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.

M
Mosquiz
From
Sudan
Reef Edge was our base for town-hopping across the southern coast. The owner helped arrange transport and excursions—super helpful
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.

C
Chloe
From
United Kingdom
Amazing hostel! One of the best run hostels I've stayed in. It's incredibly clean, especially bathrooms. Is very comfortable with great facilities (pool, rooftop and chill space). Everything feels new and is in great condition. Awesome vibe because of managers Jesse + Mies who are amazing people - so kind and friendly. They are on it straight away if you need help or anything fixing. Volunteers run the social activities both daytime and night so easy to meet people but can just chill on your own easily. The staff are lovely and make super tasty food and drinks - banging cocktails. The co-working space is air conned and good desk space. Also really appreciated the kettle and fridge in the small kitchen space behind the building as I like to make my own breakfast and tea. I am hoping to return for another stay because it is one of the best places in Sri Lanka!
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.

T
Tharuka
From
Sri Lanka
It was a very quiet and nice place to spend time. There was some couple of games over there
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, 621 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.

H
Huber
From
Germany
Everything was brand new. And super clean. The manager was really nice and pushing social projects in the area. I can really recommend the place. There is a beautiful skatepark around the corner if you are interested in such things.
Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 21 reviews
Price from
US$52.83
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.

B
Ben David
From
Israel
Such a cool place It was just what we needed to celebrate a birthday and enjoy Mirissa Samen was so kind and nice, always helping with a smile The room was amazing! And the price is really affordable Would definitely recommend, hope to come back❤️
Scored out of 10, guest rating 8.4
Very good - What previous guests thought, 214 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.

D
Daniel
From
Germany
Location and staff were really friendly
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.

S
Shakya
From
Sweden
Everything was perfect. We had a verry nice stay. The room was verry clean and fresh, calm place but close to beach and shops. People were verry freindly and helpful. We are highly recommending this hostel. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
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.

A
Anne Mette
From
Denmark
Really nice hostel! One of the best I’ve stayed in. It’s pretty new which you can tell. Nice facilities, good vibe, nice lounge area and rooftop and kitchen.
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
Netherlands
Good location, nice atmosphere, comfortable beds in dorms, private bathroom.
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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Save money on hostels in Matara and nearby – budget options available

  • Penthouse Hostel Mirissa

    Mirissa
    Budget options available
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.5
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 2 reviews

    Located in Mirissa, 300 metres from Mirissa Beach, Penthouse Hostel Mirissa provides accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.

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

  • drivethru Hostel Polhena

    Polhena
    No credit card needed
    Scored out of 10, guest rating 9.8
    Exceptional - What previous guests thought, 21 reviews

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

    From US$71.03 per night
  • 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