Sri Lanka has all types of accommodation ranging from rooms in family homes to five-star resorts. As tourism booms, expect the range and quality of choices to increase right along with prices. Wherever you stay be sure to bargain over the price as negotiation is common. Online booking platforms often showcase good options, and this trend is gradually evolving to include a wider range of choices.
Types of Accommodation
Guesthouses and hotels provide the majority of places to sleep in Sri Lanka. In rural areas, almost every place is a guesthouse. The difference is that hotels will usually be larger and offer more services beyond a friendly person minding the desk. Often guesthouses are family-run.
Budget
There are budget guesthouses and a few budget hotels across Sri Lanka. They vary widely in standards and price. Expect the following facilities;
» fans in most rooms, air-con in only one or two, if any
» maybe hot water
» private bathroom with shower and sit-down flush toilet
» simple breakfast
» cheery staff.
Midrange
Midrange guesthouses and hotels are the most common choices throughout Sri Lanka. Most provide a decent level of comfort, although some can be quite nice with a range of services and views. Look for well-run places, of which a few are left.
Expect the following Facilities:
» maybe a balcony/porch/patio
» satellite TV
» small fridge
» air-con in most if not all rooms
» maybe wi-fi
» maybe a pool.
Top-end Hotels
Top-end hotels range from small stylish boutique in royal lodges to lavish five-star resorts. Expect the following Facilities;
» good service
» usually enticing views –ocean, lush valleys and rice fields or private gardens
» usually a pool
» spa.
Villa rentals are gaining popularity, and you’ll find several options along the south coast, with many more expected to emerge. Speciality accommodation includes the former homes of British tea-estate managers in the Hill Country, which have been converted into guesthouses or hotels, often with beautiful gardens and antique living rooms.
