11 Best Places to Stay in Mirissa, Sri Lanka From Budget Hostels to Luxury Villas 2025
- Kate Colliety
- 5 days ago
- 9 min read
Navigating where to stay can sometimes be complex, luckily in Mirissa everything is centered around the main road and beach, so as long as you’re within walking distance to Matara Road you’re near the bustling hub or if you want a slice of luxury, you could be waking up to local fisherman preparing their boats as the sun rises.
Mirissa is found on Sri Lanka's southern coast and has evolved from a quiet fishing town to one of the island's most popular destinations. Whether you're seeking luxury Mirissa accommodation, budget-friendly guesthouses, or the best hotels Mirissa has to offer, you can spot blue whales, hit the surf or simply relax in one of the spas with a coconut in hand.
We’re here to help you choose where to stay in Mirissa, from budget hostels for backpackers to luxury beachfront villas that we dream of. You'll find everything from 5-star Mirissa hotels with oceanfront infinity pools to cozy villas in Mirissa tucked away in tropical gardens where the alarm clock is chattering monkeys, plus popular spots like JJ's Hostel and the stylish Lantern Boutique Hotel.
Having explored every corner of this town (twice! We came back as we loved it), we’ve put together a complete guide to help you find your Mirissa Hotel plus when you've found your hotel we have a Mirissa Itinerary waiting for you here.
Ready to find your slice of Sri Lankan Paradise? Let’s dive in.
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Short On Time? Our Top Hotels In Mirissa
Best For Families: Mandara Resort Mirissa
Best For Solo Travellers: JJ’s Hostel Mirissa
Best For Couples: Lantern Boutique Hotel Mirissa
Best For Backpackers: JJ’s Hostel Mirissa
Types of Accommodation & Best Area In Mirissa To Stay
Mirissa is a small coastal town centered around one main road that runs parallel to the beach. When choosing where to stay in Mirissa, aim for accommodation within walking distance of the beach which is where most restaurants, bars, surf schools, and activities are located.
If you’re travelling on a budget you can find cheaper accommodation in the backstreets, we stayed at Ancient Tree which was a 5-minute walk to the main Mirissa beach and Parrot Rock through the maze of winding, narrow tracks. This was a perfect way for us to save money on accommodation.
If you’re not on a strict budget, we highly recommend booking a beachfront stay. Mirissa has an incredible mix of boutique hotels, surf camps, and luxury villas, many of which offer stunning ocean views and direct beach access.
Below, we share our top picks for where to stay in Mirissa, from budget-friendly hostels to dreamy luxury resorts.
Best Budget Accommodation in Mirissa $
Price: $10-$15
Rating: 4.5
Best For: Budget Travellers
A recommendation from the horse’s mouth as this is where we stayed. We always look for budget-friendly accommodation to allow us to travel for longer. We chose Ancient Tree Hostel as it’s only a 5 minute walk from the beach and 10 minutes from Coconut Tree Hill, they had a shared kitchen we could use as well as large spacious rooms.
We were also surrounded by jungle trees and woken to the sound of chattering monkeys, a daily reminder of the incredible wildlife that makes Sri Lanka so special.
Price: $12-$18
Rating: 4.6
Best For: Solo Travellers
If you’re a solo traveller looking for a dorm room in Mirissa the best hostel is JJ’s. Again the hostel is only a 5-minute walk down to the main road and beach, meaning you’re not too far from restaurants and cafes.
The dorms include an 8-bed mixed room and 6-bed female-only room. You get a privacy curtain, reading lamp and personal locker.
What we love about this top-rated Mirissa hostel is that there is also a salt water swimming pool, rooftop terrace, guest kitchen and regular yoga sessions!
Price: $10-$20
Rating: 4.4
Best For: Party Seekers
Perhaps you’re looking to party in Mirissa? If so our top pick would be Hangover Hostel Mirissa… I mean it’s in the name!
Hangover Hostel is opposite the beach meaning it’s in a prime location near the sand and nightlife. There are 5-bed mixed dorms and 4-bed female-only options, all with secure lockers. There is also a roof deck with sea views and a shared games room for socialising.
Mid-Range Hotels & Villas In Mirissa
Price: $60-$80
Rating: 4.3
Best For: Couples
With direct access to Mirissa Beach, Hotel Silan Mo has a prime location. It also boasts a rooftop swimming pool with beach views, a private beach area and 24-hour room service.
The breakfast is a mix of continental items and Sri Lankan staples like hoppers and dhal.
Price: $80-$120
Rating: 4.4
Best For: Families
If you're travelling as a family and want that classic beachside holiday feel, Paradise Beach Resort might be just what you’re after. This hotel is located right on the beach, so you can roll out of bed and be on the sand in minutes.
There’s a massive outdoor pool, a kids' area, and even a spa for when you need a break. The rooms are clean and modern. Breakfast is included and there’s a restaurant on-site, but you’re also close enough to walk to all the local cafes and beach bars.
It's a little more expensive than a budget stay, but the beach location and resort vibe definitely make it worth it if you’re travelling with kids or want a few more comforts during your trip, plus some rooms have a whirlpool-tub!
Price: $40-$60
Rating: 4.2
Best For: Everyone
Emerald Bay Resort is right on the beach, so you can wake up to the sound of the waves every day. The rooms are simple but comfy, perfect if you want beachfront views without breaking the bank. There’s a restaurant and bar on site, and you’re just steps away from all the beach vibes, restaurants, and bars. A great spot if you want to be close to everything without splurging.
