Last Updated on October 28, 2025
High Life in the Heart of Colombo
Colombo is a city of contrasts, with tuk-tuks weaving through traffic, sleek new towers standing beside timeworn colonial buildings, and the ocean never far away. It’s best experienced up close, where you can dive into the city’s energy and step back when you need breathing space. That’s where NH Collection Colombo comes in. Set near the waterfront, in the hub of the city centre, it offers both connection and calm. Step outside, and the city hums at full volume; head upstairs, and the 26th-floor infinity pool delivers a more tranquil spectacle, with the Indian Ocean stretching out one way and the skyline rising the other.
Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, sits on the island’s west coast beside the Indian Ocean, just south of the Kelani River and less than an hour from Bandaranaike International Airport. Transfers are easy to arrange, with taxis, private cars, and hotel shuttles all readily available, and regular bus or train services all linking the airport to the city.
If you’re travelling to Sri Lanka, give this city a few days. It’s worth the pause, whether at the start or end of your journey. I stopped here at the close of my own trip, unwinding in the luxury of NH Collection while still catching Colombo’s sights before flying home. It was the perfect finale, a reminder that Sri Lanka’s capital is much more than a stopover, a city that quietly gets under your skin.
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Accommodation at NH Collection Colombo
NH Collection Colombo has 219 spacious rooms and suites offering both city and uninterrupted sea views. Our twin on the 24th floor had the latter and didn’t disappoint, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing one of Colombo’s most impressive panoramas.
Inside, it featured ricotta-red textured wallpaper that added warmth, black furnishings framing a sleek desk, and a linen sofa inviting you to sit back with a coffee and enjoy the view. The bathroom continued the calm, minimalist feel, with double sinks, a shower, a bathtub by the window, and aromatic bath products that made even a quick soak feel like a small ritual. Everything you need for a seamless stay is here: high-speed Wi-Fi, a safe, minibar, tea and coffee machine, gowns, an iron and board. It’s a room that balances style with practicality.
Facilities at NH Collection Colombo
Facilities at NH Collection Colombo cater to both relaxation and indulgence. The standout is the 26th-floor infinity pool, where you can drift between two striking views, the Indian Ocean on one side and the city skyline on the other. The deck is lined with comfortable loungers, perfect for soaking up the sun.
During my stay, the rooftop bar was being refurbished, promising something even more impressive in the months ahead. Beyond the pool, guests can work out in the gym, stretch in the yoga room, or, my top tip, book a signature massage at the spa, the perfect way to switch off completely.
Restaurants and Bars at NH Collection Colombo
NH Collection Colombo doesn’t leave guests short of choice when it comes to food and drink. Ayu, the all-day dining restaurant on the 4th floor, became our daily base. With its stone-tiled floors, sage-green chairs, dark wood tables and glass partitions, it feels bright and contemporary, especially with floor-to-ceiling windows framing city views.
The outdoor terrace is perfect for breakfast in the sunshine, and the buffet is hard to resist. Expect a wide range of Sri Lankan dishes alongside Mediterranean and Asian favourites. I was especially taken with the egg hoppers, curd and treacle, while fresh fruit and continental classics keep everyone happy. Dinner brings an international buffet, varied and plentiful, with themed nights and a popular Sunday brunch adding to the appeal.
For something more focused, Thai Rasa offers a modern take on authentic Thai cuisine. Curated by the renowned Thai Mama, the menu reinterprets classics such as Pad Thai and Panang curry with a contemporary touch, an exciting addition to Colombo’s dining scene. Adityaa, meanwhile, serves North Indian favourites like biriyani, chicken tikka and mutton rogan josh alongside southern thalis, all in an intimate setting perfect for long, relaxed dinners.
Evenings are best spent at The Mansion Bar. Funky and colourful, with mirror-panelled ceilings, stacked bookshelves, leather and suede armchairs and modern art on the walls, it’s a place with real character. A grand piano anchors the room, and smoking is allowed thanks to discreet vents. Barman Dilshan mixes an excellent cocktail.
My companion declared their Negroni the best they’d had in Sri Lanka, while I was converted by the Achcharu, a spicy blend of gin, peach schnapps, orange juice and achcharu fruit paste. For something lighter, the Berry Breezer, made with vodka, strawberry purée, mint, lime and Sprite, was another hit. Finally, keep an eye on Vistas Rooftop Bar, currently under refurbishment. When it reopens, it’s set to offer some of the best views in Colombo and one of the city’s most coveted sunset spots.
Exploring Colombo
Getting out and about in Colombo is half the fun. From the hotel, it’s easy to dive straight into the city’s contrasts: take a stroll along Galle Face Green, the lively seaside promenade, for street food, sea breezes, and a sky filled with kites; visit Gangaramaya Temple, an eclectic mix of Buddhist relics and quirky curios; or wander through Pettah Market, where everything from spices to saris is sold in joyful chaos.
For a slower pace, the leafy streets of Cinnamon Gardens reveal colonial villas, Viharamahadevi Park, galleries and cafés, while the National Museum gives a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history. Those with an eye for design shouldn’t miss Geoffrey Bawa’s No.11, his former city home and a living example of Sri Lankan modernism. Colombo rewards both aimless wandering and planned excursions.
For me, NH Collection Colombo worked perfectly as a five-star base: comfortable, stylish and with just enough luxury to elevate the stay. The sea views, infinity pool and strong dining options were definite highlights, and the thoughtful details made a real difference. It’s a hotel that feels polished without being pretentious, which suited me perfectly.
NH Collection Colombo is at 24 Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 03, Sri Lanka 00300.
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