Great — here’s a short, practical guide to staying in Colombo that gives the best “bang for your buck,” by neighbourhood and by price/experience.

Top neighbourhoods (what to expect)

• Galle Face / Fort (seafront, easiest for sunsets, big hotels and tourist infrastructure) — best if you want ocean views and to be near malls/restaurants. (travelmag.com)
• Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7) — leafy, quieter, good for boutique hotels, cafés, museums and a more relaxed stay. (thehotelguru.com)
• Kollupitiya / Bambalapitiya — central, lots of mid‑range hotels, shopping and rooftop bars; good middle ground. (travelfoodexpert.com)
• Slave Island / Beira Lake area — livelier nightlife, bars and restaurants; central but busier at night. (breathingtravel.com)
• Mount Lavinia (30–40 minutes south) — if you prefer a classic beach‑hotel vibe rather than city noise, this historic seaside hotel area is excellent value for atmosphere. (oyster.com)

Hotel picks worth the price (quick, by budget / style)

• Budget / backpacker

  • My Little Island Hostel — social, budget beds and cheap private rooms near central sights; good for meeting people and saving money. (hidmc.com)
  • Economy hotels along Marine Drive (seafront) — you can get clean rooms with ocean views for modest prices; good if you just need a comfortable base. (kayak.com)

• Mid‑range (best value for comfort + location)

  • Marino Beach Colombo — seafront, rooftop pool and regularly flagged as a strong mid‑range value for location and facilities. (Mixed reviews on food/service exist, but many travellers cite good value.) (kayak.com)
  • The Steuart by Citrus — boutique, colonial building in Fort; good central base without luxury prices. (citrusleisure.com)

• Boutique / small luxury

  • Maniumpathy (Cinnamon Gardens) — tiny, heritage boutique with individually styled suites — excellent if you want character and privacy rather than a big chain. (maniumpathy.com)

• Luxury (worth it if you want service, views and convenience)

  • Shangri‑La Colombo — excellent ocean views, big‑hotel amenities and spa; a strong pick for reliable high‑end comfort. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • ITC Ratnadipa and Taj Samudra — both large, beachfront/central luxury hotels with multiple dining options and easy access to Galle Face/Fort. Good choices if you want traditional 5‑star service. (en.wikipedia.org)

Other solid options

• Cinnamon Lakeside / Cinnamon Grand — long‑standing Colombo favourites for reliable facilities and dining. (Good for business travellers and events.) (en.wikipedia.org)
• Mount Lavinia Hotel (if you want a full beach‑hotel experience a short drive from central Colombo). (oyster.com)

Quick practical tips

• If you want sunset/walkable seafront, book Galle Face / Fort. If you want quieter luxury or a boutique vibe, book Cinnamon Gardens. (travelmag.com)
• For best value, compare room rates including breakfast and check cancellation policies (weekday vs weekend pricing varies). Popular mid‑range hotels regularly run deals on booking sites. (kayak.com)
• Avoid staying right inside Pettah at night (it’s chaotic and busy); stick to main roads or hotel precincts. (cityareas.com)

If you tell me: (a) your budget per night, and (b) whether you want beach views, nightlife, or a quiet boutique stay, I’ll give 3 specific hotel + room suggestions and current price ranges for your dates.