Where to stay in Sri Lanka with kids | Best hotels & regions
Our favorite kid-friendly hotels
You can stay in so many wonderful places in Sri Lanka with kids. During our trip, we stayed in small guesthouses where we were welcomed like family, cozy cottages surrounded by nature, and even a real castle. There are also beautiful colonial villas, jungle tents, and luxury resorts with swimming pools.
The range of accommodations is huge and truly makes your trip special. Keep in mind that popular family hotels often fill up quickly during the summer holidays — so booking early is a good idea. In this article, I share our favorite places and hotels by region, so you’ll know exactly where to stay in Sri Lanka with kids.
In this blog, I mention “starting prices” for family rooms (4 people) as an indication. Prices in Sri Lanka can vary depending on the season and availability, so always check the current rates via the link.
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Tips for booking hotels with kids in Sri Lanka
Finding a good hotel in Sri Lanka can make or break your trip with kids. Comfort, location, and amenities are often just as important as the destination itself. Here are the key things to keep in mind when booking a hotel in Sri Lanka with kids:
Location & travel times
Sri Lanka may seem small, but travel times are often longer than you expect. Roads wind through the mountains, traffic can be heavy, and even short distances can take hours. So choose hotels that are conveniently located along your route, so you’re not spending entire days traveling.
Central location & nearby restaurants
Also consider the hotel’s location in relation to the attractions you want to visit. Is it centrally located or more remote? With kids, it’s convenient if there are restaurants within walking distance. Alternatively, choose a hotel with its own restaurant, so you don’t have to go out for dinner with tired kids after a long day.
Family rooms & space
Many guesthouses are small and mostly have double rooms. So make sure to check if family rooms are available, or if you need to book two rooms next to each other. With young kids, a family room is usually the most convenient; with older kids, it can be nice to give them their own room.
Swimming pool
A swimming pool is truly invaluable with kids. After a day full of temples, a safari, or a long car ride, there’s nothing better than taking a dip together. Especially in the warm, tropical regions, a pool adds that extra bit of relaxation for the whole family.
Budget vs luxury
Hotel prices in Sri Lanka vary widely. For around €30 per night, you can stay in a simple but cozy guesthouse, often including breakfast. For a luxury resort with all amenities, you’ll easily pay €150 or more per night. There’s something for every budget — the most important thing is to consider what will be most comfortable for your family during the trip.
How to book?
Booking.com is often the easiest option: you can read reviews right away and usually have free cancellation. I personally find Booking.com ideal for booking hotels because you can read reviews from other travelers and often cancel flexibly. Sometimes it’s worth booking directly with the accommodation, as they may offer a discount or extras. Local travel agencies can also arrange hotels for you, often including transportation and excursions.
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Our favorite hotels by region
Sri Lanka has so many beautiful places to stay with kids that it can sometimes be hard to choose. Each region has its own advantages: one spot is perfect for starting your trip, while another is ideal for relaxing or seeing a lot. These are our favorite regions — with tips for great family hotels.
Kid-friendly hotels in Colombo & Negombo
Most families start their trip in Negombo, close to the airport. Here you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, wide beaches, and many hotels with pools — ideal for recovering after a long flight. Colombo can also be interesting if you want to start in the city, but with kids, Negombo is often a bit calmer and easier to navigate.
West nest Bohemian
Looking for a nice hotel close to the airport? West Nest Bohemian is ideal for starting or ending your trip. It’s just a short ride from the airport, yet the atmosphere is relaxed enough to get into holiday mode right away. For the kids, there’s a small pool to splash around in after the flight, and a fun bonus: the hotel bakes fresh pizzas in a wood-fired oven — a guaranteed hit with both young and old. The Superior Family Room is spacious and features two large double beds, perfect for families.
From around €65 per night (family room).
Optimum Residencies
Another popular hotel near the airport is Optimum Residencies. The hotel has a small pool with a slide and a beautiful garden. The rooms are spacious enough for the whole family. Additionally, the hotel is close to some restaurants and a large supermarket, convenient for a relaxed evening after the flight.
From around €50 per night (family room).
