Beach View Hotel

The shady spots made even the hottest weather feel pleasant, and the place has the feel of a little jungle oasis right by the beach and in the middle of everything. I spent five days at Beach View in Arugam Bay, and it really felt like a dream. My bungalow had a super comfortable bed, effective air conditioning, and a spacious bathroom. The rain shower had excellent water pressure too. What made the stay special was the staff and owners, who were incredibly friendly and made me feel at home. They were happy to answer questions and gave me great tips on where to find elephants. The restaurant food was absolutely delicious. This was without a doubt the best experience of my whole trip to Sri Lanka. If you want an unforgettable stay in Arugam Bay, I’d absolutely recommend Beach View Hotel. You won’t regret it.

We left after one night because we didn’t want the stay to spoil our holiday. The manager, who was nice enough when checking us in, didn’t make us pay for all three days, though we did pay the booking.com fees. When we arrived, there was a huge stage set up beside the accommodation and pounding music. We understood the event wasn’t their fault, but they could have warned guests. We would have delayed our arrival. We finally got to sleep after the music stopped at 12:30am. The room was very basic for the price, 200nzd, and the towels and sheets were old. There were ants throughout the bed. Later, other staff ignored us, and at breakfast they didn’t bother to smile or talk. My coffee was stone cold. The location is close to surf, but it’s also in a busy area near fishing boats and an alleyway, with lots of tuktuks going past. We don’t mind basic and expected that, but this felt like a rort. With more welcoming staff and a bit of effort, it could be good, but it wasn’t this time.

I loved my stay. The cabanas were beautiful, new, and spotless, and the location was perfect for surfing. Breakfast was delicious, and the owner and staff were lovely and always helpful.

The rooms were clean and spacious, tucked among lush greenery that gives the place a peaceful tropical feel. Strong AC, hot water, and a relaxing atmosphere made it comfortable to unwind after surfing or exploring. Everything was well maintained, and you can tell the owners care for the property. It feels like a little sanctuary. Beach View in Arugam Bay is in a great spot, just a short walk from the main surf point and close to popular party spots, cafés, and shops. It puts you right in the middle of the laid-back local vibe, whether you’re there for waves or just to relax. A good base for adventure and downtime, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, or as a couple. Highly recommend.