How is the safety of accommodation in Sri Lanka (e.g., locks, mosquito nets)?

Hey, you've come to the right person for questions about accommodation in Sri Lanka. I've been there several times and stayed in various hotels and guesthouses, so I'll share my experiences based on different situations, making sure it's easy to understand.

Overall, don't worry too much. Sri Lanka's tourism industry is quite mature, and accommodation safety in most places isn't an issue, but it definitely depends a lot on the type of place you stay.

First, let's talk about locks and security

This really is a case of "you get what you pay for," and the difference can be quite significant.

Star-rated hotels/resorts: If you're staying in legitimate star-rated hotels or chain resorts in Colombo, Galle, or the southern beaches, you generally don't need to worry about security. The door locks are electronic key card systems, rooms have safes, the lobby is staffed 24 hours, and the security systems are similar to hotels back home – very reliable.
Guesthouses in popular areas: This is the type of accommodation most people choose when visiting Sri Lanka. The door locks here vary widely.
- Common situation: Most are traditional key locks, like knob locks or those with a simple cylinder. Honestly, their sturdiness can't compare to electronic hotel locks, but they're usually sufficient to deter casual intruders and provide peace of mind. After all, everyone is a tourist, and local guesthouse owners value their reputation.
- Potential issues: Some older guesthouses might have slightly loose doors and frames, and the locks can appear flimsy. I once stayed at a place where it felt like the door could be forced open with a good shove.
- My advice:
  - Check upon check-in. Close the door, push and shake it to see how sturdy it is. Turn the lock to feel if it operates smoothly.
  - Keep valuables with you. Your passport, most of your cash, and camera should ideally be carried with you when you go out, regardless of where you're staying. A small amount of cash can be locked in your suitcase.
  - If you're particularly concerned about security, you can buy a "portable door lock" or "door jammer" from online stores; they're very compact. When you sleep at night, prop the door from the inside. This way, even if someone has a key, they can't get in, which will help you sleep more soundly.

Next, let's talk about mosquito nets

These are basically standard in mid-to-low-end accommodations in Sri Lanka, especially in guesthouses in the central highlands (like Ella, Nuwara Eliya) and along the southern coast.

High prevalence: Since Sri Lanka is a tropical country, mosquitoes and other insects are indeed abundant. Therefore, most guesthouses will have a white, canopy-like mosquito net draped over the bed. This is absolutely essential, especially in rooms without air conditioning where you need to open windows for ventilation.
Varying conditions: Some mosquito nets are new and clean, while others might be a bit old, or even have a few small holes.
My advice:
- First thing upon check-in, inspect the mosquito net. Pull it down and carefully check for any obvious holes. If there are small holes, try to patch them yourself or inform the owner; they usually replace it for you.
- Before sleeping, make sure to tuck in the mosquito net properly. Tuck all the edges of the net under the mattress to ensure there are no gaps for mosquitoes to fly in.
- Bring your own gear. Regardless of whether a net is provided, I strongly recommend bringing your own electric mosquito repellent liquid and insect repellent spray. Plug in the electric repellent in your room for double protection. Use the insect repellent spray on yourself when going out in the evening or visiting areas with lots of vegetation to effectively prevent bites. There's a risk of dengue fever in Sri Lanka, so mosquito prevention is absolutely paramount.

Here are a few quick tips to summarize:

Read reviews before booking: When booking on sites like Booking.com or Agoda, pay close attention to recent guest reviews, especially those mentioning keywords like "safe," "clean," and "mosquitoes."
Choose popular areas: Staying in areas frequented by tourists generally means a safer environment.
Relax, but don't be careless: The local people in Sri Lanka are generally simple and friendly. While accommodation facilities might not be as modern as in some other countries, personal safety is generally not a major concern. Maintain basic vigilance, keep an eye on your belongings, and you'll have a great time.

I hope this helps, and I wish you a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka!