2019 Dec 24
Christmas holidays are here, and the chances are that even though you really want to end the year in style, you are too broke to plan any extravagant trips on your pauper’s wages. If you are the type that doesn’t like roughing out or typical backpacker style accommodation, but don’t want to spend through your nose either, this article will show you that you can plan your long awaited get away and act your wage while at it.
Fairway Sunset, Galle
Staying within and around the World Heritage Site in Galle, the Fort can be a rather costly affair. However, Fairway Sunset in Galle offers great accommodation for a fair price. If you want to stay close to the Fort and Rumassala, and have easy access to the Beach and the Galle Town Limits, then this is definitely for you.
Their serviced apartments are one of a kind and come as either two-bedroomed or three-bedroomed apartments. Guests are offered cooking, laundry and other facilities. They also offer usual services to be expected from a hotel such as linen changing and garbage collection among others. Their two-bedroomed apartments start at LKR 9500 while their three bedroomed apartments start at LKR 12,500. In addition, travelers can also opt to stay in their rooms and dormitories at their main property, 800m away.
Kandy City Hotel by Earl’s
Located centrally in the historic town of Kandy, this 26 room property is ideal for anyone who wants to explore the country’s rich heritage and culture, and stay in the heart of it. The hotel is cosy, yet hip and offers a safe haven from the bustling Kandy town. Situated within close proximity to the railway station and other places of interest such as the world-famous Temple of the Tooth, makes its location perfect for wanderlusters.
The rooms offer city views of Kandy, and come in the options of Deluxe or Superior rooms. They are well equipped and offer everything that can be expected from a City Hotel. A Double room on B&B basis here, starts at LKR 9,000. Additional services of the hotel include laundry, wifi and their own restaurant. Whether you are visiting Kandy as a family, for business, or travelling solo, the hotel will no-doubt serve as the ideal place to stay while on a budget.
Nagenahira Beach Villa
Situated along the breathtaking East Coast, in Nilaveli, Nagenahira Beach Villa is a cosy property that offers affordable but stylish accommodation. A destination popular amongst tourists, the area has a lot to offer; but what has us writing about them is that the villas are located only a stone’s throw away from the sandy white beaches of Nilaveli. This makes it ideal for anyone looking for their extra dose of Vitamin Sea this holiday season.
The rooms here come as either ocean-view or garden view, and are extremely spacious rooms with some rooms even offering open air bathrooms. They are all tastefully decorated furnished and have all amenities needed for a stress-free holiday. Their in-house cooks will whip up a hearty breakfast for you, however you want your food prepared, and the friendly staff here will make sure you have a perfect beach stay, all the while making you feel at home.
Ocean view rooms start at LKR 6500 on BB basis while their Garden view rooms start at LKR 5500.
Hotel J
Hotel J is situated in close proximity to Sri Lanka’s main international airport- at just 15-20 minutes away, in the Fishing town of Negombo. Apart from being known as little Rome due to the many churches and a majority population of Catholics, the area is well known for the sandy beaches and the fisher folk, and is just 38km north of the commercial capital.
The hotel boasts of being the first purpose-built budget hotel in the island, and features 35 well appointed rooms, 17 sea-view rooms and 18 non sea-view rooms, and also includes a well appointed suite. Despite its no-frills concept, the hotel offers star class facilities such as TV, hot water, air conditioning and even a swimming pool and rooftop bar.
We were told that the rooms cost depending on occupancy, and can range between $35-$80, (LKR 5200 – 11,000) and $20 more for a sea-view room. They also have branches in Unawatuna and Ambalangoda for those budget-friendly down south getaways.
The Brizo Weligama
Brizo is a budget hotel located 145 km South of Sri Lanka’s capital, in the town of Weligama. It offers all that you need to enjoy a satisfactory holiday at a hotel, without having to bear ridiculous costs, and is ideal for couples and even families. Most importantly, it is pet friendly, though charges may apply. The hotel takes on a Greek theme, even serving Mediterranean cuisine at its rooftop restaurant. It is only about 33 km away from the historic town of Galle, and the world famous Galle Fort. The beach is just a few minute walk away from the hotel, and is known for its good waves for surfing.
Brizo has 12 spacious rooms, that include amenities such as television and tea/coffee makers, and has hot water showers and is air conditioned. It is highly recommended that you book your holiday here during the off season, where the rooms start at about LKR 10, 000 as during the peak season it could go up to about LKR 13, 500 during the peak season.
The Valampuri, Jaffna
Jaffna is becoming an increasingly popular destination for both tourists and locals alike. The once war-torn area is now attracting tourists for its rich culture and heritage. Staying in Jaffna though, could get tricky – but the Valampuri ticks all the boxes a budget-conscious traveler would look for. What’s best about the hotel is that it’s situated just a short five-minute walk away from the train station, and provides easy access to the city centre, making it a convenient accommodation option.
Travellers can choose across two categories of rooms as Deluxe and Standard rooms. Their Standard Room starts at LKR 8400 for a double room with breakfast. What sets them apart is that they have a swimming pool that is not offered at most other accommodation options in the area.
Paradise Beach Hotel, Negombo
A 62-room property, this hotel sits along the sunny beach of Negombo and is close to all tourist attractions the seaside town has to offer. Their not so sky-high prices make it an ideal beach resort for travellers of all ages and kinds. Whether you want to soak up the sun all day, explore local culture, feel pampered at their spa, taste world famous local seafood fare or even sip on a cocktail watching the beautiful sunset, the hotel will have you covered.
While all rooms offer stunning views of the ocean, guests can choose from a range of rooms to suit their needs. They are all well-equipped and furnished, and staying at a Double Room on B&B basis here, could cost from LKR 9500 and upwards.
Ofcourse, quite a few places are on discount this season, especially for locals, so if we’ve missed out on any, do let us know in the comments below. Until then, Happy Holidays Everyone!
