Rest House Hambantota

We stayed at The Resthouse for one night as a family of four from Australia (two adults and two children) during our recent four-week trip around Sri Lanka, and it completely exceeded our expectations. Our stay was actually quite special for us. We first came to Hambantota in 2005, when we stayed and volunteered here after the tsunami, and we regularly had dinner at the Resthouse at that time. It was a very different experience back then, with fairly limited choice, so coming back 21 years later and seeing what has been done to the property was genuinely amazing. The property has undergone a major renovation and upgrade in 2026, and the transformation is remarkable. It now feels like a hotel that comfortably meets international standards, while retaining the genuine character and atmosphere of an old Sri Lankan colonial Resthouse. It doesn't feel like a new building dressed up to look colonial — the original character is still very much there. Our triple room was incredibly spacious, with wonderfully high ceilings, quality furniture and very comfortable beds. Everything was spotless. The air conditioning and ceiling fan both worked perfectly, and the fully renovated bathroom was spacious and extremely comfortable. It really felt like a new hotel while still retaining the charm of the original colonial building. The location is another highlight. The Resthouse sits on a hill overlooking the ocean and Hambantota's small fishing harbour, with a lovely breeze and outdoor seating where you can simply sit and take in the view. At the same time, it's only about a five-minute walk into town. We had an excellent Indian dinner in the restaurant, sharing curries with naan. Breakfast the following morning was included and offered both Sri Lankan and Western choices. We opted for the Western breakfast, which included eggs, toast, fresh fruit and a choice of fresh fruit juice — a great start to the day. The staff were consistently friendly, welcoming and accommodating without ever being intrusive. The manager, Dinuja, was clearly putting a lot of personal effort into making sure guests had a great experience, and it was lovely to see someone so invested in getting the property to a high standard. We also enjoyed playing pool, which is available to in-house guests. If you're there over a weekend, don't miss the lively fresh produce market on Saturday and Sunday. It's a great way to see a little of everyday Hambantota. After spending much of our holiday in places that are well established on the tourist trail, we particularly enjoyed the chance to experience a different side of Sri Lanka here. Walking the small streets of the old town and seeing everyday life without tourism on a large scale was a real highlight. Hambantota has a special place in our family's history, so perhaps we are slightly sentimental about returning. But even putting that aside, we would genuinely recommend a stay here to curious travellers who want to see somewhere that isn't normally included in the standard Sri Lankan itinerary. For us, The Resthouse was one of the unexpected highlights of our trip. The combination of the beautifully restored colonial property, spacious and comfortable rooms, excellent food, harbour views, friendly staff and authentic local setting makes it a very easy place to recommend. Highly recommended — particularly if you want to experience a less-touristy side of Sri Lanka while still having the comfort and standards of a properly renovated hotel.

Great work on the refurbishment of the property. Very clean rooms with comfy beds. Restaurant was also very good, especially the Indian food. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Hambantota. Keep up the good work