Where to Stay in Mirissa: The Hotels I Stayed at and Loved in 2025

Last Updated on April 13, 2025 by Oliver

Mirissa is for sure one of the most popular beach towns in Sri Lanka. When we first started looking into places to stay, I wasn’t totally sure if Mirissa was the right call—I’d seen so many videos of it looking super busy and crowded, and at the time we were craving something a bit more chill. So we ended up staying in Ahangama first, then moving to Mirissa afterwards—and honestly, that turned out to be a great decision.

But there’s a reason Mirissa is so popular. There’s just so much going on—great cafes, bars, restaurants, cute hotels, and of course, amazing surf. We ended up staying in Mirissa for quite a while and tried a few different hotels in different price categories, so we got a pretty solid impression of what it’s like to stay here.

My intention with this article is to share my personal experience and help you figure out where to stay in Mirissa. You won’t find a random SEO list of “best hotels” written by someone who’s never been. This is all based on actual time spent here.

So let’s get into it—here’s my little guide on where to stay in Mirissa, Sri Lanka.

My Experience Staying in Mirissa

When we moved to Mirissa, we had just spent time in Hiriketiya Beach and Ahangama—both of which are still my favorite beach towns in Sri Lanka. Hiriketiya especially has my heart, maybe even more than Ahangama. So because I loved those two so much, it was honestly a bit hard for me to fall in love with Mirissa in the same way—but I still really enjoyed it when we visited.

I had already been to Mirissa in 2024, and this time we came back in January 2025—and honestly, it was awesome. I loved the mix of accommodations we tried, which let us experience a bit of everything. We also rented a scooter and explored all the surrounding beach towns, which added so much to the overall experience.

The town of Mirissa itself isn’t quite as chill or idyllic as Hiriketiya, but it has everything you need—a few beaches, plenty of great restaurants and cafés, fun nightlife, and solid surf. So yeah, I had a really good time here.

In this article, I’ll mainly share my own experience staying in Mirissa—from budget spots to mid-range places to a little more of a luxury stay. For each category, I’ll start with where we stayed and give you my honest opinion because I think that’s way more useful than a generic hotel list. Otherwise, you might as well just scroll through Booking.com, right? I’ll also mention a few other options in each category—places we considered or thought looked really nice—just to give you a full picture of what’s possible at each price point.

My intention here is to give you a proper look into what staying in Mirissa actually felt like for me, so that by the end of this guide, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what kind of stay might work best for you.

Alright, now that that’s sorted—let’s get straight into my little guide on where to stay in Mirissa, Sri Lanka.

The Pictures above are all at the D Canal House !!

My Favorite Budget Hotels in Mirissa

When I’m looking for a budget stay, I usually just want something clean and comfortable—nothing fancy, just a good place to sleep after a full day at the beach or exploring nearby towns. I’m not trying to spend a fortune on a hotel I’ll barely be in. For me, anything under $80 USD for a private room counts as budget, and Mirissa has a few really cool options that still feel nice.

Here’s my favorite one we stayed at:

Oltremare Mirissa (This is where we stayed)

Best Place to Stay in Mirissa !

Oltremare ended up being one of my favorite stays in all of Sri Lanka. We booked it a few weeks before arriving, and it already looked great online. When we got there, it actually lived up to expectations, which doesn’t always happen.

The check-in experience was super smooth, and the owners were around for a quick chat—really friendly, and so was the rest of the staff. The hotel itself is small and simple, but the rooms are really well done. Everything was clean, the decor was warm and thoughtful, and it had that relaxed, stylish feel that a lot of places in Sri Lanka do so well.

There’s a small restaurant downstairs where they serve breakfast (which was delicious), and the rooms had air conditioning and comfy beds—basically everything we needed. The location was also really convenient, just a short walk to the beach and close to restaurants and shops.

The best part is that we paid less than $60 USD per night, including breakfast. For what we got, that’s such good value—especially if you’re used to hotel prices elsewhere.

Santino Mirissa (Our second option)

Santino Mirissa was actually the place we were about to book—right until we came across Oltremare. It has a really nice design too. Maybe not quite as charming as Oltremare, but still stylish and well put together. The location is great, and some of the rooms have balconies with ocean views, which is always a bonus.

I think we would’ve been really happy staying here as well. It’s definitely one to keep in mind if Oltremare is fully booked or if you just want something with a sea view.

