Travel Tips: Where to Stay In Colombo, Sri Lanka

There is accommodation for every budget in this fabulous city, but this is where to stay in Colombo when you want the very best.

Colombo is one of the fastest growing cities in the Asian region. Their main industries are tea, tourism and textiles, specifically apparel. So not only do they cater to tourists, money is being invested in infrastructure to attract more tourists in the future. In other words, go now.

It is often named as one of the cheapest destinations to travel to, and for good reason.

Here are some accommodation options you will be happy with:

Gall Face Hotel: This white colonial style majestic iconic landmark hotel built in 1864 (the year of the opening of the first railway in Sri Lanka) stands right on the edge of the ocean as a historic symbol of how far Colombo has come. It is one of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, and has many architectural features similar to Singapore’s Raffles. Celebrities have stayed here for generations and still do.

Large colonial white building at night lit up with bright white lights, overlooking the sea. — The Gall Face Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Girl in shorts and tank top with palm tress in background, columbo, sri lanka — Renae Leith-Manos at The Gall Face Hotel in Colombo

Everyone from Sir Donald Bradman, to Sharon Stone and Obama have been guests. The pool is beautiful and next to the ocean, as is the seafood restaurant Seaspray. Seafood is sensational in this town.

A classic vintage stye bar is littered with images of famous guests, and great cocktails. Rooms are being renovated currently, but the highlight here is the main part of the hotel.

Shangri-La: If 5 star bling is your thing, there is plenty of it here. Opened in November 2017, the interiors are striking throughout. The Chinese restaurant Shang Place is filled with Chinese antiques, and is an instagrammers dream.

The food is exceptional. The lobby has towering ceilings, and a gorgeous afternoon tea. The unique Shangri-La fragrance envelopes you as you walk in.

Some of the best staff in Colombo work here, many have been trained overseas.

There is a fantastic sophisticated bar on the ground floor.

Modern restaurant with bright blue leather banquet seating and square white lighting from the ceiling. — The interiors of the new Shangri-La in Colombo are stunning.

Renae Leith-Manos standing in front of a wall of glasses at The Shangri-La hotel, Colombo

When you walk into Capital Bar And Grill, you are greeted with several walls of glasses, a theme that is echoed throughout the gorgeously designed bar.

This is where singers from the US are flown in regularly to do guest spots, and on weekends, it hums. Be warned, you will be lucky to get a seat after 8pm. There are sensational cocktails, and again, great staff.

A steak house serving Australian and American puts of meat as well as great local seafood and chicken tops it off.

There is also Kama Sutra Restaurant, again, stunning interiors this time local masks adorn the walls, and there is a large outdoor bar. And there is Table One with breakfast and all day buffets.

The spa, Chi is very luxe, and the pool area is beautiful.This is international standard five star luxury at its very best.

Cinnamon Grand:This 5 star hotel is brilliant for families, as you don’t need to leave the complex. It is right next door to a shopping mall with a food court as well as a all day bistro and every amenity you could want. The hotel is luxe and has 14 restaurants with just about every cuisine you can think of. There is an Angsana spa, and a huge pool. Good location close to the sea and the city.

Gold lattice screens with bright blue velvet chairs at tables with white table clothes. Yellow clam shaped lighting. — The interiors at the Taj Sumadra’s Chinese Restaurant are elegant and sophisticated.

Taj Samudra: Currently under renovation, this 5 star Taj hotel will be stunning when the new rooms are all finished. The best ones overlook the ocean. It is in a great location in-between The Shangri-La and The Gall Face Hotel, you can walk to both from here. There are 7 fabulous restaurants, the Chinese being the best.

The lobby is beautiful with a huge bar area. The gym here is sensational. Loads of equipment, natural light and inspirational videos playing. There is even fresh lime for after your workout. There is a massive pool area, and breakfast overlooks the pool.

Casa Colombo: This exclusive, unique, eclectic hotel redefines the meaning of the word “hip”. It is located in the business district, and has a unique boutique charm all of its own.Built in a 200 year old mansion, there are just 12 suites which all have names, not numbers. Each room has a butler, there is a super cool bar, and Mexican restaurant. Currently being renovated, well worth a look.