Morning sunlight over the misty Kandy Lake. In Kandy, morning begins with the sound of prayer drums resonating from the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Waking up at a hilltop hotel overlooking the foggy lake is a special experience that will have you thinking, “I wish I could stay at a place like this on my next trip.”
Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most important sacred cities and a fascinating place where you can enjoy both sightseeing and relaxation.
However, the hotel you choose can greatly influence how satisfying your trip will be. If you stay at a hotel far from the city center, you’ll end up spending a lot of time on transportation, so it’s key to prioritize location and cleanliness when selecting your accommodations.
Also, consider whether your trip will be sightseeing-focused or relaxation-focused – choosing in line with your travel style will help ensure an ideal stay.
In this article, we’ve carefully selected 6 recommended hotels in Kandy – from high-end resorts to budget-friendly lodgings – all of which are popular among travelers (including many from Japan).
DilshanDid you know?
Kandy is located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands and is a sacred Buddhist city – the entire city is registered as the UNESCO World Heritage “Sacred City of Kandy.”
It enjoys a comfortable climate year-round, and the outskirts offer many attractions like famous tea plantations and the expansive Royal Botanic Gardens.
LilyIf you’ll also be staying in Colombo (the usual start or end point for Sri Lanka trips), be sure to check out hotel options in Colombo as well.
Also read: 7 Hotels in Colombo with Great Airport Access – Imagine watching the sun sink into the Indian Ocean from a rooftop pool, or enjoying elegant afternoon tea at a colonial-era hotel… Our Colombo hotel guide introduces seven top picks that make such dream stays a reality!
Below is a quick reference table summarizing the features and price ranges of the Kandy hotels introduced in this article:
| Hotel Name | Peak Season (approx) | Off-peak (approx) | Features & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santani Wellness Resort & Spa | $750/night | $300/night | Ayurvedic doctor on site; daily yoga & meditation sessions; saltwater infinity pool; completely off-grid, tranquil location |
| The Golden Crown Hotel | $200/night | $150/night | Rooftop infinity pool; full-service spa; free valet parking; breakfast buffet & 3 restaurants |
| The Radh Hotel | $160/night | $120/night | 3-minute walk to Temple of the Tooth; rooftop pool & bar; family-friendly (connecting rooms available); on-site bakery with great reviews |
| Radisson Hotel Kandy | $120/night | $80/night | Rooftop infinity pool & sky bar; 2 on-site restaurants; 500 m from Temple of the Tooth; meeting facilities for business |
| Earl’s Regent Hotel Kandy | $120/night | $70/night | Hill-view outdoor pool; spacious rooms (~40 m²); great value (high review ratings); 10 min drive to city center |
| Sevana City Hotel Kandy | — (On inquiry) | $70/night | 5 min walk from Kandy Station; clean facilities & rooms; rooftop terrace for breakfast; coin laundry available |
3 Recommended Luxury Hotels in Kandy
Kandy and its surrounding area are dotted with luxury hotels that boast superb scenery and service.
From quiet resorts in the suburbs to boutique hotels in the city center, here are three high-end accommodations perfect for both sightseeing and relaxation.
Santani Wellness Resort & Spa
Santani Wellness Resort & Spa is a hidden 5-star wellness retreat situated in the mountains about 32 km (around a 1-hour drive) from central Kandy.
It offers only 20 rooms, creating a quiet and calming atmosphere where you can experience a variety of wellness programs such as yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda.
Surrounded by lush tea plantations on all sides, it’s an ideal location to rejuvenate your mind and body away from the hustle and bustle. The room rates are on the high side (on the order of a few hundred dollars per night), but the luxurious stay experience is said to be well worth the price.
The Golden Crown Hotel
Perched atop a hill overlooking Kandy city, The Golden Crown Hotel is a newly established luxury hotel. The stylishly designed, comfortable guest rooms are fully equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and other amenities, and the hotel’s facilities are extensive – including a rooftop infinity pool and a full-service spa.
Thanks to its hilltop location, the hotel offers wonderful panoramic views of the city. It’s also conveniently about a 10-minute drive from major landmarks like the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake.
With airport shuttle service and a tour desk available, this 5-star hotel is a convenient choice for a wide range of travelers, from tourists to business visitors.
The Radh Hotel
The Radh Hotel is a boutique property in central Kandy, boasting an unbeatable location only about an 8-minute walk from the Temple of the Tooth.
The interior is a clean, modern space, and the rooms come stocked with amenities from the Sri Lankan luxury cosmetics brand Spa Ceylon, with even complimentary chocolates provided for guests.
One highlight is the Japanese café on the ground floor, Cafe Nihonbashi, which is supervised by the owner-chef of the famous Ministry of Crab restaurant – a detail that has earned it high praise from guests.
Despite its prestigious atmosphere, the rates are relatively reasonable (around $80 per night during normal seasons), and outside of special periods like the Perahera festival, it’s generally easy to book, making The Radh something of a hidden gem.
2 Recommended Mid-Range Hotels in Kandy
Next, let’s look at two mid-range hotels that offer excellent service and facilities at a moderate price point. Both of these options are praised for their cleanliness and convenience, promising a comfortable stay in Kandy.
Radisson Hotel Kandy
Originally opened in 2015 as the OZO Hotel, the Radisson Hotel Kandy is the city’s premier large 4-star hotel. It transitioned from the OZO brand (which has properties in Hong Kong and Thailand) to the Radisson chain, and has a solid reputation for its reliable facilities, interior design, and service.
