Best hotels and boutique villas in Colombo

The Taj Samudra Hotel’s fresh look and facilities are designed to appeal to the modern traveller. A five-star business hotel in the heart of Colombo, the Taj Samudra faces the Galle Face Green and the Indian Ocean and is just a stroll away from fashionable shopping areas. Brightly lit interiors and cosy furniture provide a mix of luxury and laid-back atmosphere. There’s a restaurant-bar with Japanese fusion food and restaurants specialising in Indian, Chinese and European cuisine.

Mood? Ocean-side elegance. 
Location perks? Ocean views and easy access to central Colombo.  
Budget range? Mid-range. 
Time Out tip: Don’t miss out on a swim in the outdoor pool, surrounded by inviting sun loungers. 

Established in 1864, Galle Face Hotel is one of the oldest hotels in Asia. With rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean, the hotel faces the long green sweep of Galle Face Green popular with the city’s residents as the sun sets. The hotel has been spruced up for the modern era and has two wings, where the wooden and earthy tones impart a sense of comfort and luxury. A leisurely alfresco-style evening at the Sea Spray restaurant, The Verandah or at the Poolside Bar and Terrance is a relaxing experience in the city. The 1864 Restaurant in the Regency Wing is for formal dining and matches the splendour of the ornate rooms and suites. 

Mood? South Asian bohemian luxury. 
Location perks? Rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean and facing the long green sweep of Galle Face Green, popular with the city’s residents as the sun sets.  
Budget range? Various higher-end budgets. 
Time Out tip: Hit up the saltwater pool with glorious ocean vistas in the background. 

Located in the shadow of the twin towers of Colombo’s World Trade Centre, the Hilton Colombo is situated in the centre of the city’s commercial district with rooms refurbished to match the demands of today’s business or leisure guests. With a popular tea lounge off the reception lobby and seven restaurants and bars serving cuisine from different cultures, the hotel is almost a destination in itself, a welcome retreat after a day in the city. Its swimming pool lies across the road, reached by a footbridge.

Mood? Vibrant and bustling city gem. 
Location perks? Central location by Beira Lake. 
Budget range? Mid to high range. 
Time Out tip: Reception can easily arrange day trips around Colombo.

The Kingsbury Hotel began life as the Ceylon Intercontinental Hotel in the 1970s but has been transformed from top to bottom into a glittering hotel with 229 elegantly furnished rooms with ocean views and an ambience of contemporary charm. The efficiency of accommodation is complemented by numerous restaurants, bars, lounges, meeting rooms and public areas.  The Sky Lounge on the rooftop is the setting for a great night out overlooking the Indian Ocean. 

Mood? Contemporary charm with a sea breeze. 
Location perks? Views of the Colombo Harbor and the Galle Face Green.
Budget range? Various budget ranges. 
Time Out tip: Book an ocean massage at the Senses Spa and you’re in for a treat. 

Just a five-minute walk from Colombo Fort Railway Station, Ramada Colombo offers an outdoor pool, two restaurants and a bar. The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with a minibar, cable TV and coffee/tea maker. Private bathrooms and a personal safe are provided. The hotel features a business centre, room service and laundry services. Guests can book excursions at the tour desk. The hotel’s bar has a pool table. 

Mood? Perfect for business travellers. 
Location perks? Close to Galle Face Green with views over the ocean. 
Budget range? Affordable mid-range budget. 
Time Out tip: Grab breakfast from the popular in-house bakery.  

Best Western Elyon Colombo features a rooftop bar and lounge, a fitness centre, a business centre and rooms with city views and free WiFi access. The nearest golf course is just 3km away and the Colombo City Centre is just 4km. The modern rooms feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an iPod dock, a personal safe and a wardrobe. Tea and coffee-making amenities and a minibar are also included. The en suite bathroom comes with a rain shower and snazzy toiletries. Staff at the 24-hour reception can assist with luggage storage, laundry, car rental and room service.

Mood? Perfect for business travellers. 
Location perks? On the outskirts of the city centre with 
Budget range? Affordable mid-range budget. 
Time Out tip: Grab breakfast from the popular in-house bakery.  

