The best accommodations Sri Lanka

Budget & Tips

To be booked

Due to high tourist numbers, it's advisable to always book accommodation in advance, except in low season for long-haul travellers who are content with small guesthouses. In high season, booking is essential.

What's very local

You may be surprised to find that most of the island's hotels offer sheets... but rarely blankets! However, some accommodations do have blankets, so be sure to check your cupboards, or ask at reception.

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'll often find an ashtray if your room has a balcony. Some hotels still offer smoking rooms, notably in Colombo. What could be more pleasant than sleeping in a room where the carpet and curtains are impregnated with the smell of cigarette smoke? So, smokers and non-smokers alike, avoid these rooms!

Tourist traps

Beware of tuk-tuk touts who want to take you to a "super cheap hotel", as they always take a commission, which will be added to the room rate.

Please note that in some hotels, calls are recorded on a computer for each room, so check the amount of your calls every evening (especially on the evening of your arrival), because if the previous guest has not paid for his calls, you will be liable for them (the same applies to the contents of the bar). International calls and faxes (also long-distance) are usually heavily charged by hotels.