Here are top picks for hotels in and immediately around Polonnaruwa that are known for giving strong cultural experiences (close to the ancient city, arrange guided ruins visits, village/food experiences, safaris or local activities). Short reason + source for each so you can check details and book.

• Deer Park Hotel (Giritale) — Lakefront luxury cottages, on-site guides and safari/jeep excursions into Minneriya/Giritale and easy access to the Cultural Triangle (Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla). Good if you want a mix of archaeology + wildlife + resort comfort. (deerparksrilanka.com)

• The Lake Hotel / Hotel Lake Park (Polonnaruwa) — lakeside location near Parakrama Samudra, rooftop/lake activities (boat rides) and convenient base for early-morning visits to the ancient city. Best for lakeside sunset views after a day at the ruins. (hotellakepark.com)

• Ancient Village / Hotel Ancient Village — small guesthouse style right by the ruins area; walk or bike to the Polonnaruwa Sacred Quadrangle and a more “local”/homestay-style cultural atmosphere and home-cooked Sri Lankan meals. Good value for immersive, quiet stays. (wanderlog.com)

• Ruins Villa — positions itself as a culturally focused base, organizes guided tours to archaeological sites and nearby nature safaris; suitable if you want straightforward tour arranging and local insights. (ruinsvilla.com)

• Clay Hut Village — tiny, very close to the ancient city (short drive/bike), offers bicycle rental and easy access to the key monuments for self-guided exploration. Good if you want to focus on exploring the ruins at your own pace. (clayhutvillage.com)

• Honey Tree Polonnaruwa — eco-friendly, small hotel with bike tours, cultural-orientation activities and local food; convenient and budget-friendly for travelers keen on cycling and village visits. (honeytreepolonnaruwa.com)

• Tishan Holiday Resort — local, family-run option close to Polonnaruwa with easy access to the archaeological sites and park transfer/tour help; a simple, hospitable base. (lankahotels.info)

Quick tips to choose the best one for you

• If you want resort comfort + wildlife safaris: choose Deer Park (lakefront + safari access). (deerparksrilanka.com)
• If your priority is being steps from the ancient monuments and a homely, local feel: pick Ancient Village, Clay Hut or Honey Tree. (wanderlog.com)
• Book guided visits early (before mid-day heat) and ask your hotel to book a licensed guide at the Polonnaruwa Archaeological Park for context while you tour. The local hotels commonly arrange guides and bike rentals. (hotellakepark.com)
• If you’re combining culture + the Minneriya Elephant Gathering (huge herds at Minneriya/Kaudulla), the best months are roughly July–October — plan lodging with safari connections in advance. (expressionsholidays.co.uk)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this to a specific budget (backpacker / midrange / luxury) and map which of these are best; or
• Compare 2–3 hotels side-by-side for price, distance to the ruins, and the exact cultural activities they offer.