A lively mix of beach resorts, surfing havens, and fishing towns, many travelers flock to Weligama. The area is popular for its clear blue waters and picturesque views – surfers of all levels try their luck on its famous waves.
Luckily, the small town is fairly untouched by mass tourism, and has plenty of other things to offer aside from surfing. Try out relaxing activities such as snorkeling with sea turtles, or whale and dolphin-watching!
An ideal budget destination, the hostels in Weligama offer a comfortable and affordable stay close to all the must-see sights. Check out our top 5 favorite hostels that promise a memorable tropical stay.
Quick Answer: Best Hostels in Weligama
- Best Overall Hostel in Weligama – The Spindrift Hostel
- Most Affordable Hostel in Weligama – Unbound Hostel
- Best Social Hostel in Weligama – Beatroot Hostels
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What to Expect from Hostels in Weligama
Weligama is a place of endless fun in the sun and surfing adventures. This tropical paradise doesn’t mean spending a fuck-ton. It can easily be done on a budget – enter hostels..
The Sri Lankan town has plenty of spots at budget prices, ideal for every kind of traveler. You’ll find hostels with private rooms, as well as same-sex and mixed dorm rooms.
Dorms are the best way to meet fellow backpackers, however, they don’t have much privacy. Couples traveling to Weligama may find it more convenient to opt for private rooms, most of which come with ensuite bathrooms. They may cost a bit more, but they are still cheaper than hotel rooms!
Hostels have a sense of community you won’t find in a hotel or Airbnb – which is why its our favorite type of accommodation. Not only are they budget-friendly, they have a unique atmosphere of camaraderie among guests that just encourages you to open up. Most hostels arrange various exciting excursions, parties, and activities for you to enjoy alongside your new traveling buddies.
They tend to be smaller than hotels, guaranteeing a more intimate and personal experience. Hostels are often managed by people who have traveled the world themselves, and have a unique understanding of what backpackers and budget travelers need.
When picking hostels, always consider the location! Places located close to the city or town center are going to be pricier than those located a bit further out. You will be able to get to the most happening places in town much quicker – just be ready to spend a little more.
- Dorm rooms – $10 to $20
- Private rooms – $40 to $110
Check out HOSTELWORLD for hostels in Weligama. The platform has the largest directory of hostels, but don’t let the number of options confuse you. Always read the description, check what previous guests have to say about the hostel, and take a look at the pictures before you make a final decision.
Best Hostels in Weligama
We have rounded up the coolest hostels in Weligama for you. Let’s dive right in!
The Spindrift Hostel – Best Overall Hostel in Weligama
Situated just moments from the beach, it’s easy to see why The Spindrift Hostel is a favorite hostel in Weligama. In a few steps you’re on the sand! Breakfast is served free daily, and is the perfect addition for those trying to travel on a budget.
Run and designed by backpackers, the hostel has everything travelers could need including hot ensuite showers in each room, a power socket for each bed, Wi-Fi in all areas of the property, and lockers for your peace of mind.
Water, tea, and coffee are free, and the communal kitchen is available to prepare some penny-saving snacks and meals.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Airport transfers
- Currency exchange
- Laundry facilities
- Games room
The hostel has a choice of spacious private rooms, or sleek and comfortable dorm rooms. With numerous chill-out areas, outdoor spaces, and balconies, you’ll never run out of opportunities to meet other like-minded people. It always has places to get your work done in peace!
The perfect mix of chilled-out and fun, the hostel’s atmosphere promises a good time. Events are organized for nights out on the town and exploring the town. The retro-themed games room is the perfect place to battle it out with other travelers on the PlayStation or Wii.
Unbound Hostel – Most Affordable Hostel in Weligama
A hop, skip and a jump from the beach, you can take surfing lessons just 50m from the hostel! Unbound Hostel is the perfect setting for a tropical escape with sand in your toes and a constant ocean breeze.
They provide a free breakfast every morning, and various local markets and eateries are nearby if you’re in search of good, local grub!
