Clock Inn Colombo

Claiming to be one of the first hostels in Sri Lanka, Clock Inn Colombo opened in December 2012. After entering the rather nondescript, worn white building, guests must walk up stairs (there's no elevator) to the reception area, which is a far more cheerful affair. The lobby features an orange accent wall, worn chairs in blue and citrus tones, and display cases of locally made goods like fans and figurines. A hallway leads to the dual lounge and communal kitchen space, where several black dining sets sit next to a couple of black couches and a wooden platform with colorful striped cushions. A mural of Sri Lanka's Independence Memorial Hall, stools with hand-painted elephants, and clock-themed decor like a larger-than-life watch and street clock add charming touches to the budget property. Guests mingle with other travelers at the free breakfast, but the rest of the time, they're generally out exploring the city. Tourists on a budget should consider the similarly priced Palm Nest, which has more contemporary decor, albeit a less-central location. Those willing to spend a bit more may prefer the Highbury Colombo, a guest house with lovely Sri Lankan decor and a pleasant, lush garden. 

The Clock Inn Colombo has a fairly central location near the western edge of Colombo, just one block from an oceanfront road. It's not the most scenic location, with lots of banks and companies nearby, but guests are across the street from a bus stop and a nine-minute walk from the Bambalapitiya Railway Station. Also within easy walking distance are several eateries and shops, including Majestic City mall (four-minute walk), which has a food court and ATMs. Most tourist attractions, such as Galle Face Beach (nine minutes), Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct (10 minutes), Independence Memorial Hall (six minutes), and National Museum (seven minutes), will require a taxi or tuk-tuk ride. The main airport, Bandaranaike International Airport, is a 40-minute drive away.

There are four four-person dorms and three six-person dorms here, all of which are bare-bones spaces with black wooden bunk beds, white walls, and beige tile. Amenities are limited to black lockers, air-conditioning, sheets, pillows, and reading lights. Towels are also provided for the shared mixed-gender bathroom that has four toilets and four showers. The eight Private Rooms are simple, but have cheerful pops of color in flower-patterned desk chairs, pink bed runners, and gold throw pillows. All have queen-size beds, air-conditioning, wardrobes with safes and hairdryers, bottled water, and flat-screen TVs. Their en-suite bathrooms feature showers. Some minor wear and tear is evident throughout the rooms, but everything is generally clean. Occasionally, past guests have complained of noise from the busy street or people in the hallways.

Given the rock-bottom rates, the several freebies here are a welcome surprise. Firstly, all rates include a buffet breakfast of cooked eggs, sausages, fruit, toast with butter and jam, cereal, and juice. Noodles are available on request and occasionally there are Sri Lankan specialties like hoppers (edible crepe-like bowls that hold eggs). Free tea and coffee are available all day in the kitchen. The communal kitchen has a microwave, stove, and fridge, plus dishes. Snacks are also for sale. In the adjacent lounge area, a TV, DVDs, games, city maps, and various seating are provided. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and a computer is available for guests' use.