Sri Lanka has a rich history spanning thousands of years and is a country brimming with culture and heritage. The country is home to eight UNESCO heritage sites, and from Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications to Ancient City of Sirigaya, they cannot be missed. If you wish to travel to the wild side, book a safari for the popular Yala National Park. A trip to Sri Lanka is incomplete without experiencing its exotic beaches from the golden sand of Bentota to the surfing paradise of Arugam Bay Beach. With each locale on your itinerary more scenic than the next, the hotels definitely have to measure up. Why pick the ordinary, when you can stay at one of the best places in the country? Here is a list of the best 5-star hotels in Sri Lanka for an incredible holiday.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) hotel ratings, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Riff Hikkaduwa, Hikkaduwa (from USD 220)
Designed by the famed Sinhalese architect Vinod Jayasinghe, Riff Hikkaduwa is the first design hotel in the city. Seamlessly blending traditional architectural features with contemporary design elements, this resort aims to provide an exceptional holiday experience. Each of the rooms includes a generous terrace with guaranteed ocean views. For a truly exceptional experience book the presidential suite, which comes with a private plunge pool and 24-hour room service.
Take a dip in the outdoor saltwater pool, before walking down the steps to the palm-fringed Narigama Beach. Enjoy authentic Sri Lankan cuisine by the sea or head to the rooftop restaurant True Blue for a delicious Japanese meal. Hikkaduwa is for getting a poolside tan, snorkeling in Indian Ocean, and relaxing with a treatment at the Balinese spa.
Riff Hikkaduwa
Address: 870, Thirangama Galle Road
2. Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa, Weligama (from USD 155)
The lush tropical landscaping combined with remarkable amenities makes this the top choice in Weligama. The rooms are designed to include a glass wall leading to a balcony overlooking the Bay. Order from the 24-hour room service menu and enjoy a private party for two with the best views in the house.
Dine on dishes from around the world at the casual Weligama Kitchen, but for a taste of fine dining on the fresh seafood book yourself a table at Big Fish. Your days are meant to be spent poolside or on the beach, and Surf’s Up Pool & Beach Bar is ready to serve guests from 11am onwards.
If you are traveling with children, they will love creating crafts and flameless cooking sessions at the kids club. The adults in the meantime can head to the tranquil Quan Spa for a rejuvenating massage session.
3. Le Grand Galle By Asia Leisure, Galle (from USD 208)
Great value for money with spacious rooms and stunning views.
Beautiful pool, gym, and beach access. Excellent spa and heated pool water.
Conveniently close to Galle Fort and within walking distance to attractions.
Delicious breakfast with a wide variety. Good lunch and dinner options, especially seafood.
Galle is famous for two things - its UNESCO-protected colonial architecture and the exciting cricket matches held at Galle International Cricket Stadium. The wonderful cliff-side location of this hotel puts visitors within 500 meters (1,640.4 feet) of both. The fortifications are visible from the outdoor pool. Book yourself a plunge pool suite, which comes with a private garden the perfect island retreat.
Enjoy relaxing island life with the Balinese-inspired holistic treatments at Sanatio Spa. Make the most of the glorious Sri Lanka weather as you lounge poolside with creative cocktails from Dip, the poolside bar. Swaying palms, the gorgeous blue of the sky, and historic buildings keep you company as you dine on the freshest local and international cuisine.
Le Grand Galle
Address: No.30, Park Road, Kaluwalla,
4. Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Colombo (from USD 144)
Reasonable pricing for executive suite and lounge services
Spacious rooms, great gym, and convenient location next to a shopping mall
Central location close to major hotels, city center, and attractions like Galle Face and Old Town
Excellent breakfast buffet with plenty of choices, multiple restaurants offering a variety of cuisines
Cinnamon Grand Colombo is a city hotel with a resort-like feel and the perfect welcome to this island nation. The atrium-roofed lobby with a striking sculpture by renowned visual artist Michele Righetti welcomes guests to the hotel. Instead of boring creams and browns, the rooms and suites follow themes of sunflower yellow and cerulean blue.
Surrounded by lush landscaping, the garden pool will have you thinking you are transported to a resort town instead of being in the heart of the Sri Lankan capital. Keeping up the theme is the relaxed poolside bar where you can order cocktails and light meals. Continue your relaxing streak with a trip to Angsana Spa, which includes a rooftop pool in addition to healing treatments.
5. Taj Samudra, Colombo (from USD 210)
The multi-award-winning Taj Samudra is one of the best hotels in the city. Overlooking Galle Face Green, the hotel is in the heart of Colombo and will appeal to both business and leisure travelers. Located within the premises of this prestigious property is the exclusive members-only Colombo Club, the second-oldest club in the country.