The hotel offers 122 modern, comfortable guest rooms, and from the rooftop bar you can enjoy an expansive view of Kandy Lake and the city skyline. An outdoor pool, fitness gym, and spa are also on-site, meaning it can cater to business travelers as well as tourists.
Situated halfway up a hillside a bit outside the city center, the surroundings are quiet. The Temple of the Tooth is about a 20-minute walk (5 minutes by car) away.
In Kandy – where nights are generally quiet with few tourists out and about – the Radisson’s rooftop bar (a rare feature in the city) is a popular spot, making it a great place to relax during your sightseeing itinerary.
Earl’s Regent Hotel Kandy
Located in the Peradeniya area on the outskirts of Kandy, Earl’s Regent Hotel is a resort hotel conveniently close to the famous Royal Botanic Gardens, making it a useful base for sightseeing.
The spacious guest rooms (about 40 m² and up) have elegant decor and a calming ambiance. The hotel also features a restaurant and bar, as well as a spa and an outdoor pool. Being a bit removed from the city center means it offers a quiet environment where you can enjoy nature during your stay.
According to guest reviews, “the cleanliness, staff response, breakfast – everything is above what you’d expect for the price,” and some recent guests mentioned they stayed for around $55 per night.
This hotel is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy service a notch above the usual, without breaking the bank – a top mid-range option in Kandy.
1 Recommended Budget Hotel in Kandy
Finally, here is one budget hotel in Kandy selected for its cleanliness, safety, and excellent location. It’s perfect for backpackers or independent travelers who want a comfortable stay while keeping costs down.
Sevana City Hotel Kandy
Sevana City Hotel Kandy is a 3-star hotel with a fantastic location, about a 5-minute walk from Kandy Railway Station. This makes it very convenient for early-morning train or bus travel.
The hotel has only around 30 rooms, but the facilities are new, and on the top floor it offers a small outdoor pool and a restaurant with a view over the city. It’s not a flashy place by any means, but it’s a straightforward hotel that has all the necessities well covered.
In fact, Japanese travelers who have stayed here give it rave reviews — one commented, “It was clean, comfortable, and the location was great.
And on top of that, the price was very reasonable.” The staff’s attitude is friendly and welcoming, so even first-time visitors to Kandy can feel at ease. It’s an outstanding cost-performance choice and something of a hidden gem for a budget stay.
LilyFor Kandy hotels, is it better to stay at a luxury hotel in the city center or a resort in the outskirts?
DilshanChoose based on your goals. If sightseeing is your priority, a downtown hotel (convenient for walking around the city) is ideal. On the other hand, if you’re looking to relax, a quiet resort surrounded by nature on the outskirts is recommended. Each option has the kind of features described above, so consider what’s most important to you when deciding.
Conclusion – Make Your Kandy Trip an Unforgettable Memory
To wrap up, here’s a summary of the hotels introduced above:
| Hotel Name | Peak Season (approx) | Off-peak (approx) | Features & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santani Wellness Resort & Spa | $750/night | $300/night | Ayurvedic doctor on site; daily yoga & meditation sessions; saltwater infinity pool; completely off-grid, tranquil location |
| The Golden Crown Hotel | $200/night | $150/night | Rooftop infinity pool; full-service spa; free valet parking; breakfast buffet & 3 restaurants |
| The Radh Hotel | $160/night | $120/night | 3-minute walk to Temple of the Tooth; rooftop pool & bar; family-friendly (connecting rooms available); on-site bakery with great reviews |
| Radisson Hotel Kandy | $120/night | $80/night | Rooftop infinity pool & sky bar; 2 on-site restaurants; 500 m from Temple of the Tooth; meeting facilities for business |
| Earl’s Regent Hotel Kandy | $120/night | $70/night | Hill-view outdoor pool; spacious rooms (~40 m²); great value (high review ratings); 10 min drive to city center |
| Sevana City Hotel Kandy | — (On inquiry) | $70/night | 5 min walk from Kandy Station; clean facilities & rooms; rooftop terrace for breakfast; coin laundry available |
- Hotel selection is a key factor in trip satisfaction. In Kandy, in particular, choosing based on location and cleanliness will not lead you astray. If you stay near the city center, it’s convenient for sightseeing, while a resort in the outskirts lets you relax in a quiet, natural setting.
- There is a wide range of options from luxury to budget. As this article showed, Kandy has everything from five-star luxury resorts to affordable lodgings where you can stay for just a few thousand yen per night. Pick the best hotel for your budget and travel purpose.
- Checking traveler reviews (especially from Japanese guests) can give peace of mind. It’s helpful to refer to actual guest feedback on cleanliness, staff service, etc. For example, Sevana City Hotel is reputed to offer “facilities and service beyond its price,” which can reassure you of a good choice.
- An itinerary that blends sightseeing and relaxation is recommended. Explore the World Heritage city by day, and at your hotel, unwind with a spa treatment or enjoy the scenic views — this kind of luxurious experience is exactly what Kandy can offer. Find the hotel that suits you best and enjoy a truly memorable stay!
- Staying in Colombo as well? If you plan to stay in Colombo before or after your Kandy visit, be sure to research Colombo hotels in advance. If you can stay comfortable during those transit stops, it will elevate your overall Sri Lanka travel experience that much more.
Thank you very much for reading to the end. May you find a wonderful hotel in Kandy, where history and nature are in harmony! I hope this article helps in planning a fun and unforgettable trip.
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