Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Kandy is the second largest city of the country, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Asia. Kandy was the ancient capital of the Kings’ era and thus bears tremendous historical value. Kandy is also home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, and many more fascinating and unique places. Here are our top 7 hotels to stay in Kandy. For a complete travel guide to Kandy, Sri Lanka, check out our previous blog post here.

Since Kandy is a tourist hot spot, there are numerous resorts, hotels, and hostels within the city and the surrounding area. For your convenience, we have rounded up 7 of the best places to stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

1. Queen’s Hotel, Kandy

• Price Range: $$

Queen’s Hotel, Kandy, is one of the oldest and most prestigious hotels not only in all of Kandy, but also in the country. Queen’s Hotel is located right at the heart of Kandy city, facing the Kandy lake and Dalada Vidiya, and just a walking distance from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy. Since it faces Dalada Vidiya, the main street where Kandy Esala Perahera takes place, Queen’s Hotel offers exclusive packages during Perahera season, that includes private gallery viewings of the Perahera.

Book your stay with Queen’s Hotel, Kandy, on their official website.

Find out more about Kandy Esala Perahera on our guide to Top 8 Things to Do in Kandy!

2. Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy

• Price Range: $$

Located a little way off the Kandy city, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is a mid-range hotel famous for its beautiful location and exceptional service. Beside the hotel, Mahaweli river flows quietly, and the misty hills surrounding the premises only add to its beauty.

If you are ready for some splurging, you can make your visit to Cinnamon Citadel and Kandy city into something extraordinary: Cinnamon Air offers chartered flights directly from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport to Kandy, with accommodation at Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy. Check out their deal here.

Book your stay with Cinnamon Citadel, Kandy, on their official website.

Want to know more about how to get to Kandy? Check out our complete guide to Kandy!

3. Amaya Hills, Kandy

• Price Range: $$$

Set in the hills leading to the famed mountain range of Hanthana, Amaya Hills, Kandy, is another popular luxury hotel in Kandy. Amaya Hills gives a panoramic view of the surrounding hills, mist rolling in and out, creating magic with the sun peeking around the mountain tops. The hotel is located about 6-7km away from the city on the way to the top of Hanthana. It’s a bit of a drive upwards on a narrow, sort of unmaintained road, but the struggle will be worth it when you reach the hotel.

Book your stay with Amaya Hills, Kandy, on their official website.

Fancy taking a tuk-tuk up to Amaya Hills from the Kandy city? Check out our Tuk-Tuk 101 guide to know all about hitching a tuk tuk ride in Sri Lanka.

4. Earl’s Regency, Kandy

• Price Range: $$$

Earl’s Regency, Kandy, is a 5-star luxury hotel located in Tennekumbura, Kandy, about 7km from the Kandy city. This hotel is famed for its architecture that reflects the architectural styles of the Kings’ era. The hotel is surrounded by lush green mountains, and the Mahaweli river flows nearby. Earl’s Regency, Kandy, is a popular choice among honeymooners and is ideal for a quick romantic getaway.

Book your stay with Earl’s Regency, Kandy, on their official website.

5. Theva Residency, Kandy

• Price Range: $$$

Theva Residency, Kandy, is another luxury boutique hotel located on the slopes of the Hanthana mountain range. Unmatched views of the surrounding hills, the valley stretched out as far as the eye can see, and the Kandy lake makes a visit to Theva Residency an incredible experience. Theva Residency has also won a wide range of numerous awards over the years for its excellent service as well as cuisine. All the more reason to plan your stay at Theva Residency on your next trip to Kandy.

Book your stay with Theva Residency, Kandy, on their official website.

6. Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Kandy

• Price Range: $$$$

Santani Wellness Resort & Spa Kandy is a unique luxury resort approximately 1.5 km from Kandy city, that offers wellness programs as a key service. The resort is acclaimed and commended for its minimalist concepts, and Ayurvedic spas and yoga programs that promote healthy living with sustainable wellness. The resort itself is located in a valley surrounded by the Knuckles and Hunnasgiriya mountain ranges, offering incredibly scenic views.

Book your stay at Santani Wellness Resort & Spa, Kandy, on their official website.

7. Kings Pavilion, Kandy

• Price Range: $$$$

Cleverly hidden among the hills of Kandy, Kings Pavilion Kandy is a luxury boutique hotel located only a mere kilometer away from the bustling Kandy city. Kings Pavilion is well known for offering a phenomenal view of the Kandy valley and the surrounding countryside. Also, the architecture of the Kings Pavilion resembles the King’s era, but tastefully modernized. The minimalist setting of the hotel, highlighted with its rustic luxury furnishings, is guaranteed to make your stay at Kings Pavillion “fit for a king”.

Book your stay at Kings Pavilion, Kandy, on their official website.

Keep an eye out for our next post: a guide to the top hostels to stay in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Visiting Kandy Sri Lanka soon? Plan your visit with our complete travel guide to Kandy, Sri Lanka!