Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best Hostels in Mirissa, Sri Lanka!
Mirissa is a stunning coastal city located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, and it’s no surprise that it has become a popular traveling destination. There is something for everyone here, from breathtaking beaches to vibrant nightlife.
But before you can enjoy all of Mirissa’s wonders, you must first choose a hostel. That’s why this guide was created—to help you find the best hostels in Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
Here you will find every detail you need to make an informed decision, including detailed descriptions of the best hostels in the area and reviews from other travelers. So, let’s get started!
Our favorite hostels in Mirissa are:
- Why Not Backpackers - best for solo travelers and party traveler
- JJ's Hostel Mirissa - best for female solo travelers
- Babylon Mirissa - best for Couples
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
1. Why Not Backpackers
2. JJ's Hostel Mirissa
3. Babylon Mirissa
From its stunning sun-kissed beaches with crystal-clear waters and living coral reefs to its wide array of activities and attractions, including whale watching, scuba diving, turtle hatcheries, and Ayurvedic massage, Mirissa is a wonder of the natural world.
We have other guides if you’re planning on touring around, so make sure to check out our post on things to do in Kandy and the best hostels in Sri Lanka.
And if you’re checking out nearby towns: the best hostels in Weligama!
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
What do we cover in this article?
You can find all 5 Star Hostels here with Hostelgeeks and all guides to “Best Hostels In” here.
Quick Introduction to Mirissa
Average price for a bed: Hostels in Mirissa cost $6 – $15 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average price of around $36 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.
Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.
Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later.
Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Transportation: The public buses in Mirissa are an affordable way to get around town and explore. Make sure to check the schedule and plan your routes in advance to help save time and money.
Food: Sri Lankan cuisine is widely known for its unique flavors, and it’s definitely worth checking out some of the local eateries in Mirissa.
From traditional curries to delicious seafood dishes, there is something for everyone.
Shopping: Make sure to check out some of the small shops in Mirissa. Local artisans sell handmade items such as bags, jewelry, and pottery, while street vendors offer everything from seafood to souvenirs.
Secret Spots: Mirissa is full of secret spots and beautiful coves that are just waiting to be discovered.
Take a boat ride around the coast and explore the nearby small islands, coves, and quiet beaches. Venture out after dark to witness the elegance of the night sky in all its serenity and grandeur.
Water sports: From surfing and kayaking to snorkeling and scuba diving, enjoy the chance to explore the stunningly clear waters and their dazzling marine life.
Where to stay: To maximize your time in Mirissa, stay in accommodations near the beach! You’ll be able to walk to the beach for early morning surf sessions or simply take in the views of the shoreline without having to drive anywhere.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 Best Hostels in Mirissa are …
Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Mirissa.
- Why Not Backpackers – best for solo travelers and party traveler
- JJ's Hostel Mirissa – best for female solo travelers
- Babylon Mirissa – best for Couples
These are our favorite hostels in Mirissa. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.
1. Why Not Backpackers
2. JJ's Hostel Mirissa
3. Babylon Mirissa
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Why Not Backpackers |
| 🎒 for Backpacker: | Why Not Backpackers |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Why Not Backpackers |
| 👩❤️👨 Couple Hostel: | Babylon Mirissa |
| 🙎♀️ Female Solo Traveler: | JJ's Hostel Mirissa |
1. Why Not Backpackers
Why Not Backpackers in Mirissa is a great place to stay for anyone looking for an affordable yet fun and memorable holiday.
Located in the picturesque coastal town of Mirissa, Sri Lanka, this hostel offers a unique experience for travelers seeking great value. With its modern amenities, friendly staff, and beautiful surroundings, Why Not Backpackers in Mirissa is a great choice for solo travelers and partygoers.
One of the best features of Why Not Backpackers in Mirissa is its location. The hostel is easily accessible by bus, train, or tuk-tuk. You can access Mirissa Beach and surf points within 300 meters of the property, and the famous Parrot Rock Bridge is a 15-minute walk away.
