Sri Lanka Accommodation Guide: Must-Stay Hotels and Guesthouses
Sri Lanka was my first destination in Asia, and I quickly realized that accommodation here works a bit differently. After traveling solo in Latin America and staying in hostels, the vibe felt different here. If you’ve been to Asia before, you might already understand how it works. But for those who haven’t, here’s what you need to know about accommodations in Sri Lanka.
Accommodation in Sri Lanka
If you’re used to hostels in Latin America, you won’t find the same atmosphere in Sri Lanka. Here, most accommodations focus on hotels or guesthouses, especially in the southern coastal towns where you can find something similar to the hostel vibe. These spots allow solo travelers to meet others, often with communal areas like lounges and kitchens. But outside this area, guesthouses are charming but with a slightly different feel.
Prices
The good part? Accommodation in Sri Lanka is relatively cheap, which definitely helps keep the trip budget-friendly.
Decent guesthouses with air conditioning range from 2,500 to 3,500 rupees (about 50-70 shekels per night), and you can, of course, find cheaper prices.
More luxurious hotels cost between 15,000 and 25,000 rupees (about 300-500 shekels per night), and in most cases, those who were disappointed with hotels simply didn’t read the reviews. If you’re on a honeymoon or just want to splurge, it’s important to read the reviews, especially the negative ones. Sri Lanka isn’t Thailand, and it’s still less touristy—so manage your expectations.
What About Hostels?
There are some hostels, especially in the coastal areas, but honestly, it’s not always worth it financially. In most of the places we checked, the price for beds in dorms was nearly the same as for a private room in a nice hotel.
Recommended Hotels and Guesthouses in Sri Lanka
The Waterfall Villas – Talawakelle (Near Nuwara Eliya)
Nuwara Eliya itself disappointed us. The city is full of foreign influences from the British colonial period, but instead of creating a rich blend, it felt messy and ugly to us.
So if you’ve decided to visit the area I recommend staying in Talawakelle – a small local town next to Nuwara Eliya. Although the name is hard to pronounce at first, you’ll quickly fall in love with its rhythm.

Talawakelle was a true surprise. There were hardly any tourists, and the atmosphere was very authentic. The main street is full of local shops and restaurants, with a simple small-town vibe. There are also beautiful waterfalls nearby.
The hotel, The Waterfall Villas, is perched on a hillside overlooking waterfalls and a lush green valley. The rooms are actually private two-story cabins that can accommodate up to four people. Each cabin has a private balcony with a stunning view. There’s also a restaurant on-site serving basic Sri Lankan food, and the service was excellent. All this beauty costs around $75 per night.
However, there are a few downsides. According to reviews, there are many stairs, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues. It didn’t bother us, as the view and privacy were worth it. The location is a bit remote, but all the attractions in the area are within driving distance anyway, even from Nuwara Eliya.


Tip: If you’re planning to stay in the area, it’s a good idea to keep your driver’s number handy. They can take you to and from the train station and to the various attractions. It’s cooler in Nuwara Eliya, so most drivers use closed vehicles. The driver we enjoyed the most was Eddie (0776326663), who was with us for our two-night stay in the area.
The Theva Residency – Kandy
Kandy was somewhat disappointing in terms of attractions – the city is crowded and noisy, and we didn’t find the botanical gardens or local temples particularly impressive. That’s why my recommendation is to stay up in the hills, where you’ll enjoy a stunning view and much more peace and quiet.
The Theva Residency is a small and charming boutique hotel located on the green hills above Kandy, far from the hustle and bustle. The modern design of the hotel, with touches of Sri Lankan style, creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.



The suites include a luxurious jacuzzi overlooking the breathtaking views of the hills. Each room has premium toiletries from the Ceylon brand (the local equivalent of L’Occitane) and a rainfall shower.
The hotel has an infinity pool with a stunning view of the surrounding forest, as well as a small sauna – perfect for the cool mornings in Kandy. Breakfast is included in the price (400-700 shekels per night), and you can also enjoy dinner there if you wish.



