The best accommodations Sri Lanka

Budget & Tips

To be booked

Due to the high number of tourists, it is advisable to always book your accommodation in advance, except in low season for long term travelers who are satisfied with small guesthouses. In high season, reservations are essential.

What's very local

You will probably be surprised to see that in most hotels on the island you will find sheets... but rarely blankets! Some accommodations do have blankets, so check your closets, or ask at the reception desk.

For food lovers

Breakfastsare usually included, with a few exceptions. A local breakfast usually consists of fresh fruit and a curry to be enjoyed with string hoppers, accompanied by a hot drink. Most tourist establishments offer Western breakfasts of varying quality. Large hotels and resorts generally offer buffet style meals where there is something for everyone.

Smokers

Smoking is prohibited in public places, but you will often find an ashtray if your room has a balcony. Some hotels still offer smoking rooms, especially in Colombo. What could be more pleasant than sleeping in a room where the carpet and the curtains are impregnated with the smell of cigarette smoke... So, smokers and non-smokers, avoid these rooms!

Tourist traps

Beware of tuk tu ktouts who want to take you to a super cheap hotel, they always get a commission, and this will be added to the room rate.

Be careful, in some hotels, the calls are recorded on a computer for each room, so check every night (especially the night of your arrival) the amount of your communications, because if the previous customer has not paid his, you will have to pay for them (same for the contents of the bar). International calls and faxes (also long distance) are usually heavily charged by hotels