Are you overwhelmed by too many options on where to stay in Sri Lanka? We get it.
It might be a small island, but there are plenty of things to see and do. From Beaches, mountains, wildlife parks and busy cities to explore.
But choosing the wrong location, or accommodation, could waste your time and money.
We’ve been visiting Sri Lanka annually for over 15 years now, and we have explored nearly every region. We’ve stayed in luxury hotels, boutique properties right on the beach to Airbnb’s and more.
Based on our experience, we are sharing our recommendations on where to stay in Sri Lanka, so you can choose the best option that’s suitable for your travel style, budget and the route you intend to travel.
Whether this is your first visit to Sri Lanka, you’re a female traveller, or visited multiple times, you’ll be able to plan your itinerary, by choosing the best places to stay, that is safe, comfortable and within your travel budget.
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What type of accommodation is available in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has something for every type of traveller, from ultra budget friendly, high-end luxury, to boutique hotels, villas, eco lodges and so much more.
Budget guesthouses and hostels in Sri Lanka
If you are on a super tight budget, then guesthouses and hostels are everywhere.
They are cheap, comfortable, simple, and often family run, which means you’ll get more local experience.
Cost ranges between $10-$50 per night, which includes a fan room, a basic bathroom and maybe breakfast.
Boutique hotels
Boutique hotels are amazing and comfortable; they are the best option if you want something a little different but still affordable.
They tend to be much smaller, and more private, with good service and unique design.
The cost per night ranges between $50-$150, depending on location.
Luxury resorts and villas in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is one of those places that has some incredible luxury accommodation options, which is ideal if you are on honeymoon, or looking for a romantic getaway.
Think beachfront villas, jungle resorts and infinity pools overlooking oceans or lakes.
Prices range from $150+ per night, but well worth the experience.
Eco Lodges and nature stay in Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for something a little different, then eco lodges are an excellent choice.
You’ll normally find these in jungles, mountains or near national parks, and ideal if you’re wanting some quiet time with nature.
Prices can range between $100-$150+ per night.
How to book your accommodation in Sri Lanka
Booking your accommodation is the easy part, once you’ve decided where you want to stay.
We have always used trusted sights such as Hostel World, for those budget savvy travellers, that want to keep costs to a minimum.
The most frequent platform we use is Booking.com.
It allows us to check reviews from other travellers, we especially look out for reviews left by female travellers, as they’ll often comment on the safety of the place.
In most cases, you can check out the images of the property, so you know what you are getting. But don’t rely on the images alone as they could have been created with AI, or misleading, especially if the room you saw online isn’t the same room you’re booked into.
We’d recommend booking early, especially during the peak season of December to April (south coast) and May to September (east coast).
If you don’t book early, the best places will sell out fast, so avoid disappointment.
Best places to stay in Sri Lanka
These are our picks, based on our experience, location, comfort, and safety.
Where to stay in Colombo
Most travellers to Sri Lanka, will stop for 1-2 nights in Colombo, either to kick start the trip, or at the end.
Due to Colombo’s proximity to the airport, it makes it an ideal start or end to the trip.
For us, this is actually our base. We spend some time in the capital meeting friends and family, before heading off to other destinations on the island.
And we have stayed at every single one of these hotels, when visiting Sri Lanka and will only be recommending the best for you.
Marino Beach Hotel
In our opinion, this is probably the best hotel in Colombo for value. And way more affordable, compared to other options out there, plus they offer more than what you expect.
The thing that draws us to stay in Marino Beach Hotel, is the offer of free transport to their private beach and plus a free city bus tour around the capital. All of it is included within the booking price.
If you wish to take advantage of this offer, you do need to book this with reception in advance. But what hotel offers you this? We’ve never come across it before, so love them for this added bonus.
The rooftop infinity pool is a fantastic space to relax. The pool stretches along the side of the building, offering views across the ocean.
There are several restaurants on-site, so you won’t need to go far for food after a long journey, or a day of sightseeing, plus a gym and sauna if you want to keep to your fitness routine while on holiday.
The hotel feels modern and well-designed, while still affordable compared to other hotels in the city.
