Club Hotel Dolphin

The hotel is tucked away at the end of a bumpy dirt road in a residential area. Cars pull into the paved entryway where a staff member in traditional garb greets new arrivals and leads them to the lobby. Guests are seated and receive a cool towel and fresh guava juice during the check-in process. The pleasant open-air common areas have contemporary furniture and plenty of space for people to spread out with books and beverages. Picture colorful cushions, high wood-beamed white ceilings, soothing fountains, and ponds filled with colorful fish. Waves can be heard crashing in the distance and the vibe is relaxed. Though the hotel is Asian by design, there is a distinct European feel; not surprisingly, the hotel attracts many from Germany and the U.K. who either stay put for the entire trip, or spend a night or two here en route to or from another area of Sri Lanka.

During the day, most guests tend to hit one of the two pools which are near the shore and surrounded by patches of green grass. On the beach, red flags warning people against swimming are common. A schedule of activities takes place at the family-friendly pool, and wedding parties tend to gather here before heading into the event space. The quiet pool is the place to read and take leisurely naps with only the sound of crows. An occasional vendor might wander up to sell excursions, as may a gentle stray dog or monkey. 

At sunset, guests tend to hit the bar for cocktails before the buffet opens. The resort becomes low lit and romantic, and jazz music plays in the background. There are a theater and disco for post-dinner entertainment, though most tend to relax in the two bars that stay open until midnight. The resort doesn't change its offerings much on a daily basis, so it's good for those who like routine. Those staying here for an entire vacation, however, may get bored. 

Guests enter the hotel from the dirt road off the main drag through Waikkal, which lies north of Negombo. Arriving at night, this could be a little disconcerting -- the road is awfully dark -- but fret not, the hotel's cheerful entrance soon comes into view. Just 30 minutes north of Colombo’s Bandaranaike International airport (and an hour from Colombo), this is a convenient spot for travelers who want to skip the busy metropolis, and yet who want to be close to the airport. The area used to be a major cinnamon source during European rule, and today, Negombo and Waikkal are more famous for tourists and fishing; every morning, guests can look out over the ocean and see traditional wooden catamaran boats bobbing in the water. The beach is not of white sand like beaches to the south, and there is more pollution here, but on a sunny days, views are pretty and there is plenty of space for strolls in either direction. Sunsets are not to be missed. 

The hotel, unlike others in Negombo, is not near a main commercial strip so guests will have to drive or take taxis to restaurants, shops, and pharmacy stores for toiletries and essentials. Free parking is available for those with rental cars, otherwise the front desk can call for a taxi (prices will have to be determined directly with the driver). Tuk-tuks -- cheaper (and more fun) -- are less common here since the hotel is slightly off the beaten track. Airport transfers can be arranged in advance, otherwise guests will likely get accosted by taxi drivers at the airport when they arrive. 

Rooms at Club Hotel Dolphin are clean and contemporary with dark wood furnishings and bold colorful accents. They have a seating area for two, a narrow desk against the wall, and a balcony or patio with two chairs. Newcomers are greeted with fresh flowers on the bed. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV (offering satellite channels), DVD player, free drinking water, tea, and Nescafe instant coffee. Mini-fridges sell basic items like canned beer, soda, and a few snacks. Private bathrooms have bathrobes for two, walk-in glass showers, rain showerheads and Spa Ceylon toiletries. Pool and beach towels are provided in the rooms (no towel card needed). Extra cots or rollaway beds can be requested. 

Superior Rooms are the basic category and are situated in two- or three-story buildings near the lobby and activity pool. For a small upgrade, guests can guarantee a sea view. Superior Pool Access Rooms are on the first floor of these buildings with easy access to the pools from the patios, which have two cushioned sun loungers. Junior Suites on the top floor (with nice views) are more contemporary with wooden floors. They have a separate living and dining area, and bathrooms with separate jetted tubs and double vanity sinks. 

Villas are standalone units in quieter surroundings with either garden or beach views. While they're more private, the interiors don't feel like an upgrade from the Superior Rooms. 

Two freshwater pools are located at either end of the property and are open until early evening. The family-friendly pool is the larger of the two with several sections, including a shallow kids' area. The animation team initiates activities here during the day like water volleyball games and aqua aerobics. The pool is surrounded by an expansive grassy lawn with plenty of sun loungers to choose from; despite this being the main pool, it rarely feels crowded. On the other end of the property is the the quiet pool, smaller in size, where many come to take naps and read novels. 

Next to the quiet pool is a spa with individual open-air treatment huts for singles and couples with basic facials, massages, or nail treatments. Those looking to exercise will have free access to a tennis court, racquetball court, and beach volleyball/badminton net. The small but modern fitness does not have windows, but is equipped with treadmills, cross-trainers, and resistance training facilities. Kayak rentals and lifejackets are available -- there is a river next to the property -- and bike rentals and horseback riding can also be arranged. Vendors may wander up to the edge of the beach to sell these excursions, but guest services in the lobby can also arrange day trips. 

The kids' club, called Dolphin Kidz, has a regular schedule of activities during the day (free of charge), and a mini-disco in the evening. The hotel also offers a pool table, chess, darts and boardgames. Evening entertainment takes place in the outdoor Anchor Theatre, where the animation team puts on cultural music and dance performances. There is a disco available for dancing and karaoke, though nightlife is pretty tame overall.

For drinks, there is an outdoor bar at either pool: Flippers Bar, open until midnight, is at the activity pool and often puts on contests for free cocktails, and the bar at the quiet pool serves drinks until around 6 p.m. In the lobby, the main bar is called Aqua Bar & Clove Bar, which is popular for pre-dinner drinks and sunset views. Anchor Bar next to the theater opens for special performances. 

Locals often use the indoor event space for weddings, which tend to be traditional in nature. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.

The hotel is along a long public beach with dark beige sand. Waikkal's sand and Indian Ocean water show subtle signs of pollution -- this is a busy part of the country, close to Colombo -- but this particular area of beach is cleaner and quieter than hotels along the busier Negombo stretch just to the south. Next to the property is a river that can be used for kayaking. The occasional stray dogs and vendor wandering up to the fence are harmless but might be a nuisance for those looking for true peace and quiet while walking the shore. Swimming in the ocean is considered safe unless the red flags are up, which indicate the current is too strong for most swimmers. 

Since the hotel is not walking distance to Negombo's hub, most guests will be using the on-site facilities for all three meals. The main buffet, Sands, is in a large, attractive space in the lobby with options for booth and table seating. All-inclusive packages are available, but do not include wine at meals. Selections change daily, and there are plenty of choices for seafoods and meats, European specialties, and a large selection of local cuisine, like curries and hoppers, as well as kid-friendly items. The sweet sections is in a separate air-conditioned room with beautiful cakes, fresh fruit, and ice cream. Waves is the romantic a la carte restaurant next to the lobby lounge, offering a gourmet menu with quality Asian cuisine and nice wine list. Guests on a specific package may receive a free four-course dinner here, but prices are still reasonable for those paying separately. 

A restaurant at the quiet pool serves lunch items, and the activity pool has a snack bar for pizza, sandwiches, and kid-friendly items. This is only open during three specific times of the day: late morning, late afternoon, and late night. 

In-room dining is available, and guests can arrange private dinners near the beach.