102A, Kirulapone Avenue, Baseline Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka | (618) 248-8274
Good location for medical tourism travelers thanks to nearby hospitals like Park and Lanka
Well-maintained, contemporary rooms with animal-themed artwork
Standard amenities include kettles, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and hairdryers
Rooftop bar with gorgeous panoramic views
All-day restaurant serves Sri Lankan and international cuisine
Small gym has cardio and weight-training equipment
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free parking
Removed from tourist sights
Rooms below rooftop bar may experience late-night noise
Gym is small, and no other wellness facilities or pool
Some rooms have poor views
The 59-room Best Western Elyon Colombo is a run-of-the-mill mid-range property that caters to medical-minded travelers with its location near multiple hospitals. This isn't the most central location for tourists -- it's about a 10-minute drive to anywhere of note -- though the affordable rates and rooftop bar with scenic views are certainly pros. Generic, though well-appointed, rooms have tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and safes, but some rooms experience noise from the bar. An all-day restaurant serves quality fare that includes Sri Lankan specialties, plus there are a small gym, meeting space, and free Wi-Fi. For those not visiting surrounding hospitals, it's well worth considering the similarly priced and oceanfront OZO Colombo, which has upscale rooms and an infinity pool.
Scene
Generic chain hotel geared toward medical tourism travelers
The Best Western Elyon is located in a rather nondescript area of Colombo, though it's near multiple hospitals, making it a popular pick for medical tourism travelers. Opened in 2014, the design is contemporary, featuring lots of dark wood, cream tile floors, and generic artwork. The small reception area has black-leather chairs and is separated from the all-day restaurant by a glass and wood partition. A half-level up from the lobby, the restaurant features neutral-tone decor and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street. The real dining standout is the rooftop bar, which includes ample black-wicker seating and panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. Tourists would do well to consider the more upscale, yet similarly priced, OZO Colombo, which is along the beach. Budget-seekers, on the other hand, may prefer the free breakfast and lower rates at Clock Inn Colombo.
Location
Close to multiple hospitals, but removed from tourist sights
This property is ideally located for medical tourism travelers, as several hospitals -- Lanka Hospitals, Park Hospitals, Kids Clinic, and Asiri Medical Hospital -- are either within walking distance or a five-minute drive. There are a handful of dining options within walking distance of the hotel. For non-medical tourists, most city attractions are a minimum of 15 minutes away by car. Independence Square and the National Museum are about a 15-minute cab or tuk-tuk ride away. Galle Face Beach and the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct are closer to 20 minutes. The main Bandaranaike International Airport is about a 45-minute drive away.
Rooms
Contemporary, albeit chain-like, rooms with kettles and flat-screen TVs
All decorated the same, rooms have a contemporary, though generic, design consisting of gray-tile floors, dark-wood furniture, white walls, and blue-and-gray patterned bed runners, throw pillows, and drapes. Animal-themed artwork of elephant feet or tropical fish adds some local charm. Amenities are sufficient, including desks with rolling chairs, armchairs, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, and wardrobes with safes and bathrobes. Modern bathrooms decked out in gray concrete have rainfall showers, hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletry sets that include toothbrushes. Despite the hotel being along a busy main road, traffic noise is minimal, although rooms under the rooftop bar may experience noise from patrons and music. Also on the downside, many rooms have poor views.
Features
Rooftop bar with scenic vistas, buffet and a la carte restaurant, and free Wi-Fi throughout
The list of amenities is kept short here, particularly for wellness, but the rooftop bar is a standout. Situated on the eighth floor, the aptly named Vu bar has ample seating -- both covered and open -- and lovely panoramic views of the cityscape. A menu of drinks and light meals is available here, as is live music multiple times each week. The lobby-adjacent restaurant is open all day, serving both buffet and a la carte fare that includes well-regarded Sri Lankan specialties. The small gym has a handful of dated cardio and weight-training equipment, plus windows that provide scenic vistas. Wi-Fi is free throughout. A meeting space and business center are on-site. Parking is free.