First we got a room on the ground floor, it has no window and is a little dingy because of it, but when we talked with the hosts about it they gave us a room on the first floor which was perfect - and the swapwas free of charge :)

Our hosts were great, always helpful, cheerful and supportive. We booked the place after being scammed at a different place so we were a bit anxious, but they made us feel safe, taken care of and at home! The location is perfect, the Ocean is across the street! Technically on the main street, but there is a driveway that makes it hidden from the lively part of the Bay, so - perfect.

Stayed in September 2025

The staff was so friendly and helpful! We had a problem and they really made our day by helping us! We especially loved the breakfast in the garden, the shakshuka was amazing! Everyday you can get a fresh fruit platter, we loved it! The Hotel was very clean and the hallway and everything in the common area got cleaned daily! We would come again!

Stayed in August 2025

Room was kind of dark and bathroom humid (as is the nature in this area), however we are super grateful to have had a big room and a bathroom with a full door, and got new towels during our stay and all, so all good!

The hotel is situated perfectly near the main road, yet a little away from the hustle and bustle. We were greeted and pampered by the managers from beginning till end, thank you so much! We booked the place due to location and the fact that we saw the breakfast offered various dishes that were much more than simply toast and jam, and we weren't disappointed. Very generous with everything, including giving recommendations and offering insights into original Sri Lankan culture and traditions. We could organize laundry and drives through the hotel, very comfortable. What I also loved was that they had a cat and a dog and took outstandingly good care of them, also placing water bowls around for all animals. This tells a lot about the great character of the staff 🤍 Will come back!

Stayed in August 2025

The hotel is based in what could be described as an old house/building, so don’t expect a modern fit out, but it is comfortable, clean and has what you need. The rooms weren’t refreshed during our 3 night stay, and we had to ask staff for toilet paper.

We really loved the team at Ulla. They had a genuine care for you and treated you like family. Breakfast could be served at any point during the day, and they would even ask what you would like. It felt a lot like a homestay, which was nice, and the location was exceptional. We would recommend to anyone visiting Arugam Bay. We also found at the end that the team are in partnership with Aussie’s, and they spoke highly of their relationship, which was nice to hear.

Stayed in August 2025

Nothing:)

It's a very cosy place with super-kind staff who make you feel like part of the family. A different and delicious breakfast is served every morning. The rooms are very clean and comfortable, and the location is central, close to the beach, and quiet as it is in the second row. Great place to stay and highly recommended.

Stayed in July 2025

Great location, delicious breakfasts, and really friendly staff. Good value for money. Highly recommended.

Stayed in July 2025

Lack of natural light in the deluxe room- but not a big issue.

Central location for beach and shops. Relaxed and friendly staff.

Stayed in July 2025

Niets

Great hotel! Clean room with two very comfortable beds. The hotel owners are very sweet and hospitable. They make you feel like part of the Ulla family. Breakfast was delicious, with a new, scrumptious dish every day. The staff is super friendly and helpful. Bruce the house dog and Luna the house kitten are super entertaining. The location is great; you're just 50 meters from the beach and centrally located near all the restaurants. The liquor store is next to the hotel, which is always convenient. In short, highly recommended.

Stayed in July 2025

Absolutely loved our stay at Ulla. The place has a laid-back, chill vibe that instantly makes you feel relaxed. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, nothing was ever too much trouble. It’s in an excellent location, right off the Main Street and across the road from the beach. Monkeys visit in the morning and the kids loved playing with the resident dog Bruce and Luna the kitten. Perfect for unwinding and enjoying the area. We’ll definitely be back!

Stayed in July 2025

The staff here at out of this world - They are all so friendly and welcoming and really go the extra mile to ensure your stay is special! The food was delicious - still the best breakfast we've had on our travels! We loved our stay and truly felt like part of the family when we left! Cannot rate the staff more highly! :)

Stayed in June 2025

The jungle people at the entrance trying to leer in tourists with their snake voodoo - but the Captain took charge and told them to move on! Felt safe and looked after my entire week’s stay!

We stumbled across a gem in the heart of Arugam Bay!Central to all the action and beach but tucked away to avoid the chaos allowing us to retreat. We walked to Main point with our boards, swam every day with the beach just over the road. The staff were exceptional, taking great care of every need (felt like I was leaving family behind!) the manager Faiggi kind enough to take me to my next destination. The revolving animals from cows, cats to mongoose in the rear courtyard made our Sri Lankan experience real and the villa setup to be just like staying with locals. Home made meals were delicious traditional and changing each day. Everything I expected and great price point to suit.

Stayed in July 2025

The style of the bathroom tiles is... questionable hahahaha.

The people running the place are absolutely the best and would go the extra mile to help out and do their job. Great breakfast, with sporadic monkey visits. Clean and modern bathrooms. Cozy bedroom with good aircon and fan.

