This 36-room, mid-range Jetwing-brand property is a wellness-centric hotel offering various Ayurveda treatment programs. Rooms range from Standard Rooms that lack air-conditioning, to huge pavilions with outdoor gardens featuring massage tables. An Ayurveda doctor is on-site for consultations and the spa provides massages and hot-oil therapy, or massages can be taken in the villas. The hotel isn't along the beach, but there is a lovely courtyard pool, free yoga and meditation in the mornings, and free Wi-Fi. The well-reviewed restaurant can provide personalized meal plans, or there's a la carte service all day. Unfortunately, wear and tear is visible throughout, and the spa's treatment rooms are underwhelming. It's definitely a solid pick for those that will use the Ayurveda practitioners, but travelers more interested in a beachfront stay should check out the budget-friendly Paradise Beach Hotel.
This 36-room, mid-range Jetwing-brand property is a wellness-centric hotel offering various Ayurveda treatment programs. Rooms range from Standard Rooms that lack air-conditioning, to huge pavilions with outdoor gardens featuring massage tables. An Ayurveda doctor is on-site for consultations and the spa provides massages and hot-oil therapy, or massages can be taken in the villas. The hotel isn't along the beach, but there is a lovely courtyard pool, free yoga and meditation in the mornings, and free Wi-Fi. The well-reviewed restaurant can provide personalized meal plans, or there's a la carte service all day. Unfortunately, wear and tear is visible throughout, and the spa's treatment rooms are underwhelming. It's definitely a solid pick for those that will use the Ayurveda practitioners, but travelers more interested in a beachfront stay should check out the budget-friendly Paradise Beach Hotel.
This 100-room, upscale resort, renovated in 2012, was one of the first properties to set up shop on this stretch of the coast, which is known for its consistent waves. As its name suggests, it attracts surfer types (some from as far away as Lebanon!), as well as couples and families who enjoy a younger vibe. Room decor is modern and understated, and all rooms have comfortable balconies or patios facing the ocean. A buffet restaurant serves quality cuisine, and there are more food and drink options to break up the monotony (shisha pipes and karaoke anyone?). A Balinese team operates six spa treatment rooms, and there’s a free fitness center with views. Wi-Fi and parking are also free. Rates are fair for this caliber, but it's also worth considering the Eden Resort & Spa.
This 100-room, upscale resort, renovated in 2012, was one of the first properties to set up shop on this stretch of the coast, which is known for its consistent waves. As its name suggests, it attracts surfer types (some from as far away as Lebanon!), as well as couples and families who enjoy a younger vibe. Room decor is modern and understated, and all rooms have comfortable balconies or patios facing the ocean. A buffet restaurant serves quality cuisine, and there are more food and drink options to break up the monotony (shisha pipes and karaoke anyone?). A Balinese team operates six spa treatment rooms, and there’s a free fitness center with views. Wi-Fi and parking are also free. Rates are fair for this caliber, but it's also worth considering the Eden Resort & Spa.
The 37-room, mid-range Ceylon City Hotel is located about a 15-minute drive south of famous Galle Face Beach. Many local restaurants and shops are within walking distance, as well as a large shopping mall. The hotel's design is largely utilitarian and unmemorable, but rates are affordable and include free Wi-Fi and parking. Contemporary rooms have large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning, but they can be small and let in noise. There is a restaurant on the fourth floor offering a variety of cuisines and 24-hour room service. The similarly priced Drift BnB has comparable in-room amenities and receives more consistently positive reviews, though it lacks an all-day restaurant.
The 37-room, mid-range Ceylon City Hotel is located about a 15-minute drive south of famous Galle Face Beach. Many local restaurants and shops are within walking distance, as well as a large shopping mall. The hotel's design is largely utilitarian and unmemorable, but rates are affordable and include free Wi-Fi and parking. Contemporary rooms have large flat-screen TVs, minibars, and air-conditioning, but they can be small and let in noise. There is a restaurant on the fourth floor offering a variety of cuisines and 24-hour room service. The similarly priced Drift BnB has comparable in-room amenities and receives more consistently positive reviews, though it lacks an all-day restaurant.
