Here are the most famous and highly recommended hotels across Sri Lanka, grouped by region with a short note on why each is worth visiting:

Colombo & nearby

• Galle Face Hotel — Colombo: Iconic 19th‑century beachfront heritage hotel in the capital, famous for colonial charm, ocean views and a long history as one of Sri Lanka’s landmark hotels. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Mount Lavinia Hotel — Mount Lavinia (Colombo suburb): Historic seaside hotel built from a former governor’s residence; popular for sunset views, colonial atmosphere and beachfront dining. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Shangri‑La Colombo: Modern luxury high‑rise on Galle Road offering full resort facilities and city convenience. Good if you want contemporary five‑star comfort in Colombo. (en.wikipedia.org)

Galle & the southern coast

• Amangalla — Galle Fort: Ultra‑luxury, heritage property set inside the UNESCO World Heritage Galle Fort — superb for history, architecture and an intimate, elegant stay. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Jetwing Lighthouse — Galle: Geoffrey Bawa–designed landmark hotel on a rocky promontory near Galle Fort, noted for architecture and ocean views. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Cape Weligama — Southern coast (near Matara): Dramatic cliff‑top resort with villa style accommodation and sweeping Indian Ocean panoramas — a favorite in Condé Nast / readers’ lists. (resplendentceylon.com)
• Amanwella / Anantara Peace Haven (examples of Tangalle beach luxury): minimalist, high‑end beach resorts popular for privacy and understated design. (eater.com)

Hill country (tea country)

• Ceylon Tea Trails — Hatton (Nuwara Eliya area): Restored colonial tea‑bungalows in working tea plantations — quintessential “tea country” luxury and excursions through the estates. (hidmc.com)
• Heritance Tea Factory (and similar tea‑estate hotels): unique stays converted from tea estates/factories — great for views, cool climate and tea experiences. (en.wikipedia.org)

Cultural triangle & central plains

• Heritance Kandalama — Dambulla (near Sigiriya): Geoffrey Bawa–designed hotel set into the rock/jungle with outstanding views of the reservoir and Sigiriya — famous for architecture and eco‑credentials. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Uga Ulagalla (and Uga Escapes properties): luxury boutique options in and around the Cultural Triangle offering private villas, rural estate settings and easy access to temples and heritage sites. (hidmc.com)

Wildlife & safari lodges

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge — Yala: High‑end safari glamping on the edge of Yala National Park (leopard country) — combines tented camp romance with luxury amenities. Widely praised in travel press. (resplendentceylon.com)

Boutique & heritage picks

• The Kandy House — Kandy: Intimate colonial manor‑house boutique hotel in the hill capital; excellent for a calm, romantic stay near the Temple of the Tooth. (thetimes.co.uk)

Notes to help you choose

• For heritage/colonial charm: Galle Face, Mount Lavinia, Amangalla, Ceylon Tea Trails. (en.wikipedia.org)
• For beach/relaxation on the south coast: Cape Weligama, Amanwella, Anantara/Resplendent properties. (resplendentceylon.com)
• For wildlife: Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Yala) is a top pick. (resplendentceylon.com)
• For architecture lovers: Heritance Kandalama and Jetwing Lighthouse (both linked to Geoffrey Bawa’s legacy). (en.wikipedia.org)

If you want, I can narrow this to the top 4 depending on your travel style (heritage, beach, tea country, or safari) or give approximate price ranges and how to combine stays into a 7–10 day itinerary.