Stayed in May 2025

Nothing

Great staff and location

Stayed in June 2025

Nothing. Everything was simply perfect

EVERYTHING. I have to say, in all of our time in Sri Lanka, Ulla Arugambay stood out to us as the best accommodation. From room to service, everything was an absolute 10/10. Our hosts were so attentive toward us, ensuring we had a special stay with them. They are 3 brothers, super funny guys, genuinely sweet, generous, and very kind. Our breakfasts were incredible. Aazek (sorry if I spell this incorrectly) made the most delicious breakfasts every day, and even changed up the menu for us on multiple occasions to ensure we got some variety but most importantly I think he just wanted to make sure we enjoyed it and didn't find it too repetitive. The food was delicious, bro! Faji, (again sorry if spelling mistake) we didn't see him too much, but when he was around, he was super warm, genuinely cared about having us as his guests, and always smiling. Finally, Captain. This guy is full of energy, always cracking jokes, but always professional. We genuinely enjoyed their company, we call you gentlemen our friends! These guys and their hotel was the best experience we have had in Sri Lanka all month. We will truly miss you lads, and hopefully we see you again in the future. Best of luck in the coming high season, you deserve the best 👌

Stayed in June 2025

We had a lovely stay at Ulla, it was in the perfect location - close to cafes, restaurants and beach. Everyone was extremely accommodating and friendly, with a delicious breakfast included in the stay too. We would recommend to anyone coming to Arugam Bay 😊

Stayed in May 2025

captain and the crew made us feel home and provided us with everything we needed. the location is very central, close to everything. the bed was very comfortable and the bathroom very spacious. Also the breakfast was litterly the best and such big portions!

Stayed in May 2025

All was amazing!

This hostel is the best we have been in Sri Lanka (and we have been travelling around for over a month). The rooms are clean and have very comfortable beds, powerful AC and fan also a modern shower and toilet. The staff are incredibly friendly and helpful, they really care and it shows in the service, they make you feel at home! The vibe in the hostel is super chill definitely not a party hostel ( although you can find party very close by if you’re looking for it ) lots of nice people around, we absolutely love it that much that we were only staying for a day and ended up extending our stay a week! The free breakfast was delicious and very generous, you can choose between Sri Lankan or European breakfast, very complete that will keep you full for hours! I genuinely can’t recommend this hostel enough !

Stayed in May 2025

Legendary place, legendary people!! Couldn’t recommend enough. We stayed for a week , albeit we only booked for one night to begin with. Inam and the crew at Ulla cooked the best breakfasts, changing it anytime you had a craving and generally tended to any possible worries! They were generous, helpful, caring, but most importantly taught us how to play Carrom. How this place doesn’t have a billion great reviews confuses me 🧡

Stayed in May 2025

The room and bed were very comfortable!!!!! Close proximity to main road with food, shops, and surf rentals, (1 minute walk) but down a quiet street - it was perfect. Air conditioned room, great breakfast and the staff went above and beyond for us as I had an injured knee. Definitely recommend. Would stay here again! Thank you Ulla - from Laura and Tom - Australia

Stayed in May 2025

All good

Breakfast 🌞🌞

Stayed in May 2025

Absolutely I had a great srilankan authentic breakfast and the location is very calm

Stayed in April 2025

So dirty. We found dead mosquitos everywhere in the room: walls, bed, pillow, bathroom, mosquito net. There was constant smell of sewage in the bathroom. We checked out other rooms with them but all of them looked the same. Also, no natural light. They only gave one towel per person and in the morning it was VERY loud, we heard many noises even early in the morning. We were told we could pay in euro but at the checkout, they insisted on an unfair exchange rate and in that way, made us pay more.

The staff was very kind and available, they offered free laundry and the location was good and central. The breakfast was good and with lots of fruit.

Stayed in September 2025

No natural light down stairs in our room but we managed ok as we were at the beach all day or out in Ulla’s court yard .

It was in a very convenient position very close to the beach shops and hustle and bustle but not in a noisy spot . Staff were extremely helpful - Inam / Captain is very funny and gets along with everyone and tells great stories Fajee is well connected and can arrange / fix most situations Remish loves to please you and cooks delicious food to your liking . Bruce the dog is super cute and Luna the kitten is very mischievous. I felt part of the family staying here and became good friends with the staff . I will definitely be back .

Stayed in July 2025

We had the most incredible experience staying at Ulla. This villa is a little slice of paradise. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed with such warmth and genuine care. The staff were absolutely amazing & always happy to help with anything we needed & were so attentive! The villa itself is stunning. Every corner was beautifully designed and immaculately clean. Ulla is so relaxing, the food each day was amazing & we felt completely at peace being able to come back here to relax or have a drink or two. The location was perfect too – tucked away just enough to feel secluded, but still so close to everything. Beautiful beaches, great cafes, and local attractions were all just a walk away, you step outside the entrance and you’re right near the most beautiful restaurants & the beach! 😍 We left Ulla feeling refreshed and already planning our return. A huge thank you to the wonderful team who made our stay so special – your warmth and care made all the difference. Highly, highly recommend staying at Ulla!

Stayed in July 2025