The South
Five small artistically decorated rooms in a guesthouse known for its good vibes and chilled atmosphere; you'll pay extra for air-con. The rooms are a tad…
Must-see hotels in The South
Yala National Park
Only 4km from the park entrance, this posh resort is set amid the dunes near the beach. Its modish rooms boast stunning views from their balconies, or…
Mirissa
This colonial-style, colonnaded L-shaped two-storey hotel is right on its own patch of beach and has a good in-house restaurant. The nine rooms are…
Mirissa
A fine little guesthouse with just three very clean and spacious rooms located in a separate block to the side of a garden compound. All have a front…
Tangalla & Around
A German-run beachside place set in luxuriant gardens with bungalows decorated with vintage furniture, including lovely carved wardrobes. The compound has…
Unawatuna
This little English-run gem of a guesthouse has five spacious rooms, all with air-con and ceiling fans, that are very comfortable and have nice private…
Galle
A bright, inviting guesthouse that features very good hostel rooms. Each has three or four beds, is fan-cooled and boasts reading lights and lockers. Two…
The South
There's a row of simple beach-chic rooms here at the back of the restaurant, all thoughtfully designed in creams and whites; the beds have deep,…
Mirissa
This welcoming two-storey homestay features simple, attractive rooms painted in cheery colours, and big smiles from the owners. It's a five-minute walk…
The South
This is a small boutique hotel, where wood and stone combine to create a Zen-like sense of happiness (the ocean-side setting, coconut-tree-studded lawn…
Galle
Built as a 19th-century P&O captain’s residence in the heyday of British mercantile supremacy, this rambling hotel sits on a promontory with views over…
The South
Right next to a wild, oceanic, boulder-strewn beach, this quirky compound is perfect for long days exploring the coast and for those that enjoy nature…
Mirissa
Each of the eight lovely rooms in this colonial-style manor is uniquely decorated in a bright and modern fashion and represents good value. The more…
Galle
Frangipani is a comfortable family-run guesthouse with rooms in two buildings that straddle Pedlar St. Choose from five different price tariffs; the most…
Bundala National Park
A friendly homestay 2km east of Bundala National Park's northern entrance gate. Rooms are functional; some suffer a little from traffic noise, but those…
The South
This feels more like a private estate than a small hotel, with its expansive grounds and rooms in a colonial house (or cottages). Personal service is…
Mirissa
Adrift in a web of rural lanes a five-minute walk inland from the highway, this family-owned place has a selection of agreeable rooms and cottages…
Galle
Parts of this large resort hotel, located 3km up the coast from the Fort, were designed by legendary Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa, though other…
Unawatuna
At the heart of this compound is an atmospheric 1735 Dutch colonial mansion, which is slightly tumbledown but perfectly enchanting. Rooms are divided…
Galle
High in the hills above Galle this elegant country villa (built in 1712) has been expertly converted into a heritage hotel, with just four suites. After a…
Mirissa
You get no points for guessing the nationalities of the owners of this immaculate six-room hotel on its own little beach west of Mirissa. Rooms feature…
The South
From the outside this vast place, with its high walls, looks exactly like a prison and a formidable one at that. But inside you'll find it's all wide open…
Tangalla & Around
Located close to town, this guesthouse is a designers' nightmare – the garish, clashing decor, dodgy murals and dated furnishings could not be more…
Unawatuna
This Italian-owned house has four intimate rooms that have been decorated in a Rome-meets-the-tropics fusion. It's got a large terrace that's great for…
Tangalla & Around
On a breathtaking stretch of near-deserted beach, this long-running place has rustic chic cabanas, some of which feature lots of twisted driftwood. All…
Galle
A popular budget inn that enjoys a superb position opposite Galle's landmark lighthouse. Accommodation is less inspiring than the view, but adequate: book…
Tangalla & Around
Despite its chain-hotel name, this rambling place is all local. Spacious rooms are filled with heavy wooden furnishings, four-poster beds and easy chairs…
The South
Set back from the beach, this hotel has a range of accommodation, including well-kept stone and wooden cabanas with tidy bathrooms. Rooms in the main…
Galle
This former spice warehouse has been transformed into a fabulous small hotel. Each room exudes relaxed luxury, with furnishings that have a colonial feel,…
Tangalla & Around
In a very peaceful though isolated location surrounded by beach and mangroves, this complex has 25 smart rooms that feel just a little out of place in…
Unawatuna
This renovated 140-year-old house has a range of rooms that are colour coordinated with the flowers in the lovely garden. Choose from rooms, suites and…
Unawatuna
A shore-side hotel built in a vaguely traditional, but very tall, style. The twirling wooden window slats have an Arabic feel and the interiors of the…
Tangalla & Around
Classic Robinson Crusoe–style beach hang-out with palm-thatch open-air cabanas (some have bedrooms open to the stars and sea breezes). Conditions can be…
Yala National Park
This lodge offers bush-chic accommodation in individual luxe bungalows. The hotel runs on solar power, some of the waste water is recycled and there’s a…
Galle
Set close to the ancient city walls on the quieter side of the Fort, this small guesthouse has a simple yet tasteful theme of white walls and dark wood,…
The South
Set on Goyambokka's beautiful main cove, the wooden cabanas and villas are hidden behind a veil of coconut palms and there's a fecund tropical garden and…
Weligama
Located close to the middle of the bay, this small traveller-savvy place is on the beach and has light and airy rooms (some fan-only). The better rooms…
Mirissa
Accommodation at this two-storey guesthouse offers a hip vibe on a budget (those on the upper level have great balconies). The owners are local surfers…
The South
Rooms and chalets at this pleasant lodge have an attractive, natural feel thanks to the stone floors, hemp curtains, coir rugs, and walls decorated with…
Tangalla & Around
These large bungalows (some sleep up to four) have spacious verandas facing the sea or lagoon. It's a good spot for families, as the mangrove waters are…
