Sri Lanka’s coastal capital, Colombo, offers some of the most affordable luxury hotel accommodation you’ll find anywhere.
From slick, five star high rises to old colonial properties, there are hotel options for everyone in the city.
Whether you prefer romantic, boutique-style stays or large places with all the amenities, read on to discover my pick of the 10 best hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Author Bio: Jessie Moore
Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.
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1. Shangri-La Colombo
Address: 1 Galle Face, Colombo
Best for: The wow factor
I recently had the pleasure of staying at the Shangri-La in Colombo, and left with a very favourable impression.
The service from each and every staff member was superb, and this lovely Sri Lankan property has lots to recommend it.
We loved the couples’ massage at the sumptuous spa, the picturesque and spacious outdoor pool area, the well-equipped gym, and the elegant accommodation complete with a wonderfully comfortable Shangri-La bed.
Despite an unpromising exterior, the hotel has the wow factor in spades – and offers stunning sunset views to boot.
Appealing dining options and delicious cocktails complete the picture.
2. Uga Residence
Address: 20 Park Street, Colombo
Best for: A city retreat
What’s most surprising – and appealing – about Uga Residence is how much it feels like a retreat from city life.
Yet stay here and you’ll be conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Uga Residence features refined interiors that strike the perfect balance between classic and contemporary style.
The all-suite, air-conditioned accommodation is incredibly comfortable and spacious, and housed within a colonial-style building.
The outdoor pool has a pretty garden setting, which I think is a lovely appeal of this hotel in Colombo.
Uga Residence also offers free parking, a restaurant and bar, a 24-hour reception, and room service.
3. Maniumpathy Hotel
Address: 129 Kynsey Road, Colombo
Best for: Colonial style
The attractive Cinnamon Gardens district in Colombo is home to Maniumpathy Hotel, a colonial property over 100 years old.
It offers bucket loads of charm both inside and out, from the pillared white frontage to the plush four poster beds and opulent bathrooms.
Some rooms and suites at this five star, low-rise hotel open directly onto their own outdoor terrace, and the delightful pool area and gardens are a real perk.
There’s also a guest lounge which I think is perfect for relaxing or socialising with other guests.
Plus, Maniumpathy Hotel boasts a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk, room service and a deluxe spa.
4. Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
Address: 65 Rosmead Place, Colombo
Best for: Royal standards
The history of this boutique Colombo hotel dates back to 2005.
It’s situated in a quiet side street in an upscale part of the city, Cinnamon Gardens, and the stately home once belonged to a family of colonial rulers.
With only 10 bedrooms, you’re assured of personal service at Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo.
Even King Charles III has stayed here, so I know you can expect high standards.
Unique features of the property include the imposing double-fronted exterior, the library filled with leather-bound books, and the individually styled rooms.
5. Marino Beach Colombo
Address: 590 Marine Drive, Colombo
Best for: Beach life
Another of the best hotels in Colombo, Marino Beach Colombo is quite unlike the city’s historic, colonial hotels.
With 300 rooms, this one’s far more modern, offering elegant accommodation and a wealth of facilities.
Contemporary urban style by the sea is the name of the game at Marino Beach Colombo.
I love that several beaches are within easy reach, and room rates include access to the guest beach lounge, plus a complimentary tour of the city.
This large hotel has plenty to offer, including several restaurants, a spa, a fitness centre, a bar, and a hot tub.
6. 55TG Boutique Suites
Address: 55 Lionel Edirisinghe Mawatha, Colombo
Best for: An arty vibe
A two-story home dating from the 1920s houses 55TG Boutique Suites, a five star hotel in suburban Colombo.
This small, intimate property offers just half a dozen rooms and suites, most of which offer direct garden access.
Artworks and antiques are displayed throughout, giving this historic ancestral home a creative vibe.
It’s positioned around a mile-and-a-half from a couple of beaches, with city centre attractions a few miles away.
For an authentic local feel combined with the ultimate in luxury, I consider this to be one of the best boutique hotels in Colombo.
7. Taru Villas – Lake Lodge
Address: 20 Alvis Terrace, Colombo
Best for: Location, location, location
The central location of Taru Villas Lake Lodge is a real plus, yet the compact boutique hotel is tucked away in a tranquil side street.
It’s within easy walking distance of Beira Lake and Park Street Mews, which hosts some of the city’s finest eateries.
The whitewashed walls here feature clean lines, and there’s a slick, modern aesthetic throughout.
As it’s small, personal service is guaranteed, and goes a long way towards making up for minimal facilities.
With good food, compact but comfortable rooms and an unbeatable location, Taru Villas is hard to beat – as long as a swimming pool isn’t a must.
8. Jetwing Colombo Seven
Address: 57 Ward Place, Colombo
Best for: Smiling service
A rooftop pool and terrace offering sweeping city views makes Jetwing Colombo Seven stand out as another of the best hotels in Colombo.
Featuring a fresh, breezy feel, the high-rise hotel offers studios and apartments as well as twin and double rooms.
If you can tear yourself away from the rooftop or your light, airy room, metered tuk tuks outside the hotel make it a cinch to explore the city.
But what I think really makes a stay here special is the incredible, ever-smiling team of staff, for whom nothing is too much trouble.
Jetwing Colombo Seven also has a spa, a restaurant, a bar, and a gym.
9. Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Address: 77 Galle Road, Colombo
Best for: Dining out
Previously known as the Hotel Lanka Oberoi, Cinnamon Grand Colombo is situated close to the coastline.
Some rooms on higher floors thus offer ocean views, and a seafood restaurant adds to the seaside feel.
If you like a range of dining options on site, I know you’ll be spoiled for choice at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
A glass-domed atrium adds the wow factor, and the modern amenities include a gym, a spa, and a couple of pools.
Crestcat Boulevard shopping mall is also located right by the hotel, offering a selection of dining and shopping experiences.
10. Hilton Colombo Residences
Address: 200 Union Place, Colombo
Best for: Spacious suites
Your room at Hilton Colombo Residences will offer splendid views over the city skyline, the coastline, or the harbour.
With tennis and squash courts, this one is ideal for sports fans, and also offers a modern guest gym.
I’d recommend this one if you’re seeking more space, as you can book two or three bedroom suites here, which can accommodate up to six or more people in each.
The high rise Hilton Colombo Residences offers all you’d expect from one of the world’s leading hotel chains.
Think slick decor, a scrumptious breakfast and several dining choices.
If you have any of your own recommendations or favourite hotels in Colombo then do let me know in the comments!
For more Sri Lanka travel inspiration, you may also like:
- 15 best things to do in Colombo
- 10 fun things to do in Galle
- 10 amazing things to do in Nuwara Eliya
- Guide to visiting Yala National Park
- 10 top luxury hotels in Sri Lanka
Or check out my Sri Lanka vlogs on YouTube.
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