Hostels in Matara

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Fast facts

Sleep easy, armed with the stuff that's good to know before you go.

Cheapest month	August
Most expensive month	February
Top rated by travellers	The Reef Edge, ₹ 2,717
Cheapest bed found	Costels Weligama, ₹ 766

Why choose a hostel in Matara?

It’s budget-friendly

Hostels in Matara are a fraction of the price of hotels – as little as ₹ 766 ‌per night. Why not save on accommodation, so you can spend more on the things in Matara that really matter — like delicious food and sightseeing? Most hostels have kitchens and laundry rooms too, so you can cook meals and wash clothes for yourself just like you do at home.

It’s flexible

In some of the larger hostels in Matara you can book one night at very short notice, or decide to extend via the hostel’s reception desk if you’ve fallen in love with Matara. It’s not uncommon for some backpackers to live in hostels for months.

You’ll make friends

Solo travellers opt for cheap hostels in Matara so they can make friends to party or explore with. Spend an hour or two in a dorm room, hostel bar, or common area. You’ll get the kind of tips and advice you’d never find in a private apartment or hotel. There could also even be pub crawls, communal dinners and special organised events!

You’ll immerse yourself in Matara

You’re never going to find out where to get the cheapest beer in town if you’re sat on your own in your hotel room. Hostels give you the chance to exchange tips and advice about Matara with other travellers. Some hostels in Matara even offer free guide books and walking tours, and the staff are more forthright with local tips, too.

You can kick back

Hostels are relaxed places, and often feel much more comfortable than hotels. You can kick back on the sofa all day with new friends and cook and eat your own meals communally. A true home away from home!

Why choose a hostel in Matara?

Matara pulls travellers in with its colonial history, coastal energy, and a pace that feels less rushed than bigger destinations. The Dutch Star Fort, built in the 18th century, sits right in the city and is one of the best-preserved fortifications on the island. The historic Matara Fort, also Dutch-built, frames the old town with thick ramparts and a distinct character. The coastline here faces the Indian Ocean, and that easy access to the shore makes keeping costs down a smart move. Hostels in Matara let you do exactly that.

Hostels suit solo travellers and budget-conscious pairs especially well. Shared dorms keep nightly costs lower than hotels or private rentals, and private rooms give you your own space without the hotel price tag. The social side matters too. Common areas and communal breakfasts connect you with other travellers in a way that apartment-style stays simply don't.

How to find the best hostel deals in Matara

Our search engine is a genius at tracking down flight deals. The good news? It's just as clever at digging up great rates on hostels. Book smarter with these money-saving tips.

Book in advance

Book early to give yourself the best chance of finding your ideal hostel for the right price. This matters even more during the busiest times of year like summer months and major public events.

…or bag a last-minute Matara hostel deal.

Last-minute booking can be hit or miss, but it can pay off. Some places reduce their rates close to arrival to attract bookings, especially on quieter days.

Flexible on dates? Say hello to better rates

Cheap hostels can be easier to find when you're flexible. Play around with different months or seasons, or choose midweek stays instead of weekends to save on your trip.

Where to base yourself in Matara

Staying close to Matara Fort puts you near some of the best hostels in Matara, with the old Dutch fortifications, the Nupe Bridge, and street food stalls all within easy reach on foot. Buses heading up and down the southern coast leave regularly from the nearby bus station, making day trips straightforward. The fort area has a relaxed pace and good options for cheap local meals. Polhena, a short tuk-tuk ride away, sits along a calm reef-protected stretch of beach where you can swim without strong currents. It draws a quieter crowd and works well if you want easy beach access at the end of the day. A few small restaurants and guesthouses line the shore, keeping costs low. Your choice comes down to whether you want town life or something closer to the water.

Best hostels in Matara

Hostels on Skyscanner include traveller ratings based on real guest reviews. These scores usually cover key areas like location, cleanliness, service, value for money, and facilities. It makes it easier to discover a great stay for your trip, whether you're travelling on a budget or want a few more creature comforts.

Best all-rounder hostels

For a stay that ticks all the right boxes, you can't go wrong with Nature Rex Hostel. It gets great reviews for its location, rooms and service.

Villa Coconut - Hostel is worth keeping in mind too. It earns solid guest ratings for its rooms, service and value.

Highest-rated hostels for cleanliness

JIB Hostel RestoBar pays attention to the little things. Guests rate this accommodation option as one of the best in the city for cleanliness. You'll find amenities like parking and Wi-Fi.

Well-presented rooms and tidy common areas are also part of the package at JJ's Hostel Mirissa. Along with good cleanliness ratings, it includes luggage storage and a nightclub.

Hostels with the best customer service

When it comes to customer service, Nature Rex Hostel is among the highest-rated hostels in Matara. This property comes with a laundry and a nightclub.

Travellers also have good things to say about the customer service at JIB Hostel RestoBar in their reviews. Parking and Wi-Fi are some amenities here.

Centrally located hostels

A convenient location is a major draw at Nature Rex Hostel. With tour services, a barbecue and plenty more, you'll have just what you need to settle in.

Or hit the ground running at JIB Hostel RestoBar. Extras like Wi-Fi and parking bring even more value to this well-located base.

Finding cheap hotels in Matara: FAQs

When is it cheapest to book a hostel in Matara?

According to our pricing calendar data, you can bag the cheapest bed in August.

Do I have to be a backpacker to stay in a hostel?

No! Hostels are a great option for anyone looking for a budget stay. These days, hostels in Matara are full of digital nomads and holidaymakers of all ages.

Can adults stay in hostels?

Yes. Party hostels and youth hostels with 20-person dorms do still exist in most cities, but so do ultra-modern boutique hostels with plenty of private rooms, cosy bars, and even swimming pools. These kinds of hostels are popular with solo travellers over 30.

How safe are hostels in Matara?

Since you’ll be surrounded by other likeminded travellers, hostels are always the safest (and most sociable!) places to stay in Matara. You’ll meet new friends to go out with, share tips and advice on how to get around and find out if there are any unsafe places to avoid.

Most major Matara hostels even have female-only dorms. And if you’re worried about your belongings, don’t be — you can lock them away in a padlocked locker or safe while you’re out exploring.

Are hostels in Matara cheaper than hotels and other accommodation?

Yes! Hostels in Matara generally tend to be the most budget-friendly option in Matara. Not only can you bag a bed for as little as ₹ 766 per night, you can cook your own food in the hostel kitchen.