Top 13 5-star hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Planing our holiday season for this year we booked plane tickets to Colombo, Sri Lanka.  

We are looking to spend about 2 weeks in Sri Lanka, with Colombo just as the first stop for a couple of days. As we have up to a 10-hour flight planned, and the city's airport (Bandaranaike International Airport) is located some 35 km from Colombo center, I decided to do a quick research and list top Colombo 5-star hotels. 

Colombo luxury stay starts at about $120 per night and might go up to $240 per night, so that's the price you should be prepared to pay for a 5-star hotel in Colombo something in the range of $150 - $200. 

In this article, you will find TOP 13 Colombo hotels, based on Booking.com. 

The Kingsbury

The Kingsbury

Boasting spectacular views of the Colombo Harbor and the Galle Face Green, The Kingsbury is a 5-star hotel that offers elegant accommodation in the heart of Colombo. Guests can leisurely soak in the outdoor pool overlooking the ocean, and make use of the 24-hour butler service.

Centrally located in Colombo, The Kingsbury Hotel is a short distance from popular attractions like the World Trade Centre and the Colombo Harbour. Bandaranaike International Airport is about 33 km away.

Elegantly designed yet spacious rooms offer oversized windows with breathtaking views of the Colombo Harbor and the Galle Face Green. Bright and airy, they are fitted with cable TV, a minibar and tea/coffee making facilities. Each room has an en suite marble bathroom offering Bulgari bathroom amenities.

To relax, guests can visit the hotel’s spa or work out at the well-equipped gymnasium.

Guests can dine at the hotel's multi cuisine restaurant which offers Western, Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian dishes. A seafood restaurant features an outdoor seating deck and a selection of fine wines. Light snacks, a variety of drinks and beach views are available at the Sky Lounge. 

Price: ~ USD 135 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Taj Samudra

Taj Samudra

Taj Samudra offers rooms overlooking the Indian Ocean or city skyline situated a 5-minute drive from Fort Railway Station. It boasts an outdoor pool, 7 dining options and tennis courts.

Bright and airy, elegant rooms have classic wood furnishings and comfortable seating areas. They are fitted with cable TV, a fridge and a tea/coffee maker.

For leisure, relaxing massages, a well-equipped fitness centre and squash courts are available. Attentive staff can provide business and childcare services.

Guests can enjoy traditional dishes at Golden Dragon Chinese Restaurant and Navratna Indian Restaurant. Other dining highlights include the Steak and Grill House and 24-hour Ports Latitude Shop.

Taj Samudra is a 45-minute drive from the Bandaranaike Airport and provides free parking.

Price: ~ USD 185 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Galle Face Hotel

Galle Face Hotel

This property is 1 minute walk from the beach.

This iconic and colonial-style hotel, built in 1864, features a spa and a saltwater pool with lounge chairs that faces the vast Indian Ocean.

With hardwood floors, most rooms at Galle Face Hotel offer views of the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green or Colombo City. They come equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A minibar and a personal safe are included.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa or work out at the gym. Galle Face Hotel also provides a business center.

In the heart of Colombo City, Galle Face Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Odel Shopping Mall and just 35.4 km from Colombo International Airport.

Local and international dining options can be enjoyed at the hotel's 2 on-site restaurants, Verandah and 1864. For a drink, guests can head to the bar. 

Price: ~ USD 155 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hilton Colombo Residence 

Read my review here

Hilton Colombo Residence

Located in the heart of Colombo city, Hilton Colombo Residence offers rooms and suites with panoramic views of the city, harbour or Indian Ocean. Boasting an outdoor pool, it also has a fitness centre, squash court and tennis court.

Spacious suites at Hilton Colombo Residence feature comfortable lounge areas with 40-inch LED Televisions and BlueRay. Modern amenities include a washing machine and ironing facilities.

Enjoy the state of the art gymnasium or relax at the sauna and hot tub. Interesting day trips around Colombo are easily arranged at the tour desk. The accommodation also provides spacious meeting and banquet venues.