The shared kitchen is open for you to use, should you want to prepare your own food – but this won’t be needed as the owners organize family dinners for a small fee! They have regular movie nights and nights out, so you can get to know the other travelers and explore the town with locals.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Massive lockers
- Common areas
- Outdoor seating area
- Free Wi-Fi
Each bed has privacy curtains, and rooms come with massive lockers for you to stash your things. Wi-Fi can be accessed all over the property, even in bed! There are common areas where you can enjoy drinks and snacks, as well as exchange stories with your new friends.
Aside from the indoor common area, seats on the outdoor terrace are perfect for relaxation, or sipping a cup of hot coffee.
Parking is free for guests who want to drive, and the tours and travel desk is always there should you need any assistance with activities and tours in the area.
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View on Osprey View on REIBeatroot Hostels – Best Social Hostel in Weligama
If you’re traveling solo or with a small group, you want to make sure you’re staying in a social spot. Beatroot Hostels has plenty of activities on-site to take part in, including yoga classes! The many common areas and colorful social spaces are perfect for meeting new people.
Entertainment won’t be an issue, as aside from the organized activities, there is a games room!
Feel like getting a drink? You don’t have to look far as there is a bar on-site, as well as a restaurant which serves delicious meals.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Airport transfers
- Laundry facilities
- Hot showers
Beatroot Hostels has got you covered with its 22 hostel beds in mixed and female-only dorms. The fluffy pillows and cozy mattresses welcome you each time you come home from a day spent surfing and sunning at the beach.
Each bed has a reading lamp and international socket for charging your gadgets for the next day of adventures. All the rooms are air-conditioned, and Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property.
Airport transfers can easily be arranged so you don’t need to scramble about. And let’s not forget the hot showers and laundry facilities!
Happy Bay Hostel – Best Hostel for Solo Travelers in Weligama
Also located close to the beach, every time you go to the cozy balconies to relax or enjoy a cup of coffee, you will be treated to stunning views. The hostel is close to some of the best surfing spots, and those who’d like to try their hand at dancing the waves can ask the tours and travel desk for lessons.
Scooters are available to explore the surrounding areas, and tours are provided to the nearby national park and turtle hatchery, as well as various activities like whale watching.
The location is one of the best features. It is only a two-minute walk to the downtown area, and close to the bus stop heading to Ahangama and Mirissa.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Airport transfers
- Free Wi-Fi
- Common room
- Luggage storage
You can choose from six, seven, or eight-bed dorm rooms, all of which come with ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning, and comfortable mattresses. For those who would like a bit more privacy, rooms with double beds are available with beachfront views to boot! Everyone is provided with a locker for safekeeping their valuables, as well as towels.
Airport transfers can easily be arranged, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property too! Mingling with other travelers is easy, even during rainy days, in the indoor common areas. Read a book or play a board game, the hostel will quickly feel like home.
Downstairs there is a bar and restaurant for evening meals and nights of drinking. Breakfast is available for a small fee, and the kitchen has all the appliances you need to prepare your own meals.
MY Hostels Weligama – Epic Hostel for Digital Nomads in Weligama
Clean, spacious, and well equipped with office essentials, MY Hostels Weligama is the best hostel in Weligama for digital nomads.
Close to the beach, the hostel is popular with surfers too! (Aren’t they all?!)
The lobby and dining spaces are the perfect places to interact with the other backpackers and share a few tales.
There’s a rooftop chill-out area which is a bonus, and makes for a great space to do your morning yoga, or just enjoy a cup of coffee in peace.
Take a few minutes walk to find local food spots and delicious cuisine, or hang out at the on-site restaurant – you won’t go hungry here.
Why you’ll love this hostel:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Postal service
- Airport transfers
- Currency exchange
There is a choice of reasonably-priced female-only and mixed dorm rooms, as well as the option for air-conditioning or without. All rooms have attached washrooms, as well as individual lockers for your belongings.
Prepare your own dishes in the fully equipped kitchen when you are craving something from home, and use the on-site currency exchange when you run out of Sri Lankan rupee.
