Where to Stay in Colombo

Plan your base in Colombo by area first, then by budget. Fort and Galle Face are ideal for strolling along the sea and taking in the landmark views. Cinnamon Gardens offers parks, cafés, and quiet nights. Kollupitiya and Marine Drive add rooftops and fast links. Below, you will find the best luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels, each with its own compelling reasons to book.

Colombo (Photo: Nilanka Kariyawasam)

Address: No. 1, Galle Face, Colombo 2, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94117888288 or 0117888288
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.shangri-la.com/colombo/shangrila/

What is special: Sea-facing tower with polished rooms, strong dining, a spa, and a pool deck over Galle Face. Sunset views and quick links to Fort and shopping.

Best for: Couples seeking views and peaceful nights. Business travellers who need meeting spaces and fast service. First-timers who want an easy base near the ocean.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, the Old Parliament Building, the Old Dutch Hospital Dining Square, the Lotus Tower, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, and the Pettah Market.

Address: No. 2, Galle Road, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94117541010 or 0117541010
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://gallefacehotel.com

What is special: Historic seafront icon on Galle Face Green with period rooms, sunset-facing terraces, a museum corridor, and a saltwater pool by the lawn.

Best for: Couples seeking history and stunning sea views. First-time visitors who wish to stay at a landmark and have easy walking. Photographers and heritage fans.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, the Old Parliament Building, the Old Dutch Hospital dining, the Lotus Tower, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, the Pettah Market, and the Port City promenade.

Address: No. 25, Galle Face Centre Road, Colombo 3. Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112446622 or 0112446622
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.tajhotels.com/en-in/hotels/taj-samudra-colombo

What is special: Oceanfront city resort facing Galle Face Green, with spacious rooms, gardens, multiple restaurants, a large pool, and strong event spaces.

Best for: Business travellers who need meeting rooms and quick links. Families who want space, a pool, and lawns. Couples who like sea views with classic service.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, the Old Parliament Building, the Old Dutch Hospital dining, the Lotus Tower, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, the Pettah market, and the Port City promenade.

Address: No. 48, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112421221 or 0112421221
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.thekingsburyhotel.com

What is special: Sea-facing city hotel near Fort with bright rooms, rooftop bar views, a strong breakfast spread, and an outdoor pool, a short walk from the ocean lawn.

Best for: Couples seeking easy access to sunsets and a variety of dining options. Business travellers who need a central base near offices. First-time visitors seeking quick access to landmarks.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, the Old Dutch Hospital dining square, the Old Parliament Building, the Lotus Tower, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, and the Pettah Market.

Address: No. 2, Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112492492 or 0112492492
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/colhitw-hilton-colombo/

What is special: Downtown landmark linked to Fort by a sky bridge, with city and lake views, renovated rooms, a pool, trusted dining, and strong business facilities.

Best for: Business travellers seeking meeting spaces and fast service. Families who value central access and reliable comforts. First-timers who want a smooth base near transport hubs.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, the Old Dutch Hospital dining square, the Old Parliament Building, Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, the Pettah market, and the Lotus Tower.

Address: No. 57, Ward Place, Colombo 7, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112550200 or 0112550200
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingcolomboseven/

What is special: Calm base in Cinnamon Gardens with a rooftop infinity pool, expansive city views, bright rooms, and a good breakfast near parks and museums.

Best for: Couples who want quiet nights and cafés nearby. Digital nomads who need steady Wi-Fi and a workspace. Families seeking larger rooms away from the crowds.

Nearby attractions: The Independence Square, the Colombo National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, Arcade Independence Square, and Galle Face by a short ride.

Address: No. 590, Marine Drive, Colombo 3, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112375375 or 0112375375
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.marinobeach.com/

What is special: Seafront hotel on Marine Drive with a rooftop infinity pool, spacious rooms with balconies, and easy transit along the coast.

Best for: Couples seeking stunning sea views and unforgettable sunset swims. Families who value a large pool and walkable dining. Short stays that need quick links to trains and buses.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, Kollupitiya markets, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, the Marino Mall, the Lotus Tower, and the coastal train to Mount Lavinia.

