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oLake Lodge g UESTHOUSE $$
(Map p64; %232 6443; http://www.taruhotels.com; 20
Alvis Tce, Col 3; r US$80-120; aW) This hotel
gets everything just right. The 13 rooms are
well equipped and stylish in a minimalist
way. Long concrete counters are good for
work and the rooftop terraces have views of
South Beira Lake. Service is excellent and the
hotel is well managed. You can easily walk to
much of what’s interesting in Colombo.oYWCA g UESTHOUSE $$
(Map p64; %232 4181; [email protected];
393 Union Pl, Col 2; s/d from Rs 4500/5000, air-con
extra Rs 1000 ; aW) Of the several Ys offering
budget accommodation in Colombo, this is
easily our favourite. Enjoy modest colonial
splendour in this leafy compound in a busy
and popular part of town. The nine rooms
are basic but you can lounge on comfy rat-
tan chairs on the shady porch. The breakfast
room is an oasis of serenity.YWCA National
Headquarters g UESTHOUSE $$
(Map p64; %232 3498; [email protected]; 7 Ro-
tunda gardens, Col 3; r from Rs 5000; ai) This
place has eight tidy, very basic rooms (most
fan-only) that surround a leafy courtyard.
It’s a secure refuge for female travellers; men
can stay if they’re with a female companion.There’s a cheap cafeteria (meals Rs 150 to Rs
350), open from Monday to Saturday.Hotel Renuka &
Renuka City Hotel HOTEl $$
(Map p64; %257 3598; http://www.renukahotel.com;
328 galle Rd, Col 3; r US$70-90; aW) The well-
run Renuka is bifurcated into two different
buildings. Its 99 rooms are well maintained
and have safes, fridges and 24-hour room
service. Decor is somewhat basic; get a room
not facing Galle Rd (and ask to see a couple).
The staff are good, as is the Palmyrah restau-
rant, known for its Jaffna dishes.Alfred Court HOTEl $$
(Map p64; %257 6677; http://www.alfredcourt.lk; Al-
fred Pl, Col 3; r US$55-85; aW) A good no-
frills midrange option in a central location.
Rooms in this multistorey building come in
two flavours: superior, which have standard
hotel amenities; and deluxe, which are larg-
er and have balconies.Whitehouse Residences g UESTHOUSE $$
(Map p64; %077 413 2832; whitehousecolombo@
gmail.com; 265/2 RA De Mel Mawatha, Col 3; r from
US$80; aW) Self-sufficient travellers will
appreciate the large rooms and limited staff
interface at this multistorey guesthouse,
down a small lane. It’s all spick and span.GEOFFREY BAWA – ‘BRINGING POETRY TO PLACE’
The most famous of Sri Lanka’s architects, Geoffrey Bawa (1919–2003) fused ancient and
modern influences in his work. Architect Ranjith Dayaratne described it as ‘bringing poetry
to place’.
Using courtyards and pathways, Bawa developed pleasing connections between
the interior and exterior of his structures. These connections frequently included con-
templative spaces, as well as framed areas that enabled glimpses of spaces yet to be
entered. His designs were based within the environment. And he was not averse to the
environment claiming his structures – at times he encouraged jungle growth along walls
and roofs.
While Bawa created aesthetic beauty, he was also concerned with the functional
aspects of architecture, opening and exposing structures to air and light while ensuring
shelter and protection from harsh climatic elements. His approach was important not
only for its originality but also for its influence on architecture in Sri Lanka and abroad.
Bawa’s work outside Colombo includes the landmark Heritance Kandalama Hotel (p 199 )
near Dambulla. In Colombo, don’t miss the following:
Gallery Cafe (p76) The historic building used to be Bawa’s office and is now used as an
exhibition space for art and photography.
Seema Malakaya Meditation Centre (p63) A gem-like space on an island on South
Beira Lake.
Geoffrey Bawa House (p63) The house where Bawa once lived is now a museum.
Parliament of Sri Lanka (www.parliament.lk; Kotte; admission by prior arrangement) Ba-
wa’s grand masterpiece is located on a lake island in Kotte, 11km southeast of Fort.