The Best Sri Lanka Hotels in Colombo with Easy Airport Access

Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, offers dream-like stays—whether it’s watching the sun set over the Indian Ocean from a rooftop pool or enjoying an elegant afternoon tea in a colonial hotel from the British era.

In fact, Colombo has a wide range of accommodations, from venerable 5-star heritage hotels to brand-new high-rise hotels, and even hidden gem budget hotels that offer comfort without breaking the bank.

Compared to other major Asian cities, hotels of the same class here are relatively affordable, which is another great draw.

In this article, we’ve handpicked 7 of the most recommended hotels in Colombo – from luxurious hotels perfect for a girls’ getaway, to economy hotels that will delight value-focused travelers.

Quick Comparison Table: (Scroll to view all columns on smaller screens)

Hotel Name	Class	High Season (approx.)	Low Season (approx.)	Key Features & Highlights
Shangri-La Colombo	Luxury (5⭐)	Approx. $230+/night	Approx. $130+/night	Opened 2017 (newest luxury hotel). Direct mall access (super convenient) and top-notch facilities like spa & pool.
Galle Face Hotel	Luxury (4⭐)	Approx. $120+/night	Approx. $66+/night	Established 1864 (historic hotel). Colonial architecture and oceanfront location for a uniquely elegant stay.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo	Luxury (5⭐)	Approx. $170+/night	Approx. $100+/night	Prestigious 5⭐ run by Sri Lanka’s top hotel group. 13 restaurants and extensive facilities—truly a “resort in the city.”
Jetwing Colombo Seven	Mid-Range (4⭐)	Approx. $130+/night	Approx. $70+/night	Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views. Chic design and highly rated service offer excellent value.
Marino Beach Colombo	Mid-Range (4⭐)	Approx. $110+/night	Approx. $65+/night	Stunning rooftop pool & sky garden. Lots of family-friendly facilities and an “almost 5-star” level of satisfaction.
Granbell Hotel Colombo	Mid-Range (4⭐)	Approx. $100+/night	Approx. $55+/night	Opened 2022 (new hotel). Japanese-managed for peace of mind; gorgeous sunset views from the rooftop.
Fairway Colombo	Economy (3⭐)	Approx. $75+/night	Approx. $55+/night	Prime Fort district location. Clean, functional rooms providing all essential comforts at a low price.

Colombo Luxury Hotels – Top 3 Picks

First, let’s start with the 5-star luxury hotels that will make your stay in Colombo truly special with top-notch facilities and service.

From prestigious historic hotels to the latest high-rise hotels, these three are renowned properties beloved by travelers from around the world.

Shangri-La Colombo

2017 saw the opening of this luxury international hotel. It’s directly connected to the large multi-use complex “One Galle Face,” and from its guest rooms you can enjoy sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and the Galle Face Green.

The hotel boasts extensive facilities, including a high-end spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness center with a sauna. With about 500 guest rooms, it’s one of the largest and most upscale hotels in Colombo.

There are five on-site restaurants and bars where you can enjoy cuisine from around the world and sophisticated cocktails.

The only drawback is that the rates are on the higher side; however, the staff’s service is impeccable, and guest satisfaction is extremely high. If you’re looking to splurge on a girls’ trip, this is the first hotel we’d recommend.

ゴールフェイス ホテル (Galle Face Hotel)

Founded in 1864, Galle Face Hotel is a venerable institution — the oldest hotel in Colombo and one of the most historic in all of Asia.

The colonial-style building faces the Indian Ocean and is a landmark in itself, with interior furnishings that let you sense echoes of its past glory. Since the British colonial era it has been loved by dignitaries from around the world, earning it the nickname “the legendary hotel of Asia.” This hotel is truly one of a kind.

The guest rooms are divided between a Classic Wing and a Modern Wing. If you choose an ocean-view room, you’ll be treated to sunsets where the sun sinks into the sea right outside your window.

On the seaside lawn of the hotel, there is a pool and a bar. Spending a leisurely afternoon there, feeling the sea breeze, is a special experience.