Address: No. 07, Hospital Street, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94702440514 or 0702440514, +94112153153 or 0112153153
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.fairwaycolombo.com/

What is special: Modern rooms in the heart of Fort beside Old Dutch Hospital, with easy dining, a small gym, and quick walks to the ocean lawn.

Best for: First timers who want a central base near landmarks. Business travellers who need reliable comforts and a fast check-in. Couples who like heritage streets with cafés at the door.

Nearby attractions: The Old Dutch Hospital, the Dining Square, Galle Face Green, the Old Parliament Building, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, the Lotus Tower, the Pettah Market, and the Fort Railway Station.

Address: No. 433, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112550660 or 0112550660
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.mandarinacolombo.com/

What is special: Central hotel on Galle Road with clean, modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and quick links to shopping, cafés, and the marine strip.

Best for: Business travellers who want easy transit and steady Wi Fi. Couples on short stays who like rooftop views and walkable dining. Families seeking value rooms near the coast.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, Kollupitiya markets, Marino Mall, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, Independence Square by a short ride, Lotus Tower, and the coastal train to Mount Lavinia.

Address: No. 282/5, Kollupitiya Road, Marine Drive, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112397397 or 0112397397
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://granbellhotel.lk/

What is special: Beachfront high-rise on Marine Drive with a rooftop pool and bar, clean modern rooms, and quick coastal rail access.

Best for: Couples seeking stunning sea views and relaxing sunset drinks. Friends on short city breaks. First-time visitors who want easy access to Galle Face and Fort.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, Kollupitiya markets, Marino Mall, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, Lotus Tower, and the coastal train to Mount Lavinia.

Address: No. 46, Hospital Street, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94770399094 or 0770399094
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://cityrest.lk/

What is special: Budget-friendly stay in the heart of Fort with clean private and shared rooms, 24-hour front desk, and quick walks to dining and the ocean lawn.

Best for: Solo travellers and friends who want value and a central base. First timers who plan to explore on foot. Short stopovers near the station.

Nearby attractions: Old Dutch Hospital, Dining Square, Galle Face Green, Old Parliament Building, Pettah Market, Fort Railway Station, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, and Lotus Tower.

Address: No. 3, 457, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112500588 or 0112500588
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: Clock Inn Colombo – Booking.com

What is special: Budget stay near the marine strip with clean dorms and private rooms, friendly staff, and easy links to buses and the coastal train.

Best for: Solo travellers and friends who want a social base at a low cost. Short stopovers with quick access to Fort and Galle Face. Backpackers planning day trips.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, Kollupitiya markets, Marino Mall, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, Old Dutch Hospital dining, Lotus Tower, and Fort Railway Station.

Address: No. 27, Ramakrishna Road, Colombo 06, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112058843 or 0112058843, +94112058392 or 0112058392
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.tangerinehotels.com/fairviewhotel/

What is special: Simple, tidy rooms on Marine Drive with sea glimpses, steady Wi Fi, and quick access to buses and the coastal train.

Best for: Value-focused travellers who want clean comfort near the ocean. Business visitors who require easy access to city links. Short stays before or after rail trips.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, Kollupitiya markets, Marino Mall, Gangaramaya Temple & Seema Malaka, Old Dutch Hospital dining, Lotus Tower, and the train to Mount Lavinia.

Address: No. 538, Galle Road, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka
Telephone No: +94112575733 or 0112575733
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://www.ivylane.lk/

What is special: Compact, value hotel on Galle Road with clean rooms, friendly service, and quick access to cafés, shops, and the marine strip.

Best for: Budget travellers who want a central base near dining and transport. Solo visitors and couples on short city stays—guests who prefer simple, tidy rooms with air conditioning.

Nearby attractions: Galle Face Green, Kollupitiya markets, Marino Mall, Gangaramaya temple & Seema Malaka, Old Dutch Hospital dining, Lotus Tower, and the coastal train to Mount Lavinia.