Dambulla
This family-run shoestring place, halfway between the caves and bus station, has five basic, clean-if-spartan rooms that have mosquito nets and a piece of…
Must-see hotels in Sri Lanka
Mirissa
'Palace' is pushing it, but this hotel certainly has a fine position on the headland at the western end of the bay. The raised cottages have Hindu accents…
Polonnaruwa
Basic budget rooms (the cheapies have fans and cold water) are pretty good value in this rambling old house, though the owner is often not around – call…
Colombo
This old Y is a bit shabby, but if you’re on a very tight budget this could be it. It offers male-only dorms and a few very basic single and double rooms…
The East
The Victory's smoked-glass facade looks dated. The 16 rooms here (some with balconies and most with wooden trim), are also old-fashioned, though…
Hikkaduwa & Around
This guesthouse is right at the southern end of the tourist strip on an appealing patch of beach. The rooms themselves are plain, with only cold-water…
Tissamaharama
About 1500m from the landmark Debarawewa clock tower, this is a very friendly hotel. It’s worth checking out a few of the 10 high-ceilinged rooms as…
Habarana
An aging structure that still has some charm, but is really starting to show its (40) years. The seven rooms, all with mosquito nets and fans, are clean…
The Hill Country
Tucked into the hills a few hundred metres from Weddagala, these seven rustic huts are a bit too rustic for the high prices they charge. Still, the views…
Hikkaduwa & Around
A smart but sterile place with welcoming staff. The more expensive rooms are enormous, which could make them worth considering for families. A big plus is…
Batticaloa
If you're really watching the rupees, well the Y is your place. The location is central, but quiet, and the staff are friendly, although, the large…
Ella
Perched high on a hillside overlooking Ella, this concrete hotel has a wide choice of accommodation, from balcony rooms with views to cheaper interior…
Polonnaruwa
With a flashy lobby, well-tended grounds and an idyllic setting, the tour-group-dominated Sudu Araliya would be a good option if it weren’t for the bland…
Nuwara Eliya
The exterior of this inn is all twee wood panelling and looks very impressive. However the dark, musty rooms are in poor shape and in real need of…
Jaffna & the North
Very clean, very white rooms are the hallmark of this newly renovated mainland hotel on the A14 right where the Madhu Rd starts north. It's popular with…
The South
This aging hotel has a wonderful elevated location above the waves and the owners are helpful. However the accommodation has not been renovated for years…
Anuradhapura
Close to the New Bus Station, this two-storey villa-style guesthouse is well set-up for travellers. Its seven rooms are clean, if a little old-fashioned,…
Ahangama & Midigama
Somewhat faded, this small guesthouse has two large (but overpriced) rooms, one of which has good views of the pounding waves. There's very little beach…
Kandy
This is one of the cheapest places in Kandy, a former pilgrims’ guesthouse located in a gem of a building. Rooms are very basic, all with shared bathrooms…
Galle
A heritage-listed Dutch building, the Hotel Weltevreden has real colonial character, though its ten rooms, set around a courtyard garden, are basic and a…
Mirissa
On its own shady plot of sand at the west end of the beach, this compact hotel has basic, slightly overpriced rooms spread between a three-storey main…
Unawatuna
A very simple guesthouse that can’t be beaten on price, but could be better maintained. All 11 rooms have private bathrooms and a balcony or veranda,…
The Hill Country
This clean place is pretty basic and rooms (some have shared bathrooms) are a shade overpriced, but it is just across the bridge and very close to the…
The Hill Country
This rest house has a lingering colonial vibe. The rooms' decor is a tad tired but they are kept clean, and the terrace restaurant is a perfect…
Kandy
It’s not quite the ‘highest view’ but we won't quibble because the views are pretty darn good. You'll find pastel-coloured rooms, quiet shared areas and a…
The Hill Country
Just over 1km out of town in the direction of Polhengoda Village, the family-owned Travellers Halt has ageing rooms in a sprawling old house, some with…
Dambulla
The three simple rooms at this sound little guesthouse have private hot-water bathrooms, mosquito nets and fans. Yes, it's close to the road, but the cave…
Bentota, Aluthgama & Induruwa
This riverside hotel’s six slightly musty rooms contain wooden beds, dressing tables and hot-water showers, but it's the pleasant deck and riverfront…
Nilaveli
Offers simple, spacious budget rooms in a low concrete block that are a tad dark but fair value. It's not special, but it's an affordable option near the…
The Hill Country
This popular wedding-venue place has spacious tiled rooms that are featureless but about the best Badulla has to offer; some have been recently renovated…
Tangalla & Around
Offers modern and pleasantly decorated rooms in leafy, lush grounds, though rates are a tad steep given the location: the beach is down and across the…
Tangalla & Around
Bright colours abound at the best ultra-cheap option on the strip. The very basic rooms are adequate for a night or two if you're really intent on rupee…
Polonnaruwa
Very central, this established hotel has an older block with overpriced rooms and a better new wing offering modern, spacious, inviting rooms set around…
Negombo
The five simple but clean rooms in this family house are set around a pleasant roadside garden, though it suffers from traffic noise. Breakfast is Rs 600…
Jaffna & the North
If you're really on an economy drive, this dated hotel might suffice for a night. Rooms, with TV and mossie nets, are spacious but ageing.
The Hill Country
This 1970s-era concrete hulk has dated, poorly designed rooms but at least staff are friendly and there's a restaurant.
Wilpattu National Park
This tented safari camp was recently bought by a boat-based scuba tour company and is being upgraded.
