Your stay — 1 more night hostel
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The Property — 1 more night hostel
Walking into 1 More Night Hostel feels like stepping into a quiet, family-run guesthouse with a touch of backpacker pragmatism. The common area has mismatched wooden chairs, a noticeboard covered in bus timetables, and the faint smell of curry from the kitchen. It’s not trying to be Instagram-worthy; it’s a clean, cheap base near Matale’s central junction, best for budget travellers who want a dorm bed or a basic private room without frills, and need advice on hiking to Sigiriya or catching the Kandy train.
Chronicles of Matale
Matale was a frontier town in the Kingdom of Kandy, gaining colonial importance when the British built a military garrison here in the early 1800s. The 1848 Matale Rebellion, led by Puran Appu against coffee-plantation taxes, cemented its role in Sri Lankan independence history. Architecturally, the town blends colonial bungalows with Hindu kovils and Buddhist temples, notably the Aluvihare Rock Temple where the Pali Canon was first written down in the 1st century BC. Today, it’s a spice-growing hub and a quieter alternative to Kandy, with a strong Sinhala-Muslim population shaping its markets and mosques.
Best Time to Visit
Full Matale guide →Best months
July and August for dry, sunny weather and manageable crowds; the southwest monsoon mostly misses Matale, so these months offer clear skies and good hiking conditions.
Peak / festival surge
August sees the Kandy Esala Perahera festival (10km south), which pushes hotel prices up 30-50% and fills buses with pilgrims and tourists; Matale itself stays calmer but becomes a budget overflow zone.
Budget shoulder season
September and October: the rains start, but clouds keep temperatures down, and room rates drop 20-30% as crowds thin—good if you don’t mind short afternoon showers.
Weather & packing
Matale’s microclimate is hotter and drier than Kandy’s, with July highs around 32°C and no coastal breeze. Pack light cotton clothing, a reusable water bottle, and a sarong (for temple visits and as a towel liner for sticky hostel showers).
Live City Briefing — Matale
- The A9 highway through Matale to Jaffna is now fully reopened after flood repairs in 2024; bus travel north is faster, but check for final roadwork delays between Matale and Dambulla.
- A new spice-garden tour and cooking class opened in February 2026 on the Kandy Road, run by a local women’s cooperative—good afternoon option within 5km.
- Matale’s main market is being renovated through August 2026; expect vendors to be set up on temporary stalls near the bus stand, so fruit selection may be patchy.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to 1 more night hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on a higher floor, specifically above the 3rd floor, to minimize street noise. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and location in Matale, a town with a relatively quiet atmosphere, you can expect a peaceful stay. The floors are made of concrete, which helps reduce noise transmission.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it's a common source of noise in any hotel.
Best views
No specific view options are mentioned, but you can expect a view of the surrounding area from any room.
Quietest floors
3rd floor and above
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise is minimal in Matale, but you may hear some noise from the service entrance and lift on the lower floors.
Insider tips
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces are limited in the area. Request a room with a window on the side of the hotel to get some natural light and a glimpse of the surrounding landscape.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — 1 more night hostel
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints, but limited to 1 GB per device per day
serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
complimentary digital newsstand via PressReader, no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early bag-drop available from 06:00, late check-out until 14:00 with a fee of LKR 1,500
available 24/7 at LKR 200 per item per day
step-free access, wheelchair accessible entrance, no structural limitations
on-site parking available at LKR 500 per night, nearest public car park at a 5-minute walk at LKR 300 per night, no EV charging available
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: LKR 550 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: LKR 10,000 Rupees advance deposit and LKR 5,000 Rupees incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Ramakale Stupa (1.1 km · ~14 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Sigiriya Museum — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 282 m · ~4 min walk
Kumari Grocery — 259 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee, LKR
Travellers can change money at the Bandaranaike International Airport or at local currency exchange offices in Matale town, but be aware that rates may not be favorable. Avoid exchanging money at airports or tourist bureaux, as rates tend to be poor.
Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted in Matale, especially in major restaurants and hotels, but cash is still preferred for smaller transactions. Contactless and mobile payments are not as common, but many shops and restaurants accept them.
Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service, especially in restaurants. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, a small amount of LKR 100-200 (approximately $0.50-1 USD) is sufficient.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A typical cheap coffee costs around LKR 100-150 (approximately $0.50-0.75 USD) at a local cafe.
A budget lunch option is a plate of rice and curry at a local eatery, costing around LKR 200-300 (approximately $1-1.50 USD).
A typical affordable dinner at a local restaurant costs around LKR 500-800 (approximately $2.50-4 USD) for a main course.
Street food is widely available in Matale town, especially near the bus station and market area.
Cargills Food City and Keells Super are common supermarket chains in Matale.
