Best places to stay in Colombo on a budget

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Most tourists visiting Sri Lanka, will head down south for some spectacular beaches and will only stay in the capital for a short time. But in our opinion, if you skip Colombo, you are missing out.

There is so much to see and do in Colombo, from visiting temples, picking up a bargain from a market, or eat delicious food in an old Dutch hospital.

Before you pass through Sri Lanka’s capital for a golden sandy beach, book your accommodation at one of these best places to stay in Colombo on a budget.

If you like a little bit of luxury, we have named a few 5-star hotels in Colombo, at an affordable price.

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Best Places to stay in Colombo on a budget

On a tight budget, then these cheap places to stay in Colombo, will definitely keep your budget low

Moss BNB Colombo

Sri Lanka is a truly wonderful country to travel through. In contrast to most other South Asian countries, mass tourism has not yet completely found ground here.

Chances are high that your adventurous trip will start in the capital of the country Colombo.

Moss BnB Colombo is the perfect base to recover from your long flight.

The 3-star hotel is a calm & beautifully minimalistic hotel located in the heart of Colombo, close to all the shops, restaurants and museums.

It’s an excellent place to stay if you want to be in the middle of it all but enjoy a nice and quiet room!

Moss BNB Colombo, a budget friendly hotel in Colombo — Moss BNB Colombo

Moss BnB Colombo has a great vibe, friendly staff, comfortable rooms with stylish decor and artwork. The air-conditioned rooms come with cable TV and complimentary tea/coffee facilities. The Bathrooms come with rain showers and free toiletries.

The common areas feel inviting and they even have a tiny courtyard downstairs. There is a 24-hour front desk at the property. You can arrange an airport shuttle from the hotel, which I highly recommend.

While in Colombo definitely pay a visit to the colorful Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, which is also handily situated close to the train station.

The best way to move around in Sri Lanka is by Tuk Tuk or Pickme – basically an Asian equivalent of Uber.

Contributed by Stephanie Beyens from Bey of Travel

Luxury places to stay in Colombo

If you have a little bit of extra cash and want to stay in a luxury hotel, then check out these recommendations:

Cinnamon Lakeside

Colombo is an incredible city, faster developing in the last few years. Because of that, the offer of beautiful accommodation is increasing, with competition getting harder and harder.

However, Cinnamon Lakeside is still one of the prettiest, comfortable and welcoming hotels in Colombo.

We are never tired enough to say how the staff was friendly with us since our arrival. The fine luxury, with a minimal touch, left us astonished.

Cinnamon Lakeside is nearby some of the best attractions in Colombo, in between the District 9 and 11.

Not far away from the hotel, you can discover the Pettah floating Market, the Fort Rail Station of Colombo or just have a stroll on the promenade at Galle Face Beach, suggested especially at sunset.

The hotel is nestled in a cute area by the lake with an interesting viewpoint over the Lotus Tower, the new symbol of Colombo and all Sri Lanka.

That view will keep your memories alive, enjoyable all day long with the same charm.

Appreciate the incredible pool directly on the lakeside, with a peninsula right in the middle and a hammock to relax and enjoy a few drinks.

The outside oasis is just pure relaxed, in a quiet corner of the chaotic Colombo. We were also surprised by the international buffet, with freshly made products and a wide range of choices.

The prices of their rooms are wide too, going from super luxurious mini apartments to classic rooms. The price range is from $90 per night to $140 for the Suite, lake view and lounge access.

Enjoy the huge hall, with lounge access and free internet to hold your work while travelling.

Cinnamon Lakeside is the right choice for its fine details and incredible customer service that make your stay even more comfortable.

Contributed by Alessia at Italian Trip Abroad

Cinnamon Grand

Enjoy a bit of a pamper after a long flight, as you wash away all that stress, in the two pools at Cinnamon Grand.

The rooftop pool has a relaxed vibe, while the pool at ground level has a tropical feel. Relax by the tropical pool, as a waiter from the bar, offers refreshing drinks to rehydrate you.

Fitness junkies, will want to take advantage of the fantastic gym facilities. A fully equipped gymnasium, with weights and cardio machines, to get your heart rate pumping.

Have a good night’s sleep in the calm and relaxing room, with all the amenities and private bathroom. Airconditioning is available in all rooms, which will be needed, as Colombo gets very hot and humid.

You won’t go hungry at Cinnamon Grand, with a number of excellent restaurants, providing food at a high standard. The food is far better here, than at its sister hotel, Cinnamon Lakeside.

If you are looking for a selection of dishes, ranging from western to traditional Sri Lankan food, then book a table at their buffet restaurant.

All you can eat, savoury and sweet, from around the world.

Sri Lankan food is like no other, with so much flavour and spice, so take your time to try different Sri Lankan dishes at the buffet.

We would highly recommend the plain or egg hopper (bowl shaped pancake with an egg in the middle) and a good spicy curry.

Not sure what Sri Lankan food will be like, then read more on staple foods of Sri Lanka.

Retail therapy is right on the doorstep with Crescat Shopping Mall, you don’t need to leave the complex, as a short passage way, takes you directly into the shopping mall.

Crescat Shopping Mall has everything you need, from jewelry shops, souvenir shops and a grocery store, just to name a few.

You’ll definitely have a comfortable stay at Cinnamon Grand.

Contributed by Bev & Shams Adventures

The Kingsbury Hotel

Only a short distance from all the major sights of the capital, making this an ideal place to stay in Colombo.

Of an evening stroll along Galle Face Green and watch the sun set into the horizon.

Step back in history, with the colonial ambiance of the rooms, decked out to a high standard, with basic amenities and private bathrooms.

A relaxing and quiet room is exactly what the doctor ordered, after a long flight or day tripping around the capital.

Food is plentiful at the Kingsbury, with a number of different high-end restaurants serving different cuisines.

We would highly recommend the High Tea. Buffet of goodies, from savoury and sweet treats, that will keep you content. Each visit we make to Sri Lanka, also includes a stop at the Kingsbury for the High Tea. Don’t worry, if you’re not a guest, you can still book a table with a view of the pool for High Tea.

After a tiring flight, book a relaxing spa treatment at the fantastic facilities, or just relax by the pool watching the world go by.

Sip a cooling beverage, while you watch the sun set from the Sky Lounge. A great location for meeting friends, family or just enjoying the views of Colombo, day or night.

This might be a luxury hotel, but you won’t be disappointed, when staying here.

Contributed by Bev & Shams Adventures

How to get from the airport to your hotel?

A hotel transfer is definitely the easiest and quickest way to get from the airport to your hotel. You can book this through your accommodation, if this services is provided.

Or you could book one of these budget friendly airport transfers, with just a click of the button:

Conclusion

After a long flight, all you’ll want to do is check into your hotel and relax, before you head off on your Sri Lankan adventure. Which is why we have selected these great hotels, with great facilities at an affordable rate. Pure relaxation

So where will you stay in Colombo?

Have you stayed in any of these places? Which was your best? Could you recommend somewhere to stay in Colombo that we may not have mentioned? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Best places to stay in Colombo on a budget