Beachbums · outside Matara 🗺️
in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
beachbumssrilanka.com book at airbnb.com book at hostelworld.com 
✉️
offers:
Nestled along the stunning southern coastline, we offer a relaxed space for travellers, digital nomads, and surf enthusiasts. Our home is all about community, adventure, and embracing the laid-back island lifestyle.
Reviews we don't rate spaces—please interpret other's opinions per your own values
It's hard to put into words how wonderful Jack is as a host. He's incredibly friendly and kind. From the first day, we knew this place was cared for with love and he does everything to ensure everyone enjoys their stay. He helped us with everything we needed, took us surfing, arranged a local dinner for us - the best curry of our lives! You have access to a kitchenette, drinking water, use of surfboards, snorkeling gear, bikes. There are also a few restaurants and grocery stores nearby. And the best part, you're just steps away from the beach. We even had an ocean view with a small balcony. The room was very clean, spacious, and simply furnished, with plenty of storage space and a desk for work. Also there is absolutely amazing rooftop, where you can watch sunsets, have a workout or just chill. The only downside was that the wifi occasionally dropped, but I guess that's common in Sri Lanka. And unfortunately, the rooms aren't air-conditioned, but you do get fans which help cool the air a bit. There was also an adorable dog, Tess, in the house, whom we immediately fell in love with. Simply put, an amazing stay and if we return to Sri Lanka, we'll definitely stay here again. You feel at home here. We absolutely loved it.
This recession concerns November 2023 and the "Hostel".
Due to the images of the co-living space, great Google reviews, and the offer to use surfboards, we decided to stay at Beachbums for 10 days.
Since the co-living area was already fully booked, we booked 2 beds in the hostel, assuming it would be just as great.
Upon our arrival, we were directed from the co-living house to the hostel, which is just a few steps around the corner.
As soon as we entered the room and the area, it was clear to us that we did not want to spend a single night there and that it completely did not meet our expectations. The reasons for this are as follows:
The so-called "hostel" is merely a room in a larger house. There are no other dorms.
The room is very small and dark. It's a 4-bed dorm with 2 bunk beds. There is hardly any space for four people. There is no storage space and no way to lock valuables. Also, the door cannot be closed from the outside! The room's door is located on an exterior wall.
The room has no AC, only a fan. The fan is positioned in such a way that the person on the back bunk bed risks hitting it depending on their body size. Even with the fan running, the room was extremely hot. It's unimaginable how it would be at night with 4 people.
The beds have no mosquito nets, and the mosquito nets on the windows are old and have holes.
In the house where the room is located, there is no drinking water even though there is enough space in the kitchen for it. Drinking water must be obtained from the co-living space, a few meters around the corner, approximately on the 3rd floor. In our opinion, this is a big no-go and a quick fix.
The outdoor area and common areas of this second house are very dirty, with old crumbs on the tables, floors not having been cleaned in a long time, and clothes and things lying around that do not belong to visitors. Mirrors are stained, etc.
This house generally gives a somewhat neglected impression.
When asked about the surfboards available for rent, we were told that only one softboard is available.
This is not at all what is advertised on the website. We felt extremely uncomfortable and immediately canceled our booking.
There are so many great and affordable guesthouses in Sri Lanka that are clean and safe. Even on a small budget, something much better can be found.
Regarding life at Beachbums itself, we cannot say anything. Nor can we comment on the friendliness of the hosts. However, friendliness is also the absolute minimum.
We cannot recommend the hostel.
Beachbums coliving is really a coliving so don't expect a superduper hotel with all the services and cleaningstaff and whatnot, but that was exactly the vibe I was going for. Super nice people, kitchens in both of the buildings, great volunteers that are giving their best to make everybody feel comfortable and welcomed, seaview in the mainbuilding with a great rooftop. Jack, the host is also really chill and a nice dude with the cutest doggo ever 
A few things were missing from our room, however these were dealt with swiftly. Good size for two people - no AC though! Shower only cold & mosquito net was very dusty!
We experienced some major down pours & there was no cover on the bathroom window so rain come down on the toilet which was interesting…
Staff were lovely, and very friendly.
We'd like to highlight a few aspects that we overlooked during our stay: since we just walked in and didn't book via a bookingpage, therefore we can't write a review on one of those.
- It's important to distinguish between the hostel and the co-living space.
- The hostel comprises a small room in a separate house, distinct from the co-living space.
- The room, in our view, is too compact for accommodating four people, lacks adequate lighting, and has holes in the mosquito nets around the window, leading to a significant mosquito presence.
- Unfortunately, a mosquito net around the bed was not provided.
- The common area falls short in terms of cleanliness, with noticeable dog hair on the sofas, and the tables requiring a thorough wipe.
- From a safety perspective, there's no provision for a safety locker, and the dorm room lock is broken, preventing secure storage of valuables. Despite bringing this to the host's attention, the response was that no incidents had occurred. We believe installing a safety locker or fixing the door lock wouldn't be a significant challenge.
- For access to drinking water and a proper kitchen, guests have to walk to the main house.
- Construction of a large hotel complex next door generates substantial noise from 8 am onward.
- The Wi-Fi at the hostel is subpar, making it impossible to send photos via WhatsApp.
Nonetheless, the people there are friendly and welcoming. Our intention is simply to shed light on certain aspects of their presentation.
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