Stay Happy Hostel

Arugam Bay · Sri Lanka

Stay Happy Hostel

HostelPunk Score
71% TINY SAMPLE
Low confidence 38 reviews
Bed bug check pending 39 of 100 reviews analyzed
Incentivized-review check pending 39 of 100 reviews analyzed

Tags

Facilities

Other facilities (16)
Adaptors Luggage Storage Reception (Limited Hours) Wi-Fi Linen Included Air Conditioning Towels Included Reading Light Ceiling Fan Security Lockers 24 Hour Security Hot Showers Free WiFi Free Security Lockers Tea & Coffee Making Facilities Social Balcony

Prices

Dorms $14 / night
Privates $41 / night

HW prices from today

Worst reviews

England MALE 25-30 Nov 12, 2025 2.0/10

Hostel wasn’t open and was more like a construction site despite accepting our booking. The host refused to cancel the booking on their end, meaning I have not received a refund for my booking fee. Untrustworthy and I would not recommend!!

via Hostelworld
Netherlands MALE 18-24 Jul 25, 2025 2.0/10

Je krijgt niet wat er op de accomodatie staat onaardige man en uit op geld. en hostel was vies zou dit niemand aanraden

Translated to English

You don't get what's on the accommodation state undignified man and out on money. and hostel was vile no one would recommend this

via Hostelworld
Germany MALE 25-30 Aug 14, 2025 6.0/10

Gerade das bad könnte sauberer sein, sonst kann man das wegen seiner guten Lage zu Strand und Restaurants weiterempfehlen. Nicht so social weil Frauen und Männer in dorms stickt getrennt werden. Trotzdem netter Besitzer und würde es weiterempfehlen.

Translated to English

The bathroom could be cleaner, otherwise I would recommend it because of its good location to the beach and restaurants. not so social because women and men are kept separated in dorms. nevertheless nice owner and would recommend it.

via Hostelworld
England MALE 18-24 Jul 22, 2025 6.0/10

Dorm rooms were Overbooked when I arrived and I don’t think there were any privates available either. Bloke wasn’t especially helpful but seemed like a nice place

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Germany MALE 18-24 May 6, 2026 8.0/10

Gutes ruhiges Hostel. Nicht so social wie die anderen, aber das ist hier denke auch nicht das Ziel. Der Host ist sehr freundlich und herzlich

Translated to English

Not as social as the others, but that's what this is here I don't think it's the destination either.

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USA MALE 25-30 May 5, 2026 8.0/10

Amazing stay! Azi is incredible and our room was clean and spacious. Met lots of great people there!

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Germany ALLFEMALEGROUP 25-30 Sep 13, 2025 8.0/10

Sehr klein, Badezimmer fanden wir persönlich nicht so hygienisch. Personal sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.

Translated to English

Sehr klein, Bathrooms we personally do not find so hygienic.

via Hostelworld
England FEMALE 18-24 Aug 23, 2025 8.0/10

had an amazing stay here! owner was very helpful and kind. the room could have been cleaned more deeply but the basics were sparkling and the bed was super super comfortable. would reccommend

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Netherlands FEMALE 18-24 Jul 31, 2025 8.0/10

Was een fijne plek voor een hostel! Dicht bij veel leuke eetgelegenheden. De bedden waren groot en comfortabel met allemaal een eigen gordijntje (in de vrouwendorm)

Translated to English

It was a nice place for a hostel! close to many nice dining places. the beds were large and comfortable with all a separate curtain (in the women's dorm)

via Hostelworld
Wales MALE 25-30 May 4, 2026 10.0/10

What a place! Location wise is 2 minute walk to the beach. There are local spots all around the hostel is well including great surf shops. Only between 5/10 min walks to more restaurants/bars/cash machines. As a solo traveller, I’ve found this hostel to be very relaxing and the owner (Ozzy) has made my time here really comfortable. He’s given me recommendations for surfing hire, lessons, safari tours and scooters. Extended from 2 nights to a full week just because why not. 10/...

via Hostelworld

Recent reviews

Germany MALE 18-24 May 6, 2026 Atm 80%

Gutes ruhiges Hostel. Nicht so social wie die anderen, aber das ist hier denke auch nicht das Ziel. Der Host ist sehr freundlich und herzlich

Translated to English

Not as social as the others, but that's what this is here I don't think it's the destination either.

via Hostelworld
USA MALE 25-30 May 5, 2026 Atm 80%

Amazing stay! Azi is incredible and our room was clean and spacious. Met lots of great people there!

via Hostelworld
Wales MALE 25-30 May 4, 2026 Atm 100%

What a place! Location wise is 2 minute walk to the beach. There are local spots all around the hostel is well including great surf shops. Only between 5/10 min walks to more restaurants/bars/cash machines. As a solo traveller, I’ve found this hostel to be very relaxing and the owner (Ozzy) has made my time here really comfortable. He’s given me recommendations for surfing hire, lessons, safari tours and scooters. Extended from 2 nights to a full week just because why not. 10/...

via Hostelworld
England FEMALE 18-24 May 4, 2026 Atm 100%

Great stay. Felt very at home here - host was always accommodating, offering tea and help with transfers and recommendations. Rooms very clean and good AC. Would recommend

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Germany MALE 18-24 May 4, 2026 Atm 100%

Very cozy hostel with an amazing owner!!

