Where to stay in Sri Lanka? During our Sri Lanka Itinerary with our own tuk-tuk, we stayed in various hotels and guesthouses spread across the country. In this blog, I share my honest reviews of the best hotels and guesthouses in Sri Lanka, so you can find the perfect accommodation.
We are not extreme budget backpackers, but we do enjoy affordable luxury. That’s why we often chose a deluxe or superior room and preferred hotels with a swimming pool. Additionally, we considered tuk-tuk-friendly hotels, so every stay on this list had parking, except for our accommodation in Negombo (the first and last night).
We took this trip in January 2024, so please keep in mind that prices and availability may change. Are you looking for the best places to stay in Sri Lanka? Keep reading to discover our favorite hotels and guesthouses!
Negombo
Serendib Village Guest House
Price paid per night at that time: €36,00
Deluxe Room with Balcony and Garden View
We spent our first night in Sri Lanka at Serendib Village Guest House in Negombo. This guesthouse is affordable, well-located, and close to the beach. A big plus was that we were able to check in around 10:30 AM, which was incredibly helpful after our early arrival at 6 AM. The accommodation has a lovely pool and is home to a few super cute dogs, which is a great bonus for animal lovers. The hosts were incredibly friendly and gave us a warm welcome right away. Our room was spacious, but the bathroom had some rust and mold. However, this was more than made up for by the breakfast, which was undoubtedly the best we had in all of Sri Lanka!
Swanee Grand
Price paid per night at that time:€53,00
Deluxe Room with Kingsize Bed
On the last night of our trip, we stayed at Swanee Grand. Swanee Grand is a slightly more expensive option in Negombo, but it is centrally located and beautifully decorated with lovely rooms and a nice garden with a pool. The host was very friendly and cooked a delicious dinner. Since we were flying home the next morning, we didn’t explore the area further, but the host had many tips for Negombo that would have been helpful if we had more time.
Sigiriya
Royal Rock Sigiriya
Price paid per night at that time:€45,00
Double Room with Balcony
We stayed for three nights at Royal Rock Sigiriya, a beautiful hotel with a large garden, a friendly dog, and a pool with a view of Lion Rock. The room was neat and clean, and although the breakfast was fine, we found it less extensive than at other locations. The hotel is located on a dirt road, which can be a bit bumpy with the tuk-tuk, but it’s still manageable. You can also walk to the center of Sigiriya in ten minutes, which mainly consists of one main street. All in all, a wonderful hotel and highly recommended for a stay in Sigiriya.
Kandy
Lotus Lake Residence
Price paid per night at that time:€60,00
Suite with lake view
We stayed one night at the Lotus Lake Residence hotel, right in the center of Kandy and within walking distance of the Temple of the Tooth. The hotel is clean and beautiful, with a stunning view of the lake. Although there are few facilities, that’s not a drawback in a city like Kandy. The breakfast buffet was good, but be cautious of the monkeys that come to steal your food!
Nuwara Eliya
Suriya Guest
Price paid per night at that time:
Superior room with Queensize Bed
We stayed one night in Nuwara Eliya at Suriya Guest House, a cozy house with friendly hosts, a small terrace with a café, and a yoga room. Although it’s not in the center, it is in a nice neighborhood, right next to a park and within walking distance of charming restaurants. The breakfast was very good, and the rooms were cheerfully decorated and clean. All in all, a lovely accommodation with great value for money!
Ella
Holiday Homes Guest Inn – Ella
Price paid per night at that time:€47,00
Deluxe Double Room
We stayed one night at the Holiday Homes Guest Inn in Ella, but the location was disappointing. It’s a bit too far from the center, about a 20-minute walk, making it less convenient in the evening to go to a restaurant or bar. At the same time, it’s not in the heart of nature, so with such a distance, we would have preferred to choose a more scenic location. Additionally, the host wasn’t very friendly and seemed bothered that we left a day earlier, even though we had paid for both nights. On the positive side, the breakfast was good, and the room was nice and clean!
Dikwella
Dickwella Resort and Spa
Price paid per night at that time:€77,00 (discount)
Standard Double Room with Sea View
We stayed for three nights at the Dickwella Resort and Spa, beautifully located between two lovely beaches. The view was fantastic, and at one of the beaches, we could even snorkel and swim with sea turtles. The resort had a nice pool, an extensive breakfast buffet, and a good restaurant for dinner. The center of Dickwella was also easily accessible. The rooms were spacious and beautiful, but a bit outdated. For beach lovers wondering where to stay in Sri Lanka to relax by the beach, this is a great option.
Mirissa
Morning Star
Price paid per night at that time:€69,00
Standard Double Room
We stayed for three nights at Morning Star in Mirissa, a beautiful guesthouse with lovely rooms and a stunning pool. The standard room was quite small, but fine, while the larger rooms looked gorgeous, although they were a bit more expensive. The host was friendly, and the breakfast, like many places in Sri Lanka, was excellent. The location was perfect; as soon as you crossed the street, you were at the beach, and the center was within walking distance. Absolutely recommended, one of the best guesthouses in Sri Lanka we’ve seen!
Galle
Villa Yehinsa – Galle Fort
Price paid per night at that time: €41,00
Deluxe Double Room
Unfortunately, it seems that this hotel is no longer available.
I hope this blog has helped you get a better idea of where to stay in Sri Lanka. From charming guesthouses to luxurious resorts, there is the perfect option for everyone. Hopefully, you will also enjoy staying in the best hotels and guesthouses in Sri Lanka!
Looking for the best hotels & guesthouses in Sri Lanka? Discover where to stay with my honest reviews and personal tips. Check out my experiences and book your perfect stay!
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