The Best Mid-Range Places to Stay in Mirissa

This is usually the price range I go for when I’m on more of a vacation-style trip. If I’m traveling longer than two weeks, I’ll usually stick to budget places—otherwise it adds up fast. But for shorter trips, like one to two weeks, I like to treat myself a little. Life’s too short not to stay somewhere nice, right?

Mid-range for me means anything between $80 and $150 a night, though I usually try to keep it closer to $100. And in Sri Lanka, you can get a lot for that price.

D Canal House // This is Where we Stayed

D Canal House was honestly one of the most memorable hotels I stayed at in Sri Lanka. Right away, it felt like it had a lot more personality than many of the Instagram-famous boutique hotels you see everywhere (don’t get me wrong—I love those too, but they do start to look a little similar).

This place had its own charm. When we arrived, we pulled up to this big wooden gate that already felt kind of grand, then walked up the driveway through a lush garden to get to the main house—which, now that I think about it, kind of felt like a tropical mansion.

The grounds were beautiful. There were little paths winding through the greenery, and the pool tucked away behind the main building was such a peaceful spot. We checked in downstairs and had our room upstairs. The room itself was full of character—colorful, detailed, a little quirky in the best way. It managed to be both fun and tasteful, which isn’t always easy to pull off.

The bathroom had a more modern, clean look—kind of that smooth concrete style you see a lot in boutique hotels here—but it worked really well with the rest of the space.

We stayed here for three nights and honestly didn’t want to leave. It was quiet, peaceful, and felt like a bit of a hidden escape from the busier parts of Mirissa. Swimming in the pool while listening to monkeys and birds calling from the river nearby… yeah, it was a good time. If your budget is around $100 a night, I’d definitely recommend this place.

Villa Oceane // Best Hotel in Mirissa for a Mid-Range Budget

This is also one of the Best Mirissa Beach Hotels!

Villa Oceane looked like such a beautiful place—I kind of wish we’d ended up staying there. It’s a small villa-style hotel with just a few rooms, and it feels super romantic and intimate. It’s right on the beach, just outside of Mirissa, so it almost feels like you have your own little private stretch of sand right out front.

The rooms are spacious and come with lovely amenities like a bathtub, and there’s also a gorgeous pool overlooking the beach and ocean. It’s definitely the kind of place that gives off peaceful hideaway vibes.

The only reason we didn’t go for it was the price—it’s still considered mid-range, but definitely on the higher end, edging into luxury territory. That’s why we ended up picking D Canal House instead. But if it’s within your budget, Villa Oceane looks like an amazing option for a more relaxed and romantic stay in Mirissa.

My Top Luxury Hotels in Mirissa

We’re definitely not the kind of travelers who always stay in luxury hotels (even though Cara wishes that was the case). But every once in a while—usually for birthdays—we like to treat ourselves to something a bit more special. In Sri Lanka, I’d say luxury starts at around $150 USD a night. (For comparison, that’s what a Motel 6 might cost in the U.S., depending on the city.) But here, that budget actually gets you something really nice.

Saltasia Boutique Beach Villa // This is Where we Stayed

Where to Stay in Mirissa for Couples!

At the start of 2025, we stayed at Saltasia Boutique Beach Villa in Mirissa—which honestly felt like the kind of place we had been trying to find the whole trip. From the photos alone, it reminded us of Villa Oceane (which we didn’t end up booking), so this felt like a second chance.

Saltasia is a beautiful beachfront villa with just eight rooms, all facing the ocean. The location is incredible—you’ve got direct beach access, stunning views, and that peaceful, tucked-away feeling. The rooms are modern and elegant, with air conditioning, comfortable beds, and private balconies overlooking the sea. It’s small, but every detail has been thought through.

One of the highlights for us was the food. The on-site restaurant serves fresh Sri Lankan dishes using local ingredients, and their seafood—caught daily by nearby fishermen—was genuinely some of the best we had on the trip.

This ended up being both our most luxurious and most expensive stay in Sri Lanka, but it was worth every dollar. That oceanfront pool, sunset views, and just the whole atmosphere made it feel like such a special experience. I could’ve stayed in that pool with a cocktail in hand forever.

Three Gables Boutique Villa // One of the Best Boutique Hotels in Mirissa

Three Gables Boutique Villa was our alternative pick—and honestly, it’s another stunning luxury option. It’s a bit bigger than Saltasia and has more of that sleek, polished feel. Think less quirky, more “White Lotus”–style fancy, if that makes sense. It’s not trying to be artsy or different—it’s just classic, upscale, and very well done.

