Nursing a strong Colonial hangover, Colombo, the largest city and the capital of Sri Lanka, is a delightful mix of the past and present. Leafy avenues wind around stately heritage buildings and lush cricket grounds. Sprawling green spaces provide a much-needed respite from the heat, the city’s notorious traffic and busy markets.
It’s easy to assume that Colombo is a small city with not much action but it throws up many surprises when you least expect them. Go from visiting pious temples, an exceptionally good museum, chic stores and buzzing local restaurants during the day, to trendy bars and a buzzy nightlife as the sun goes down.
From international hotel chains, and charming boutique hotels to fantastic local hospitality outposts there are plenty of options for every kind of traveller.
A tropical climate means that the heat and humidity don’t really leave but do lose bite marginally between the months of October to February.
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Here are the 10 best hotels in Colombo to experience Sri Lankan hospitality
Flanked by Galle Face Green on one side and the raging Indian Ocean on the other, Galle Face Hotel is a much loved Colombo institution. A former Dutch house, it was converted into a hotel in 1864 and is a wonderful testament to Sri Lanka’s layered history. For some real indulgence pick rooms in the West Wing that house luxurious suites, each an ode to the hotel’s rich past. Feel like royalty when you check into The Empress Suite that was named in honour of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, who stayed here on her maiden visit to Ceylon.
Don’t be surprised if your interest in history piques, just follow the hotel’s historian on a guided tour learning about architectural details, and listening to stories of famous people the hotel has hosted and the many notable events it has been witness to. Savour all the tales and revel in the grandeur with a drink at the Travellers’ Bar or a scrumptious afternoon tea at the Verandah.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.4/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: gallefacehotel/Facebook)
- Address 2, Galle road, Colombo Galle face Green, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 100
Tucked away in a quiet street in the leafy neighbourhood of Colombo 7, Srilax offers five stylish rooms in a hard-to-beat location. Straight out of a Pinterest mood board, all rooms feature rattan furniture, hanging lights, potted plants and well-chosen books. The rooms open onto slim shared balconies that face the hotel’s entrance or the garden cafe at the back.
Occupying the ground floor of the house, Cafe Kumbuk serves up wholesome dishes cooked using locally sourced ingredients. Find a spot on the long wooden communal table or grab a seat under the shade of trees in the lovely garden, the cafe is a great place to catch up on work or spend time with friends. The small store adjoining the cafe sells Sri Lanka-inspired souvenirs including fun illustrated maps of the island.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.1/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
(Image Credit: cafekumbuk.com)
- Address Independence Avenue 3/1 Thambiah Avenue, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00700
A high-rise hotel located in a prime location, with well-appointed, spacious rooms that come with glorious ocean views and fabulous dining options, Hilton Colombo delivers on many counts. Be it for business or leisure the hotel caters to diverse needs with ease.
Stella, the hotel’s karaoke bar draws crowds for its lively atmosphere and is a great place to unwind after work or sightseeing. Along with good cocktails nosh on a variety of finger-licking nibbles including Sri Lankan street food favourite – kottu, a dish of shredded roti tossed with meat, seafood, chicken or vegetables, seasoned with a medley of spices.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.2/10
Trip Advisor: 4/5
MakeMyTrip: 4/5
(Image Credit: hilton.com)
- Address 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner, Colombo World Trade Centre, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 02
Spread across 11 acres right across Galle Face Green, Taj Samudra feels like a resort in the midst of a bustling city. One of the oldest luxury hotels in Colombo, the hotel has been witness to its transformation over the years. While high-rise buildings engulf it, the hotel boasts of enchanting ocean views – easily among one of the best in the city.
Its 300 rooms and suites are set amidst immaculately landscaped gardens creating an atmosphere of unhurried luxury. Colombo’s finest dining hotspots are a mere stone’s throw away but there’s no need to leave: enjoy a splendid Indian meal at Navratna, Japanese cuisine at Yumi, signature Sichuan dishes at Golden Dragon or exquisite seafood at the newly opened Crab Factory.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.1/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: tajhotels.com)
- Address 25 Galle Face Centre Road, Colombo Galle face Green, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 9411
In the heart of Colombo’s posh Cinnamon Gardens neighbourhood, Jetwings merges the best of Sri Lankan hospitality and design. The decor boldly reaffirms that contemporary and minimalistic don’t have to be boring. A neutral colour palette is well accentuated by enormous metal botanical sculptures and a liberal and clever use of terracotta tiles.
Spacious rooms, studios and serviced apartments offer unobstructed city views and all creature comforts. Closer to sunset drop all plans and make your way to the rooftop infinity pool that shimmers against a bruised purplish pink sky. Have a meal at 57 which serves Sri Lankan cuisine and international fare or grab a drink and nibble, hovering high above the city at Ward 7, the rooftop restobar.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.6/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: jetwinghotels.com)
- Address 57, Ward Place, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00700
A short drive out of Colombo, Heritance Negombo sits on a long stretch of unspoiled beach in the coastal city of Negombo. Wake up to views of swaying palms and mesmerising ocean views. The rooms and suites have plush interiors and a host of modern amenities from iPod docking stations to indulgent rain showers. Hit the beach at every opportunity you get, be it for a stroll or try your hand at kite flying or go dolphin watching.
