Hotels in Colombo

Colombo: Where Ancient Temples Embrace the Ocean's Whisper

Discover Colombo, Sri Lanka's vibrant capital, where ancient traditions meet modern allure. Explore the stunning Buddhist temples, like the historic Gangaramaya, and delve into the city's rich heritage at the National Museum. Stroll along Marino Beach for a taste of sun-soaked relaxation, or savor the bustling atmosphere of Fort Colombo's markets and nightlife. With its eclectic mix of cultures, charming colonial architecture, and delectable street food, Colombo promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Whether you're seeking romance, adventure, or a cultural journey, this dynamic city is a treasure waiting to be explored. For the best hotel rates in Colombo and to enhance your stay, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Where to stay in Colombo

Some of the best places to stay in Colombo are Wellawatte, Fort and Bambalapitiya. Colombo offers diverse experiences, with Wellawatte known for its vibrant beach scene and local eateries, Fort showcasing colonial architecture and bustling markets, and Bambalapitiya featuring trendy cafes and shopping. For accommodations, you’ll find a range from luxury hotels to budget options across these areas. First-time visitors may prefer the Fort area for its historical significance and accessibility to attractions. Overall, you'll find a variety of stay options, including star hotels and affordable choices throughout Colombo. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in Colombo:

1. WellawatteOpens in a new window: This vibrant area is perfect for families, offering a mix of entertainment and relaxation. With attractions like Colombo City Centre for shopping, Galle Face Green for outdoor activities, and Galle Face Beach for sunbathing, Wellawatte is a great base for exploring the city. If you're looking for luxurious stays, consider Sa Mansion By YohoOpens in a new window, which provides a premium vacation experience, or Jie Jie Beach HotelOpens in a new window, known for its business amenities and full spa services. For those seeking a beach-focused getaway, Clive GardenOpens in a new window features direct beach access alongside business facilities.
2. FortOpens in a new window: Fort is the bustling heart of Colombo, making it an excellent choice for families and business travelers alike. With attractions such as Colombo City Centre and Galle Face Green nearby, it’s easy to enjoy both relaxation and city life. For a top-notch experience, check out Hilton ColomboOpens in a new window, which caters to families with amenities for children, or The Kingsbury ColomboOpens in a new window, which combines luxury with business facilities. Cinnamon Lakeside ColomboOpens in a new window also offers a family-friendly environment with a full spa and pool services.
3. BambalapitiyaOpens in a new window: Nestled between the beach and the city, Bambalapitiya is ideal for families looking for a balanced experience. It’s close to Colombo City Centre, Galle Face Green, and Galle Face Beach, making it easy to explore local attractions. Marino Beach ColomboOpens in a new window features direct beach access and business services, while Mandarina ColomboOpens in a new window offers a family-friendly atmosphere with ample amenities. NH Collection ColomboOpens in a new window stands out for its commitment to families, providing a variety of child-friendly services alongside business accommodations.

What to do in Colombo

Three days in Colombo offers travelers a chance to explore stunning beaches, lush parks, and serene lakes, perfect for relaxation and adventure. Engage in water sports, hiking, or cultural festivals while soaking in breathtaking sunsets. This vibrant city blends natural beauty with rich heritage, making it a must-visit destination. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Colombo:

• Day 1: Kick off your Colombo exploration at Galle Face Beach, where you can enjoy the ocean breeze and maybe grab a bite from the local street vendors. After soaking in the sun, head to Diyatha Uyana, a beautifully landscaped park perfect for a leisurely stroll or a serene boat ride on the lake. Conclude your day with a visit to Kotte Rajamaha Viharaya, a historic Buddhist temple that offers insight into the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
• Day 2: Start your day at Mount Lavinia Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and water sports. After a refreshing swim, visit the nearby Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya, an important Buddhist temple known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful architecture. Later, delve into the history of aviation at the Sri Lanka Air Force Museum, where you can explore a fascinating collection of aircraft and military memorabilia.
• Day 3: Begin with a visit to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a revered Buddhist temple adorned with stunning frescoes and sculptures. Following this spiritual experience, relax at Crow Island Beach, a hidden gem perfect for unwinding and enjoying the picturesque views. Wrap up your adventure at Jana Kala Kendraya, a vibrant arts and crafts center where you can browse local artisanal products, perfect for souvenirs to take back home.

5 tips to find a great Colombo hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most budget-friendly time to visit Colombo is from September to November, when hotel prices are more affordable. For international travelers, it's advisable to book flights at least 7 months in advance to secure the best deals. A stay of at least 3-4 days is great for exploring the city's main attractions, including stunning temples and beautiful beaches. This timing and duration provide great value for money, allowing visitors to fully experience Colombo's vibrant culture without breaking the bank.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute deals to Colombo, Hotels.com is a great place to start. Check out the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section, where you could find discounted hotel rates as your travel date approaches. You might also consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com to keep up with flash sales and special promotions, increasing your chances of snagging a great price. Don't forget to compare room rates for the best options available!
3. Be flexible with dates: Hotel prices can fluctuate due to factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Colombo.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Colombo usually tends to be more expensive. If you opt for accommodations further from the center, you can take advantage of transportation options like tuk-tuks, taxis, buses, and trains to explore the area while potentially saving on costs.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Make your next reservation in Colombo and be a part of Hotels.com's free One Key program, which enables members to take advantage of reward points for hotel bookings. Progress through the tiers of Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum to unlock advantages like room upgrades when available, discounted rates, and exclusive offers for members. Start earning reward points now.

What to eat in Colombo

Here are some top-rated dishes in Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka:

• Rice and Curry: A quintessential Sri Lankan dish, rice and curry is a delightful combination of steamed rice served with a variety of flavorful curries. The curries can include vegetables, lentils, chicken, or fish, each prepared with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This dish is often enjoyed communally, reflecting the island's rich culinary heritage and communal dining traditions.
• Kottu: A beloved street food, kottu is made by chopping roti (a type of flatbread) into small pieces and stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, and sometimes meat. The dish is known for its lively preparation, where chefs rhythmically chop and mix the ingredients on a hot griddle, creating a deliciously satisfying meal that embodies the vibrant food culture of Colombo.

Best time to go to Colombo

Colombo experiences its lowest average temperature in December, at 79.3°F (26.3°C), while April is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 82.9°F (28.3°C). May is typically the wettest month. If you’re looking to soak up the lively atmosphere in Colombo, January, March, and April are the peak months to visit, bustling with fellow travelers. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny to mostly cloudy, accompanied by light rainfall. However, if you prefer a more relaxed experience, May, June, and October are perfect for a quieter getaway, marked by frequent rainfall and mostly cloudy conditions.