Colombo Hotels with Pools

I had a fantastic stay at the Marino Beach Colombo Hotel, and I’d happily recommend it to anyone visiting Colombo. The energy of the hotel matches the city in the best way—there’s a lively, enjoyable atmosphere that makes the whole experience feel fun and memorable. One highlight for me was the great view from the hotel. It really adds to the overall vibe and makes it feel special, even when you’re just stepping out to take a moment. I’d highly recommend booking a room with a balcony. As a mature solo traveller, that private outdoor space made a big difference—especially in a city that can be hot and busy. Even when the day is energetic, the balcony offers that easy, tranquil respite you need to recharge. And the rooftop infinity pool? Absolutely wonderful—great views, a fantastic atmosphere, and a calm break from the city buzz. I also need to make special mention to Upendra. The entire reception/concierge service was brilliant, but Upendra’s attention to detail truly stood out. He supported me with my eSIM and helped with my transport needs, and I genuinely felt valued and cared for—like I was a beloved auntie. It’s exactly what I appreciate from young, enthusiastic staff. Finally, I have to mention the beach club. It was a great experience—and thanks to the life guard, I even got to enjoy a “tethered” swim in the sea. (And yes—at almost 6 feet tall, tethering this Viking shield Maiden really isn’t as fun as it sounds 😄😂) Thank you again, Upendra—and thank you to the Marino Beach Colombo Hotel team.

Let me start with a few downsides: for a five-star hotel, there was no liquid hand soap, only bar soap. The toiletries were also very basic, small plastic bottles. We had to specifically ask for bathrobes and the low-quality disposable toothbrushes. The soundproofing was terrible; every time someone knocked on the opposite door, I felt like they were knocking on ours. The good points are: we were given two bottles of cinnamon drink upon arrival, the pool is beautiful, and the gym is decent. Apparently, haircuts are free, though I didn't try it, and there's a sauna too. We paid an average of over 600, and the taxes were quite high, so the value for money wasn't great in comparison. Oh, and the service was quite slow; we had to wait 10-20 minutes even for toothbrushes.

I recently stayed at the Colombo Court Hotel, and while it offers good value and excellent rooms, the hospitality felt a bit rigid for a tourist. First, the bright spots: The room itself was fantastic. It was large, impeccably clean, and featured great-quality sheets with plenty of excellent pillows. The bathroom was stocked with plush towels and quality toiletries. Since I arrived fighting a cold, the great selection of coffee and teas in the room was an absolute lifesaver. However, the customer service left a lot to be desired. I arrived at noon after an all-night flight. Even though it's the low season and the hotel felt completely empty, the front desk rigidly enforced the 2:00 PM check-in time. They didn't even offer an early check-in for a fee. Instead, I was told I could wait out in the heat by the pool for two hours. There was also a strange billing issue at check-in. The front desk asked me for a $43 payment, even though I had already prepaid in full. I had to firmly show them my paperwork showing the booking platform's virtual credit card payment before they backed off. They didn't bring it up again, but it felt a bit like a shakedown attempt. Finally, my booking confirmation explicitly stated checkout was between 11:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Yet, at 11:30 AM, staff knocked on my door telling me checkout was actually at 11:00 AM. Even after showing the front desk my confirmation, they insisted their rule was 11:00 AM. The staff was always friendly and polite, but it felt like they were serving their rulebook rather than their guests. The property is very clean but has much more of a business-traveler vibe than a welcoming tourist destination. I have another reservation here for my return leg, but I’ll be canceling it to stay somewhere else.

The hotel is new and the rooms are spacious enough. The location is excellent with a great view, right across from the ocean and next to the largest mall in the area. However, the service needs improvement. I had specifically booked a twin room, and even reminded them twice during check-in that I needed twin beds. But when we got to the room, it still had a king-size bed, which was incredibly frustrating 😟. We had to call the manager over, and they literally split the king bed into two 80cm single beds right there, which was ridiculous 😵💫. Also, every single time you enter or exit the hotel, whether by car or on foot, you have to go through a rather lax security check.

