We spent one full month traveling around Sri Lanka as a family of four (2 adults, 2 kids), staying in a mix of Airbnbs, guesthouses, villas, boutique hotels, resorts and all-inclusive properties across the country and this is our real one-month breakdown of accommodation costs on a family trip (Converted to CAD). I was born in Colombo and took the kids to visit my birth country when they were toddlers but this Sri Lanka trip with older kids was definitely more immersive and we needed more space as they’re in the tween and teen phases.
Accommodation costs in Sri Lanka vary widely, but families can expect to pay anywhere from 55 to 200 CAD per night for Airbnbs, villas and guesthouses, with hotels and resorts ranging from 250 to 400+ CAD per night. Costs depend on location, season and whether you’re looking for full board, half board or breakfast only. If you’re looking for ideas on where to stay in Sri Lanka with kids, I hope our experience helps you!
What We Spent on Accommodations in Sri Lanka During August
Disclosure : We were hosted for our stays at NH Hotels (Bentota Ceysands and NH Colombo). The prices shown reflect what these stays would normally cost so families can budget accurately. We also travelled with and met up with extended family at various points, which is why we often booked larger villas and multi-bedroom accommodations. As some of you may be part of the diaspora looking for accommodations to fit larger group, I will mention that these worked especially well for family and group travel and helped keep per-person costs reasonable.
Colombo Accommodation Costs
Colombo – 3-Bedroom Airbnb
5 nights | 390 CAD total
This was an excellent landing spot after arriving in Sri Lanka.
Full apartment with kitchen within walking distance to some of my favourite shopping spots
Separate bedrooms for kids
Much cheaper than booking multiple hotel rooms
Approx. 78 CAD per night for a family of four
Colombo – NH Collection (Hosted)
3 nights | 1,100 CAD | 2 hotel rooms
We ended the trip with a hotel stay for comfort and convenience.
Central location
Pool and breakfast
Two inter-connecting rooms made it manageable with kids
We always try to stay in a nice hotel after a long trip and this Colombo hotel was a lovely bookend to a month long trip in Sri Lanka with kids.
Approx. 365 CAD per night for a family of four
Click here to read about things to do in Colombo with tweens.
Kandy Accommodation Cost
Kandy – 4-Bedroom Bungalow
2 nights | 405 CAD total
Kandy is a great cultural stop and space mattered here.
Ideal for families visiting Sri Lanka or multi-family travel
Comfortable base for sightseeing and within walking distance to the Temple of the Tooth Relic
Approx. 202 CAD per night for a full house with a caretaker who made breakfast daily for the 7 of us.
East Coast Sri Lanka: Passikudah Accommodation Costs
Passikudah – Passi Nature Villas
1 night | 55 CAD
Our cheapest night in Sri Lanka.
Basic but clean and the staff were kind but I wouldn’t really recommend this spot unless you’re desperate or on a tight budget
Perfect for short stays or budget travelers. We were desperate and this was all we could find. This day reminded me of our hard travel days in Sri Lanka!
Passikudah- Amanda Beach Hotel
1 night | CAD $100
A boutique-style beachfront hotel.
Ocean views were nice and the rooms had many configurations. It was just me and the kids here so we got 3 single beds to keep the fighting at bay
Walkable beach access
Loved the pool and the breakfast that came with the stay (they allowed the adults to have a traditional curry breakfast and eggs and roti for the kids)
Trinco Accommodation Costs
Trincomalee – Eagles Bayview Resort
2 nights | 140 CAD total
We got to stay at the Air Force base and it was fun
Comfortable rooms with water views
Solid mid-range option for families and the restaurant at the accommodations was really good
Approx. 70 CAD per night for 2 kids and 1 adult
Wildlife Stay Near Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu – Jasper Leopard Lodge
1 night | 125 CAD
Close to Wilpattu National Park (so we could sleep in a smidge despite the early morning pick up for the safari)
Fancy wildlife lodge experience with fabulous air conditioning and hot water
Pool and lounge areas were lovely as were the caretakers
- They have 4 suites which they like to rent out together but we were able to book 2 suites and were the only ones there! I stayed in one bunk bed room with the kids and my brother booked the other room. The cost noted is just for our one room.