Despite being a city hotel, guests are sheltered from the noise as they are secluded within 11 acres (4.45 hectares) of manicured lawns and lush landscaping. Host a conference, plan a wedding, or celebrate a milestone in a historic building or a more modern structure. When it comes to dining, guests have a choice of six restaurants where they can travel the world via global food offerings.
Taj Samudra
Address: 25, Galle Face Centre Road
6. Riu Sri Lanka All Inclusive, Ahungalla (from USD 168)
While Ahungalla might be skipped for its more well-known neighboring towns of Galle and Bentota, a trip here allows guests to explore Sri Lanka away from the tourist trails. At the hotel, guests enjoy an all-inclusive experience that includes snacks and drinks offered around the clock. Additionally, the complimentary mini bar is regularly restocked.
With four outdoor pools, including a kids’ pool complete with slides it is not difficult to find some space under the sun. When you get bored of the pool, walk down to the beach where sun loungers are reserved for the exclusive use of hotel guests. The hotel also includes daytime entertainment for children and adults, evening performances, and a disco, where hotel guests enjoy complimentary entry and drinks.
Riu Sri Lanka All Inclusive
Address: Ahungalla Beach, Bentota Walallawita korale - Galle District
7. The Kingsbury Colombo, Colombo (from USD 130)
Reasonable pricing with good value for money, but additional charges for certain services.
Excellent facilities, multiple dining options, and attentive staff. Some areas may require maintenance or updating.
Convenient central location with easy access to city attractions and business areas.
Wide variety of delicious food options, but some restaurants may have limited menu variety and slow service.
This city-center hotel is an excellent choice from which to conduct business or explore the Sri Lankan capital. Located just on the periphery of Fort District, business travelers will appreciate the short drive time to government offices as well as corporate headquarters. Dine on the freshest Sri Lankan seafood, delicate sushi, and wok-tossed Chinese noodles all on the same day when you choose The Kingsbury Colombo.
At the end of each day, relax at the poolside Honey Beach Club or head to the rooftop Sky Lounge for drinks with colleagues.
The Kingsbury Colombo
Address: No 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha
8. Hilton Colombo Hotel, Colombo (from USD 109)
Reasonable pricing with value for money, especially for business travelers.
Spacious lounge, fast elevators, parking, free transport for pool access, advanced room facilities, tropical gardens, live music, gym, and swimming pool with tight security.
Convenient central location, walking distance to many attractions, and a sweeping view of the city and the sea.
Exceptional breakfast buffet with a wide variety of foods, sumptuous spread to suit every palate, great options for different nationalities, and a fantastic Chinese restaurant.
Located in the heart of Colombo’s business district, this Hilton property is the perfect choice for business travelers. The building is connected to World Trade Centre, which houses several prominent business entities in addition to Colombo Stock Exchange. Pick one of the 21 soundproof event spaces to host an event and rest assured that the dedicated staff will take care of every detail.
Dine at one of the four outstanding dining venues on-site featuring everything from Sri Lankan to Turkish. After a long day of meetings and conference calls, blow off some steam at the karaoke bar or enjoy a drink at Sunsetblu.
Hilton Colombo Hotel
Address: 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 02
9. Mandarina Colombo, Colombo (from USD 80)
Explore the coastal city of Colombo from the comfort of Mandarina Colombo. With pocket-friendly prices combined with a wide range of amenities including a rooftop pool guests will not be disappointed with their stay here. The modern guest rooms offer USB charging points, complimentary internet access, and sea or city views.
The historic Fort District is 4.6 km (2.86 mi) away while Casino Marino Colombo is 1.3 km (0.81 mi) away.
Mandarina Colombo
Address: 433 Galle Road Colombo 3
10. Mövenpick Hotel Colombo, Colombo (from USD 120)
Close to the financial and government hub of Colombo, Mövenpick Hotel Colombo is the perfect city hotel for business travelers. The 24-hour Sky Fitness makes sure that you don’t let meetings or a holiday get in the way of your fitness routine. Enjoy a stay at any one of the stunning 219 rooms at this hotel, each of which includes floor-to-ceiling windows offering the best views of the city.
If you are looking for the perfect place to host a meeting, Movenpick offers a wide range of boardrooms fitted with the best technology. Celebrate a successful visit with innovative cocktails along with live music and shisha on the balcony of the 24th-floor Vistas Bar.
Mövenpick Hotel Colombo
Address: No. 24, Dharmapala Mawatha
Sri Lanka will surprise and charm visitors as they explore the country
Sri Lanka offers historic sights, rich heritage, pristine beaches, lush jungles, and scrumptious food. Hurry and book yourself at one of these best 5-star hotels in Sri Lanka for a truly extraordinary holiday.
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