Updated 2023
Sri Lanka was one of my favorite trips to date. It was adventurous and I found myself unwinding all at the same time. These best hotels in Sri Lanka were some of the highlights of the trip.
After traveling for two weeks there, Sri Lanka won me over. Incredible hospitality, great design, and a warm welcome to their beautiful culture. Here’s my review of some of the best hotels in Sri Lanka.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels in Sri Lanka:
- 98 Acres Resort, for the best boutique hotel
- Chena Huts, for the best safari hotel
- Jetwing Tented Villas, for the best family-friendly safari hotel
The Best Hotels in Sri Lanka Guide
Where to Stay in Sri Lanka
Depending on your itinerary in Sri Lanka, there are quite a few options. Sri Lanka hotels vary from remote locations to the middle of cities.
I would suggest taking a look at this two week itinerary for Sri Lanka and get an idea of what’s on offer.
Some of my favorite places were in national parks, along the Indian Ocean, and high up in the mountains near tea estates.
I always recommend checking availability prior to planning as a lot of these boutique hotels can sell out.
Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka
Whether you’re looking to dive into Yala National Park or in the mountains of Nuwara Eliya, there are some incredible hotels with great prices.
I’d recommend for the summer months booking a hotel with a swimming pool as it does get rather hot. Or better yet, pick a hotel near the beach! Here are some of the top boutique hotels in Sri Lanka:
1. 98 Acres Resort and Spa (Ella)
Perched above Ella, 98 Acres Resort is a boutique hotel is perfect for those looking to have access to great hiking. Book the best rates here.
Address: Greenland Estate, Ella – Passara Rd, Ella, Sri Lanka
2. Chena Huts (Yala National Park)
Chana Huts is an incredible stay near Yala National Park, with individual huts (Read about my stay here). Sold as packaged rates with meals and safaris included, this is the ultimate experience. Book the best rates here.
Other favorite hotels in Yala National Park:
Address: Tala-Palatupana, Wildlife tourism zone, Yala, Tissamarama 82000, Sri Lanka
3. Tri by Amaya (Koggala Lake)
If you’re looking for an escape, look no further than Tri by Amaya. Come here to the peaceful area of Koggala for a few days of relaxation (Read about my stay here). Book the best rates here.
Tip: If sold out, The Fortress is also another great option.
Address: Koggala Lake Aladuwa Watte, Pelassa, Thittha, Ahangama 80650, Sri Lanka
4. Hotel Fort Bazaar (Galle Fort)
A design-forward hotel in the heart of Galle Fort, the Hotel Fort Bazaar provides an intimate stay. Book the best rates here.
Address: Fort Bazaar, 26 Church St, Galle, Sri Lanka
5. Paradise Road Tintagel (Colombo)
A 10-room boutique hotel in the heart of the city, Paradise Road Tintagel’s chic design and elevated service set it apart. Book the best rates here.
Address: 65 Rosmead Pl, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka
6. Jetwing Tented Villas (Yala National Park)
For an escape in Yala National Park, Jetwing has opened up its tented villas for easy access to the park. Book the best rates here.
Address: Palatupana, Kirinda 82614, Sri Lanka
7. The Wallawwa (Colombo)
The Wallawwa is a jungle escape, featuring a 200-year-old garden and luxury rooms. Book the best rates here.
Address: Minuwangoda-Gampaha-Miriswatta Rd, Kotugoda, Sri Lanka
Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka
Luxury resorts with infinity pools is one thing I loved about a few stays in Sri Lanka. Great views, good restaurants with Sri Lankan dishes onsite, and incredible rooms were incredible.
A lot of the hotels had access to UNESCO World Heritage sites, making it easy to travel around while there.
Take a look at these luxury hotels, from destinations like Yala National Park to Colombo:
8. Cape Weligama (Mirissa)
Perched above the Indian Ocean, Cape Weligama exudes elegance and luxury (Read about my stay here). Book the best rates here.