It’s located right on the ocean with beautiful, spacious rooms. The king-sized beds, bathtubs overlooking the beach, and big open balconies definitely bring that full-on luxury vibe.

What stood out most here was the location. It’s just outside of Mirissa, so you’re away from the crowds, and the beachfront access is amazing. It’s not technically a private beach—those are rare in Sri Lanka—but it really felt like it, since we barely saw anyone else around. Peaceful, elegant, and totally worth looking into if you’re after a refined stay near the beach.

The Best 5 Star Hotels in Mirissa

Okay, so we didn’t personally stay in any 5-star, ultra-luxury hotels in Mirissa—but I still wanted to round out this little guide with all the top options you’ve got. In Sri Lanka, 5-star stays usually start around $300 a night and up, but honestly, you get so much for that. If you’re planning a special trip or just want to treat yourself, these spots are definitely worth looking into.

The Nine Mirissa // The Best 5 Star Hotel in Mirissa

Also one of the best Places to Stay in Mirissa!

If you’re after an exclusive, high-end experience in Mirissa, The Nine is hard to beat. This place is next-level luxury, with just six rooms available—each beautifully designed with ocean views, a stunning private pool, and every amenity you could want. You can also book out the entire villa for up to 12 guests, which would be perfect for a special trip with friends or family. It comes with a private chef, massages, and all the extras. Over the top in the best way.

Lantern Boutique Hotel by Reveal // The Most Affordable 5-Star Hotel in Mirissa

Lantern is technically a 5-star hotel, but it feels a little more laid-back and relaxed—which I personally love. It’s a beautifully restored colonial beachfront villa with a handful of rooms and a pool right by the ocean. It actually reminds me a lot of Saltasia where we stayed, both in terms of design and service. If you want luxury without going completely over the top, this is a great pick.

Coastline Mirissa Boutique Hotel & Spa // One of my favorite Mirissa Luxury Hotels

Coastline Mirissa gives more of a luxury jungle retreat vibe—but done in a super polished way. The outdoor areas are stunning, with lush gardens, hammocks, and quiet corners to relax in. The property has two pools—one on the rooftop with ocean views and another surrounded by greenery that feels like a private jungle oasis. A really peaceful, design-forward escape if you want something special but unique.

FAQs About Where to Stay in Mirissa

What is the best 5-star hotel in Mirissa?

That would be The Nine Mirissa. Total luxury, ultra-exclusive, and beautifully designed. Private pool, private chef, massages—you get the idea. If you’re planning a once-in-a-while splurge, this is the spot.

Are there surf camps in Mirissa?

Yes, loads. Mirissa is a lowkey surf town at heart, so you’ll find plenty of surf camps and surf-friendly stays around town. Most are more on the budget to mid-range side and often include board rentals, lessons, and good vibes.

Are there hostels in Mirissa?

Definitely. If you’re backpacking or just want something social and budget-friendly, Mirissa has plenty of hostels. Hangover Hostel Mirissa is of the best hostels in Mirissa!

What are the best hotels in Mirissa Beach?

For right-on-the-beach stays, you can’t go wrong with Saltasia Boutique Villa, Peacock Villa, Lantern Boutique Hotel, or Villa Oceane. All are beachfront and have that perfect mix of comfort and style. If beach access is your priority, these are the winners.

Is Mirissa worth visiting?

Absolutely. Whether you’re here to surf, chill on the beach, spot whales, or just relax in a boutique hotel—I love Mirissa. It’s one of those places that manages to feel lively and laid-back at the same time.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Mirissa Sri Lanka

All in all, I had an amazing time in Mirissa. I splurged a little and tried a few different places across all kinds of price ranges—and honestly, you don’t need to go big to have a great stay here. Even the more affordable spots have a beautiful vibe, great atmosphere, and stylish design. So if you’re on a lower budget, don’t stress—you’ll still have a fantastic time.

Of course, if you do spend more, you’ll get that beachfront pool, top-notch service, and all the extras—which I definitely enjoyed. But just to be clear, I don’t usually travel that way. I’m a backpacker at heart. Mirissa was a bit of a special occasion for me.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience and thoughts on the best hotels and resorts in Mirissa. Maybe you even found your next perfect stay.

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