Here are recommended places to stay in and around Kandy, Sri Lanka, grouped by style and budget so you can pick what fits your trip. I’ve included a short note on why each is worth considering and a citation for up-to-date info.

Luxury / upscale

• Mahaweli Reach — riverside five‑star hotel with colonial architecture, large rooms and good facilities; convenient for sightseeing in central Kandy. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Earl’s Regency — big full‑service hotel/resort outside the city (good for families, pool, conference facilities). (widely listed among Kandy’s top hotels). (refinedluxuryhotels.com)
• Santani Wellness (near Kandy) — purpose‑built luxury wellness retreat on a former tea estate (about an hour from Kandy); excellent if you want spa/ayurveda, guided hikes and a nature setting. Note: it’s outside the city center. (santani.com)

Boutique & heritage stays (characterful, romantic)

• The Kandy House — restored 19th‑century manor converted into an intimate, high‑end boutique hotel (small number of rooms, peaceful gardens). Great for a heritage/boutique experience near Kandy. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Helga’s Folly — eccentric, art‑filled boutique hotel with a strong personality and a long history of famous guests; right in Kandy and very memorable. (en.wikipedia.org)
• The Manor House / Mansion Nugawela — historic walauwa (manor) converted to a boutique hotel a short drive from Kandy, with period character. (en.wikipedia.org)

Reliable mid‑range and business hotels

• Cinnamon Citadel Kandy — well‑rated four‑star hotel on the Mahaweli River with good restaurants and pool; a solid mid‑range option near major sights. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Araliya Green Hills / Theva Residency / Golden Crown (local mid‑size hotels) — good options across the city and nearby hills; they balance comfort, views and location. (refinedluxuryhotels.com)

Budget, guesthouses & heritage city center

• Olde Empire Hotel / Queen’s Hotel (city center) — heritage, budget-to-mid options in the core around the Temple of the Tooth (very convenient for short visits and festivals). (en.wikipedia.org)
• Numerous family‑run guesthouses and homestays around the lake and Lower City — cheap, friendly, and great for getting local tips (search guesthouse listings for current availability and reviews). (See local listings on booking/review sites.) (refinedluxuryhotels.com)

Quick location & planning tips

• If your priority is the Temple of the Tooth, the Old Town / Dalada Veediya area (near the lake and Temple) is the most convenient. (en.wikipedia.org)
• For cooler hill views and tea‑estate scenery, choose hotels in the Hantana / Knuckles foothills or wellness retreats on nearby estates (e.g., Santani). (santani.com)
• Book early if you travel during Perahera (Kandy Esala Festival, usually July/August) — hotels fill fast. (Festival timing can vary year to year; check exact dates before you book.)

If you’d like, tell me:

• your travel dates (I can check availability/prices),
• your budget per night, and
• whether you prefer city, hillside/tea‑estate, or wellness/retreat — and I’ll shortlist 3–5 options with approximate prices and pros/cons.