Here are well-regarded semi‑luxury (upper-mid / 4★–boutique) hotels in Kandy, with a short note on each to help you pick:

1. Amaya Hills — hilltop resort with sweeping mountain views, outdoor pool, spa and traditional Kandyan style; good for scenic stays outside the city center. (amayaresorts.com)

2. Theva Residency — boutique hill property in the Hantana foothills with an infinity pool and panoramic views; quieter, more intimate option. (theva.lk)

3. Cinnamon Citadel Kandy — riverside, well‑appointed 4★ hotel with river views, pool and easy access to nature/activities along the Mahaweli. Good balance of comfort and location. (cinnamonhotels.com)

4. Mahaweli Reach Hotel — long‑standing riverfront hotel with colonial character, extensive facilities (pool, spa, river cruises) — classic comfortable option by the Mahaweli. (mahaweli.com)

5. Earl’s Regent Kandy — modern 4★ hotel on a hilltop offering comfortable rooms, banquet/meeting facilities and good service for business or leisure travelers. (earlshotels.com)

6. The Grand Kandyan — centrally located hotel with rooftop pool and easy access to Kandy city sights; practical choice if you want to be near the Temple of the Tooth. (grandkandyan.com)

7. Queen’s Hotel Kandy — historic, colonial‑era hotel facing Kandy Lake near the Temple of the Tooth; heritage charm and very central location (popular during festivals). (chcplc.com)

8. The Kandy House — an intimate boutique manor‑house property (fewer rooms, heritage style) — pricier but still in the boutique/upper‑mid segment for those wanting character and privacy. (thetimes.co.uk)

Quick selection tips

• If you want sightseeing/walking access to the Temple of the Tooth and lakefront restaurants, pick a central hotel (Queen’s, Grand Kandyan). (chcplc.com)
• For views, privacy and nature, choose a hilltop/hillside property (Amaya Hills, Theva Residency). (amayaresorts.com)
• For a classic riverside stay and easy river activities, Mahaweli Reach or Cinnamon Citadel are strong picks. (mahaweli.com)

Booking & practical notes

• Prices and availability vary by season (peak: December–February and the Esala Perahera in July/August). Check official sites and major booking platforms for current rates and promos. (amayaresorts.com)
• Many hotels offer airport transfers or can arrange trains/buses; driving from Colombo is ~3 hours (scenic). For specific transfers, confirm directly with the hotel. (mahaweli.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow this to hotels in a specific part of Kandy (lakefront, riverside, Hantana hills),
• Compare 2–3 properties side‑by‑side (price, distance to Temple of the Tooth, best room types), or
• Check current rates for your travel dates.