Taprobane House
For those who want to stay a night in Colombo, Taprobane House is highly recommended. It’s located in the heart of the city, but as soon as you enter the hotel, you feel the calm atmosphere. There’s a pool where the kids can play and cool off, and the beach is a short distance away. The rooms are comfortable and spacious enough for families, making it a great stop to combine city exploration with a relaxing stay.
From around €105 per night (family room).
Kid-friendly hotels in Sigiriya
Sigiriya is famous for the impressive Lion Rock, a must-see during your trip. With kids, you can take the climb at a relaxed pace, or choose the nearby Pidurangala Rock, which is less crowded and just as beautiful. In the area, you’ll find many small hotels and guesthouses with views of the jungle or rice fields. An accommodation with a pool is also very useful here, especially since it can get very hot in this region. Many hotels are located in quiet areas and have large gardens, giving kids space to play while you enjoy the view.
Nelu Villa Sigiriya
Our favorite place in Sigiriya was without a doubt Nelu Villa. Especially the view… wow! The pool is nestled among rice fields and palm trees, while locals calmly pass by on their tuk-tuks along the red dirt roads. It truly felt like a dream spot. The restaurant serves delicious food, and the staff are incredibly friendly, making you feel right at home. Our kids were completely enchanted: their highlight was the pond full of little fish that they got to feed every day. No wonder this was their favorite stay of the trip.
From around €40 per night (family room).
Isanka Lion Lodge
Isanka Lion Lodge is one of those places where you immediately feel the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. The rooms are simple but spacious and tidy, with plenty of space for a family. The pool is just right for cooling off after a hot day. What makes this hotel special is the personal attention: the owners really take the time for their guests and cook delicious homemade meals in the evening. It’s a nice, affordable option for families staying in Sigiriya without compromising on comfort or atmosphere.
From around €36 per night (family room).
Blue Mountains View
Blue Mountains View is a charming homestay in the countryside, surrounded by palm trees and offering a wonderfully peaceful view of the surroundings. The pool is perfect for cooling off with the kids after a day full of adventure, and the staff are super friendly and kid-focused — you feel welcome immediately. What makes the stay extra special is the food: fresh, homemade, and often made with local farm products. A great spot for families who want to fully relax and experience the real Sri Lankan countryside.
From around €68 per night (family room).
Kid-friendly hotels in Kandy
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, known for the Temple of the Tooth and its beautiful location among the hills. With kids, it’s smart to choose a hotel just outside the hustle and bustle, with views of the greenery and ideally a pool to cool off after a day of temples and city sightseeing.
The Kandyan Villa
The Kandyan Villa is a wonderfully peaceful spot just outside busy Kandy. For us, it was extra special: our son Quinn turned 5 on the day of our arrival, and the staff celebrated it in style with cupcakes, gifts, and music — truly unforgettable! The hotel has a pool and a small playground, perfect for kids to play. The breakfast is extensive, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable. Conveniently, the hotel’s tuk-tuk driver can take you around the city for a small fee and bring you to nearby restaurants.
From around €52 per night (family room; we stayed as four in a triple room).
The Trees, Kandy
The Trees is a beautiful place to fully unwind in Kandy. Located just outside the city center, you can feel the peaceful hilltop atmosphere while still being close to everything you want to see. The pool is great for cooling off after a warm day, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable, ideal for families. The staff are friendly and helpful, making you feel welcome right away. Perfect for families who want to explore Kandy but also value relaxation, comfort, and space.
From around €275 per night (family room).
Ru Boutique
RU Boutique is a great place to fully relax in Kandy. The hotel is in a quiet location, yet still close to the city center, making it easy to visit Kandy’s highlights. The pool is perfect for cooling off after a warm day, and the rooms are spacious and comfortable for families. The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel welcome right away.
From around €116 per night (family room).
Kid-friendly hotels in Nuwara Eliya
In the highlands of Nuwara Eliya, it’s much cooler than on the coast. It almost feels English, with colonial buildings, large gardens, and a lake where you can rent boats. Many hotels have spacious gardens where kids can play. A nice change after the tropical heat elsewhere in Sri Lanka.
The Wind Castle
The Wind Castle lives up to its name — you really stay in a castle here! Located just outside Nuwara Eliya, with views over the green hills, it’s a unique place where you can fully experience the English charm of the town. The building is impressive, with turrets, large windows, and stylish details that immediately make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
Inside, it’s warm and cozy, and the rooms are spacious enough for families. Lizzy loved staying here — it felt like being a princess in her own castle. The peace, the view, and the welcoming atmosphere make this a wonderful place to relax after a day exploring the area.
From around €68 per night (family room).
The Golden Ridge Hotel
The Golden Ridge Hotel is a charming spot just outside the center of Nuwara Eliya, with beautiful views of the surrounding hills and tea plantations. The rooms are spacious and comfortable. The hotel has an indoor pool — ideal, since Nuwara Eliya is much cooler than the rest of Sri Lanka — and even a small kids’ club where children can have fun. The staff are friendly and attentive, and the breakfast is extensive and fresh.
From around €167 per night (family room).
Ramboda Falls PLC
Ramboda Falls PLC is located a bit outside Nuwara Eliya, but it’s a true gem for families who love nature and tranquility. The hotel sits on a hill, offering stunning views of the valley and, of course, the iconic Ramboda Falls. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and some even have a balcony with a view of the waterfall.
The pool is perfect for cooling off, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Thanks to its location in the midst of nature, you really feel completely away from the hustle and bustle. A perfect spot to relax and enjoy the green heart of Sri Lanka.
From around €100 per night (family room).
Kid-friendly hotels in Ella
Ella is the perfect spot for families who love nature. You’ll find stunning views, tea plantations, and of course the famous Nine Arches Bridge. Hotels are often located on the hills and offer incredible vistas. A room with a balcony or terrace is highly recommended here, so you can enjoy the green valley in the morning with a cup of coffee (and the kids with a fresh juice).
Chill Ville, View Point Hotel
Chill Ville View Point Hotel is a wonderful spot for families who love nature and scenic views. The hotel is located a bit higher up, offering stunning views of the green valley and surrounding hills from the pool and terrace. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, perfect for a family, and the staff are friendly and attentive. After a day of hiking or admiring the Nine Arches Bridge, it’s wonderful to relax here and enjoy the serene surroundings.
From around €210 per night (family room).
98 Acres Resort & Spa
98 Acres Resort & Spa is perfect for families who want to combine luxury with the stunning natural beauty of Ella. The resort is tucked away among the tea fields and the green valley, offering breathtaking views from almost every corner. The pool invites you to fully relax after an active day exploring the area. The rooms are spacious and beautifully designed. For those who love luxury and nature, this is an experience you won’t soon forget — though it comes with a corresponding price tag.
From around €640 per night (family room).
Arawe Retreat
Arawe Retreat is a charming and peaceful spot, ideal for families who want to escape the hustle and bustle. Located in the greenery of Ella, it feels like staying right in the heart of nature, with views over the valley and surrounding hills. The rooms are comfortable and cozy, and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful.
From around €180 per night (family room).
Kid-friendly hotels near Yala National Park
A safari in Yala National Park is often one of the highlights of a trip to Sri Lanka with kids. Here, you can spot elephants, crocodiles, and — with a bit of luck — even leopards. Around the park, there are many different types of accommodations: from simple guesthouses just outside the entrance to luxury safari lodges nestled in nature. For families, a lodge with a pool is often ideal: after an exciting morning game drive, the kids can cool off and burn off some energy. Tent camps are also an option: adventurous, yet still comfortably set up for families.
Yala Chalets by Lalan Leisure
A wonderful place to stay when visiting Yala National Park. Yala Chalets by Lalan Leisure is just a short distance from the park entrance and is ideal for families. The large, warm pool is perfect for relaxing after a safari, and the charming chalets are spread throughout a green garden full of birds and squirrels. The rooms are very spacious — perfect for kids — and the staff go out of their way to make you feel at home. An extra treat: you can discuss your evening meal with the chef, who prepares it with great care and love. The friendliness and hospitality here make the stay truly special.
From around €103 per night (family room).
Malala Retreat
What a beautiful place to stay! Malala Retreat is located a bit farther from Yala National Park, but that is more than made up for by the stunning surroundings. You’re staying right in the middle of palm trees, surrounded by greenery and a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. The kids absolutely loved watching the monkeys jump from palm tree to palm tree. The rooms are spacious and charming, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It’s truly one of those places where you’d happily stay an extra day.
From around €105 per night (family room).
Big Game Yala – by Eco Team
Looking for some adventure? Then Big Game Yala – by Eco Team offers a unique experience. You’ll sleep in large, comfortable safari tents right in the heart of nature, just a few minutes’ drive from Yala National Park. In the evenings, you’ll gather around the campfire while the chefs prepare fresh barbecue dishes, and in the distance, you can hear the sounds of the park — from crickets to possibly even an elephant. The tents are surprisingly comfortable, with real beds and private bathrooms, so it feels adventurous without sacrificing comfort. A great spot for families looking for something special, right in the jungle.
From around €67 per night (family room).
Child-friendly hotels along the south coast of Sri Lanka
The south coast is the perfect place to end your trip on a relaxing note. Destinations like Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Hiriketiya offer plenty of accommodation options, from small beachfront stays to large resorts with family rooms. Here, you can endlessly enjoy the beaches, go dolphin watching, or simply do nothing at all. A hotel right on the beach or with a pool is often the ultimate luxury in this area.
Gaia Soul
What a hidden gem! Gaia Soul was perhaps our favorite place to stay in Sri Lanka. It’s a small, family-run hotel with such a lovely atmosphere that you’ll hardly want to leave. For the kids, there’s a small playground, a skate ramp, and a little pool. The outdoor bathroom is beautiful, and the food – fresh, homemade, and prepared with love – is absolutely fantastic. The massages are also highly recommended.
And then the location: just a few minutes’ walk from what might be the most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka. Most of the time, you’ll have the beach all to yourself – a little slice of paradise you won’t soon forget.
From around €127 per night (family room).
Simply Peace
Simple Peace lives up to its name: a lovely, tranquil place where everything revolves around simplicity, nature, and warm hospitality. You’ll sleep in charming cottages nestled among palm trees, with the sound of the ocean in the background and birdsong to wake you in the morning. The beach is within walking distance, and there’s a pool to cool off in after a warm day.
The owners are incredibly kind and happily prepare fresh breakfasts or home-cooked dinners with love. For families, this is the perfect spot to truly unwind – nothing is required, everything is possible.
From around €134 per night (family room).
Jasper House
Jasper House is one of those places where you immediately get into vacation mode. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the surf beach of Hiriketiya, yet feels wonderfully peaceful. The rooms are spacious and stylish, with an open, tropical vibe — exactly what you’d expect from a beach hotel in Sri Lanka.
There’s a lovely pool to end the day, and the breakfast is absolutely fantastic: fresh fruit, pancakes, and great coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it ideal for families who enjoy the beach, surfing, and a bit of comfort.
From around €77 per night (family room).
For us, hotels have always been an important part of our travels. Not just because a good place to sleep provides more comfort, but also because our kids often create their best memories there — from playing together in the pool to roasting marshmallows at a lodge. The right accommodation can really add that special touch to your vacation.
Are you planning your trip to Sri Lanka? Then you’ll find plenty more useful information on my blog:
- Our road trip through Sri Lanka with kids
- What does it cost to travel around Sri Lanka with kids?
- Tips for traveling around Sri Lanka
Tip: In this article, you’ll also find affiliate links to hotels. If you book through these links, it won’t cost you anything extra, but it will help support my blog — thank you!
Book your Sri Lanka holiday with kids
When planning your trip to Sri Lanka, there are several ways to book your accommodation and activities. If you like to organize everything yourself, you can easily find accommodations that suit your needs on
Booking.com, and the cheapest flights can be found with Skyscanner. You can also easily book your own
tuktuk in advance. For unique excursions and tours, GetYourGuide is an excellent choice.
Still exploring options for a family-friendly holiday? On our homepage, you’ll find an overview of popular destinations for families.
Struggling to get great photos of your kids on holiday?
With this free Family Photo Bingo, you turn it into a game! Kids get excited, and you’ll go home with spontaneous, original holiday snapshots.
👉 Print it out and take it with you – free when you sign up for the newsletter!
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