Here are value-for-money hotel picks in Colombo, grouped by budget so you get the best amenities/location for what you pay. Prices vary by season and day of week (high season Dec–Mar); I’ve given typical nightly ranges in USD and one-line reasons why each is good value. If you want, I can check live rates for specific dates.

Budget / Backpacker (≈ $10–50/night)

• Clock Inn Colombo — very affordable private rooms and dorms, central Kollupitiya location good for malls/food. Good for solo/backpackers. (hidmc.com)
• My Little Island Hostel — social, clean dorms and cheap private rooms near Independence Square; great low-cost option. (hidmc.com)

Smart mid‑range (best balance of comfort & price) (≈ $35–120/night)

• Trillium Boutique / Trillium Express — frequently listed as “best value” mid‑range choices with comfortable rooms and central locations. Ideal if you want clean boutique-style rooms without luxury prices. (kayak.com)
• Marino Beach Colombo — oceanfront mid‑range hotel (Galle Road) that often gives strong location/value for the price. Good if you want sea views without premium luxury rates. (kayak.com)
• The Steuart by Citrus — colonial charm in Fort, walkable to Dutch Hospital precinct; good mid‑range value for sightseeing. (hidmc.com)

Upper mid / Lower luxury (≈ $90–250/night) — good value if you want full facilities

• Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo — riverside hotel with many facilities (pool, restaurants) often priced below comparable international luxury brands, making it strong value. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Taj Samudra — long‑standing 5★ on Galle Face; dependable service and oceanfront location that many consider good value among Colombo’s luxury options. (brandradar.org)

Top luxury (best high‑end value if budget allows) (≈ $150+)

• Shangri‑La, Colombo — ocean views, strong spa/pool and consistently good guest experience; value for travelers wanting full luxury amenities. (thetimes.co.uk)

Quick tips to maximize value

• Book outside peak season (Colombo’s high season is December–March) for substantially lower rates. (kayak.com)
• Prioritize location vs. included benefits: a slightly cheaper room with free breakfast/airport transfer or pool access can be a better “value” than a lower rate with no extras. (brandradar.org)
• Weekday vs weekend: some hotels have cheaper weekday/weekday-night patterns—compare dates. (kayak.com)

If you tell me your dates, traveler type (couple, family, business), and target nightly budget, I’ll pull live rates and give a 3-hotel shortlist (one per tier) with current prices and booking links.