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!Other Hostels in Weligama
Hangtime Hostel
With stylish and comfortable bunk-beds made from old Sri Lankan fishing boats, Hangtime has found an excellent way to not only honor Sri Lanka’s tradition but ensure guests’ convenience, too.
Aside from traditional local meals, at the restaurant you can order sushi, pizza, salads, and fresh fruit juices. Look out over the tropical horizon from its rooftop position, and sip a cocktail as the sunsets. (They don’t serve alcohol, but you can bring your own).
Hangtime Hostel has double rooms, dorm rooms for females, as well as mixed dorms with a maximum capacity of six people. All rooms have air-conditioning, private bathrooms, and are equipped with hot showers.
The Rockstel Weligama
The Rockstel Weligama hostel is just a few minutes from bus and train stations, so traveling to town and other nearby areas is fast and convenient – and, of course, its close to the beach.
The staff are super friendly and will be happy to assist you in organising any additional services including tuk-tuk rides and tours.
Guests can choose from private and dorm rooms that are thematically designed, have air-conditioning, hot water, as well as individual lockers big enough to fit backpacks. The hostel’s common areas are perfect for socializing, working out, relaxing, as well as playing sports with other guests.
The Rockstel boasts a garden with a volleyball pitch, equipment for a variety of team sports, and bean bags to just sit back and lounge.
Basecamp
Although more pricey than other hostels in the area, and more in the category of a B&B, you will absolutely love Basecamp for its super chill atmosphere.
They serve a free breakfast every morning, and offer daily morning yoga classes.
Located just across the harbor, you will be treated to amazing views of the ocean from the property’s yoga level. It’s an excellent place to watch and admire the sunrise and sunsets.
With only eight rooms in total, all equipped with hot showers and Wi-Fi access, you are promised a more intimate and personal experience.
Wimal Wood Stock Surf House
At Wimal, you’ll come as a stranger, but you’ll leave a member of the family.
Situated in a quiet village, it is a peaceful place to kick back and relax, near to one of the area’s best surf breaks where you can easily learn or watch the pros doing their thing on the waves. The property rents various sizes of surfboards, too!
Aside from water sports and getting a tan, you can visit the nearby tea plantations, go dolphin and whale-watching, as well as snorkel with sea turtles, and visit snake farms and herbal gardens. There’s never a dull day.
This boutique hostel offers both private rooms and dorm rooms, all equipped with comfortable beds, reading lights, and security lockers. The common areas are always open for you to use including the outdoor terrace and the games room, that has a variety of board games, PlayStation, and DVDs.
Digital nomads and those traveling on business need not worry as there is an Internet café on the premises where you can get your jobs done before heading back to the sand.
What to Pack for your Weligama Hostel
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hostel Packing list for even more top hostel packing tips!
Weligama Hostels FAQ
How much do hostels in Weligama cost?
Hostels in Weligama are affordable with dorm beds ranging from $10 to $20, and private double rooms ranging from $40 to $110.
What are the best hostels in Weligama for couples?
Located in the heart of Weligama, The Spindrift Hostel is an awesome hostel for couples who’d like to have a modern and clean place while keeping the cozy atmosphere of the tropical feels.
What is the best hostel in Weligama near the airport?
Any nearest airpot in Weligama will still take you hours before you reach the city proper. Good thing most accommodations already provides airport shuttle service! Here is my top list of hostels:
Travel Safety Tips for Weligama
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it folks, the coolest hostels in Weligama! By now you should have a good idea of what you can expect from hostels in the area and have narrowed down your choices.
Undoubtedly, Weligama deserves more than just a day of exploration, and if you want your stay to be comfortable, convenient, and unforgettable, finding the perfect lodging is key!
If you still can’t make up your mind, we highly recommend The Spindrift Hostel. You will get your money’s worth with the delicious free breakfast, central location, diverse activities, and the wealth of amenities available.
- Check out our extensive guide to backpacking in Sri Lanka for a wealth of info!
- Not sure what to do once you arrive? We’ve got all the best places to visit in Sri Lanka covered.
- Prepare for your trip with our backpacking packing list.
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