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oBeach Villa Guest House g UESTHoUSE $
(map p88; %222 2833; http://www.beachvillanegombo.
com; 3/2 Senavirathna mawatha; r Rs 1500-2500;
aW) This backpacker classic has dark but
otherwise decent rooms, and is so close
to the sea that you might want to consider
snoozing in your swimwear. There’s a cheap
and pleasant cafe-restaurant, a wealth of
travel advice and loads of other backpackers.
Cheaper rooms are fan only.
Jeero’s Guest House g UESTHoUSE $
(map p88; %223 4210; 239 Lewis Pl; r from
Rs 3200) With latticework window frames,
comfortably worn-in furniture and breezy
balconies, this is a well-priced and friendly
option set around a pleasing garden just
back from the beach.
Dion’s Guest House g UESTHoUSE $
(map p88; %223 7373; dionsguesthouse@hotmail.
com; 137 Lewis Pl; r Rs 4500; W) A relative new-
comer, the rooms here, which are large and
screeching white with excellent bathrooms,
border on flashpacker cool rather than back-
packer hardcore. There’s a nice roadside gar-
den, which is neon-lit at night. Breakfast is
Rs 500 extra.
Hotel Silver Sands H oTEL $
(map p88; %222 2880; http://www.silversands.go2lk.com;
229 Lewis Pl; r Rs 3000-4700; a) An excellent,
cheap beachfront option with neatly tiled
rooms that have crazy tent-like mosquito
nets and are decorated with bunches of plas-
tic flowers. Fishy fans will love the rows of
aquariums full of guppies, mollies and good-
ness knows what else.
oVilla Araliya B oUTIQUE HoTEL $$
(map p88; %227 7650; http://www.villaaraliya-negombo.
com; 154/10 Porutota Rd; r without air-con US$60, r
with air-con US$80-120; aWs) This standout
choice has a variety of modern rooms – some
dashed up in multihued colours and others
with exposed red-brick walls – but the uniting
factor is that they’re all supremely comfort-
able, with big beds, high ceilings and bath-
rooms that you’ll be happy to splash about in.
The crystal-clean swimming pool will likely
entice you in for a few pre-breakfast laps.
The hotel is family-friendly (it has chil-
dren’s toys, cots and high chairs) and is on
a quiet side street that’s a five-minute walk
from the beach. Rates include breakfast.
Ice Bear Guest House g UESTHoUSE $$
(map p88; %071 423 7755; http://www.icebearhotel.
com; 103/2 Lewis Pl; s €23-35, d €44-67; aW)
A gorgeous traditional villa with lots of
colour and flair (or ‘Swissness’, as the sign
says – to which you could also add ‘and a
little eccentricity’). This ‘budget boutique’
hotel has a variety of rooms thrown about
the beautiful dog- and duck-filled gardens.
The rooms have flower-sprinkled beds and
homey touches.
There’s also a beachside cafe with tasty
treats like homemade muesli, and classical
music often wafts through the palms.Holiday Fashion Inn g UESTHoUSE $$
(map p88; %223 3936; 109 Cemetery Rd; d incl
breakfast US$55; aW) There’s an inviting
family vibe to this very smart guesthouse a
short stroll back from the main strip. Rooms
are spacious and immaculate and have little
kitchenettes (minus a cooker).Angel Inn g UESTHoUSE $$
(map p88; %223 6187; 189/17 Lewis Pl; r with/
without air-con US$40/35; aW) This is one of
the most inviting cheap guesthouses in Ne-
gombo. Its seven rooms (with more under
construction) might not have beach views,
but in every other way it’s truly excellent val-
ue with flawlessly clean and shiny rooms set
around a small garden.Blue Water Boutique Hotel H oTEL $$
(map p88; %223 7233; 281/1 Lewis Place; d incl
breakfast US$79; aW) Very new at the time of
research, this place, if it keeps its prices low
and its standards up, has the potential to be
one of the better deals in Negombo. The spa-
cious rooms are all sleek minimalism and
guests can use the pool of the neighbouring
Paradise Beach Hotel.
Breakfast is served on the sun-blasted
roof terrace.The Pearl g UESTHoUSE $$
(map p88; %492 7744; http://www.pearl-negombo.com;
13 Porutota Rd; s/d €39/52; aW) This small
beachfront pad might be discreet, but it
packs enough flair and comfort to gladden
the heart of any weary traveller. The six im-
maculate rooms are full of cheeky modern
art and are well maintained. If you’re into
watersports, it’s a good bet as it’s the home
base of well-regarded diving and kitesurfing
outfits.Beach RESoRT $$$
(map p88; %227 3500; http://www.jetwinghotels.com;
Porutota Rd; s/d incl breakfast US$360/380;
aiWs) With its imposing entrance and
echoey corridors, this place feels like a
temple – a temple to minimalist luxury, that
is. The rooms are close to perfect and the