The upper-middle-range, 60-room Earl’s Regent Hotel has a secluded setting a 12-minute drive from the center of Kandy, amid greenery and offering lush mountain views from several vantage points. Quality amenities include a swimming pool, two restaurants, and lovely spa, plus an air-conditioned gym. Rooms have pleasant and simple decor, either in a contemporary or colonial-inspired style. Flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and minibars come standard, but only higher-category rooms have furnished balconies. There are signs of wear and tear, plus some rooms have uninspiring views or noise issues. It's worth considering the similarly named Earl’s Regency, as all rooms have stellar views.
The upper-middle-range, 60-room Earl’s Regent Hotel has a secluded setting a 12-minute drive from the center of Kandy, amid greenery and offering lush mountain views from several vantage points. Quality amenities include a swimming pool, two restaurants, and lovely spa, plus an air-conditioned gym. Rooms have pleasant and simple decor, either in a contemporary or colonial-inspired style. Flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi, and minibars come standard, but only higher-category rooms have furnished balconies. There are signs of wear and tear, plus some rooms have uninspiring views or noise issues. It's worth considering the similarly named Earl’s Regency, as all rooms have stellar views.
The 22-room Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa is an upper-middle-range property in Negombo that's popular with stopover travelers due to its location just a 15-minute drive from the airport. For those that stay at the hotel for longer than a day, there are a few features to keep busy, including an outdoor pool, spa with tiny adjacent gym, and on-site restaurant with seating next to the pretty lagoon. Rooms are modern and attractive, and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and furnished balconies or patios -- though those next to the pool aren't very private. Also note that there's wear and tear throughout, plus rooms let in lots of noise. It's also worth checking out Jetwing Blue, which has a beachfront location and more impressive rooms -- though it's farther from the airport.
The 22-room Amagi Lagoon Resort & Spa is an upper-middle-range property in Negombo that's popular with stopover travelers due to its location just a 15-minute drive from the airport. For those that stay at the hotel for longer than a day, there are a few features to keep busy, including an outdoor pool, spa with tiny adjacent gym, and on-site restaurant with seating next to the pretty lagoon. Rooms are modern and attractive, and come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and furnished balconies or patios -- though those next to the pool aren't very private. Also note that there's wear and tear throughout, plus rooms let in lots of noise. It's also worth checking out Jetwing Blue, which has a beachfront location and more impressive rooms -- though it's farther from the airport.
The upper-middle-range Paradise Road The Villa Bentota is a 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel. It's set amid extensive grounds a short stroll from the beach, but guests will have to pass an (occasionally noisy) train track to get to the waterfront. Most guests find it part of the property's charm, in addition to the Dutch colonial antiques and plethora of modern artwork that's on display throughout. The 15 individually decorated rooms and suites have a black-and-white color scheme, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The restaurant serves well-reviewed local and international cuisine, and there are two swimming pools. There are no gym or full spa, but a massage treatment room is available. Travelers looking to be along the beach should consider the similarly priced 160-room Vivanta by Taj, though it doesn't have the same intimate feel.
The upper-middle-range Paradise Road The Villa Bentota is a 19th-century mansion turned boutique hotel. It's set amid extensive grounds a short stroll from the beach, but guests will have to pass an (occasionally noisy) train track to get to the waterfront. Most guests find it part of the property's charm, in addition to the Dutch colonial antiques and plethora of modern artwork that's on display throughout. The 15 individually decorated rooms and suites have a black-and-white color scheme, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The restaurant serves well-reviewed local and international cuisine, and there are two swimming pools. There are no gym or full spa, but a massage treatment room is available. Travelers looking to be along the beach should consider the similarly priced 160-room Vivanta by Taj, though it doesn't have the same intimate feel.
Ideal for those not worried about watching their wallets or who are willing to spend a bit more to have the expected upscale hotel comforts of the Western world, The Fortress is a solid pick. Located in a quiet, yet convenient spot 30 minutes south of Galle, this 53-room boutique looks much larger from the street. Designed to resemble the famous Dutch Fort, here you'll find modern decor mixed with architectural styles from the Dutch and Portuguese colonial eras along with two pools, a narrow and un-swimmable beach, tasty meal options, a ton of activities, family-friend features, a gorgeous spa, and huge rooms with all the fixings.