Change things up with a visit to the local fish market that’s abuzz with activity every morning or go on a guided boat safari along the Muthurajawela Wetlands, a marsh lagoon that is home to unique flora and fauna. Back at the hotel, unwind by the pool, enjoy a game of tennis or get pampered at the spa. Don’t miss catching a cinematic sunset at the See Lounge which boasts of some of the best views across the property.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.2/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: heritancehotels.com)
- Address 175, Lewis Place, Negombo, Negombo Beach, Negombo, Sri Lanka, 11500
Big on mood, style and glamour, Tintagel Colombo is everything you would expect from the Paradise Road stable: an iconic Sri Lankan home decor company. A former home of the Bandaranaike family, the heritage structure has been witness to several notable historical moments both joyous and tragic; and is now a chic 10-room boutique hotel. If white dominates the exteriors, inside, be ready for an explosion of bold reds, blacks and taupes.
Gleaming marble pillars, rich wood furnishings, striped upholstery, exotic Chinese chests and exquisite fresh floral arrangements all make for an arresting ambience. Take in your surroundings as you kick back with a drink and canapés at the Red Bar. For something more intimate, settle down in a cosy nook in the Library with a glass of wine.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.8/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: paradiseroadhotels.com)
- Address 65 Rosmead Place, Colombo 7, Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 700
Towering over Galle Face Green, Shangri-La’s Colombo property injects a dose of modernity and fun into a relatively flat cityscape. With elevation come stunning views so pick rooms that face the stormy Indian Ocean or the calming Beira Lake. Done up in soothing blues and taupes, the well-sized rooms and suites feature luxurious furniture and fittings: a Shangri-La trademark.
Dine across six fabulous restaurants, including the hotel’s signature Shang Palace that’s inspired by Beijing’s traditional siheyuan houses. At the stylish Capital Bar and Grill tuck into succulent cuts of meat and fresh seafood. Sign up for some serious pampering at Chi, The Spa which offers a Sri Lanka-inspired body wrap featuring traditional ingredients such as moringa and Gotu kola.
Families with little children can enjoy the Adventure Zone: an immersive indoor play space for children between 6 months and 12 years, in the adjoining One Galle Face Mall. While the kids are entertained head out on a shopping expedition through Colombo’s largest shopping mall.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.9/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: shangri-la.com)
- Address 1 Galle Face, Colombo 2, Colombo Galle face Green, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 0002
Maniumpathy is a historical gem set within the verdant and hip neighbourhood of Colombo 7. From the outside, it’s easy to mistake it to be an immaculately maintained private home, which is what has been for five generations of one family over a century. Today, the seven-room boutique heritage hotel lets guests gently step back in time. Each of the individually designed rooms is named after a female member of the family.
‘Annapurani’ the master suite named after the patriarch of the Hallock family, features a regal four-poster ebony bed and has a private garden. Besides the rooms, the common spaces also have a striking decor: adorned with antiques, plush Chesterfield sofas and family photographs. Enjoy an al fresco meal at the Verandah overlooking the courtyard and a tranquil pool. Don’t miss their Jaffna thali which has an assortment of delicious Sri Lankan curries. Later, relax with a drink in the cosy Cigar Room with an ambience that lends itself to intimate conversations.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 9.4/10
Trip Advisor: 5/5
MakeMyTrip: 5/5
(Image Credit: maniumpathy.com)
- Address 129, Kynsey Road, Cinnamon Gardens, Borella, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 00700
Experience the finest of Sri Lankan hospitality when you stay at the sprawling Cinnamon Grand luxury resort hotel. A kilometre away from Galle Face Green – the city’s popular seaside promenade, and other local attractions: make this an ideal pick for business and leisure travellers. Stay in rooms or suites done up in contemporary decor and with a wide range of amenities. Relax by the large swimming pool or sign up for a pampering spa treatment at the in-house NIJA Luxury Wellness Centre.
From exceptional Vietnamese fare at Noodles, and British pub grub at Cheers Pub to the Lagoon that recreates the lively buzz of seafood markets, there are plenty of dining options to choose from across the hotel. When the desire to shop strikes make your way to the adjoining two-storey shopping mall Crescat Boulevard and browse through a host of stores and boutiques. Lookout for fine Ceylon tea and handmade batik souvenirs.
User reviews:
Booking.com: 8.5/10
Trip Advisor: 4.5/5
MakeMyTrip: 4.5/5
(Image Credit: cinnamonhotels.com)
- Address 77 Galle Road, Colombo Galle face Green, Colombo, Sri Lanka, 100
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(Hero and feature image credit: heritancehotels.com)
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
– What are the best stay options to explore in Colombo?
Jetwings Colombo, Srilax, and Hilton Colombo are some of the best options.
– What are the top tourist attractions in Colombo?
Gangaramaya temple, Galle Face Green and Colombo National Museum are some of the must-visit places.
– What are the best things to do in Colombo?
Go on a bicycle tour of the city, fly a kite on Galle Face Green, or stroll through the colourful Pettah market.
– What is the best budget stay option in Colombo?
Srilax is the place to be.
– What are the most expensive stay options in Colombo?
Taj Samudra, Galle Face Hotel and Shangri-La are some of the most expensive options.
– Are there any luxury resorts in Colombo?
Yes, there are such as Taj Samudra and Cinnamon Grand.
– Are there any private homestay options in Colombo?
There are villas available for hire.
– What are the best foods to explore in Colombo?
Visitors should definitely try the seafood, Sri Lankan hoppers and curry, kottu roti.
– What are the best workation options in Colombo?
Likuid Spaces, HomeTree, Hub9 are some of the best options.
– What are the best hotels near the airport in Colombo?
Vivanta Colombo and Airport Garden are the hotels closest to the airport.
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