Address: Abimanagama Rd, Weligama, Sri Lanka
9. Amanwella (Tangalle)
An oceanside escape with elevated service and design, Amanwella provides a home for the discerning traveler. Book the best rates here.
Address: Bodhi Mawatha, Godellawela 82200, Sri Lanka
10. The Elephant Stables (Kandy)
Great for the family and incredible location, The Elephant Stables’ infinity pools overlooking Kandy is unlike none other. Book the best rates here.
Address: Nittawela Rd, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
11. The Kingsbury (Colombo)
One of your top choices for a luxury hotel in Colombo, The Kingsbury has an ode to the history and culture. Book the best rates here.
Address: 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka
12. Jetwing Vil Uyana (Sigiriya)
Set in a landscape that is full of wildlife, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a hotel that has perfected ecotourism. Each room is freestanding, providing an unforgettable stay. Book the best rates here.
Address: Sigiriya, 21120, Sri Lanka
13. Amangalla (Galle)
If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Galle Fort, Aman Resorts has provided a hotel unlike any other with the Amangalla. Book the best rates here.
Address: 10 Church St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
14. Ceylon Tea Trails (Tea Country)
Colonial-style furnishing set in tea country makes Ceylon Tea Trails one of a kind. Book the best rates here.
Address: Norwood Estate Bogawantalawa, Hatton, Sri Lanka
15. Thotalagala (Hill Country)
Set on the Dambatenne Estate, Thotalagala is a seven-room luxury hotel in Haputale is a rejuvenating retreat. Book the best rates here.
Address: Thotalagala, Dambatenne Road, Haputale, Sri Lanka
16. Santani Wellness Resort & Spa Kandy)
While in Sri Lanka, a wellness experience is a must. Santani offers yoga, special food menus, and more for a health-focused stay. Book the best rates here.
Address: Arantenna Estate, Werapitiya 20908, Sri Lanka
Best Resorts in Sri Lanka
Luxury resorts in Sri Lanka are some of the best in the world. Brands like Anantara are experts in delivering a memorable stay, especially their beach locations.
Some of the rooms feel like a house! The resorts often have a private feeling to them, making the time very intimate as well. Check out these resorts:
17. Anantara Peace Haven Resort (Tangalle)
Situated on the best strip of beach in Tangalle, Anantara Peace Haven Resort is a must-stay resort in Sri Lanka. Book the best rates here.
Address: Goyambokka Estate, Tangalle 82200, Sri Lanka
18. Jetwing Lighthouse (Galle)
Jetwing Lighthouse is the place to stay if you’re looking for a resort stay in Galle area. Book the best rates here.
Address: Dadella, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
19. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa (Tangalle Region)
With a focus on golf and spa, Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa located north of Tangalle area is a great place for the family. Book the best rates here.
Address: Sittrakala Watta, Chithragala, Ambalantota, Sri Lanka
20. Cinnamon Wild Yala (Yala)
For a resort experience near Yala National Park, Cinnamon Wild has an all-inclusive experience. Book the best rates here.
Address: Palatupana, Kirinda 82614, Sri Lanka
21. The Fortress Resort & Spa (Koggala)
Place in the serene setting of Koggala, The Fortress Resort offers a luxury spa and resort experience. Book the best rates here.
Address: Koggala, Habaraduwa, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
22. Ulagalla Resort (Anuradhapura)
Set on 58 acres of private grounds and home to a wide range of birds, Ulagalla Resort is close to most of the sites in the Cultural Triangle. Book the best rates here.
Address: Ulagalla Walawwa, Thirippane Ulagalla Road Anuradhapura 50072 LK, Ulagalla Rd, Tirappane, Sri Lanka
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Flights
Use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
2. Book Your Accommodations
Use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
Use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Car
Use Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com to find the best car rental deals. I recommend comparing rental agency reviews on Google to ensure you are booking with the best company in that destination, as the reviews are often more accurate than the car rental search engines.
5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access
Get a Priority Pass membership to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica