Travellers to Sri Lanka have always gushed about its splendour. In fact, Sri Lanka is one of the top travel destinations in the world with its cultural heritage sites, wondrous wildlife sanctuaries, hillside yoga retreats, and delicious, spicy cuisine. Thanks to the sunny weather, gorgeous beaches, historical landmarks, and friendly people, tourists flock to Sri Lanka for an experience to remember. Located in South Asia, the idyllic island country lies close to the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean and is easily accessible by air and sea. To experience its true wonders, read on to discover the 10 best heritage hotels in Sri Lanka.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) the property's historical and cultural significance, 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 09, 2024.
1. Heritance Tea Factory (from USD 135)
Acres of green greet guests at Heritance Tea Factory, the gorgeous heritage hotel located within a tea plantation in Kandapola in the mountains of Nuwara Eliya. Previously, the lofts were used for drying the harvested tea leaves, but today, the lofts are transformed into beautiful guest havens with scenic views. Step back into the heritage of yesteryear with its colonial-style exteriors, well-decorated interiors, and furnishings reminiscent of Sri Lankan traditions. Head off for some pampering at the spa before delighting your palate with culinary creations at the hotel’s restaurant.
Heritance Tea Factory
Address: The Tea Factory Kandapola, Nuwara Eliya Sri Lanka.
108.5 km (67.5 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
2. LE JARDIN DU FORT - GALLE (from USD 99)
Reasonable pricing for a central location within Galle Fort
Charming and well-decorated rooms, friendly and helpful staff, open kitchen, water dispenser for guests
Prime location within Galle Fort, walking distance to restaurants, boutiques, and lighthouse, convenient for evening walks by the ocean
Delicious and varied breakfast options, superbly cooked and presented food, especially the Sri Lankan and French breakfast
Feel like royalty upon arrival at LE JARDIN DU FORT - GALLE, a boutique heritage hotel in Galle with quaint French-style furnishings and fittings. Located close to Fort beach, this charming hotel ignites romance with its luxurious settings and plush rooms that come equipped with modern amenities. Best of all, guests enjoy free WiFi in their rooms and complimentary breakfast each morning in the coffee lounge. Keen to explore further? The hotel is close to public transportation services such as bus terminals and Galle Railway Station.
LE JARDIN DU FORT - GALLE
Address: 52 Leyn Baan Street
98.53 km (61.3 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
3. Paradise Road - Tintagel Colombo Hotel (from USD 172)
Reasonable pricing for a luxury city stay hotel.
Historic building with charming decor, spacious rooms, and a beautiful courtyard.
Ideal location in Colombo, offering a quiet and relaxing oasis in the midst of the city.
Delicious and well-prepared food, particularly the breakfast and Sri Lankan cuisine.
Stunning describes the facade of Paradise Road - Tintagel Colombo Hotel located in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. Previously, a colonial residence, the heritage hotel maintains its grandeur with impressive white exteriors and luxurious interiors that create a warm ambience for a lavish stay. What guests love are the stylish suites that come with a minibar, kettle with tea, coffee-making facilities, and entertainment options. Better yet, guests can choose suites with a private courtyard or balcony to enjoy the panoramic views all around. The hotel’s amenities include a lovely pool, a steam room, a fitness room, a library, and restaurants that serve scrumptious cuisine.
Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
Address: 65 Rosmead Place
8.54 km (5.4 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
4. Nooit Gedacht Heritage Hotel (from USD 80)
Known as the original Dutch governor’s residence, Nooit Gedacht Heritage Hotel located in Unawatuna radiates luxury with its classic architecture and lush interiors. Discover the beauty of a fully restored Dutch colonial building that offers guests two swimming pools, a lush green garden for relaxing strolls, and a fine restaurant to savour local cuisine at its best. Enter lavish guest rooms with a private veranda that opens out to glorious views of mountains, pool, or lake. Head to the gym to work up a sweat before going for an Ayurvedic massage at the hotel’s lovely spa. Looking for more relaxation? Head to Unawatuna Beach located just a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Nooit Gedacht Heritage Hotel (Original Dutch Governors House)
Address: Unawatuna
101.1 km (62.9 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
5. The Sanctuary at Tissawewa-Colonial Hotel (from USD 138)
From the moment you drive up the grand driveway to The Sanctuary at Tissawewa-Colonial Hotel, you are immersed in the colonial grandeur of this heritage hotel located in the city of Anuradhapura. Historically, this impressive hotel was built over 100 years ago and has undergone many renovations to ensure the hotel retains its original allure. The hotel suites come equipped with modern amenities and luxurious creature comforts for guests to enjoy a memorable stay. Best of all, the hotel is located close to the historic sites of Anuradhapura that have attracted historians and travellers the world over.
