Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SLEEPING PRICE RANGES
The following price ranges refer to a double room with bathroom in high season. Unless
otherwise stated, rooms come with a fan, and tax is included in the price.
$
less than Rs 4500
$$
Rs 4500 to 12,000
$$$
more than Rs 12,000
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 person minding the desk. Often guesthouses are family-run.
Almost every place to stay will serve meals. Note that it's easy to stumble upon places
that are quite inferior, whether it's a guesthouse renting rooms by the hour or top-end hotels
that have ossified. There are almost always better choices nearby, so look around.
BUDGET
There are budget guesthouses and a few budget hotels across Sri Lanka; they vary widely
in standards and price.
Expect the following amenities:
fans in most rooms, air-con in only one or two (fans are fine in the Hill Country and right
on the beach)
maybe hot water
private bathroom with shower and sit-down flush toilet
wi-fi (in many cases)
simple breakfast
laissez-faire but 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. Choices include well-run colonial-era hotels (that haven't turned far up-
market) and stylish places on or near a beach.