Rooms are spacious, clean and come with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and large windows, some with sea or partial sea views.
The rooms are stocked with basic tea and coffee amenities, including a free packet of biscuits.
We felt like royalty, with all the added bonuses.
This is a very comfortable stay, in a prime location, and as a female couple, we didn’t feel unsafe at any point.
The hotel is well staffed and secure.
This is the ideal spot if you’re looking for luxury but at an affordable price.
Check availability and book your Marino Beach Hotel stay.
Cinnamon Lakeside
This was our favourite hotel, until we discovered Marino Beach Hotel and all the bonuses offered.
Set beside a calm lake, in the heart of Colombo, which makes it a much more relaxed feel than other hotels in the capital.
The outdoor pool area is the highlight here. It’s large, surrounded by some greenery, overlooking the lake. It feels more like a resort than a city hotel.
Even if you’re not staying in the hotel, you can still use the pool facilities for a small fee. Which is what we love and would spend our time soaking up the sun on our trips to Sri Lanka.
Rooms are comfortable, with a choice of standard rooms, or suites. If you book an executive room, you have access to the executive lounge, where you can order drinks and a small selection of treats available.
Some rooms have views across the pool and lake.
You don’t need to go far for food or shopping, with multiple restaurants, cafes and a few shops if you need to do any souvenir shopping.
Alongside the pool, there is a spa with a steam room, a sauna, and a gym. Again, you don’t need to be a resident at the hotel to use the facilities.
We have stayed here on several occasions, not once have we felt unsafe. The staff are so friendly, and welcoming and the property is well- managed and very suitable for solo travelers, females, or couples.
View rooms and book your stay at Cinnamon Lakeside.
Cinnamon Grand
Located right in the heart of Colombo, and part of the Cinnamon brand, including Cinnamon Lakeside.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from and even Crescat shopping mall just adjacent to the hotel, so you don’t need to go far to eat or shop.
Rooms are modern, comfortable, and well-maintained, with everything you need for a high-end stay.
There is a small pool on the ground floor, while lovely isn’t as impressive as Cinnamon Lakeside. And a small gym with all the essential equipment, plus a spa if you need a little pampering.
Safety is key, with high security presents, and professional and friendly staff. This is definitely a popular choice for travellers, with a little bit more money to spend.
Check availability at Cinnamon Grand Colombo
The Kingsbury Hotel
Located in a prime location, right by the ocean and Galle Face Green, making this one of the best sunset spots in Colombo.
The rooftop bar is the perfect spot to unwind, sip a few drinks, and just watch the sun go down.
You can relax in the sun beside the pool or enjoy a spa session. Or both.
The rooms are stylish, comfortable, some have sea views, and come with the basic amenities in the room.
For us, the standout is their afternoon tea buffet. This is not like the traditional afternoon tea we are used to back home. This is buffet style; all you can eat.
Choose from a large selection of savoury and sweet treats, teas, coffees, and even fruit juices etc.
The hotel is very secure, well-run, and the staff are friendly and welcoming. Which is what draws us back year on year.
This is a great choice if you are looking for somewhere comfortable and relaxing to stay in Colombo.
Book your stay at The Kingsbury Hotel
The Hilton Hotel
If you’re familiar with the Hilton brand, then you’ll know this is a safe choice if you want something consistent and comfortable.
The Hilton Hotel is located within the centre and close to major transport links. Which is convenient for shorts stays.
Rooms are comfortable and well equipped with everything you need for a city stay. From multiple choices of restaurants, gym, pool, and lounge areas.
We stayed in one of their executive rooms, which gave us entry to the executive lounge area, which is comfortable, with free snacks and drinks between certain times of the day. Plus, you can take a guest, who is not staying at the hotel, into the lounge with you.
We were less pleased with the pool facilities, not only because we had to cross over a main road, via a bridge, but due to the proximity to the lake, it wasn’t smelling all that pleasant.
That said, the lounge beds are comfortable, and the pool bar is lovely.
Security is strong, staff are professional and we genuinely felt it was a safe environment for all types of travellers, including female travellers.