The hotel even has its own museum showcasing its rich history. Thanks to recent renovations, practical amenities like Wi-Fi have been improved, ensuring you can have a comfortable stay despite the hotel’s age.

In terms of prestige and name recognition, Galle Face Hotel is second to none in Colombo.

Yet it offers some plans with rates that are more modest compared to other 5-stars, so it’s worth staying at least once in this legendary hotel. It’s especially recommended for those who love a classic, old-world atmosphere or anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion.

Cinnamon Grand Colombo

This flagship 5-star hotel is run by Sri Lanka’s leading hotel group and sits in the heart of downtown Colombo. It’s a large property with around 500 rooms, and a foodie’s paradise with an impressive 13 restaurants and bars on-site.

Options range from an elegant tea lounge to a Japanese restaurant to an authentic Sri Lankan eatery, making the Cinnamon Grand a popular spot even for locals and visitors who aren’t hotel guests.

Facilities are abundant: there are two outdoor pools (separate pools for adults and kids), a spa, a fitness gym, and even a shopping arcade. With all this, the hotel has long been affectionately known as a “resort in the city.”

Indeed, it’s frequently rated as one of Colombo’s top hotels. Guests particularly praise the attentive service of the staff and the high satisfaction with the dining options.

Located right in the middle of the city’s busiest shopping and entertainment district, it’s incredibly convenient for sightseeing and shopping.

The price point is average among five-star hotels, but considering the extensive offerings, it’s very reasonable. This well-rounded luxury hotel is perfect for those who prioritize having extensive facilities and rock-solid service.

Colombo Mid-Range Hotels – Top 3 Picks

Next are our recommended mid-range hotels, which typically cost around $100–$200 per night.

All three have 4-star caliber amenities and boast a reputation for comfort that exceeds their price point. From spectacular rooftop pools to prime locations, each of these three hotels has a special charm that makes it stand out.

Jetwing Colombo Seven

Jetwing Colombo Seven is a stylish hotel located in the upscale Cinnamon Gardens residential area (Colombo 7 district). Operated by the well-known local Jetwing Hotels group, this chic 4-star city hotel has been popular since its opening in 2017, thanks to its smart, tasteful design.

The hotel is a modern high-rise, and its rooftop infinity pool offers a panoramic view of the Colombo cityscape. The interiors are simple yet elegant, and the rooms are known to be functional and comfortable.

In fact, the rooftop bar and restaurant are a hit with guests. The atmosphere is airy and open, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink while admiring the night skyline.

The staff’s hospitality is also highly rated – many guests comment on the staff’s superb attentiveness. Jetwing Colombo Seven caters to a broad range of travelers, from those on business trips to couples on vacation.

With room rates lower than 5-star hotels, the value for money is excellent for the quality provided. This hotel is especially recommended if you prioritize great views and stylish design.

Marino Beach Colombo

Marino Beach Colombo is a 4-star hotel that opened in 2018. It has garnered overwhelming support from travelers, to the point that people often say its service and facilities are so comprehensive, it feels “almost 5-star.” It consistently ranks among the top hotels on review sites, which shows just how popular it is.

The crown jewel of this hotel is its rooftop infinity pool and the adjoining sky garden. You can enjoy a stunning view that seems to blend into the blue ocean and sky. The poolside at sunset is especially photogenic — many rave that it’s “like a postcard come to life.”

The guest rooms are modern and functional. Many rooms include a bathtub, which is perfect for soaking away your travel fatigue.

Marino Beach is also packed with entertainment: there’s a 9D cinema, a VR center, and even a shopping mall connected directly to the hotel. With so much to do, you won’t be bored even on a rainy day or if you’re traveling with kids. The location in Colombo 3 (Bambalapitiya) means you have easy access to popular downtown areas as well.