Ideal for those not worried about watching their wallets or who are willing to spend a bit more to have the expected upscale hotel comforts of the Western world, The Fortress is a solid pick. Located in a quiet, yet convenient spot 30 minutes south of Galle, this 53-room boutique looks much larger from the street. Designed to resemble the famous Dutch Fort, here you'll find modern decor mixed with architectural styles from the Dutch and Portuguese colonial eras along with two pools, a narrow and un-swimmable beach, tasty meal options, a ton of activities, family-friend features, a gorgeous spa, and huge rooms with all the fixings.
This five-pearl luxury boutique has 12 huge suites with polished concrete floors, imported Indo-Asian antique furniture, private plunge pools, top-shelf snacks and drinks, ocean or garden views, and outdoor lounge space. On-site, guests have access to open-air public spaces including a large lobby, breezy restaurant, small poolside bar, gym, and gigantic spa treatment room. There's also a large stretch of wild beach out back and a few traditional puppets hanging in the halls. It's the best, and priciest, hotel in the Hikkaduwa area. Saman Villas up the coast is a comparable property worth considering.
This five-pearl luxury boutique has 12 huge suites with polished concrete floors, imported Indo-Asian antique furniture, private plunge pools, top-shelf snacks and drinks, ocean or garden views, and outdoor lounge space. On-site, guests have access to open-air public spaces including a large lobby, breezy restaurant, small poolside bar, gym, and gigantic spa treatment room. There's also a large stretch of wild beach out back and a few traditional puppets hanging in the halls. It's the best, and priciest, hotel in the Hikkaduwa area. Saman Villas up the coast is a comparable property worth considering.
The towering 243-room Cinnamon Red Colombo is a sleek upper-middle-range property with gorgeous views of the city and ocean in the distance. The red-and-white-themed Standard Rooms are modern and fresh, with flat-screen TVs and coffee- and tea-making facilities -- plus many have scenic vistas. The hotel’s crowning feature is its infinity pool, with loungers overlooking the water. There's also an adjacent gym. Well-reviewed dining outlets include an all-day restaurant, lobby bar, and rooftop bar. On the downside, the hotel lacks a spa and there are occasional long wait times for elevators. Still, free Wi-Fi and a central location make it an excellent pick for business or leisure travelers. For an alternative, the OZO Colombo is an uber-hip property with similar amenities that's closer to the sea.
The towering 243-room Cinnamon Red Colombo is a sleek upper-middle-range property with gorgeous views of the city and ocean in the distance. The red-and-white-themed Standard Rooms are modern and fresh, with flat-screen TVs and coffee- and tea-making facilities -- plus many have scenic vistas. The hotel’s crowning feature is its infinity pool, with loungers overlooking the water. There's also an adjacent gym. Well-reviewed dining outlets include an all-day restaurant, lobby bar, and rooftop bar. On the downside, the hotel lacks a spa and there are occasional long wait times for elevators. Still, free Wi-Fi and a central location make it an excellent pick for business or leisure travelers. For an alternative, the OZO Colombo is an uber-hip property with similar amenities that's closer to the sea.
This 42-room, mid-range hotel has all the basics for a relaxing beach vacation, but lacks polish in some areas. Common spaces have a modern, minimalist design and many are open to the ocean breeze. Rooms are comfortable and generally clean, particularly in the newer wing (mold in older bathrooms can reportedly be an issue). There is a beautiful pool deck with palm trees and a gorgeous view of the beach, both of which are appealing places to relax. Half-board meals are packaged with some rooms, but guests are underwhelmed with the choices and many prefer nearby restaurants. Esprit d’Ici Hotel, though not directly on the sand, offers similar amenities at a much lower price point and it's only a 10-minute walk from the beach.
This 42-room, mid-range hotel has all the basics for a relaxing beach vacation, but lacks polish in some areas. Common spaces have a modern, minimalist design and many are open to the ocean breeze. Rooms are comfortable and generally clean, particularly in the newer wing (mold in older bathrooms can reportedly be an issue). There is a beautiful pool deck with palm trees and a gorgeous view of the beach, both of which are appealing places to relax. Half-board meals are packaged with some rooms, but guests are underwhelmed with the choices and many prefer nearby restaurants. Esprit d’Ici Hotel, though not directly on the sand, offers similar amenities at a much lower price point and it's only a 10-minute walk from the beach.