The Galadari Hotel is renowned for having some of the best doormen and concierges in the city welcoming guests with pleasure into the businesslike lobby. As the hotel is beside Lotus Road, the main thoroughfare to the seaside Galle Road and opposite the Presidential Secretariat, they’re kept busy with guests going in and out. The rooms are spacious, while the vast California Grill on the top floor has a cocktail bar and discreetly placed tables. The range of food on the breakfast buffet is comprehensive, from humus to pepper steak, dosai to toast. There are also Indian and Arabian restaurants on the lobby floor and a ground-floor cocktail bar, Margarita Blue, and an adjoining pastry shop, Café 64.

Mood? High-class hideout in the heart of the city.
Location perks? Direct access to the beach. Half a mile from landmarks like Beira Lake and Khan Clock Tower.
Budget range? Various budget options.
Time Out tip: Drop by the lobby lounge for high tea in the afternoons.  

Where you’re looking for a short-term stay or a long holiday, Global Towers on the Wellawatte section of Marine Drive, Global Towers Hotel and Apartments has spacious apartments ideal every kind of traveller. The rooms have views of the Indian Ocean, and are comfortably furnished, each with a fully fitted kitchen. There’s a 24-hour restaurant named Trainspotter (since it has a view of the railway line) and a pastry shop serving delectable goodies.

Mood? Convenient apartment living.
Location perks? Right on Colombo Beach with stunning views. Budget range? Affordable.
Time Out tip: For atmospheric sundowner drinks try the hotel’s Beach Club Bar.

Housed in a colonial-style building, Grand Oriental is in a prime location, just five minutes from Colombo Bazaar. Featuring a restaurant, it offers classic, elegant rooms all fitted with classic wood furnishings, a seating area and air conditioning. They have tea/coffee making amenities and an attached bathroom. Ask the tour desk to help you explore the attractions of Sri Lanka. Dine infroont of sweeping views at Harbour Room restaurant which serves a variety of international dishes while Sri Lankan Restaurant offers local specialities.

Mood? Colonial-style living.
Location perks? Sweeping views of the port with easy access to the city centre.
Budget range? Affordable.
Time Out tip: Indulge in after-meal cocktails at Tap Bar, or head to the B 52 nightclub for a post-dinner party.

The Radisson is a glittering new hotel on Marine Drive overlooking the railway line to the south and the sea beyond, close enough to the city for business visitors and far enough away for holidaymakers. With comfortable rooms bright with light from its western view, the latest in amenities and its pleasant staff, Radisson is dedicated to affordable hotel living. A morning walk along Marine Drive or a dip in the rooftop pool is a great start to the day. 

Mood? Beach-side gem.
Location perks? Ocean views and good access to the city centre.
Budget range? Mid-range.
Time Out tip: Don’t miss the rooftop bar lounge with brilliant drinks, snacks and views. 

Maniumpathy Hotel’s beautifully ornate building is a dreamy place to spend a night. A former stately home, previously lived in by five generations of the same family, it features opulent rooms with four-posted beds, vintage furnishings, glossy hardwood floors, bathrooms with roll-top baths and walk-in showers. Some rooms open up onto the private lap pool situated in shady manicured gardens. Hungry? Eat alfresco at the Verandah Restaurant which serves brunch and cakes under the golden flowers of Ehela trees or hit up the bombastic Ebony Dining room for curated sit-down meals.

Mood? Five-star boutique luxury.
Location perks? Secluded leafy surroundings, with an easy walk to Colombo’s major sights. 
Budget range? High tier. 
Time Out tip: Feeling luxurious? Arrange an private dining experience in your room. 

Behind the high walls, Tintagel is a place of comfort, seclusion and exclusivity. Built in 1930, Tintagel opened as a hotel in 2007 and has established itself as a top-notch boutique in the prestigious residential area of Rosmead Place. Enhanced by beautiful architecture, this colonial-style building has a palatial air outfitted with modern amenities and plush comforts. Tintagel’s discerning taste extends to the cuisine, serving fusion cuisine be it authentic Sri Lankan or Italian. 

Mood? Colonial elegance. 
Location perks? Walled-off and secluded from the bustle of the city, but still close to Viharamahadevi Park and the city centre mall. 
Budget range? High-end. 
Time Out tip: Save time for a dip in the on-site pool surrounded by marble figures. Sweat it out after in the steam room.