This is a great choice if you want somewhere stress-free, no surprises stay.
Check rates and availability at The Hilton Hotel in Colombo
Where to stay in Sigiriya
Sigiriya is one of those places that you must include in your Sri Lankan itinerary. You’ve got the iconic Sigiriya Rock and the less famous Pidurangala Rock to climb. It is also just a short distance from Dambulla Cave Temple’s and easy access to the Cultural Triangle.
And there is no better place to stay than:
Aliya Resort and Spa
This beautiful resort is located just a short distance from Sigiriya Rock to the point where the infinity pool overlooks the rock in the distance. But it feels much more like a luxury retreat than a standard hotel.
The hotel is spacious, modern, and designed for comfort, with large rooms, and private balconies.
We stayed in a deluxe room with an attic, which is ideal for families. The room includes a double bed, a very small lounge space, balcony, twin beds in the upstairs attic, and a large bathroom with a bath and shower.
The spa offers affordable package deals; a couple of restaurants offer delicious food, with views overlooking Sigiriya Rock in the distance.
It is so easy to lose track of time and spend days here. It really is a place where you can switch off after a long day of sightseeing.
It also felt very safe and secure, with security gates to enter the property, with security guards at the gate 24/7.
The staff are very friendly and if you have hired a driver, your driver also has somewhere to stay, in the driver’s quarters.
This was our number one spot in Sigiriya to stay, just watch out for the monkeys on your balcony as they will enter the room at any given opportunity.
So, if you want something a bit more premium, romantic and safe to stay, while you explore the Cultural Triangle, then this would be the spot we would recommend.
View rooms at Aliya Resort & Spa.
Hotel Sigiriya
Just a short 10-minute drive from the entrance of Sigiriya Rock, makes this a convenient spot for a visit to the rock fortress.
What we enjoyed about our stay in Hotel Sigiriya was how peaceful it felt, and the views from the pool of the rock in the distance.
Because of the hotels remote location, there is an on-site restaurant serving both Sri Lankan and international dishes, along with a buffet breakfast each morning.
The rooms are spacious, clean, air-conditioned, private bathroom, and either a balcony or private outdoor space.
This is a hotel that feels calm, secure, and well-managed. The staff are very friendly and helpful without being intrusive.
If you’re looking for somewhere that’s safe, convenient, comfortable, and just a short distance from Sigiriya Rock, then this is the spot for you.
Check availability at Hotel Sigiriya here
Where to stay in Dambulla
Dambulla is the main bus hub, between Colombo, the Cultural Triangle and the east, which is a perfect spot to use as a base for a few days.
If you want to be in a prime location, then check out these places to stay in Dambulla:
Heritance Kandalama
This stunning building has been built into the side of the rock, which is the main feature around the hotel and is surrounded by jungle. It blends into its surroundings, to the point that you can’t spot the hotel from a distance.
Just a short 30-minute drive from Sigiriya and Pidurangala and is completely different from your typical hotels.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with pools as there are three different pools that surround the grounds of the hotel.
The infinity pool overlooks Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla in the distance; another pool is built into the rock face, which feels more natural. While the third pool is tucked away at a quiet spot to the side of the hotel and is a great spot to relax back and soak up the sun.
Other facilities include a good-sized, well-equipped gym and spa, a games area, a terrace with views, and even a snooker table.
Several dining options are available, offering a wide selection of cuisines, including a buffet and a set menu.
The food is spot on and the staff in the restaurants are so friendly and welcoming. We could not fault our beautiful stay at Heritance Kandalama.
The rooms are spacious, with large windows and doors out onto your private balcony. Just make sure you lock the doors properly to avoid monkeys taking over your room.
We stayed here on several occasions and stayed in a couple of different rooms. The standard rooms, offer all the amenities and beautiful views out across the landscape.
Not all rooms include a jacuzzi bath, but if you can spend a little more money, it is definitely worth staying in a room with a jacuzzi bath.
We’ve also stayed in a suite; they are a little more expensive, but worth it. A suite is a lot larger, with a bedroom, a separate bathroom with a jacuzzi bath, and a separate lounge room, to relax and enjoy the views.