The hotel is pretty good in sri lanka, hygienic and comfy room. The staff are also nice and caring as they opened door for us and helped us when we checked-in at midnight.

Very lovely stay at cinnamon red. Check in: I arrived pretty early - luggage storage and early check in once rooms were available no problem. Very friendly. Room: very clean and nice, great view Room service: extremely friendly, even asked me on the floor if everything was fine. Location: perfect. Walking distance to all sights (if you are used to a bit of walking) Gym: amazing. Super well equipped Pool and bar: great view from the rooftop. Nice staff Will choose this hotel again for my stay before flying out

According to my booking, I was supposed to receive a king-size bed, but upon check-in, I was given two very small, separate beds instead. The hotel authorities failed to keep the commitment made at the time of booking. Staying and sleeping in these small beds was extremely difficult and uncomfortable for us. This kind of poor service and irresponsibility is completely unacceptable from a reputable hotel. In terms of customer service and maintaining commitments, this has been a thoroughly disappointing experience. I have no intention of ever staying at this hotel again in the future.

We checked into a twin room, and everything from the mattress to the pillows was incredibly comfortable; it felt like sleeping on a cloud. However, toiletries were only provided for one person, and there were only two large towels. There was also black mold in the corners of the shower. Healthy options for breakfast were limited, consisting mostly of pastries, pancakes, and other sweet items. The breakfast to-go bag we received was equally disappointing, containing only four pastries and four small pieces of fruit. The gym was very small, the air conditioning was broken, and it was very stuffy. While guests received a discount at the bar, an additional 30% for service charges and tips was added to the bill. Our key cards frequently stopped working, forcing us to visit the front desk repeatedly for assistance from a technician.

Craving a city escape where you’re pampered from check-in to the last sunset cocktail? NH Collection Colombo stands out in Sri Lanka’s buzzing capital, blending urban convenience, plush comfort, and picture-perfect sea views. 🌊 Whether you’re here for business or to soak up Colombo’s historic streets, this hotel is your launchpad for adventure and relaxation. From the moment you arrive at 24 Srimath Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, the friendly staff greets you with warm Sri Lankan hospitality, always quick to assist and happy to share local tips. The large, airy rooms are a guest favorite, especially those with panoramic sea views—wake up to sunlight dancing on the Indian Ocean and enjoy a serene start in a comfy, neat space. Make time for the rooftop Infinity Pool & Bar, an insta-worthy spot for sunset sips or just lazing with a view. The hotel’s location means you’re steps from the coastline, handy markets, and Colombo’s vibrant city life. Breakfast is a true highlight: feast on everything from Sri Lankan hoppers to European classics. It’s the kind of breakfast spread that fuels exploration all day long. For the best experience, secure a sea-facing room and double-check your breakfast package upon booking to avoid confusion later. And don’t miss the nearby Galle Face Green at sunset, just a short stroll away—perfect for local snacks and people-watching. Booking tip: Reserve early on trip.com, especially for high-floor, ocean-view rooms. If you want maximum relaxation, take advantage of the rooftop pool in the quieter morning hours.

I had a wonderful stay at the Mount Lavinia Hotel. From the moment I arrived, everything exceeded my expectations. The service staff were exceptionally friendly, professional, and always ready to help with a smile. The hotel environment was beautiful, clean, and very relaxing. I especially loved the garden area, the swimming pool, and the stunning beach views. Waking up to the ocean view from my room was an amazing experience. Even the washroom was well-maintained and offered a great view, which made the stay feel even more special. What impressed me the most was the genuine hospitality of the staff. They made me feel welcome throughout my stay and paid attention to every detail to ensure my comfort. Overall, I would rate my experience 10/10. Everything—from the location and facilities to the service and atmosphere—was simply perfect. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable stay in Sri Lanka.