With beautiful beaches, lush mountains, and rich culture, Sri Lanka offers something for every traveler. You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options to suit your budget. Whether you’re looking for hostels, boutique stays, or luxury hotels, Sri Lanka has you covered.
Below is a guide to accommodations in some of the country’s most popular destinations. I’ll break down where to stay, from budget options to splurge-worthy hotels.
Where to Stay in Colombo
Colombo is the capital and a usual entry point for travelers. While it doesn’t have the best beaches, it’s a great place to soak in Sri Lankan urban life.
Budget Options
If you’re on a budget, Colombo has a few good hostels. Expect to pay around $10–$15 USD per night for a dorm bed. Some of the best-rated budget places include:
- Clock Inn Colombo: Centrally located with modern dorms and private rooms.
- Bunkyard Hostels: Offers clean dorms, good social spaces, and helpful staff.
- Colombo City Hostel: Affordable and relaxed with great rooftop views.
Mid-Range Stays
If you have a bit more to spend, Colombo’s mid-range hotel scene offers comfort without breaking the bank. You can expect to find hotels in the $30–$60 price range. Visit:
- City Hotel Colombo: Affordable, clean, and centrally located.
- Renuka City Hotel: With a pool and great location, this is a good pick for those mid-range stays.
Luxury Hotels
If you want to splash out on luxury, Colombo has a handful of five-star options. You can expect prices to start around $120 per night. Some of the most renowned hotels are:
- Galle Face Hotel: This historic gem oozes elegance right on the seafront.
- Shangri-La Colombo: Modern luxury with fantastic food and ocean views.
- Cinnamon Grand: A big favorite among business travelers and tourists alike.
Where to Stay in Kandy

Kandy is smack in the center of the country. Dotted with temples, markets, and lakes, this region is rich in culture and nature.
Budget Options
There are many great guesthouses and hostels in the $8-$15 range. Look at these options:
- Cafe Aroma Inn: Basic rooms but amazing location; can’t beat the price for what you get.
- Clock Inn Kandy: Consistently rated as one of the best budget options in Kandy.
Mid-Range Stays
Often, mid-range finds in Kandy have a more homely feel. Rooms start around $30 per night and generally include breakfast. Some great options include:
- Ozo Kandy: Trendy hotel with views over the lake and mountains.
- Mango House: Affordable and stylish with a nice garden.
Luxury Hotels
Kandy’s luxury hotels tend to sit outside the hustle and bustle, often surrounded by nature. Splurge for around $100+ per night. Some top spots include:
- Theva Residency: Perched on a hill with stunning views, this boutique stay is ideal for peace and quiet.
- Mahaweli Reach Hotel: Five-star treatment near the Mahaweli River.
Where to Stay in Ella
Famous for its scenic train rides and tea plantations, Ella is one of Sri Lanka’s beautiful mountain towns. Whether you want to hike or relax, you’ll find great accommodation to match your needs.

Budget Options
Dorm beds and simple homestays are readily available in Ella. Prices hover around $8 – $12 per night. Consider:
- Tomorrowland Hostel: A popular choice, especially for trekkers and backpackers.
- Hangover Hostels Ella: Modern, clean, and well-located in town.
Mid-Range Stays
If you’re after some extra comfort, various cozy guesthouses in Ella offer stunning views and traditional decor. You’ll spend close to $40 – $70 per night for a room. Great picks include:

- 98 Acres Resort & Spa: A bit pricy, but with panoramic views and an infinity pool, it’s worth it.
- The View Ella: As the name suggests, stay here for epic mountain views.
Luxury Hotels
The luxury hotel offerings in Ella are intimate and nature-focused. Look to spend $100+ if you plan to book. Try these locations:
- EKHO Ella: A hilltop gem with spacious, modern rooms.
- Secret Ella: Set on a spacious tea estate, perfect for a quiet retreat.
Where to Stay in Galle
Galle offers travelers a mix of colonial history and beautiful nearby beaches. It’s an excellent base for exploring the southern coast.
Budget Options
Galle has a handful of affordable guesthouses that provide a lot of value for the price. Dorm beds or basic rooms range from $10 to $20 per night. Check out:
- Antic Guesthouse: Close to the fort, simple but clean.
- Pedlar’s Inn Hostel: Great backpacker vibe in a central location.
Mid-Range Stays
If you want to enjoy Galle in comfort but don’t want to blow your budget, you’ll find a lot of options for $40 – $60 per night. Places to consider:

- Fort Bazaar: Trendy hotel within Galle Fort packed with historic character.
- The Lady Hill Hotel: Sitting high over the town, offering great value and views.
Luxury Hotels
Galle is home to some of the best luxury hotels in Sri Lanka. Expect to shell out around $150 and up for a room. A couple of the finest choices are:
- Amangalla: A high-end, colonial-era hotel that defines luxury in Galle Fort.
- The Fortress Resort & Spa: Sitting beachside near Galle, this resort screams relaxation and comfort.
Where to Stay in Mirissa
Mirissa is known for its whale watching and beach parties. It’s a great spot to relax and soak up the sun.
Budget Options
Mirissa has many budget guesthouses, and most are close to the beach. Rooms or dorms start around $10 – $15. Check these out:

- JJ’s Hostel Mirissa: Close to the beach with a chilled-out backpacker vibe.
- Hangover Hostels Mirissa: Clean, sociable, and right by the water.
Mid-Range Stays
Mid-range hotels in Mirissa tend to be situated close to the beach or offer great sea views. You can comfortably book these for $40 – $70:
- Celestial Inn: Minimalist rooms with laid-back vibes, just steps from the sand.
- Triple O Six: Modern comforts paired with a stunning backdrop near the beach.
Luxury Hotels
If you’re in Mirissa and want to go all out, the luxury hotels by the beach offer resort-style amenities. Expect to pay $150 and above. Some standout stays include:
- Villa Atulya at Ocean’s Edge: A stunning boutique villa right by the ocean.
- Ubuntu by Lantern: Oceanfront luxury with an infinity pool and incredible design.
Unique and Alternative Stays
Sometimes you might want something a little different. Luckily, Sri Lanka offers some truly unique places to stay:
- Jungle Beach by Uga Escapes: Hidden among lush jungle near Trincomalee, balancing between nature and luxury.
- The Mudhouse: Off-grid eco-huts near Anamaduwa that offer a full rustic experience, ideal for nature lovers.
- Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge: Stay in luxury on a functioning tea plantation in the misty hills of Kandy.
Regardless of your budget, Sri Lanka has a wide range of stays to make your trip comfortable. From low-cost guesthouses to high-end luxury resorts, you’ll find something that fits your travel style and makes every stop memorable.
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