Bottom line: This place is perfect for honeymooners or anyone looking to unwind in a quiet atmosphere after a day of sightseeing in the city.
Hotel Sigiriya – Sigiriya
In Sigiriya, you have two options – to stay close to the tourist attractions of Sigiriya or to travel to the town of Dambulla, which is about an hour away. In my opinion, it’s better to stay close to Sigiriya itself, especially if you’re coming to climb Lion’s Rock or hike in the area.
Hotel Sigiriya is the perfect choice for those seeking a breathtaking view. The hotel’s pool overlooks the famous Lion’s Rock, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. After a day of hiking on Lion’s Rock, there’s nothing like relaxing by the pool with such a unique view.
The service was excellent – from check-in to check-out, including a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival. The hotel even allowed us a late check-out at no extra charge.

Dinner is served buffet-style, with an enormous selection of Sri Lankan, Indian, Western, and more. The price is around 2,500 rupees per person ($13), but the buffet is worth every penny.
Room prices at the hotel range between $50 and $100 shekels per night, and the view from the pool definitely justifies it.
Bottom line: A luxurious hotel, perfect for couples or groups.
Beacon Beach Hotel – Negombo
Negombo is the closest city to the airport, making it a convenient stopover on the day of arrival or departure from the country. Although the city itself is relatively sleepy, if you’re looking for a quiet and peaceful place after or before your flight, Beacon Beach Hotel is an excellent choice.

The hotel is located directly on the beach and has a small and pleasant pool overlooking the sea. The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, and the service from the staff was excellent.
The beach was empty even in peak season, so it felt like a private beach. Behind the reception is a pool, and next to it – the beach itself. You can also sit and have lunch there with a view of the sea.


Bottom line: If you’re looking for a place to relax after your flight, Beacon Beach Hotel is a small and quiet hotel on a practically private beach.
Nine Arch View Guesthouse – Ella
In Ella, there are many guesthouses, but Nine Arch View Guesthouse is one of the most recommended. It’s run by a lovely couple who provide a family-like atmosphere and an excellent location near the famous Nine Arches Bridge.

The breakfast at the guesthouse is one of the largest and most satisfying we’ve encountered – fruits, pancakes, omelets, all fresh and delicious after the hikes in the area. There are only two rooms in the guesthouse, so it’s important to book in advance.
Their neighbor, Pubudu, was our driver and guide for the hike to Ella Rock, and he was simply wonderful, helping us with everything we needed.
Bottom line: Excellent location near Nine Arches Bridge, personal and family-like service, and a fantastic breakfast.
Memo Boutique Hotel – Kabalana




Memo Boutique Hotel is an Israeli-owned boutique hotel, meaning the standards here are high, just like Israelis expect. The rooms are designed beautifully, with a clean and modern beach vibe, and the cleanliness is up to Israeli standards. The hotel’s owners worked with talented designers to create modern spaces that still capture the coastal atmosphere.
The hotel has a small, fun pool – not crowded at all and with water that isn’t freezing like in some other places I’ve stayed. The beach is just a 5-minute walk away. In the evening, you can enjoy a fantastic dinner with a menu crafted by Chef Shaliv Peretz from MasterChef, featuring dishes like roasted cauliflower and fresh fish.



Bottom line: A high-standard boutique hotel with excellent food and a pleasant pool – perfect for a relaxing beach holiday or surfing at Kabalana Beach.
Where to Stay in Unawatuna
Accommodation in Unawatuna was a bit pricier compared to Mirissa (relative to value). I recommend finding a place in the center, not necessarily on the beach, as it’s just a few minutes’ walk away.
Important Tip: Avoid Happy Banana Hotel, unless you’re willing to pay much more than the price quoted during booking. We ended up finding a cheaper guesthouse nearby, though it wasn’t as nice.
Instead, look for small guesthouses a bit away from the beach for more peace and quiet while still being close to restaurants and the main attractions.
Bottom line: You don’t need to stay on the beach. You can find cheaper places just a short walk away.
Where to Stay in Mirissa?
In Mirissa, the best option is to stay near the main beach area unless you have a scooter to explore farther accommodations.
We stayed in a cute hotel across the road, near Parrot’s Rock. One important tip is to avoid places on the main road as the noise in the mornings can be unbearable. Mirissa is a party town, so you might come back late at night, and waking up early to the sounds of horns and the “ice cream tuk-tuks” can be tough if you want a deep sleep.
It’s best to stay in the small alleys off the main road, where it’s quieter, yet still close to the beach and restaurants. Beachside Rd is a great example – quiet, yet close to everything.
Bottom line: Choose a place away from the main road in one of the quieter alleys – close to the main beach and nightlife without the morning noise.