Great — here are clear options depending on what you want the first night to accomplish (very close to the airport vs. stay in central Colombo), with a short reason, approximate drive time to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), and which type of traveler it suits.

Quick note on travel time: CMB → central Colombo is roughly 30–60 minutes by car (about 30–35 km, depending on traffic). If you need a very early/late flight connection, consider staying near Negombo/airport. (Travelmath.com)

A. Best if you want to be closest to the airport (fast connection / late arrival / jet-lag)

• Jetwing Blue, Negombo — beachfront, reliable mid-to-upscale hotel close to the lagoon/beach; popular for short stays near the airport. Suits tired arrivals who want the sea and short transfer to CMB.
• Heritance Negombo — full-service, good for comfortable overnight stays near the airport with easy transfers.
• Jetwing Lagoon (near Katunayake) — set on lagoon waters and closer to the airport area; good if you want quieter, scenic surroundings while staying very near CMB.

Why choose these: Negombo/Katunayake hotels cut transfer time and are the most convenient for very early departures or very late arrivals. Negombo is the main hotel area closest to CMB. (thetimes.co.uk)

B. Best if you want to stay in central Colombo (sightseeing, restaurants, nightlife) — mid-to-luxury picks

• Galle Face Hotel — iconic colonial/heritage hotel on the Colombo seafront; excellent for atmosphere and being right by Galle Face Green. Suits travelers who want a historic, central stay. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Shangri‑La, Colombo — modern luxury with rooftop bars, city views; great if you want high-end comfort and central location.
• Cinnamon Grand Colombo — big full-service hotel close to business/entertainment districts; good for families and business travelers.
• Taj Samudra Colombo — long-standing luxury hotel on the seafront; good all-round choice near major city sights.
• The Kingsbury Colombo — large luxury hotel on the seafront, convenient for walking to Fort and maritime areas.

Why choose these: central Colombo hotels put you near museums, restaurants, rooftop bars and transport for onward travel. If you land during the day and want to explore, pick a Colombo hotel. (Many trusted travel write-ups list these as top Colombo options.) (thetimes.co.uk)

C. Practical tips to pick between the two approaches

• Late-night or very early flight? Stay near Negombo/airport to minimize stress and transfer time. (webflow.Mozio.com)
• Arriving in daytime and want to start exploring Colombo right away? Book a central Colombo hotel (Galle Face, Shangri‑La, Cinnamon Grand, Taj, Kingsbury).
• Transfer time to Colombo from CMB: plan 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and exact location — allow extra buffer for morning/evening peak traffic. (Travelmath.com)

If you’d like, I can:

• Show lowest-price or best-reviewed options for your travel date;
• Compare hotel transfer times and approximate taxi/ride costs;
• Book or draft a shortlist (3–4) tailored to your budget and arrival time.

Which would you prefer — “closest to airport” or “central Colombo”?