Habarana
Cross the rope bridge into this ecolodge and you quickly feel a million miles from anywhere, even though it's just 1.5km from the centre. The nine…
Must-see hotels in Sri Lanka
Colombo
Part of this grand seafront hotel dates to 1806, when it was the residence of the British governor. The appropriately named ‘governor’s wing’ has colonial…
Anuradhapura
Impressive two-storey place ('palace' is a little ambitious!) with 10 lovely, clean, bright and airy rooms with TV, fridge, neutral-colour schemes and…
The Hill Country
This old colonial-era bungalow serves as the hub for a rafting and birdwatching outfit that sprawls along the riverbank. The 10 quirky riverside cottages…
Nilaveli
The convivial ringmaster Sameera has organised one big party at this beachfront collection of huts. You can't get any closer to the surf and not get wet…
Arugam Bay
Highly popular with travellers thanks to its gregarious vibe, guest kitchen and communal dining. The eight rooms here have bamboo frames topped with a…
Arugam Bay
A fine place with atmospheric, boho accommodation scattered around a huge, shady garden plot. Stylistically, think hand-painted window shutters, tribal…
The Hill Country
This family-run, eight-room guesthouse north of town has warm hospitality, good Sri Lankan food and fine views of emerald-green rice paddies. The cheapest…
Galle
A simple elegance defines this fine guesthouse. Its five whitewashed, air-conditioned rooms feature colourful Indian textiles and a splash of artwork,…
Colombo
This vast 200-year-old mansion shelters behind a row of storefronts on Galle Rd. Protected from the noise, it’s an urban refuge with huge old trees and an…
Jaffna & the North
A cheerful, welcoming place run by Jerome (who will do train-station pick-ups), Baobab has a quiet location, an attractive living/dining room, a porch for…
Unawatuna
A superb guesthouse run by two expat mates (one from the UK, one from New Zealand), located down a quiet lane set back from the beach. Rooms are spacious…
Jaffna
Ageing colonial mansion with some (faded) character, including polished old floorboards and red-oxide flooring. The very spacious top-floor rooms are best…
Galle
This 19th-century former British admiral’s mansion is now a terrific boutique hotel with 10 luxurious rooms, fine service and a jungle-fringed pool. Rooms…
The East
These eight rustic cabanas sit easy in their rural surrounds right by the break. Kanthan, the owner, worked in Arugam Bay for years, and is well versed in…
The Hill Country
This converted tea plantation residence is now a tasteful guesthouse and restaurant, with eight spacious, well-presented rooms, many with private…
Anuradhapura
There are just two rooms at this stylish family home, so two couples could have the entire upper floor to themselves. Rooms are excellent value, with a…
Galle
Following a Unesco-commended renovation, this former 17th-century Dutch merchant’s house is now a breathtaking boutique hotel. The rooms are all different…
Bentota, Aluthgama & Induruwa
This chic and designery boutique hotel feels lifted from the pages of Architectural Digest magazine – in fact the company owns several interior design…
Polonnaruwa
Down a quiet, leafy suburban lane, this well-run, inviting and orderly homestay owned by a Malay-Muslim couple is a good choice, with five rooms (the…
Hikkaduwa & Around
This welcoming and well-run choice has something for everybody. Even the cheapest rooms are spotlessly clean and come with pleasing decor, while the more…
The Hill Country
Away from the bustle of the city centre, this guesthouse has functional rooms with solid wooden beds and furniture; some rooms have balconies. Eating…
Sunil Rest Guest House & Restaurant
Matara
Run by Sunil and Ureka, a charming local couple, this fine guesthouse is about 150m from the beach. Rooms in the main building are simple and clean, or…
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
Colombo
Set inside an old mansion with a notorious past (when it was a home for local politicians), this stylish hotel dazzles with its dark, minimalist design,…
Haputale
Run by very friendly, welcoming people (the owner is an experienced guide and can advise on local treks), this place has simply astonishing views. Yes,…
Tangalla & Around
This gated compound holds a very secluded luxe resort set back from the beach on a slim sandbar. Rooms boast a contemporary look, with polished concrete…
The Hill Country
Run by an intelligent, kind host family, the rooms in this family home are kept clean and have hot-water en suites. The location is very quiet, though…
Bentota, Aluthgama & Induruwa
Picture a minimalist loft apartment transported to a tropical beach and you get the Temple Tree Resort. The polished-concrete and stone rooms with…
Polonnaruwa
About 100m off the main road south of the Old Town, this place has clean, spacious rooms with terrace eating in two blocks; those at the rear with rice…
Sigiriya
For that living-with-a-family experience, Lal's is perfect. Your host family could not be more welcoming or friendly, offering home-cooked meals (try the…
Ahangama & Midigama
Directly opposite the Coconuts break, this attractive hotel draws surfers and yogis for its daily classes. Its has eight pleasant, modern rooms set in a…
Nuwara Eliya
A very pleasant colonial villa set in flowering gardens and filled with little hideaways where you can curl up with a book on a wet afternoon. Rooms are a…
Mrs ND Wijenayake’s Guest House
Galle
The wonderful Mrs Wijenayake and her family have been hosting grateful backpackers since 1968 and their hospitality shows in this comfy guesthouse. The…
Kandy
As far as atmosphere goes, this astonishing place can't be beat, particularly for those who enjoy a tipple. Once a clubhouse for British officers, today…
Colombo
Close to Cinnamon Gardens and other hotspots but isolated from the street mayhem, this relaxed estate has six lovely rooms in an elegant and restful…
Kataragama
A riverside ecolodge that offers a special, rural location 2km northwest of the centre. Take one of the bikes and explore the countryside, have a dip in…
Sigiriya
Groups like the villa-style rooms, fine balconies and stylish design at this well-tended place. The 25m pool is heaven after a hard day tackling the rock,…
Anuradhapura
Set in 38 hectares of forest and gardens with a lovely pool area, this resort hotel has spacious rooms with fine terrace seating. Some bathrooms are…
Kandy
This wonderfully secluded, though slightly faded, family guesthouse is on the edge of Udawattakelle Sanctuary and has fine forest views from its terrace…
Galle
This new hostel is 3km inland from the Fort, but it's an easy ride by bus or three-wheeler, or there are bicycles for hire. The detached building is…
