Colombo Court Hotel & Spa

The street leading to the hotel will likely have bumper-to-bumper traffic, but after arrival, sliding glass doors lead to a peaceful haven and a striking lobby that combines old and new design elements, from brick pavers and glazed concrete to reclaimed wooden columns and industrial beams. Americans might think of a specific chain when booking, but the hotel is anything but chain-like. Look closely for thoughtful design elements and recycled art like metal crow sculptures and the massive bicycle tree installation that are culled from Bangalore and Belgium by Sunela Jayewardene, the environmental designer who created the space. The front desk is accessed through an uninviting window, though check-in is handled in the adjacent lounge over welcome drinks and there are plenty of different areas for reading and working separated by pretty ponds and open-air hallways, including a bright and leafy courtyard, an air-conditioned library, and an attractive outdoor pool. Guests include business types working on laptops, and couples or families on overnight stays at the beginning or end of their Sri Lanka adventures. The outdoor pool becomes quite romantic at night, lit by soft yellows, pinks, and blues, while the dining and drinking scene here buzzes with blend of locals and tourists, from the intimate Scarlet Room to the gorgeous city views from rooftop Cloud Cafe to the Brooklyn-chic Loft Lounge cocktail bar.

Right in the heart of Colombo, the hotel is situated on a wildly busy, traffic-clogged street in the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. Tuk-tuk's are easy to flag down and are cheaper than taxis for access to the Crescat Boulevard Mall, the art galleries along Horton and Barnes Places, and Galle Face Green, a colonial-era oceanside park and beach, all in about 10 minutes depending on traffic. A welcome pack at check-in includes a walking map that points out key neighborhood spots reachable on foot, including Majestic City Shopping Mall (eight minutes), and popular cafes like Gallery Cafe, Barefoot (which also has a quaint boutique), and the Cricket Club all in less than five minutes. Other attractions in the city include Colombo Town Hall, the National Museum, and the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Center. Bandaranaike International Airport takes about 45 minutes to reach by car. 

Each of the trendy rooms here have a different design, and accents range from bold statement walls to interesting patterns and textiles. Available in Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, and Suite categories, all rooms are stylish. Deluxe and Superior Deluxe Rooms have cut cement floors that are a neutral base for details like bold turquoise accent walls and eye-catching patterns, like the broad-striped blue-and-tan chairs with retro lines. Suites have hardwood floors and solid wood details throughout, and some include four-poster beds and plush chairs as well as Mac computers, proper coffeemakers, juicers, and small terraces. All rooms have 42-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, safes, desks, limited free filtered drinking water, and minibars. Small details like reclaimed-gear bedside lamps next to the comfortable king beds with duvets and silk bed runners are thoughtful touches. Bathrooms are spacious and have a cool industrial style, with glazed cement countertops, large vanities, and glass walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads in Deluxe and Superior Deluxe Rooms. Suites have concrete bathtubs that may look a little sterile to some guests. Toiletries are generous, but come in small bottles instead of eco-friendly containers, and all bathrooms include bathrobes and slippers. There is no elevator in the guest-room wing of the hotel, so those with limited mobility should request a room on the first floor. Street noise can be an issue in some rooms. 

The beautiful outdoor pool complex surrounded by a leafy courtyard and terrace with shisha pipes is an excellent amenity in hot and humid Colombo. The area includes a romantic hot tub, a plunge pool (though this is far from private), and main pool surrounded by a few cushioned lounge chairs. Drink service is available in the covered lounge or on the patio into the night, when the lighting become especially pretty. In addition, there are more sophisticated lounge areas closer to the front desk for working and reading, and a separate air-conditioned library with leather armchairs is available for those who need a quiet break.The restaurants and bars are located in the newer wing of the hotel which has an elevator. For a hotel of this size, the food and beverage program is impressive, and young Colombo professionals are regular patrons here in addition to hotel guests. The Scarlet Room, an intimate red-walled space with black-and-white photography, is a classic all-day restaurant with Mediterranean and Asian cuisine and large street-facing windows. The Brooklyn-chic Loft Lounge Bar (check out the bar stools made from tractor seats) has professional mixologists prepare a wide range of signature cocktails and a good happy hour nightly including a range of small plates. The spacious rooftop Cloud Cafe has great city views and plenty of seating like daybeds, high-top tables, and large communal tables for meeting others. An open kitchen serves gourmet pizzas, sandwiches, and Asian small plates, and features live jazz and movie nights.On-site Amber Spa, run by Balinese therapists, has two attractive treatment rooms -- one for couples and one for singles -- with bright printed batik-style linens and hardwood floors. The spa offers an extensive list of Thai and Balinese massages and body treatments, and the hotel also has a small fitness center with a few cardio machines and limited free weights.  There is narrow business center with two computers and a printer on site and Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Airport transfers can be arranged, though will cost more than a taxi. The hotel takes great pride in staying carbon neutral and "green" -- look for awards in the lobby -- and the staff, who deserve a mention for service, are happy to point out the commissioned art work throughout.