How to decide where to stay?

Dear travellers,

How did you pick the guesthouses? We will travel sri lanka for 3 weeks. Do you just go to the cities or towns and ask? Or did you do some kind of research?

And second: Is there any recommondation for a good treavel guid where also the east coast is considered?

Thanks in advance!

I usually looking for comments at airbnb and book there also. And for sure it is better make "research" than just ask! A lot of information online (airbnb, booking, tripadvisor), reviews and at least you will know average prices.

There are guide books. Some company, Lonely something, publishes one.

Hi Edvolkov,

Thanks for your feedback. Of course a little research will be helpful. But I heard that prices are way cheaper if you just ask when you are.

I am just wondering, if you're ever get a bed in the town. And I would assume that not every guest house has an online pesence.

Nic

Hey pirate,

I already checked some books. But they kind off skip the east coast. So this lonely something also coveres that part of Sri Lanka?

Nic

Yes, I stayed in many places in Sri Lanka. In town, in villages... Some times without online reservation and any research. I really can be cheaper, but some time even more expensive than you can find on booking sites, that's why good to know average prices in current place. And most time such staying was not only cheaper but also much poorer (not clean, not good beds, no wi-fi, loudly, etc..). So for myself I prefer to use airbnb)) And most normal guesthouses in tourists area are present on airbnb or booking.
And now I know situation from both sides) I manage guesthouse in Hikkaduwa)

Don't wast your time to read the travel books. Go to online Booking, Agoda or BnB.. You can get best prices around 10$ per night. Even you can contact the host directly.

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Hi Nic,

Finding accommodation is not that difficult. Also it depends where you are planning to go. Sri lank abs are generally kind and honest specially the low income people they have generous hearts. The best way to find your way is to ask people but if you are a good planner in advance then nothing like that. There are plenty of rest/guest houses and hotels in Sri Lanka. Security has improved a lot after the new government came in. Let me know if you need any more info. I am planning to have my holiday in December

Cheers

Thanks a lot. I guess I will go for a combination of both-beeing a little spontanious, but also have some places in my sleeve.

Have a good trip in December.

The guidebook pirate is joking about is the Lonely Planet one, the one published by this site. There is also a Rough Guide one. These used to be the backpacker's Bibles, but now many just use the internet. Both have sections on the east coast.

I reckon a guidebook is useful as it can tell you about p!aces worth visiting and you can read through and see what takes your fancy then plan your route accordingly. With the internet it tends to tell you what you asked, rather than leading you through the area.

The guidebooks list some accommodation, often with email and phone. A combination of that and internet should get you sorted. Of course a highly rated place will often put up prices and standards can fall quickly. Once you know the area that accommodation is located, it is easy to wander about and see what takes your fancy. You can also bargain.

Apart from the first night off the plane, I normally just turn up and sort something out.

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