The Sanctuary at Tissawewa-Colonial Hotel
Address: Thantirimalei Road, Old Town, Anuradhapura Town, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, 5000
177.03 km (110.0 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
6. Hotel Suisse (from USD 59)
Be impressed by the stately architecture and lush green gardens of Hotel Suisse located in Kandy. This heritage hotel captures the beauty of the colonial era with its classic flooring, wood furnishings, floral fabrics as well as a grand dining area with a balcony overlooking the dining scene below. Equally impressive are the well-decorated rooms that open out to picturesque views of Kandy Lake or lush tropical gardens. For guest’s convenience, the hotel has a huge outdoor landscaped pool for splashing fun, an Ayurvedic centre for relaxing massages, and fine restaurants serving local and western cuisine.
Hotel Suisse
Address: 30 Sangaraja Mawatha
99.62 km (61.9 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
7. Galle Face Hotel (from USD 125)
Soak in the colonial vibes of Galle Face Hotel, a splendid seaside hotel with classic architecture located in Colombo. Be fanned by the ever-present breeze from the Indian Ocean and calming sounds of waves crashing upon the sandy shores of the hotel’s private beach. What guests love most about this heritage hotel is its breathtaking views and excellent amenities that include a pampering spa, a saltwater pool, a well-equipped gym, a business centre, and fine restaurants for delicious local and international cuisine. Rest and relax in luxury rooms that come with lush furnishings, an attached bathroom, a TV, a minibar, and a personal safe.
Galle Face Hotel
Address: 2, Galle Road
9.34 km (5.8 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
8. Bandarawela Hotel (from USD 80)
Take in the refreshing air and breathtaking mountain views from Bandarawela Hotel, the charming colonial-style resort in the mountains of Uva Province in Sri Lanka. Be greeted by the concierge dressed in colonial attire upon arrival before exploring the premises fitted with furnishings and artworks of bygone years. Wake up rested each morning in plush rooms equipped with contemporary amenities before heading to the restaurant for a taste of local and international cuisine. Have fun exploring the wide selection of recreation available such as tennis, badminton, and billiard games.
Bandarawela Hotel
Address: Bandarawela Hotel No. 14, Welimada Road, Uva Province
124.29 km (77.3 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
9. Tamarind Hill (from USD 124)
Spend restful moments under sunny skies at the large outdoor pool of Tamarind Hill, the beautiful heritage hotel located in Galle. Harken back to bygone eras at this 1700s mansion which offers guests butler service and stylish rooms with modern amenities for a comfortable stay. Exotic describes the hotel’s surroundings where colonial-style luxury blends with the harmony of nature to create an inviting setting for guests. Relax and unwind in the hotel’s spa before dining to your heart’s content at their elegant restaurant with a delicious menu of local and western dishes. Close to the hotel is Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site worth exploring.
Tamarind Hill by Asia Leisure
Address: No.288 , Dadella
95.69 km (59.5 mi) from Mount Lavinia Beach
10. Mount Lavinia Hotel (from USD 98)
Indulge in the luxury of Mount Lavinia Hotel located on Mount Lavinia Beach in Colombo. The heritage hotel boasts beautiful colonial architecture, lush landscapes, and panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. As one of the oldest hotels in Sri Lanka, the hotel’s history goes back 210 years and envelopes guests in old-world charm from the moment they enter the plush lobby and ascend to their luxurious suites. Be thrilled by the superb amenities such as an outdoor pool, relaxing spa, and fine dining restaurants that serve scrumptious Sri Lankan cuisine.
Mount Lavinia Hotel
Address: 100 Hotel Road, Mount Lavinia, Mount Lavinia Beach, Colombo
561 meters (0.4 ft) from Mount Lavinia Beach
Make your holidays spectacular in Sri Lanka
Travel to unique destinations to see beautiful places and meet great souls. Among the most beautiful destinations is Sri Lanka, where history is retold with splendour in its iconic landmarks and historic buildings. The best way to experience them all is to stay at one of the 10 best heritage hotels in Sri Lanka.
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