Looking to enjoy the high life while you’re vacationing in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital? Boutique hotels in Colombo are the way to go.
While the city’s skyline is dotted with branches of world-famous hotel chains such as Hilton Resorts & Spas and Taj Hotels, there’s just something to be said for personalised luxury in hospitality.
And that’s precisely what you get with high-end boutique hotels as opposed to traditional 5-star hotels.
With that being said, let’s take a look at three of the top luxury boutique hotels in Colombo, as well as what aspects to look for when selecting the perfect one for you!
- Uga Residence
This 11-suite boutique hotel is without a doubt, one of Colombo’s finest.
Housed in a Victorian-inspired mansion whose origins lie in the 1800s, Uga Residence offers luxury, tranquillity and world-class hospitality in Colombo 2.
It’s located close to Beira Lake and is near cultural attractions such as the iconic Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple as well as an upscale nightlife venue, Park Street Mews; beyond Park Street, it offers easy access to much of Colombo’s prime entertainment and shopping hotspots. Guests can also take a quick walk to Park Street Gourmet to satisfy all their gourmet snack hankerings (there’s always an impressive collection of snacks, cold cuts, wine and beer sourced from across the globe).
Of course, you wouldn’t have to venture out of Uga Residence at all to get your fill of gourmet cuisine. This boutique hotel is home to Rare Bar + Kitchen, a staple in Colombo’s trendy dining scene.
With a culinary team that comprises some of Sri Lanka’s finest, you’re in for some exquisitely prepared delights that artfully blend the best of Sri Lankan and international cuisine.
In between meals, make sure to enjoy the best guilty pleasure of all – the iconic High Tea Platter – must-try!
There’s also an outdoor pool that’s great for cooling off after a day of exploring Colombo.
- Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo
Also set in a charming mansion with a history, Tintagel Colombo draws in guests with its uniquely stylish decor. And with its spacious and rustic rooms.
One thing that really sets it apart from the rest is its indoor swimming pool – an unusual find in sunny and tropical Colombo.
- Colombo Court Hotel & Spa
With a lobby that masterfully blends the indoors with the outdoors, Colombo Court Hotel & Spa makes a great first impression.
This boutique hotel in Colombo can be spotted on Colombo’s bustling R.A De Mel Mawatha in Colombo 3. It has spacious rooms, an onsite pool and a rooftop bar.
Two Main Factors to Look for in a Boutique Hotel
Location
When you stay in the city, it’s all about having easy access to important locations. While most of Colombo’s luxury boutique hotels do offer this, the options that stand out manage to cater to our contrasting needs of wanting to be at the heart of all the action while enjoying the tranquillity of a calming urban escape.
Uga Residence manages to do just this. This boutique hotel has created a hidden oasis that blends into the leafy greens and urban sophistication of Park Street, while allowing guests quick access not just to the rest of the city, but also to a trendy local hangout right next door at Park Street Mews.
Visitors just have to step out of the hotel to enjoy wood-fired pizza and gelato, sundowners, French cuisine, dessert bars and perfectly charred yakitori. Add to this outdoor seating while beautiful lights are strung up overhead, and you can imagine the buzz that this cosy nook attracts in the evening, just a hop skip and jump away from Uga Residence.
Dining
At luxury boutique hotels, onsite dining options are a given. However, it’s the willingness to go the extra mile (and how well it’s executed) that can set top contenders apart.
At a time when dining in safe seclusion might be a priority, having the option of enjoying anything from breakfast in bed to five-course meals in the comfort and privacy of your room can be an undeniably attractive factor to consider.
Some boutique hotels promise just this on their site.
History
When you’ve made up your mind to treat yourself to a classy stay in Colombo, you might as well demand more of your stay: the history of a place can really add an extra dimension to your experience.
Tintagel Colombo is an example of such a boutique hotel; the mansion that it occupies was originally built almost a century ago. Similarly, Uga Residence is set in a charming Victorian-style villa that’s even older, and has a beautiful courtyard as well as tasteful, well-preserved interiors.