If we could, we would have stayed indefinitely, because of how relaxing and comfortable the hotel felt.
The hotel is very well secure and well-managed, and despite how remote it is, it’s very safe for female travellers and ideal for couples looking for somewhere romantic and unique.
Plus, due to its location, it’s the ideal base for exploring nearby attractions like Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa.
Book your stay at Heritance Kandalama
Where to stay in Balapitiya
If you’re looking for a bit of beach time, then Balapitiya is a beautiful spot to visit, plus it’s away from the tourist crowds, so it’ll feel more remote than it actually is.
We would recommend staying in:
Sundara by Mosvold
Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, away from the busier beach towns like Mirissa and Unawatuna, which is the ideal spot if you’re looking for a romantic getaway.
This is the kind of place you’ll want to slow things down, after an eventful itinerary.
Sundara by Mosvold is right on the beach, with uninterrupted ocean views and direct access to the sand.
This is a boutique property, with only a select number of rooms available, which makes this feel much more personal and less crowded compared to the larger resorts just down the road.
Rooms are beautiful, calm, clean and with a modern feel. The whole space is built around relaxation.
We stayed in the beach villa and wow; we were so happy with it. The room is double with air-conditioning, plenty of storage and cupboard space, and an outside shower. A lovely veranda overlooks the ocean and is situated beside the pool.
If you’re looking for a little privacy, then book into the private villa and pool. A space all to yourself, without the prying eyes of other travellers.
There is onsite dining, where you can choose from a selection of dishes, that you won’t be disappointed.
For a hotel that is directly on the beach front, this is exceptionally safe. It is a gated entrance, and a security guard is present on the beachfront to prevent anyone that isn’t a guest from strolling in.
As a female couple, it felt very safe and secure to stay here. And during our stay, the beach was so quiet that we had it all to ourselves.
Couples will love the romantic and quiet atmosphere and perfect for anyone looking to end their trip somewhere calm and away from the crowds.
Check availability at Sundara by Mosvold.
Final thoughts on where to stay in Sri Lanka
Figuring out where to stay in Sri Lanka isn’t about too many choices, it’s about choosing a place that matches how you want to travel.
If you’re looking for affordable, budget-friendly stays, then hostels or guest houses should be your point of call. You can book your hostel stay in Hostel World.
If you don’t mind spending a bit of extra money somewhere comfortable, then we’d recommend Cinnamon Grand or The Kingsbury hotel in Colombo, or Hotel Sigiriya in Sigiriya.
Our top recommendation would be Cinnamon Lakeside or Marino Hotel in Colombo and either Aliya Resort & Spa or Heritance Kandalama in Sigiriya and Dambulla.
For a quiet beach location, then you should book your stay at Sundara by Mosvold as you won’t be disappointed.
You should keep things simple and choose a few well-located stays, as this will enhance your trip and make it smoother and far more enjoyable.
Now you have a clear idea of your accommodation options; the next stop is to actually lock in where you’ll stay. You’ll want to do this as early as possible, especially if you are travelling during peak season when the best places book out quickly.
We’d recommend:
- Start by checking availability for the hostels, guesthouses or hotels we have recommended and secure your first stay
- Then build your route around those locations
If you’re still planning your trip, you might also find our full 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary helpful, it has a pre-planned route set out for you.
If you’re still struggling with the planning and logistics, then why not join our Facebook Group, where you can ask us any questions you have, and we’d be happy to answer them.
If you want to arrange a one-on-one call with us, then feel free to reach out to us via email, and we can send over the booking form.
That way, you have us on hand to help you build your trip that actually works for you.
Continue your travel planning, with these useful posts:
- Essential tips for visiting Sri Lanka that you need to know
- Things to do in Colombo
- Best places to eat in Colombo
- Best places to stay in Colombo
- Best places to visit in Sri Lanka
- Best beaches in Sri Lanka
- 14 day Sri Lanka itinerary
- Best train journeys in Sri Lanka
- Best National Parks in Sri Lanka
- How to climb Pidurangala Rock
