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Where to Stay in Kandy

Where to Stay in Kandy

Kandy The Hill Country, Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Lodging Choices

Common Accommodation

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms, with social common areas.

  • Guesthouses/Homestays

    Local family-run options, offering authentic, moderately priced stays, often with home-cooked meals.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish properties with unique character, design focus, and personalized service.

  • Mid-range Hotels

    Standard amenities, comfortable rooms, and services like restaurants and sometimes pools.

Specialty Stays

  • Luxury Hotels/Resorts

    High-end services, extensive facilities including spas and multiple restaurants, often with scenic views.

  • Tea Estate Bungalows

    Former colonial bungalows on tea plantations, found just outside Kandy in the Hill Country.

  • Vacation Rentals/Apartments

    Spacious options, privacy, and often kitchen facilities, good for families or longer stays.

  • Community-Based Tourism

    Local families welcome guests, offering cultural exchange and direct community support.

Neighborhood Guide

Kandy's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences, from bustling city life to tranquil hillside retreats.

City Center/Lake Area

Benefits
  • Very close to major attractions.
  • Walking distance to Temple of the Tooth.
  • Easy access to dining and shops.
  • Main transportation hubs are nearby.
Considerations
  • Noisy due to traffic and city activity.
  • Less tranquil than areas outside the center.
  • Accommodation can be pricier.
  • Standard precautions against petty crime.

Peradeniya West of City

Benefits
  • Quieter, relaxed atmosphere.
  • Direct access to Royal Botanical Gardens.
  • Often has better value for accommodation.
  • Very safe, residential feel.
Considerations
  • Requires a short tuk-tuk or bus ride to city center.
  • Fewer dining options directly nearby.
  • Not as pedestrian-friendly for city attractions.

Ampitiya/Hantana South/Southeast

Benefits
  • Stunning panoramic views of Kandy.
  • Cooler climate due to higher elevation.
  • Very peaceful atmosphere.
  • Close to Ceylon Tea Museum.
Considerations
  • Transport needed for city attractions.
  • Less convenient for walking everywhere.
  • Limited direct access to varied dining.

Location Considerations

Preference

Consider if you prefer the vibrancy of the city center or the tranquility and views of a hillside retreat.

Transportation

Factor in transportation costs for areas outside the immediate city center.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking helps secure your preferred Kandy accommodation.

Booking Timing

  • High season (Dec-Apr) and Esala Perahera (Jul-Aug): Book 3-6 months ahead.
  • Shoulder and low seasons: 1-2 months ahead is typically fine.
  • Early booking secures best selection and potentially better prices.
  • Walk-in rate negotiation: Less common for hotels, but possible for small guesthouses in low season.

Policies and Fluctuations

  • Deposit and cancellation policies: Check carefully before confirming. They vary by property.
  • Seasonal price changes: Prices go up during peak dry season and Esala Perahera.
  • Value is better in shoulder or low seasons, even with increased rain.
  • Compare prices across platforms and direct websites.

Trusted Platforms

Online Booking
Specialized Rentals

Direct Bookings

Hotel Websites

Some local guesthouses and boutique hotels have their own websites for direct bookings.

Price Comparison

Compare prices across platforms and direct websites for optimal deals.

Last-Minute Availability

Small guesthouses might discount for walk-ins if last-minute rooms are open.

Accommodation Recommendations

Kandy accommodation caters to various travel styles and budgets.

Budget & Mid-Range

Budget Stays

Look for guesthouses slightly outside the city center for more space and quiet.

  • Hostels in the city center offer dorms and private rooms.
  • Often provide quieter settings.
  • Lower prices for comfortable lodging.
Mid-Range Options

Consider boutique hotels with lake or hill views, or modern guesthouses.

  • Charming experience and personalized service.
  • Good amenities without luxury prices.

Luxury & Family Stays

Luxury Properties

International brand hotels and high-end boutique properties.

  • Premium experiences and services.
  • Often on hillsides with panoramic views.
  • Infinity pools and fine dining.
Family-Friendly Choices

Hotels with swimming pools are a good choice for children.

  • Larger family rooms or interconnecting rooms.
  • Vacation rentals with kitchen facilities.
  • More space and meal preparation options.

Solo Travelers

  • Hostels

    Good for social interaction and meeting other travelers.

  • Smaller Guesthouses

    Offer a personal touch and a safe, welcoming environment.

  • Common Areas

    Seek properties with spaces for relaxation and interaction.

  • Day Trip Companions

    Opportunities to connect with fellow travelers for excursions.

Long-Stay Accommodations

  • Vacation Rentals

    Offer independence and cost savings on meals with kitchen facilities.

  • Weekly/Monthly Rates

    Some guesthouses may present special rates for extended visits.

  • Direct Inquiries

    Inquire directly with properties if you plan an extended stay.

  • Meal Preparation

    Kitchen facilities in rentals make self-catering possible.

Cultural Significance

Historical Properties

Hotels that are former colonial bungalows or built with traditional Kandyan architecture.

  • Offer an unique atmosphere.
  • Connect to the region's heritage.
  • Enhance cultural experience.
Authentic Feel

Staying in such locations enriches your travel memories.

  • Immerse yourself in local history.
  • Experience traditional design.
  • Discover unique stories.

Booking Platforms Affiliate

Wide Selection

Booking.com offers a global platform with many choices.

Asian Focus

Agoda specializes in accommodation with strength in Asia.

Hotel Chains

IHG Hotels for international brand properties.