When staying at Why Not Backpackers, you’ll be close to all the action of Mirissa Beach, which is known for its sea turtles and party atmosphere.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
But the main attraction at Why Not Backpackers in Mirissa is the hostel itself. The hostel has been designed to provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for its guests.
In addition, it also offers a range of activities and facilities, from a swimming pool to a bar and lounge, ensuring that you can make the most of your stay.
The best part is that they also offer nightly activities, including beach parties, BBQs, and live music, giving party lovers the opportunity to let loose and have fun.
If you are not into partying, you can chill out by the pool and relax under the sun. But if you are a party animal, there’s plenty of booze to be consumed and fun to be had.
Here, they go by the motto “Rave, Rest, Repeat,” and they absolutely live up to it.
The best choice in Mirissa for
- solo travelers
- Party lovers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
2. JJ's Hostel Mirissa
JJ's Hostel Mirissa is set amidst the beautiful, crystal blue waters and golden sandy shores of one of Sri Lanka’s most idyllic beaches, Mirissa Beach, boasting a warm Mediterranean climate.
Mirissa Beach is only a 5-minute walk away from the hostel, making it the ideal base for those who are looking for a laid-back location with a tranquil feel, along with an exotic beach getaway surrounded by clean and clear waters.
JJ’s Hostel Mirissa is just a short tuk-tuk ride away from the main bus stand in Galle. The hostel provides a safe and comfortable location for guests to enjoy their time in Sri Lanka, with friendly staff members and a relaxed ambiance.
Their hospitality is unmatched, and their attention to detail is sure to make your visit feel like home. The hostel offers a range of room types, including mixed dorms, female dorms, deluxe A/C rooms, and deluxe fan rooms.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
There is a reigning atmosphere of serenity where guests like to unwind or take advantage of the yoga shala and get a chance to center their thoughts and reconnect with themselves!
Here, you can practice your favorite asanas or try something new with the help of knowledgeable and supportive instructors. Or you can climb up to the rooftop and experience a peaceful oasis.
Travelers like to escape the heat of the day in one of the comfortable hammocks while taking in the striking panorama of the surrounding area.
If you’re feeling social, challenge your newfound friends to a game of chess or cards, or chat the day away in the comfort of the bean bags scattered around the common area.
If your stay at JJ’s Hostel Mirissa falls during the whale watching season – which runs almost all year except June and July – you’ll be able to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The team at JJ’s is ready to book your trip for you, so your only job is to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show (and the whales).
A great choice for:
- Female Solo travelers
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
3. Babylon Mirissa
If you are traveling with your special someone, Babylon Mirissa offers you a splendid place to share intimate and romantic moments with your soul mate.
This hostel is just a short walk away from the world-famous Mirissa Beach and offers everything you need to make your trip extra special.
Imagine spending a lazy day by the sea, only steps away from your luxurious accommodations. When the sun sets, take a romantic walk down the beach towards Babylon Mirissa and prepare to be amazed.
As you enter, you’ll be welcomed by an inviting combination of contemporary style and traditional Sri Lankan hospitality. On-site, you’ll find a bar perfect for unwinding after a busy day of exploration.
It’s then time to retreat to one of the hotel’s spacious and comfortable rooms. Each room is thoughtfully designed with couples in mind and equipped with all the amenities one expects from a boutique hostel.
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Once you’ve settled in, there’s plenty to explore right on your doorstep. At Babylon Mirissa, you have access to a garden where you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of the town’s natural landscape or get your blood pumping with a morning yoga session.
To take your romance up a notch or enjoy some quality time together, make your way to Babylon Mirissa’s shared lounge. Enjoy some drinks, take in the spectacular views, or enjoy each other’s company in a sophisticated atmosphere.
Babylon Mirissa offers many different activities, from bicycle rentals to bike tours and even badminton equipment—you can be sure to find something to keep you active during your stay.
