Clock Inn Colombo
A clean, good-value hostel on Galle Road, popular as a safe first base in Colombo.
- Budget
Colombo Beach Hostel
A lively party hostel near Mount Lavinia beach, with cocktail nights and dorms and private rooms.
- Budget
Clock Inn Dehiwala
A boutique-style hostel near Mount Lavinia beach, with workspaces, lounges and free breakfast, popular with digital nomads.
- Mid-range
SeSaya Poshtel & Bistro
Billed as Colombo’s first luxury poshtel, with private pods, co-working, meeting rooms and a rooftop bistro and bar.
- Mid-range
- Luxury poshtel
- Co-working
- Rooftop bar
Hangover Hostels Colombo
The Colombo branch of Sri Lanka’s best-known home-grown hostel brand, a short walk from the sea in Bambalapitiya.
- Budget
C1 Colombo Fort
A quiet, stylish hostel-style stay in Fort, near the Khan Clock Tower, the Dutch Museum and the harbour.
- Mid-range
Bunkyard Hostels
A sociable, budget hostel in Colombo, a favourite with backpackers looking to meet people.
- Budget
Drop Inn Hostel
A relaxed, boho-style hostel in a quiet Colombo neighbourhood, with a garden café, quiz nights and street food tours.
- Budget
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Our 8 favourite hostels and poshtels in Colombo
We have marked 8 hostels and poshtels in Colombo, each picked by locals rather than ranked by an algorithm. You will find them around Galle Road, Colombo, Mount Lavinia, Dehiwala and Greater Colombo. Prices range from budget to mid-range.
Start with Clock Inn Colombo, Colombo Beach Hostel and Clock Inn Dehiwala, then use the filters to narrow it down by price.
What you’ll find: luxury poshtel, co-working and rooftop bar.
Good to know
- Read recent reviews: party hostels and quiet hostels are very different.
- Many hostels have private rooms and female-only dorms.
- Check what is included: breakfast, towels and lockers are not always free.
Also in Colombo: Best hotels in Colombo · Best restaurants in Colombo · Best cafés in Colombo · Things to do in Colombo. Or see the full Colombo guide.
Good to know
What are the best hostels and poshtels in Colombo?
Our current picks include Clock Inn Colombo, Colombo Beach Hostel and Clock Inn Dehiwala. See all 8 on this page, picked by locals.
Are there budget hostels and poshtels in Colombo?
Yes. Good-value options include Clock Inn Colombo, Colombo Beach Hostel and Hangover Hostels Colombo. Use the price filter on this page to see them all.
How do you choose the hostels and poshtels you list in Colombo?
Every place is chosen by our team for its location, value and character. Paid placements are always labelled “Premier choice”; “Team’s pick” is never paid for.
Hostels elsewhere in Sri Lanka
Hostels & poshtels in Kandy 4
Hostels & poshtels in Galle 2
Hostels & poshtels in Ella 8
Hostels & poshtels in Sigiriya 2
Hostels & poshtels in Mirissa 5
Hostels & poshtels in Trincomalee 2
Hostels & poshtels in Arugam Bay 5
Hostels & poshtels in Weligama 3
Hostels & poshtels in Ahangama 3
Hostels & poshtels in Hiriketiya 4