthouses on the south coast include Blue Heaven Hiriketiya ($50 per night) and House On The Bend ($70 per night), which both offer a quiet base in close proximity to Hiriketiya beach. Boardwalk Surf Villa ($25 per night), LUMA Ahangama ($60 per night) and Cinnamon Paradise ($70 per night) are villa-style guesthouses that have a little extra space and comfortable terraces, making them a great places to blend quiet relaxation and access to local beaches and the town centre. KOMOREBI ($60 per night) is a newer, luxury beachfront hotel at a very affordable price, the perfect base for finding a surf school in Weligama.
Luxury Options
The South also has some incredible luxury options. If you prefer beachfront access and a sea view, The Lighthouse Ahangama ($150 per night) is a beautiful seafront hotel with luxury rooms and a stunning terrace, making it the perfect base to unwind and explore the surrounding beachtowns.
The Saffron House ($180 per night) also has one of the best locations on the South coast, with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and luxury amenities between Hiriketiya and Dikwella. It is truly one of the island’s best. If you’re hoping to stay here without renting the entire place, rooms are available to book approximately 4 weeks in advance when the villa is not rented out.
The Bartizan Galle Fort ($200 per night) is a 300-year old renovated Dutch villa that offers a tranquil retreat at the heart of the Fort, with a perfect sunset view from private balconies overlooking the historic courtyard. It prioritises maintaining traditional architecture and blending it with modern luxury as a tribute to forgotten times.
Venturing further inland, exchanging a beachfront hotel for a more remote stay overlooking the paddy fields brings its own unique way to relax away from the busier towns. PALM ($150 per night) has a beautiful garden that attracts wildlife and preserves the surrounding landscape. It also has incredible food that is sourced locally and merges international cuisine with Sri Lankan style.
PALM
The North
The north of Sri Lanka has much less infrastructure than the rest of the island, which means there are much fewer options for accommodation. However, there are still some great places that provide a comfortable, hospitable stay as a gateway to this lesser-explored part of the country.
If you’re staying in Jaffna, Fox Resorts ($80 per night) is a beautiful hotel with large gardens and a pool, where you can unwind and enjoy their fantastic evening meals. Jetwing Jaffna ($100 per night) is also a great option if you’re hoping for a reliable, comfortable stay in the heart of the city. Other more affordable options include Nallur Residence ($40 per night) and Gatetrees Resort ($50 per night) which are in close proximity to the iconic Nallur Kandaswamy Devasthanam temple.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, the Fort Hammenhiel Resort ($50 per night) is a fully renovated fort with rooms in old prison cells. Located on an island just off the coast of Jaffna, it’s a unique experience that gives a modern take on history and heritage.
Trincomalee also has many comfortable options, especially on the beachfront. North of the city, Nilaveli Beach is the best place to stay, with many hotels and guesthouses just a stone’s throw from untouched sandy beaches. High Park Hotel and Pearl Oceanic Resort ($40 per night) are fantastic seafront options at a great price.
Sri Lanka’s Northern Beaches