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England FEMALE 18-24 May 3, 2026 Atm 100%

this hostel was like a home away from home! azi, the host, was so friendly and welcoming! felt so relaxed and safe here. the dorm beds were super comfortable with 2 sockets each and curtains for privacy. the facilities were clean and we had everything we needed. there were laundry services too that was super useful!! will definitely stay here again when i’m back in arugam bay

via Hostelworld
Spain MIXEDGROUP 25-30 May 3, 2026 Atm 100%

Nos quedamos 4 noches en este lugar y nos gusto mucho! Azi el dueño es muy simpatico, incluso fuimos a cenar todos los del hostel con él! Un lugar que recomiendo a otros viajeros que vengan a Arugam Bay

Translated to English

We stayed 4 nights in this place and we really enjoy it! today the owner is very nice, we even went to dinner with him all the hostel people! a place that I recommend to other travelers who come to Arugam Bay

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USA MALE 31-40 May 1, 2026 Atm 100%

Azi is the man!! He was so chill and helpful. The spot is in a good location and the hostel has everything you need. Definitely coming back

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Japan FEMALE 25-30 May 1, 2026 Atm 100%

We cannot recommend Stay Happy hostel enough! This ended up being the perfect place to stay for our last stop in Sri Lanka. What makes this place so special is the owner. A family-owned business, we felt so welcome and safe from the very start. He sorted out surf lessons, mopeds, Colombo transfer, food recommendations and so much more with ease for us, all for a great price, for which we were so grateful. The rooms were clean, had AC and fan, and the curtains were a great touch. Lovely social ar...

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Italy FEMALE 18-24 Apr 25, 2026 Atm 100%

It’s an amazing hostel with amazing people Who let you feel like home ! Highly recommended,love from Italy❤️

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Canada FEMALE 25-30 Apr 17, 2026 Atm 100%

I stayed in the female dorm for over a week! Super comfy beds & very clean (you'll find Azi sweeping every day). Azi has all the connections, he'll give you a ride to town to find what you need. He also has the sweetest family ever. His daughter& I painted the hostel mural together & his wife Trifana is an incredible cook. The hostel offers an affordable Sri Lankan breakfast prepared by her. Highly recommend. Whether you want to go surfing, swimming or safari-ing, the location is prime.

via Hostelworld
England FEMALE 18-24 Apr 6, 2026 Atm 100%

A super lovely hostel in a great location. I stayed in the female dorm - there is lots of space and the beds are big and comfortable. The AC works well and the shower is a good pressure. This place had everything I needed and the owners were very kind. Would definitely recommend this place. Great value for money.

via Hostelworld
USA MALE 31-40 Mar 20, 2026 Atm 100%

This place was stellar. Azi and his family are very welcoming and friendly. He was very responsive to my WhatsApp messages. The rooms are clean and the property has big trees that provide much needed shade. Reliable WiFi. I extended my stay for a good rate and he even helped me with a ride to Ella. Would 100% come back!

via Hostelworld
England MALE 25-30 Nov 12, 2025 Atm 20%

Hostel wasn’t open and was more like a construction site despite accepting our booking. The host refused to cancel the booking on their end, meaning I have not received a refund for my booking fee. Untrustworthy and I would not recommend!!

via Hostelworld
Germany FEMALE 25-30 Sep 29, 2025 Atm 80%

Very nice hostel, we stayed here for a few nights. The location is very good, near the main street and close to the beach, restaurants and cafés. The hostel owner is very friendly and gives good advices

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Germany MALE 25-30 Sep 18, 2025 Atm 100%

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to stay in Arugam Bay, this is the perfect spot. Nestled in the calming shade of a mango tree, it’s a wonderful place to spend your days and nights. Azmir is an exceptionally polite and caring host who’s always ready to help—whether you need assistance or just a friendly chat. The rooms and bath were both very clean

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Australia MALE 18-24 Sep 13, 2025 Atm 100%

Was a great spot, ended up staying here a couple days. Very affordable for a group of three. Hostel owner was great guy.

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Germany ALLFEMALEGROUP 25-30 Sep 13, 2025 Atm 60%

Sehr klein, Badezimmer fanden wir persönlich nicht so hygienisch. Personal sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.

Translated to English

Sehr klein, Bathrooms we personally do not find so hygienic.

via Hostelworld
England MALE 25-30 Sep 11, 2025 Atm 100%

Azi was a great host, I booked a private room which was perfect for what I needed, more of a chilled and quiet place but very close to the Main Street. Would recommend if you’re in the atea

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Germany FEMALE 25-30 Sep 10, 2025 Atm 100%

Nice place to stay at, great value for your money and the owners are really nice and helpful! The female dorm has big, comfortable beds and curtains. Would stay there again!