Hotels in Sri Lanka

With most of its country free from the grabs of modern tourism, Sri Lanka is appreciated by the select few tourists who know just how amazing it is. The island is dotted around with a range of hotels, catering to different budgets and travel styles. Thus far spared from the monotony of chain hotels, it has a surplus of boutique hotels, each as unique and different as the next. Additionally, Sri Lanka’s geographical diversity is stunning and there are hotels to be booked everywhere, whether it’s among the tea plantations or on the beach. Read on for the insider’s take on hotels in Sri Lanka, along with prices and what to expect. 

Choose from various types of accomodation available- Photo Credit Nawartha Nirmal

Hostels in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a great country for backpackers, and is improving its scenario for minimal budget travel. Hostels are a fairly new entrant to Sri Lanka, having sprung up over the last 3 to 5 years.

Major cities (Colombo, Kandy), popular mountain destinations (Ella) and equally popular beach towns (Welligama, Arugam Bay, Trincomalee, Mirissa), all have their share. However, as backpacking is relatively new to the country, it is only the mainstream places that have hostels. Offbeat travel is something several backpackers opt for, but in Sri Lanka, you find no hostels in off beat locations. 

Sri Lanka also has several national parks, and each come with their own accommodation options. However, these hotels in Sri Lanka are not light on the pocket. Unlike Vietnam‘s infamous Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park that has some hostels around, Sri Lanka national parks do not. 

The hostels in Sri Lanka are individual, and not part of chain hostels. They’re filled with great character, often housed in a bungalow or traditional Sri Lankan house. They’re priced at USD $7 to USD $12 a night for a dorm bed. Staying at hostels not only is affordable, but you get to meet a range of other travellers exploring the vast beauties of Ceylon. Plus, the Sri Lankans themselves are pleasant and sociable. 

Asia Someday Favourites: We fell in love with Drift hostel in Colombo, and Hangtime in Weligama.

JJ’s Hostel Mirissa, Srilanka- (Photo Credit JJ’s hostel Mirissa)

Homestays / B&bs in Sri Lanka

Think of homestays in Sri Lanka as B&Bs – small accommodation options with 4 to 6 rooms, privately owned by a family. Homestays in Sri Lanka are simple yet fulfilling in service, and always immaculately clean. The family that owns the property usually lives in a sectioned-off part of the house, or next door. This ensures you have your privacy and space to yourself, similar to other hotels in Sri Lanka. 

The nature of Sri Lankans is such that you leave a homestay feeling like you’ve found a new family: an experience you can’t replicate in other hotels in Sri Lanka. They treat you with respect and kindness, and are welcoming. But, the definitive highlight of staying at a homestay in Sri Lanka is breakfast. Freshly prepared by seasoned hands, they are often traditional Sri Lankan breakfasts and are delicious and filling. You would need to pre-order your other meals, but they will definitely be freshly prepared. Some of the best meals we’ve had have been at these homely homestays.

They’re also excellent in terms of value for money – simply dish out USD $35 to $45 a night for a simple, clean room with an attached bathroom that is enough to meet all your needs. Homestays are easily found in most towns and cities that are on the mainstream map.

Ancestral home showcasing to guests a delicate local culture and values- Photo Credit Kirinda Walauwa House

Chain hotels/Business accommodation in Sri Lanka

If you’re someone who relies on the consistency of business hotels or chain hotel rooms, you’re in for a disappointment. Sri Lanka has thus far escaped the grasp of chain hotels, including the internationally familiar names. Colombo is one of the few cities that actually see business tourism, while the rest of the nation is thriving in travel. Don’t fret – this is what makes Sri Lanka stand apart. There’s a range of other accommodation options you can opt for that give you the comforts and amenities of a standard hotel room with the added zest of an authentic Sri Lankan experience. Your best bet? Boutique hotels.

Cinnamon Hotels_ Bentota- Photo credit Cinnamon Hotel

Boutique hotels in Sri Lanka

In our opinion, anyone travelling to Sri Lanka must stay in a boutique hotel, irrespective of your budget or travel style! Characteristic, spunky and fantastically unique, this is where the most memorable stays lie. Sri Lanka is simply crawling with a number of boutique hotels that are passionately cared for, several of which are run by expats. They come in a range of experiences, from chic or traditional to classy and trendy. Plus, there’s a boutique hotel available everywhere, whether it’s beach-facing or surrounded by tea plantations. They often come with pools, and are always equipped with modern if not luxurious comforts. 

On an average, expect to pay USD $100 to $200 a night. The boutiques on the more luxurious end can be up to USD $1000 a night. You may find it a little difficult to find boutique hotels in Sri Lanka under $100 a night, so we recommend contacting us so we can help you out. 

Eco retreat under the shadow of the Rock Fortress- Photo Credit Hotel Sigiriya

Sri Lanka’s Luxury hotels

While few in number, the luxury hotels in Sri Lanka are sure to tick all of your boxes in terms of extravagance. In particular, Sri Lanka has a few luxury wildlife hotels; usually in proximity to a national park. But again, these are only found in tourist hotspots, and are nowhere to be seen in locations off the beaten path. 

Scenic Views of Indian Ocean- Photo Credit Taj Hotels

We can’t possibly give out all our trade secrets about the hotels in Sri Lanka, but we can say this – each one is definitely worth it. With the way things sound, you’d be tempted to get an experience of living in all the above listed options. The beauty of booking with Asia Someday is that we can curate a trip that has a little bit of not just the hotels in Sri Lanka, but everything you wish to experience. From train rides to bus journeys, hilly escapades to beach bonanzas, you can book your dream trip with us.