Galle
A popular budget inn that enjoys a superb position opposite Galle's landmark lighthouse. Accommodation is less inspiring than the view, but adequate: book…
Must-see hotels in Sri Lanka
Polonnaruwa
Right by the lake shore, this elegant two-storey hotel offers sublime views of the tank from its beautifully presented rooms, restaurant and pool area…
Kandy
The rooms here are quite ordinary, but the pool is a big plus and there are fantastic views out over the Knuckles Range. The proprietor, Mr Linton, is an…
Tangalla & Around
Despite its chain-hotel name, this rambling place is all local. Spacious rooms are filled with heavy wooden furnishings, four-poster beds and easy chairs…
The South
Set back from the beach, this hotel has a range of accommodation, including well-kept stone and wooden cabanas with tidy bathrooms. Rooms in the main…
The Ancient Cities
A simple, but hospitable, homestay with five clean rooms in a friendly local's house in a rural setting off the highway. A sumptuous dinner costs Rs 650,…
Uda Walawe National Park
This large, resort-like place centres on an impressive pool complex; it's every tour group's favourite place to stay. Although it doesn't blend seamlessly…
The Hill Country
An ever-expanding collection of ageing concrete rooms with hot showers – you do have to climb up about a million steps to reach some of them. There's a…
The Ancient Cities
As Mihintale is so close to Anuradhapura, few people overnight here, but this attractive hotel has a classy open-sided lobby lounge and spacious, if…
Colombo
In a courtyard building just behind the noise of Galle Rd, this flashpacker special has 10 roomy, comfy rooms, and four- and six-person dorms. The common…
Galle
This former spice warehouse has been transformed into a fabulous small hotel. Each room exudes relaxed luxury, with furnishings that have a colonial feel,…
Tangalla & Around
In a very peaceful though isolated location surrounded by beach and mangroves, this complex has 25 smart rooms that feel just a little out of place in…
Unawatuna
This renovated 140-year-old house has a range of rooms that are colour coordinated with the flowers in the lovely garden. Choose from rooms, suites and…
Colombo
Just east of Colombo's hub of activity, this gracious two-storey mansion is on a quiet side street. The open and airy interior is filled with light and…
Colombo
Standard rooms at the Pearl City are a little boxy and basic, but slightly better deluxe rooms are comfortable enough, although all are heavy on beige. It…
Unawatuna
A shore-side hotel built in a vaguely traditional, but very tall, style. The twirling wooden window slats have an Arabic feel and the interiors of the…
Jaffna
A stylish converted heritage villa, with seven tastefully decorated rooms that feature handsome dark-wood furniture and ochre paintwork, and a lovely…
Tangalla & Around
Classic Robinson Crusoe–style beach hang-out with palm-thatch open-air cabanas (some have bedrooms open to the stars and sea breezes). Conditions can be…
Kandy
Ambience and location are the key reasons for checking in here. Expect old-school rooms with charming floral decor, sharply polished floorboards and some…
The East
This green villa is set well back from the road in beautiful gardens. Rooms vary – those on the ground floor are more traditional, while upstairs they're…
Colombo
This large international business-class hotel buzzes with activity around the clock. It has 382 rooms in regular- and executive-floor flavours, six…
Ella
This little hotel is a short walk from the town centre down a country lane. Rooms, some with shared bathroom, are a perhaps little overpriced based on…
Yala National Park
This lodge offers bush-chic accommodation in individual luxe bungalows. The hotel runs on solar power, some of the waste water is recycled and there’s a…
The Hill Country
In a peaceful location just a short walk from the park entrance, this lodge has 12 rustic cabanas, which are a little tired and dark, and six smarter…
Arugam Bay
A tiny place 50m from the beach with three simple, clean, arty rooms and a very inviting porch-lounge area, complete with hammocks. Happy Panda promotes…
Dambulla
A small, hip hotel with spacious, stylish rooms, four of which have balconies overlooking the stream. The upper-floor rooms with high ceilings are best…
Galle
Set close to the ancient city walls on the quieter side of the Fort, this small guesthouse has a simple yet tasteful theme of white walls and dark wood,…
Weligama
Located close to the middle of the bay, this small traveller-savvy place is on the beach and has light and airy rooms (some fan-only). The better rooms…
The East
Initial appearances are a little deceptive here as the slab-like concrete design looks rather soulless from the outside, but the 16 spacious, neat rooms…
The Hill Country
Rock View offers functional and airy rooms with balconies that have views over rolling hills of forest and tea bushes. It’s 2km east of Weddagala and…
The South
Set on Goyambokka's beautiful main cove, the wooden cabanas and villas are hidden behind a veil of coconut palms and there's a fecund tropical garden and…
The Ancient Cities
Rooms at this slightly old-fashioned hotel are spacious and pleasant, but the real draw is the unmatched sunset view from the bar terrace – come for a…
The Ancient Cities
Tourists with an interest in Buddhism are welcome to stay in this comfortable monastery guesthouse. There are nine rooms of varying standards, including…
Colombo
This well-managed house has 15 clean and spacious rooms, some with balconies. There’s a large sitting room and a garden. Budget rooms are fan-only. Guests…
Ella
This five-room homestay is run by an endearing old couple who’ll bustle you in and sit you down for a nice cuppa and a chat. The house is filled with…
Mirissa
Accommodation at this two-storey guesthouse offers a hip vibe on a budget (those on the upper level have great balconies). The owners are local surfers…
The Ancient Cities
This fresh, crisp white villa was new in 2017. The modern rooms come with colourful bedspreads and antique bed frames and there's a good rooftop…
Polonnaruwa
At the end of a side road and surrounded on three sides by rice paddies, this modern 10-room hotel is close to the centre but feels relaxingly rural. The…
The South
Rooms and chalets at this pleasant lodge have an attractive, natural feel thanks to the stone floors, hemp curtains, coir rugs, and walls decorated with…
Arugam Bay
This guesthouse has 12 rooms with comfy touches, all about 100m back from the beach. Recent expansions, however, have filled the site almost to bursting,…
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