Best Western Elyon Colombo

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. 

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. 

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.

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.