Colombo - Sri Lanka - page 136

proved - in decades. As visitor numbers in Sri Lanka soar, it's worth booking ahead - es-
pecially for that first night in Colombo - so you don't end up at an inferior option.
Negombo is a short drive from Bandaranaike International Airport and has a full range
of sleeping options, many right on the beach.
Fort & Pettah
Fort is home to international-style highrise hotels, some of which are decidedly long in the
tooth. This is also where you can find historic hotels with rates that make their miscues
palatable.
Colombo YMCA GUESTHOUSE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 232 5252;39 Bristol St, Col 1;dm Rs 1050, s/d from Rs 2050/2600; )
This old Y is a bit shabby, but if you're on a very tight budget this could be it. It offers
male-only dorms, and a few very basic single and double rooms that are open to both men
and women: some share bathrooms and some have fans.
Grand Oriental Hotel HOTEL
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 232 0391, 232 0392; www.grandoriental.com ;2 York St, Col 1;r
US$70-100; )
Opposite the harbour, this was Colombo's finest hotel a century ago, a place to see and be
seen. Although that's no longer the case, there's a certain frumpy charm here. Rooms have
a tired, generic look. There are superb harbour views from the fourth-floor restaurant and
terrace; go for a drink, skip the food.
Colombo City Hotel HOTEL
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 534 1962; www.colombocityhotel.com ;Level 3, 33 Canal Row, Col 1;r
US$60-100; )
This hotel has reasonable rates and a fine location next to the Old Dutch Hospital, but the
hotel can be very noisy and service is unpolished. The 32 rooms have fridges but are rather
small and most lack decent views. The sea views from the restaurant roof are outstanding,
even if the food is not.