Rates here are more affordable than at five-star hotels, and the hotel earns high praise for its cost performance. Guests often remark, “For this quality, the price is amazing.” By striking a balance between luxury and affordability, Marino Beach Colombo appeals to a wide range of travelers—from first-time visitors to Colombo to seasoned repeaters.

Granbell Hotel Colombo

Granbell Hotel Colombo is a relatively new 4-star hotel that opened in 2022. It’s operated by a Japanese hotel group, which has attracted attention from Japanese travelers looking for a familiar standard of service.

The hotel is situated along the seafront in the Kollupitiya district, just a few minutes’ walk from the nearest train station—a very convenient location. It offers 292 rooms with a modern and stylish design. If you choose an ocean-view room, you can enjoy a view of the Indian Ocean while soaking in your bathtub.

In particular, many guests have high praise for watching the sunset over the infinity pool, often calling it a “wonderful view.” The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness gym, so in terms of facilities, it leaves nothing to be desired.

Granbell’s rates are more wallet-friendly than those of nearby five-star hotels. With its high service quality, it has earned excellent reviews from travelers around the world. Thanks to its all-around strength, this is a hotel we confidently recommend—especially for first-time visitors to Colombo who want a “can’t go wrong” choice for their stay.

Colombo Budget Hotels – Best Options

Lastly, we introduce a recommended economy-class hotel where you can stay for under $100 per night.

This hotel isn’t just inexpensive; it’s also clean and in a great location, making it perfect for budget-conscious solo travelers.

Fairway Colombo

Fairway Colombo is a casual hotel located in the heart of Colombo’s historic Fort district.

It’s adjacent to Colombo Fort Railway Station and the Old Dutch Hospital (a popular heritage shopping and dining complex), which means the location is excellent for both sightseeing and business.

The area around the hotel is filled with restaurants and shops and stays lively until late, so you’ll have plenty of options for dining and entertainment right at your doorstep.

The rooms are compact but new and very clean, with a functional yet stylish design. The hotel also features its own restaurant and a rooftop bar, which have been well-received by guests.

Fairway Colombo has even made waves as the first hotel in Sri Lanka to introduce robot technology, adding a cutting-edge twist to its service that guests find intriguing.

With rates starting at around $55 per night, this hotel is extremely affordable.

Considering its prime location and the quality it offers, it’s a great deal. While you won’t find lavish facilities here, it’s an ideal choice for travelers who want a clean, safe, and convenient place to stay at a low price.

Summary

To summarize the recommendations above, here’s a comparison of the featured hotels:

Hotel Name	Class	High Season (approx.)	Low Season (approx.)	Key Features & Highlights
Shangri-La Colombo	Luxury (5⭐)	Approx. $230+/night	Approx. $130+/night	Opened 2017 (newest luxury hotel). Direct mall access (super convenient) and top-notch facilities like spa & pool.
Galle Face Hotel	Luxury (4⭐)	Approx. $120+/night	Approx. $66+/night	Established 1864 (historic hotel). Colonial architecture and oceanfront location for a uniquely elegant stay.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo	Luxury (5⭐)	Approx. $170+/night	Approx. $100+/night	Prestigious 5⭐ run by Sri Lanka’s top hotel group. 13 restaurants and extensive facilities—truly a “resort in the city.”
Jetwing Colombo Seven	Mid-Range (4⭐)	Approx. $130+/night	Approx. $70+/night	Rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views. Chic design and highly rated service offer excellent value.
Marino Beach Colombo	Mid-Range (4⭐)	Approx. $110+/night	Approx. $65+/night	Stunning rooftop pool & sky garden. Lots of family-friendly facilities and an “almost 5-star” level of satisfaction.
Granbell Hotel Colombo	Mid-Range (4⭐)	Approx. $100+/night	Approx. $55+/night	Opened 2022 (new hotel). Japanese-managed for peace of mind; gorgeous sunset views from the rooftop.
Fairway Colombo	Economy (3⭐)	Approx. $75+/night	Approx. $55+/night	Prime Fort district location. Clean, functional rooms providing all essential comforts at a low price.