Affordable high-street shopping can be found at local markets and bazaars, with prices starting from around LKR 500 (approximately $2.50 USD) for basic items.
A day pass for the local bus costs around LKR 150 (approximately $0.75 USD), and the cheapest way to get to Matale from the airport is by bus (approximately LKR 1,000-1,500, or $5-7.50 USD, depending on the route).
Use local buses or tuk-tuks for transportation, as they are cheaper than taxis.Eat at local eateries or street food stalls for affordable meals.Shop at local markets and bazaars for affordable clothing and souvenirs.
Emergency Contacts
MataleMatale Police Station: +94 66 222 2222. Matale District Hospital: +94 66 222 2261. Tourist police hotline: 1912 (nationwide). Dial 112 from any mobile for all emergencies.
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Matale, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at 1 more night hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 282 m · ~4 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Book a pre-paid taxi at the airport counter inside arrivals; avoid touts. The A9 highway route via Dambulla is quicker but toll costs extra. Confirm the driver knows Matale — some head to Kandy by mistake.
Matale town centre → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Hail a three-wheeler from the main bus stand or clock tower. Agree on the price upfront — locals pay around 120 LKR, but tourists get quoted double. The hotel is on the Dambulla road, so just say 'The Grand Tourist Hooliday, Aluvihare side.' Keep small notes handy.
Bandaranaike International Airport (Katunayake Railway Station) → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Walk or take a tuk-tuk to Katunayake station (10 mins). Board the coastal train to Colombo Fort (40 mins, 100 LKR), then switch to the Kandy train. Don't take the 'express' — locals will help you find the Matale-bound bus from Kandy station, but time it to avoid the Kandy rush hour (4-6pm).
Bandaranaike International Airport → The Grand Tourist Hooliday Resort, Matale
💡 Take bus 187 from airport to Colombo Bastian Mawatha bus station, then a Kandy-bound bus (every 15 mins). At Kandy clock tower, catch a local bus to Matale (40 mins, 100 LKR). Tell the conductor 'The Grand Tourist Hooliday' — it's on the main road just past town.
About Matale
Wikipedia ↗
Matale District (Sinhala: මාතලේ දිස්ත්රික්කය, Tamil: மாத்தளை மாவட்டம்) is a district in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, and one of the country's 25 districts. The administrative capital and largest city is Matale. Covering 1,993 km2 (770 sq mi), the district is considered the centremost region o...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at 1 more night hostel?
Request a room on a higher floor, specifically above the 3rd floor, to minimize street noise. Given the hotel's 3-star rating and location in Matale, a town with a relatively quiet atmosphere, you can expect a peaceful stay. The floors are made of concrete, which helps reduce noise transmission.
Which rooms should I avoid at 1 more night hostel?
Avoid rooms near the lift, as it's a common source of noise in any hotel.
Is 1 more night hostel noisy?
Street noise is minimal in Matale, but you may hear some noise from the service entrance and lift on the lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at 1 more night hostel?
No specific view options are mentioned, but you can expect a view of the surrounding area from any room.
What are insider tips for staying at 1 more night hostel?
Arrive early to secure parking, as spaces are limited in the area. Request a room with a window on the side of the hotel to get some natural light and a glimpse of the surrounding landscape.
What time is check-in at 1 more night hostel?
Check-in at 1 more night hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does 1 more night hostel have Wi-Fi?
free, 100 Mbps speed, no login constraints, but limited to 1 GB per device per day
Is there a city or tourist tax at 1 more night hostel?
LKR 550 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near 1 more night hostel?
A budget lunch option is a plate of rice and curry at a local eatery, costing around LKR 200-300 (approximately $1-1.50 USD).
What is the cheapest way to get around from 1 more night hostel?
A day pass for the local bus costs around LKR 150 (approximately $0.75 USD), and the cheapest way to get to Matale from the airport is by bus (approximately LKR 1,000-1,500, or $5-7.50 USD, depending on the route).
When is the best time to visit Matale?
July and August for dry, sunny weather and manageable crowds; the southwest monsoon mostly misses Matale, so these months offer clear skies and good hiking conditions.
Top Attractions in Matale
💡 Haggle politely but don't expect huge discounts. Try the local fruit like rambutan or mangosteen if in season.
💡 Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Best visited during morning puja (around 6am) for a more serene experience.
💡 Start the walk before 9am to avoid heat and haze. The path is uneven; watch your step near the edge. No entry fee, but park your tuk-tuk at the base for a small fee.
💡 Go early morning to avoid crowds and heat. The stairs are steep, so wear sturdy shoes and bring water.
💡 Bring a picnic and sit under the giant banyan tree near the entrance. The entry fee is very low (around 50 LKR).