A good place for a few weeks, found in 7 days.
Staying less than 90 days (about 12 weeks)? We search, check and negotiate a short-term rental on your behalf, the same way we do for long stays, and have a place lined up for you within 7 days of your brief.
Price: $75 (stays under 90 days)
- For stays under 90 days
- Up to 10 places found within 7 days
- 1 in-person visit (up to 3 villas)
- Villas, hotels or a mix
- Up to 2 locations, e.g. Mirissa then Ella
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee on your brief
- Book and pay securely online by card
Beyond the booking sites
We use local contacts to find off-market places alongside listed ones, often at better rates than the platforms.
Checked before you book
We check the internet and the host or landlord, so a short stay is not spent dealing with surprises.
Fast
Short stays need quick answers. We find you a place within 7 days of your brief.
Villas, hotels or both
Tell us you are open to both and we can switch between villas and hotels or serviced apartments. More places to choose from means better availability for your dates and an easier time staying within budget.
Two places, one search
Split your stay across two locations, for example a month in Mirissa and then a month in Ella, for the same fee. Want three or more? We will send you a custom quote.
Areas we have walked ourselves
The areas we search were chosen by visiting them in person, not from a map: we know where the fibre reaches, which roads are noisy and which spots flood in the monsoon.
What's included
- A quick brief on your dates, budget, preferred areas and non-negotiables
- Villas, houses, hotels or serviced apartments — or a mix, switching between them to widen availability and stay within budget
- Up to 2 locations per search, e.g. 1 month in Mirissa then 1 month in Ella (3 or more locations by custom quote)
- Up to 10 options presented in total, from listed and off-market places in our local contacts
- Internet speed checked and the host or landlord checked before you book
- Negotiation on price and terms on your behalf, in the local language
- Your options delivered within 7 days of your brief
- 1 in-person visit by our ground team: up to 3 villas on the same day, all within a 2 km radius
- Extra visits: $25 per villa, or $50 for up to 3 villas within a 2 km radius on the same day
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: if we cannot present options matching your brief (dates, budget ceiling, bed count and location), tell us within 48 hours of receiving the shortlist and we refund the fee
For stays under 90 days (about 12 weeks); for 90 days or more, see the Long-Stay Rental Search. Rent and any deposit are paid by you directly to the host or landlord. Where an agency or host offers an introducing referral fee, this will be transparently disclosed to you.
How it works
- Brief: Dates, budget, preferred areas and non-negotiables.
- Shortlist: Listed and off-market places that match the brief.
- Visit: Our ground team visits up to 3 villas in person, within a 2 km radius. Extra visits $25 per villa or $50 for 3.
- Check & negotiate: Internet and host checked, price and terms negotiated.
- Book: You confirm and book directly with the host, within 7 days of your brief.
Good to know
What counts as short-term?
Any stay of less than 90 days (about 12 weeks). For 90 days or more, our Long-Stay Rental Search is the right service.
What does the 100% Satisfaction Guarantee cover?
It covers us not delivering on your brief. If we cannot present at least 3 vetted options that meet the objective criteria in your brief (dates, budget ceiling, bed count and location), email us within 48 hours of receiving the shortlist and before booking, and we refund the $75 fee in full. If the options match your brief and you decide not to go ahead, for example because you do not like them, change your plans, book elsewhere, or do not want to pay the host’s holding deposit (usually 30%–50% for peak dates), the fee is non-refundable. Asking us for a host introduction or booking link also ends the guarantee. The full terms are in section 8.4 of our Terms of Service.
Can I get a refund and book a shortlisted place myself?
No. Our shortlist is the work you paid for. If a refund is issued and you later book one of the shortlisted properties for those dates directly, we may invoice a $150 penalty fee, as set out in our Terms of Service.
How quickly will you find a place?
We search for up to 7 days from receiving your completed brief. Availability, hosts and prices are outside our control, so we cannot guarantee a match, but for very specific requirements or peak-season dates we will tell you early if the brief needs adjusting.
Can you mix villas and hotels?
Yes. Choose "Open to both" and we search villas, houses, hotels and serviced apartments, and can switch you between them: for example, a hotel while a villa you like becomes free. It widens what is available for your dates and helps you stay within budget.
Can I split my stay between two places?
Yes. Up to two locations are included in the same fee, for example one month in Mirissa and then one month in Ella. We present up to 10 options in total across both locations. For three or more locations, choose "Three or more" in the form and we will email you a custom quote before anything is charged.
Who do I pay for the accommodation?
You pay the host or landlord directly. Our $75 fee covers the search only. Where an agency or host offers an introducing referral fee, this will be transparently disclosed to you.
Start your short-term search
Tell us your dates and what you need, then pay the $75 fee securely by card on Stripe. Your 7 days start when we confirm your brief, within one business day. Email hello@liveinlanka.lk or WhatsApp +94 76 885 4419.