Affordable Hotels in Sri Lanka

Q: I am keen on visiting Sri Lanka in October 2012 and am looking at spending maybe 3-5 days there. Could you advise me on affordable three-star hotels in Colombo and Negombo? - Bashni Reddy

A: A good option for you could be the Colombo City Hotel, which is located in the heart of this bustling capital. This three-star hotel has 26 comfortable rooms, available from 97 US dollars per night (R734), including all taxes and fees on the www.agoda.com website. If you prefer something a little cheaper, two hotels on the www.booking.com website could suit you. The two-star Shalimar Hotel offers 30 air-conditioned rooms with cable TV, en-suite bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. The hotel is located 20kms from the airport and 2kms from the main bus terminus and train station. Room rates start at 40 US dollars (R302) plus 27 percent for service charge and taxes. Silvikris Villa is an intimate two-star hotel with only six rooms. free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a 24-hour front desk. Located only 150 metres from the excellent Odel Shopping Mall, you can get a double room from 55 US dollars (R416) plus 27 percent in taxes and charges per night. In Negombo, the Paradise Beach Hotel offers you seafront accommodation and a swimming pool. A double room with breakfast is available from 70 US dollars per night (R530), plus 22 percent in taxes and service charges on www.booking.com. A more affordable two-star option on the Negombo beachfront is the Topaz Beach Hotel. You can get a room on the www.asiarooms.com website for 50 US dollars per night (R378), including taxes and charges. Before you book on the Internet, you should check with a travel agent to see what they can offer you. They may be able to give you a rate not available to the international market on the Internet. (19/2/12)