Here are good options in Colombo for independent travellers, grouped by type (hostels for meeting people/budget, mid‑range for comfort and location, and a few boutique/luxury picks if you want something quieter). Short note: I’ve focused on places with central locations, easy transport, and social/common areas — useful for solo or independent travellers.

Hostels / budget (best for meeting other travellers, lowest cost)

1. Alma Boutique Hostel — clean, boho social hostel with garden café; quiet but central (near Bambalapitiya/Barefoot area). Good for solo travellers who want comfort on a budget. (booking.com)
2. C1 Colombo Fort — downtown hostel close to Fort/rail/bus links; rooftop chill area and easy tuk‑tuk/train access for day trips. Good base for exploring the city. (app.wanderlog.com)
3. Ceylon StayZ — popular with solo travellers for its social spaces and convenient location (Colombo 7 area). (thebrokebackpacker.com)
4. Colombo Beach Hostel / Drop Inn / Hitchhike Backpackers — other well‑rated, budget hostel options listed on Hostelworld and guides (dorms and private rooms available). Great if you prioritise price and meeting people. (hostelworld.com)

Mid‑range (good balance of comfort, location, and independent‑traveller‑friendly amenities) 5. Cinnamon Red Colombo — modern “lean‑luxury” city hotel with a popular rooftop/infinity pool and bar (great for solo travellers who like a social rooftop and easy city access). Centrally located (Kollupitiya area). (cinnamonhotels.com)
6. Colombo Courtyard (Colombo Court Hotel & Spa) — stylish boutique hotel in a central spot with a rooftop bar and pool; compact, social and well suited to independent travellers wanting a quieter mid‑range stay. (oyster.com)
7. Jetwing Colombo Seven — modern, design‑led hotel in Cinnamon Gardens with rooftop facilities; good if you want a calm, safe neighbourhood but still be close to attractions. (thetimes.co.uk)

Boutique / higher end (if you want privacy, heritage or iconic stays) 8. Tintagel by Paradise Road — intimate, well‑designed boutique hotel (Cinnamon Gardens) — quiet, private and characterful (good if you prefer boutique hospitality to big hotels). (paradiseroadhotels.com)
9. Galle Face Hotel — Colombo’s iconic seafront heritage hotel beside Galle Face Green; a legendary choice if you want a historic, central, ocean‑front stay. (More upscale/heritage option.) (tripadvisor.com)

Quick practical tips for independent travellers

• Best neighbourhoods: Fort/Galle Face (central, sights), Kollupitiya/Colpetty (shops, nightlife), Cinnamon Gardens (leafy, quieter), Mount Lavinia (beach, a short ride away). Pick the neighbourhood that fits whether you want nightlife, culture or quiet. (breathingtravel.com)
• Safety: Colombo is generally visited by solo travellers, but monitor official travel advice before you go and avoid protests/large gatherings; use reputable taxis or tuk‑tuks (ask your hotel to book or use well‑known apps where available). Follow standard precautions (keep valuables secure, avoid poorly lit isolated areas at night). For the latest warnings check your government travel advice (US State Dept / GOV.UK / local advisories). (travel.state.gov)
• Female solo travellers: many travel safely in Colombo, but common‑sense precautions (modest dress at religious sites, secure transport at night, watch belongings in crowds) are recommended. Lonely Planet and travel guides have useful cultural tips. (lonelyplanet.com)
• Booking tip: hostels show low dorm rates on sites like Hostelworld and Booking; midrange and luxury peaks vary with season and events, so compare Booking/Hostelworld and the hotel’s official site for best rates and cancellation terms. (hostelworld.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Narrow recommendations to a neighbourhood (e.g., Fort vs Cinnamon Gardens) or
• Filter by budget (dorm / <$60 / $60–150 / 150+), or
• Check availability and current nightly prices for specific dates.

Which would you prefer? (If you want date‑specific prices I’ll look them up.)