Opposite the harbour, this was Colombo’s finest hotel a century ago, a place to see and be seen. Although it’s no longer the case, there’s a certain frumpy charm here and the veteran staff are very helpful and obliging. Rooms have a tired, generic look; request one facing the quiet inside. Stay here before someone guts it and does a full luxury renovation.
There are superb harbour views from the 4th-floor restaurant and terrace; go for a drink, skip the food.