Great — here are highly recommended places to stay in Kandy, grouped by type so you can pick what fits your trip (views, history/heritage, boutique character, or reliable international comfort). I’ve included a short note on why each is popular and a source you can check for current details and rates.

Top luxury / hill-view hotels

• Amaya Hills — Hilltop resort with sweeping Hanthana-mountain views, pool, spa and traditional Kandyan design; great if you want tranquility and panoramic sunsets. (amayaresorts.com)
• Earl’s Regency (Earl’s Regent Kandy) — Large resort-style hotel with extensive facilities (pools, restaurants, event space); popular with families and groups. (earlshotels.com)
• Radisson Hotel Kandy — International-brand hotel in/near the city center with modern rooms, rooftop views and reliable service standards. (radissonhotels.com)

Best riverfront / classic 4–5★ options

• Mahaweli Reach Hotel — Longstanding upscale hotel on the Mahaweli River; a classic choice for comfort and good riverside location. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Cinnamon Citadel Kandy — Well-rated riverbank hotel from the Cinnamon chain (good balance of comfort, local design touches and value). (en.wikipedia.org)

Top boutique / historic stays (character & intimacy)

• The Kandy House — Small, restored 19th‑century manor turned boutique hotel; famous for heritage charm and a very intimate, tranquil experience. (thetimes.co.uk)
• Helga’s Folly — Eccentric, art-filled boutique with a very unique (and theatrical) style — great if you want an unforgettable, characterful stay. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Theva Residency — Boutique hill property overlooking Kandy with contemporary-luxe rooms and strong mountain views. (theva.lk)

Historic / central options

• Queen’s Hotel — Iconic colonial hotel opposite Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth; excellent location if you want to be in the heart of the city and close to cultural sites. (chcplc.com)

Other notable boutique villas (small, high-quality)

• Taru Villas Kandy / The Manor House (Nugawela) — Intimate heritage villas with limited rooms, good for peaceful stays close to the city but with a villa feel. (taruvillas.com)

Quick tips for choosing

• If you want to be within easy walking distance of the Temple of the Tooth and city restaurants, choose a central hotel (Queen’s, Radisson, some Cinnamon rooms). (radissonhotels.com)
• For views, cool breezes and a quieter stay, pick a hilltop property (Amaya Hills, Theva Residency). (amayaresorts.com)
• For character and a very small‑scale, romantic stay, consider The Kandy House, Helga’s Folly or Taru Villas. (thetimes.co.uk)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow these to “best for couples / families / budget” and show typical price bands; or
• Check current availability and rates for specific dates (I’ll look up live prices).