Hotel Name: Sunil Rest Guest House & Restaurant
Address: 16/3A Second Cross Rd, Polhena Beach, Matara, Sri Lanka
I stayed at the Sunil Rest Guest House & Restaurant at Polhena Beach in Matara, Sri Lanka. I found this guesthouse via Lonely Planet (the book version) and I picked this place as is was a budget option near the beach.
I turned up via a tuk tuk without a reservation, and as soon as I arrived the owner raced out to greet me, and then took me to another one of their properties as the main building was full. One of the benefits of being listed in the Lonely Planet is a steady stream of backpackers to your doors.
I got a single room with an attached bathroom for 1500 LKR ($11.25 USD).
My room had a double bed (well, two single beds) and fan. The building caretaker showed off how the windows were all secured with flyscreens, and with the addition of a mosquito net there was no worries about sleeping with mosquitos.
The bathroom has a cold water shower, which is common for cheap guesthouses.
I had breakfast at the main building which consisted of eggs, toast, sausages, jam, bananas, and a pot of tea. A good deal for 500 LKR ($3.75 USD).
If you want to stay here just turn up and see if there is anything available. If not, the surrounding streets are filled with little guesthouses. If you prefer to book ahead check out Agoda for hotels in Matara (which also covers Polhena Beach).