Enjoy cuisines from around the globe at FLOW, the newly-built multi-cuisine restaurant. Light refreshments are offered at the BASICO Bar & Lounge. It also offers 24-hour in-room dining service.

Hilton Colombo Residence is a 30-minute drive from Colombo International Airport making it an ideal destination for business, leisure or family.

Price: ~ USD 140 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Kingsbury Residences

The Kingsbury Residences

Offering sea views all round and an outdoor pool, The Kingsbury Apartments offers accommodation in Colombo. U.S. Embassy is 1.4 km from the property. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

All units have a flat-screen TV and DVD player. There is a seating and/or dining area in some units. There is also a kitchenette, fitted with a dishwasher and oven. A microwave, a toaster and refrigerator are also provided, as well as a kettle. Every unit features a private bathroom with slippers. Towels and bed linen are available.

The Kingsbury includes a spa centre and sauna. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant or a drink at the bar. The property also offers grocery delivery.

Asiri Surgical Hospital is 2.9 km from The Kingsbury Apartments. The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, 31 km from the property. 

Price: ~ USD 190 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Movenpick Hotel Colombo

Movenpick Hotel Colombo

This property is a 12-minute walk from the beach.

Situated 300 m from U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Movenpick Hotel Colombo welcomes guests with a restaurant and bar. The hotel has an outdoor pool and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and is fitted with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Some units feature a seating area for your convenience. Some rooms include views of the sea or city. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.

You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.

Khan Clock Tower is 2.8 km from Movenpick Hotel Colombo, while Asiri Surgical Hospital is 3.6 km from the property. The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport, 36 km from the property. 

Price: ~ USD 125 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Cinnamon Grand Colombo 

Cinnamon Grand Colombo

Offering accommodation in Colombo’s city centre, Cinnamon Grand hotel features a spa, 2 outdoor pools and fitness facilities. It boasts 14 dining options. Free parking is also provided. Wi-Fi is available for free throughout the property.

Cinnamon Grand Colombo offers rooms with city views and cable TV channels. Room amenities include tea and coffee-making facilities, an iron and safe. Attached bathrooms come with a bathtub and separate shower.

A stroll from Crestcat Boulevard Shopping Mall, the hotel is approximately 2 km from Colombo Townhall and Sri Lanka National Museum. Colombo International Airport is 37 km away.

Guests can enjoy relaxing massages at Angsana Spa while kids are kept entertained at the playroom. Other amenities include a business centre, tour desk and guest lounges.

Dining highlights include international favourites at the 24-hour Taprobane restaurant and seafood at The Lagoon. The London Grill and Echo offer fine dining with European and Italian cuisine respectively. 

Price: ~USD 125 Book this hotel on Booking.com

​Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo

A former colonial residence, Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo features boutique-style suites with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with cable channels. It offers massages by appointment, a pool, steam room and fitness room.

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo’s charming suites offer lavish interiors and Egyptian cotton linens. All suites offer DVD/CD players, a minibar and teakettle with tea/coffee making facilities. Selected suites come with a private courtyard or a balcony.

Free internet access is available at The Library, which features a variety of 500 leather bound books.

Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo features a restaurant for meal options and indoor or outdoor dining. Alternatively, room service is also available.

The hotel is a 5-minute walk from Odel Shopping Mall. Bandaranaike International Airport is a 45-minute drive away. 

Price: ~ USD 239 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hilton Colombo Hotel 

Hilton Colombo Hotel

This property is a 5-minute walk from the beach.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean and Beira Lake, Hilton Colombo Hotel provides direct access to Colombo’s World Trade Centre. It features an outdoor pool, 24-hour business center and 10 dining outlets.

Featuring scenic views from over-sized windows, spacious rooms at Colombo Hilton feature a spacious workspace and a comfortable sofa. They come with a marble bathroom featuring separate shower and bathtub areas.

Enjoy the use of the hot tub after an active workout at the well-equipped fitness center or tennis courts. Alternatively, guests can relax with an award-winning cocktail by the outdoor pool bar.

Dining highlights at Hilton Colombo includes local specialties at the open-air Curry Leaf restaurant, Sri Lanka's only trattoria, Il Ponte, features homemade pasta.

Hilton Colombo Hotel is a 45-minute drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport. It's within walking distance of the shopping and dining options at Fort District and Pettah Bazaar.

Price: ~ USD 145 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Jetwing Colombo Seven

Jetwing Colombo Seven

Situated in the heart of Colombo, Ward Place, 2.4 km from U.S. Embassy, Jetwing Colombo Seven boasts a year-round rooftop pool. The hotel has a sun terrace and spa centre, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property and free private parking is available on site.

Each room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. All rooms have a seating area where you can relax. Tea/coffee making facilities can be found in the room. Rooms have a private bathroom. For your comfort, you will find bath robes and free toiletries.

You will find a 24-hour front desk at the property.

R Premadasa Stadium is 2.6 km from Jetwing Colombo Seven, while Asiri Surgical Hospital is 2.6 km away. Bandaranaike International Airport is 29 km from the property. 

Price: ~ USD 123 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Residence by Uga Escapes

Residence by Uga Escapes

Offering an outdoor swimming pool, Residence by Uga Escapes is located just 900 m from the famous Sri Lanka National Museum. Free WiFi access is available.

Each air-conditioned room here will provide you with a flat-screen satellite TV, seating area with sofa and minibar. There is also a coffee machine and work desk. Featuring a shower, private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and bidet. You can enjoy city view from the room.

At Residence by Uga Escapes you will find a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, luggage storage and an ironing service. The property offers free parking.

The hotel is located just 1.2 km from American Embassy and 2.4 km from the popular Khan Clock Tower. The Bandaranaike International Airport is 29 km away.

The guests can enjoy their meals at the in-house restaurant and refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at the bar. Room service is available. 

Price: ~ USD 205 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Galadari Hotel

The Galadari Hotel

With sweeping views of the Indian Ocean, Galadari Hotel is just 321 m from Colombo World Trade Center. With 8 dining options, it also has an outdoor pool and a spa.

Enjoying direct beach access, Galadari Hotel is less than half a kilometer from local landmarks like Beira Lake and Khan Clock Tower. It is 27.4 km from Bandarainake Airport. Guests who drive enjoy free parking.

The air conditioned guest rooms at Hotel Galadari have large windows that offer plenty of natural light. Rooms are equipped with a cable TV, tea/coffee making facilities and a personal safe.

The Coffee Shop serves a daily buffet breakfast, while the rooftop California Grill offers fresh seafood and steaks. Other dining options include Chinese cuisine at Stix, Arabian food at Sheherezade Restaurant and pastries at Cafe 64. Drinks are available at the hotel's 2 bars and karaoke lounge.

For a refreshing workout, guests can visit the well-equipped fitness center or enjoy a game of tennis. The Galadari also provides a tour desk and car rentals. 

Price: ~ USD 120 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Cinnamon Lakeside

Cinnamon Lakeside

Cinnamon Lakeside is on the banks of Beira Lake in Colombo, a 10 minute drive from Crescat Boulevard shopping mall. It features 9 dining options and a full-service health club.

Guests can swim in the outdoor pool, or enjoy a massage at Azmaara Spa. The hotel also has tennis and racquetball courts and a gym. Exclusive to guests, The Library is a lounge by day and a club by night.

Stylish rooms have a flat-screen TV, safe and tea and coffee-making facilities. All rooms have a marble bathroom. Some rooms include a separate living area, executive privileges and a balcony.

Offering both indoor seating and outdoor lakeside dining, 7° North serves Mediterranean dishes, cocktails and wines. Other restaurants include Thai, Singaporean and Japanese options.

Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is a 45 minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. Odel Department Store is one kilometer away. 

Price: ~ USD 125 Book this hotel on Booking.com