If you’re looking for something a bit slower-paced, you can skate belly up on the beach boardwalk, meander along the scenic walking tours, and explore the area’s natural beauty.
The hostel management even arranges fishing, snorkeling, hiking, whale watching, and diving as per request. But of course, a beach holiday isn’t all about the activities.
Babylon Mirissa knows that evening entertainment and relaxation are just as important to your holiday. Here, you can catch live music and performances, movie nights, pub crawls, and themed dinners every night!
This is one of the best hostels in Mirissa for
- Couples
Check prices at:
Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Best Hostels in Mirissa for Solo Travelers?
The best hostel in Mirissa for solo travelers is Why Not Backpackers. This is because the number of activities and events that this hostel organizes on a daily and weekly basis is insane!
It will almost be impossible for you not to travel back home with a handful of new friends in your heart.
We also like the fact that if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed environment, this isn’t a hardcore party hostel, so you’ll still get the space you crave if you want it.
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
Party Hostels in Mirissa
While Why Not Backpackers isn’t a hardcore party hostel, we’re still mentioning it because we think it has awesome parties for all types of travelers – both night owls and day… doves?
They have many activities that travelers can partake in, and a lot of them include music and alcohol (to be had in moderation of course!).
Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com
What about the cheapest hostels in Mirissa?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Mirissa.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Mirissa
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Mirissa best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Need an eSIM Card for Mirissa?
Get your eSIM Card with Airalo.com instantly online. It is easy to set up and cheap! Read our review of Airalo here.
No more searching for mobile stores. Get your eSIM Card for now and enjoy it instantly after landing in your new destination.
Our Favorite Hostels in Mirissa put on a map + sights
Regardless of what someone has in mind for their time in Mirissa, there is something for everyone, from the low-key to the more adventurous traveler, and these hostels will help ensure that you have a great trip and that your stay in Mirissa will be memorable.
We’ve put them all up on a map to help you plan your trip accordingly, with a few sights that we liked!
Any questions about hostels in Mirissa? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQs
Here we share with you the most asked question:
What is the best hostel for solo travelers in Mirissa?
The best hostel for solo travelers in Mirissa is:
Are hostels in Mirissa safe?
Not all hostels in Mirissa are necessarily safe, especially the one that offers the cheapest price in sketchy areas. It might be an illegal hostel, without the proper license to run and safety measures.
In all fairness, it is best to check out Hostelgeeks.com because we feature safe hostels in Mirissa. You can find backpacker hostel with top ratings! Keep a close eye on the overall ratings on booking platforms!
If you are not secure, you can also email us and ask us!
Is Mirissa safe?
While we encourage always monitoring the political situation everywhere you intend on going, Mirissa is a safe place to travel to, and you shouldn't encounter any safety issues. But as we said, always keep up to date; this information might change!
What are the best hostels in Mirissa?
The best hostels in Mirissa are:
- Why Not Backpackers – best for solo travelers
- JJ's Hostel Mirissa – best for female solo travelers
- Babylon Mirissa – best for Couples
Any questions about hostels in Mirissa?
🤔Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
Flights to Mirissa?
Mirissa has no airport, and you will need to take a bus or car to get there. The nearest Airport is Koggala Airport which is around 14 km away.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More handmade Guides for you
We have a dedicated guide to the best hostels in Sri Lanka that should come in handy if you’re planning on traveling throughout the country.
And here are all our Sri Lanka Guides:
- Best things to do in Kandy
- SpinDrift Hostel in Weligama – a Hostel Haven
- 13 reasons to Visit East Coast of Sri Lanka
- Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
- best hostels in Kandy
- best hostels in Colombo
- best hostels in Hikkaduwa
- best hostels in Weligama
- Best hostels in Ella
- Best surf hostels in Sri Lanka
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.
Over to you
Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!
Your question will help us to improve this Mirissa guide.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks
