The 10 best hostels in Matara, Sri Lanka | Booking.com
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Hostels in Matara

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The best hostels in Matara

Some of the best backpacker spots in Matara

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Reef Edge

Matara

Reef Edge has free bikes, garden, a private beach area and restaurant in Matara. Featuring a bar, the property is located within 200 metres of Polhena Beach.

C
Christina
From
Suriname
Tucked just 50 meters from the tranquil shores of Polhena Beach, Reef Edge Hotel offers a charming blend of simplicity, comfort, and authentic coastal hospitality. This two-story villa is not a designer retreat—but that’s precisely its charm.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.7
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 13 reviews
Price from
US$35
1 night, 2 adults

Spindrift Hostel Madiha

Matara

Set in Matara, 300 metres from Madiha Beach, Spindrift Hostel Madiha offers accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking.

N
NiallOwe
From
Australia
Beautiful boutique hostel with a swimming pool, rooftop bar and even a co work space. Really loved the food, especially the breakfast. Easy 1 minute walk to the beach and a few minutes to Madiha surf break. I will be back.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 142 reviews
Price from
US$57.50
1 night, 2 adults

Chill Hostel Madiha

Matara

Located in Matara, 100 metres from Madiha Beach, Chill Hostel Madiha provides accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a restaurant.

K
Kyle de Bruyn
From
South Africa
Heaps of space to lounge around during the day, barbecue area that we were able to use and great location where it’s the perfect distance from everything you want to get to.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.6
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 10 reviews
Price from
US$8
1 night, 2 adults

JJ's Hostel Mirissa

Mirissa (Near Matara)

Showcasing an expansive rooftop terrace with day-beds and barbeque, JJ's Hostel Mirissa is a boutique hostel and guesthouse located in Mirissa North, only a few minutes walk from Mirissa Beach.

K
Kimberley
From
Hungary
We had the most incredible stay at JJ’s Hostel, spending eight nights in a private room, and we truly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The rooms were spacious, comfortable, and cleaned regularly, ensuring a relaxing and pleasant stay. The bathrooms were modern and spotless, and the entire property had a warm, welcoming feel. One of the highlights was the fantastic swimming pool—calm, clean, and the perfect place to unwind. The location is ideal, tucked away on a quiet street but just a short walk from the main road, beach, bars, and restaurants. It strikes the perfect balance between convenience and tranquility. However, what truly makes JJ’s special is the staff. Lawrence and Iranga at reception went above and beyond to assist us, from booking trips to making sure we had everything we needed. Their kindness and genuine hospitality made a huge difference. The kitchen and cleaning staff were equally wonderful, always friendly and attentive. A special mention goes to Sophie, whose yoga classes were a highlight of our mornings, and Heaven, who made the social trips and activities so enjoyable. The atmosphere at JJ’s is unique—it felt like being part of one big family. This is not a party hostel, but rather a place where guests respect and welcome each other, creating a relaxed and friendly environment. If you’re looking for a place that offers comfort, cleanliness, a great location, and the most amazing staff, JJ’s is the place to be. We can’t recommend it enough!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.1
Superb - What previous guests thought, 620 reviews
Price from
US$37.50
1 night, 2 adults

drivethru Hostel Polhena

Polhena (Near Matara)

Located in Polhena, 600 metres from Polhena Beach, drivethru Hostel Polhena provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a terrace.

R
Raaqib
From
Sri Lanka
The place was nice and so was the operating manager Rusiru, he was a great guy and supportive. Rooms were also clean and tidy. There were additional games like table tennis.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 21 reviews
Price from
US$52.89
1 night, 2 adults

Banana Bunks Mirissa

Mirissa (Near Matara)

Located in Mirissa, 200 metres from Mirissa Beach, Banana Bunks Mirissa provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

K
Katre
From
Estonia
The hotel was amazing. The jungle vibes were awesome and it felt really private. We enjoyed the outdoor bath a lot. The Petti Petti restaurant had a lovely pool just couple of steps away with beach access. Also some good restaurants were near the hotel. Lovely stay.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 213 reviews
Price from
US$262.35
1 night, 2 adults

Hangover Hostels Mirissa

Mirissa (Near Matara)

Hangover Hostels Mirissa offers clean and comfortable accommodation in Mirissa North. The hostel is a 2-minute walk from the picturesque Mirissa Beach.

A
Ana Maria
From
Romania
One of the best hostels I've been to. The staff is just amazing, really nice and helpful. Location is perfect, just across the road from the beach. Good place for socializing, they sometimes organise activities and meals ( which were also amazing, the curry buffet was incredible). The rooms were clean, mattress was very comfortable.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.3
Very good - What previous guests thought, 280 reviews
Price from
US$45
1 night, 2 adults

Sun & Moon Hostel

Mirissa (Near Matara)

Set within 700 metres of Mirissa Beach and 34 km of Galle International Cricket Stadium, Sun & Moon Hostel offers rooms in Mirissa.

G
Georgia
From
Australia
Sun and Moon was beautiful with the nicest staff and the best facilities we had in Sri Lanka, we were only supposed to stay for one night but ended up extending for a week we loved it so much and couldn't recommend it more!!
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 89 reviews
Price from
US$37.98
1 night, 2 adults

Bappa's Place

Hiriketiya (Near Matara)

Located in Hiriketiya and within 2 km of Hiriketiya Beach, Bappa's Place features a garden, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property.

I
Irene
From
Australia
The staff is lovely and rooms very clean !The biggest bunk beds i have ever seen are that they come in a queen size ! 2 min walking to the beach . Great place and location. They even have a kitchen to cook on ! Came for 1 day and stayed 1 week! Thanks, guys, for the great job !
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.4
Superb - What previous guests thought, 132 reviews
Price from
US$50
1 night, 2 adults

Happy Hammocks, Weligama Beach - Sri Lanka

Weligama (Near Matara)

Boasting a garden and a shared lounge, Happy Hammocks, Weligama Beach - Sri Lanka is situated in Weligama, 400 metres from Weligama Beach and 28 km from Galle International Cricket Stadium.

C
Cristina
From
Spain
The staff! The guys are doing it great. They try to include everyone in the group. It's a social and chill hostel that go partying eveywhere else so it's perfect. If you feel like party you join if you don't feel like partying you stay in the nicest common areas talking and having a tea with others. They have daily activities to make it like a family
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.0
Superb - What previous guests thought, 107 reviews
Price from
US$24
1 night, 2 adults
All hostels in Matara

Looking for a hostel?

Budget travellers know that there is no better way to make the most of their trip than by staying at a hostel: save money for exploring during the day, and swap stories with fellow backpackers in the shared kitchen or bar in the evening. Dorm-style bedrooms with shared bathrooms are standard hostel fare, but private rooms are also available for those willing to pay a bit more.

Most booked hostels in Matara and surroundings in the past month

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No credit card needed to book these hostels in Matara and nearby

  • Sun & Moon Hostel

    Mirissa
    No credit card needed
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 89 reviews

    Set within 700 metres of Mirissa Beach and 34 km of Galle International Cricket Stadium, Sun & Moon Hostel offers rooms in Mirissa.

    From US$31.09 per night

Hostels that guests love in Matara

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  • Avg. price/night: US$40.25
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 142 reviews
    loved my stay here. I didn’t want to leave. very comfy beds. modern and clean hostel. amazing pool area. great vibe and good people. best hostel I’ve stayed in in Sri Lanka.
    Guest review by
    Megan
    Solo traveller
  • Avg. price/night: US$40.25
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.9
    Fabulous - What previous guests thought, 142 reviews
    As a backpacker and a digital nomad I had the best experience that I could ever dream of. Josh, Charlotte and the wonderful stuff hosted us and took care of all the we needed. the vibe in the hostel is very good and there are many backpackers and nice people. I highly reccomand the place. the facilities are also really really good and the place is brand new.
    Guest review by
    Or
    Group