Price: $70-$100
Rating: 4.6
Best For: Couples
Lantern Boutique Hotel is a charming spot that blends cozy vibes with modern touches. It’s just a short walk from the beach and offers clean, comfortable rooms with stylish decor. There’s a pool to cool off in, and a friendly staff that really makes you feel at home. Perfect if you want a quieter, boutique feel without going overboard on price.
Luxury & Boutique Hotels In Mirissa
Price: $120-$160
Rating: 4.5
Best For: Couples
Mandara Resort is the place to go if you’re after a little luxury in Mirissa and it is among one of the best hotels Mirissa has to offer. Located right on the beach, it offers spacious rooms, with a choice for a private plunge pool or jacuzzi.
The resort has a beautiful pool, a spa for some serious relaxation, and a restaurant serving both local and international cuisine. It’s a bit of a splurge compared to budget spots, but if you’re looking for a more upscale experience with a prime beachfront location, Mandara Resort is a solid choice.
Price: $150-$200
Rating: 4.7
Best For: Families & Groups
If you want a bit more space and privacy, Sri Sharavi Beach Villas & Spa is a fantastic pick. The villas come with their own kitchens and private pools, so it’s great for families or groups who want to chill out in style. Plus, the spa treatments here are the perfect way to unwind after a day on the beach. It’s a step up from your average hotel but still very relaxed and beachy.
Price: $180-$220
Rating: 4.8
Best For: Couples & Honeymooners
Newly opened, The Nine Mirissa provides stunning rooms with sea views. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, garden and shared lounge. The modern building is nestled within the trees immersing guests in nature. This would be our pick of luxury accommodation in Mirissa!
Alternative Places To Stay Nearby In Weligama
If you’re looking for a surf camp we recommend you hop to the next town of Weligama and check out The Surfer. We stayed 5-nights here and learnt so much about our technique and how to actually surf. The atmosphere is great as well with a community feel, outdoor pool and evening activities.
Places To Stay In Mirissa FAQs
What's the best area to stay in Mirissa?
Stay within walking distance of Matara Road and Mirissa Beach. This puts you close to restaurants, whale watching tours, and surf schools.
How much does accommodation cost in Mirissa?
Budget hostels: $10-25/night
Mid-range hotels: $40-120/night
Luxury resorts: $120-220/night
What's the best budget accommodation in Mirissa?
JJ's Hostel Mirissa offers the best value with dorms, plus a pool and kitchen facilities.
Which Mirissa hotels are directly on the beach?
Hotel Silan Mo, Paradise Beach Resort, and Mandara Resort all offer beachfront access.
Is it better to stay in Mirissa or Weligama?
If you have time we say visit both, however overall we preferred Weligama. Stay in Mirissa for whale watching and nightlife. Choose Weligama for serious surfing and a quieter vibe.
Dhana's Curry Pot - All-you-can-eat Sri Lankan buffet (1500 LKR)
Simple Restaurant & Cafe - Best budget curry & rice (under $2)
NO.1 Dewmini Roti Shop - Legendary homemade sweet & savory rotis
MILĀ MIRISSĀ - Live music & vibrant atmosphere for dinner
Shady Lane - Top breakfast spot with vegan & veggie options
HEY MAMA - Digital nomad-friendly cafe with reliable WiFi
Best Mirissa Tours
Best Time To Book Accommodation In Mirissa
The best time to visit Mirissa is during the dry season which runs from December to April. However, we visited Mirissa in November and found it to be the perfect balance between good weather and lower prices. November is just before the peak season starts, so you can enjoy sunny days without the high-season prices.
How To Get To Mirissa
Mirissa by Train
One of the most scenic and budget friendly ways to get to Mirissa is by train. From Colombo Fort, take the coastal railway line to Mirissa (via Polwatthumodara). The journey takes around 3 hours.
Mirissa by Bus
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Sri Lanka. From Colombo, take a Matara-bound bus, then at Matara Bus Station transfer to a local bus to Mirissa; they often go towards Tangalle or Hambantota.
If you’re coming from Ella the #31 runs from Ella to Matara and takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. From Matara, you can hop on a local bus or take a tuk-tuk for the final 15-minute journey to Mirissa. The bus costs around 650 LKR.
Travel Sri Lanka By Tuktuk
Tuk tuk rentals are popular and you’ll see loads of other tourists in their hired three-wheeled rides around Mirissa. We hired ours from Tuk tuk Rental and had the best roadtrip of our lives, an experience we’d recommend to anyone! Use our code KandM for 5% off!
Mirissa By Private Car
The fastest and most convenient way to get to Mirissa is by private car. The journey takes around 2 hours, with prices typically ranging between 22,000–27,000 LKR (~ $64–$89).
If you're short on time or prefer a more comfortable journey, consider booking a private taxi from Ella to Mirissa. We liked the look of this one as it stops off in Yala National Park.
Mirissa Travel Tips
Rent a tuk tuk: This made our trip! Having our own tuk tuk gave us complete freedom to explore hidden beaches, visit nearby towns like Weligama and Matara, and stop wherever we liked. It also led to some of our most authentic interactions with locals.
Choose an Ethical Whale Watching Tour: Mirissa is famous for whale watching, but not all tours are responsible. We recommend Raja & the Whales who follow ethical practices, respect marine life, and are known for being eco-conscious.
Try local eateries, we loved Simple Restaurant in Mirissa. Find out the top places to eat in Mirissa here!
Avoid ATM Fees: Use the Bank of Ceylon ATMs to avoid withdrawal fees. Most places in Mirissa still only accept cash, so it’s worth withdrawing enough for your stay.
Travel Tools To Help You Plan
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Thank you for reading and enjoy your Sri Lankan adventure. Reach out to us over on Instagram @KateandMikesTravels. We always love to hear from people who read our blogs!
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