Chilaw Accommodation
Chilaw – Anantaya Resort and Spa
1 night | 100 CAD
Coastal resort with multiple pool options
Pool and beach access (beach was too rough during August because it is the off season on this side of the coast).
They have a decent buffet option for all the meals
Negombo Accommodation Cost
Negombo – 4-Bedroom Clinton Villa
3 nights | 510 CAD total
Great spot to link up as a large group travelling around Sri Lanka
Large villa with pool
Close to the airport
Great for regrouping or slow days
Approx. 170 CAD per night
Central Sri Lanka Sigiriya Hotel
Sigiriya – Tepraas Hotel 2-Bedroom Suite
1 night | 400 CAD
This wasn’t a splurge stay but it was pricey because of its proximity to the Sigiriya attraction and it included breakfast for 4 adults and the 2 kids.
Spacious suite
Resort has a pool, trampoline, swings, racket sports and small on-site restaurant
Comfortable and we were the only guests on the resort
South Coast & Southern Sri Lanka Villas
Ahangama – Good Story 3-Bedroom Villa
4 nights | 610 CAD total
One of our favourite accommodations of the trip.
Excellent value per night and the only accommodation in Sri Lanka that had all the North American creature comforts. This is also the only foreign owned property we stayed at.
Calm, comfortable and family-friendly (you can book surf lessons, the padel courts, yoga lessons etc)
- Their staff would come in to fully clean the place, provide fresh linen, clean the pool e.t.c
Perfect for longer stays (especially in August because they have off-season discounts)
Approx. 152 CAD per night
Beliatta – 360 Southern View 4-Bedroom Villa
2 nights | 535 CAD total
Large villa
Quiet southern location but you cannot walk to anywhere
Great for extended family travel because they had a pool, karaoke machine, carom board, darts, mini golf etc.(some games didn’t have all the necessary pieces so double check before you book if a particular game is important when your family is looking for accommodations Sri Lanka).
Approx. 263 CAD per night
Bentota All-Inclusive Resort Cost
Bentota – NH Ceysands (Hosted)
2 nights | 620 CAD total | All-inclusive for 4
This included all meals and beverages for all four of us, which made budgeting incredibly easy. If you’re looking for a truly all inclusive Sri Lanka resort, this is it!
Pools and beach access
Food and drink (alcohol too) included if you’d like
Excellent value when travelling with kids (they have a kids club, one of the longest pools in Southern Sri Lanka, free activity classes and paid water activities)
Approx. 310 CAD per night – all inclusive for four
What Does Accommodation in Sri Lanka Cost for Families?
Based on our month-long trip:
Budget stays: 55–100 CAD per night
Comfortable family Airbnbs/villas: 150–200 CAD per night
Hotels & resorts: 250–400+ CAD per night
All-inclusive resorts: Often worth it when meals are included
Why Sri Lanka Works So Well for Family Travel
Large villas are widely available
Villas, guest houses and locally owned Airbnbs offer exceptional value
Multi-bedroom stays reduce per-person cost
Easy to mix budget stays with splurges
Sri Lanka Accommodation Tips to Keep in Mind
Calling the accommodations directly might get you a cheaper rate
There are local and foreigner rates at hotels and various accommodations (if you have a local NIC ID card you can get the local rate)
Agoda booking site seems to have cheaper rates for hotels than Booking.com and Expedia
Meals can be cheap through the full and half board options. Nearly all guest houses and hotels offer breakfast with the room but if you’re driving in late or hanging around for lunch, the full board (all 3 meals) or half board (any 2 meals) options will definitely be more economical, and the meals at most of the spots are delicious and offer authentic local cuisine
- If you have a lot of luggage and a stroller be sure to request a ground floor room because a majority of the spots we stayed at did not have an elevator. They do have staff who will gladly lug your things around for you but it’s still an inconvenience. That said, if you plan to only stay at 4+star hotels you’re in luck because they will bow to your every wish
Final Thoughts: Is Sri Lanka Affordable Accommodation Wise?
Yes — especially for families and longer stays.
Sri Lanka offers one of the best accommodation value ranges we’ve seen for family travel. Whether you’re traveling on a budget or looking for comfort, it’s easy to adjust your budget without sacrificing space or experience.
If you’re planning a family trip to Sri Lanka, accommodation costs don’t need to be a barrier. This is especially true if you embrace villas, Airbnbs and a slower pace of travel.
