Thaproban Beach House

Thaproban Beach House has been serving and sheltering guests since the late 1990s, but the hotel has a fresh, modern look with pops of color and chic design elements like carved wooden screens and panels, boho-inspired natural wood tables, wicker chairs, and hints of bright orange in pillow and textiles throughout its contemporary lobby. Bright accents abound, and contemporary artwork and light fixtures hang on the walls and from the ceilings. The resulting vibe is open and fresh, giving the public spaces a social and welcoming feel. The beachside dining area is the only area that's a little less glossy, with a handful of mismatched tables and chairs haphazardly resting in the sand. But no one seems to mind -- in fact, most guests can be found here, either socializing or just enjoying the view from a private table. Thaproban Beach House is an ideal budget-friendly option for those looking for a mid-range Sri Lankan beach getaway. Solo travelers, couples, and friends are drawn by the laid-back social vibe, while the family-style room options also make it a nice pick for small families. 

Thaproban Beach House has a super convenient location that is directly on the well-trod (and tuk-tuk packed) main tourist drag and the very wide beach. A handful of basic local shops with drinks, snacks, and other conveniences are right out the front door, as are a slew of other restaurants. There are plenty of souvenir shops, yoga spots, and bars in the immediate area as well. The main highway is also about a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and tuk-tuks are easily found right outside the hotel's entrance. Unawatuna's famous Japanese Peace Pagoda is a 10- to 15-minute ride from the hotel as is the more secluded and less built-up Jungle Beach. The historic town of Galle, with Galle Fort and the Galle Fort Lighthouse, can also be reached in 15 minutes by car, and a day trip to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve will take about four hours round-trip. Colombo International Airport is about two hours away by car depending on traffic. 

Thaproban Beach House has a fair amount of variety across its 14 rooms. Style across the board is simple and attractive, with a natural feel. Doors, floors, and furniture are all made of hardwood, though lines and silhouettes are straightforward (don't expect any intricate local touches). Accents like modern vases with flowers, orange textiles, contemporary light fixtures brighten up the spaces. Many rooms have four-poster beds cloaked in gauzy mosquito nets, though some have traditional hotel beds. All rooms include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and minibars. Ground floor Superior Rooms have dim bathrooms and a low level of privacy because they open up directly onto the bar deck. Because of the proximity to the bar and beachside restaurant area, these (and the two rooms above) can be susceptible to noisier nights depending on the crowd. Large tiled bathrooms have glass showers with rainfall showerheads. Basic toiletries are provided, though shampoo and conditioner may be missing. Be sure to ask if the room booked has a direct sea view -- a few rooms labeled "sea view" actually only offer slim and distant side-views of the ocean. Rooms also have swinging double doors that latch closed; some are hard to lock, don't completely seal closed, and can feel insecure. We did spot some water damage on walls and wear in rooms. 

Many beach areas in Sri Lanka can feel deserted or be covered in trash, but the red sands behind Thaproban are clean. It's usually packed with locals and tourists -- though, thanks to its width, it manages to feel uncrowded. While the beach area is public domain and remains completely unequipped, the hotel provides a mix of plastic and wooden lounge chairs and beanbags at the edge of the restaurant for use on the sand. Pay mind to the flying flags indicating the temperament of the sea. The waves here can crash big and hard.  

Thaproban Beach House lacks some of the amenities of its sister properties, but the basics are covered. While the number one feature of the hotel is its proximity to the beach, the second is its large, outdoor, in-the-sand dining area and wooden bar deck. Most guests can be found out back soaking up the sun at a table while enjoying a bite or drink. For a little more shelter, the same menu is served at the lobby restaurant and small four stool bar next to reception. Food is excellent and breakfast is included in room rates. Beef is not served. A seafood barbecue with fresh, local fish is served on select nights. There's no spa or pool here, but guests have free access to the pools and spa treatments available at Thaproban Pavilion and Thambapanni Retreat, both within an easy walk of the hotel (or reachable by shuttle). Wi-Fi is free throughout and there is very limited parking.