Hotel Review: Hilton Colombo Residences, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Going into our spring break Sri Lanka trip, we knew that we’d need to spend one night in Colombo before heading down to Yala. My husband had recently stayed at the Hilton Colombo Residences so we already knew it would fit our needs as a family - large space, extra rooms, fantastic dining, and top notch service.
There are two Hilton properties in Colombo - the Hilton Colombo and the Hilton Colombo Residences - and this review is specifically for the Hilton Colombo Residences. If you’re traveling with kids or want extra space, the Residences are a better choice thanks to their apartment-style suites, however, both are situated pretty close together in Colombo, so you’re not missing out location wise.
The Location
The Hilton Colombo Residences is centrally located to the city center, making it a convenient base for exploring the city if you have time. Unfortunately, by the time we got in and had dinner, it was close to 9pm and we had an early morning the next day.
The staff also gifted my girls little boxes of chocolates while we waited from Brandon to check in.
Within just 1 kilometer you can find: the Dutch Period Museum, Galle Face Green Park, National Art Gallery, National Library of Sri Lanka, and the National Museum. You’re also less than a 10-minute walk from the city's Gangaramaya Temple and Gangaramaya Park.
One of the standout features location wise? Every one of our bedrooms and the living room had a direct view of the Colombo Lotus Tower, which lights up beautifully at night.
That said, it’s important to note that while this is an excellent Colombo city hotel, it is not located near the airport. Expect about 45 minutes to an hour of travel time to Bandaranaike International Airport depending on traffic, so plan accordingly.
The Room
Our living room with views of Colombo Lotus Tower.
We stayed in a 3-Bedroom Deluxe Suite, and this is where the property really shines. The suite felt more like a full apartment than a hotel room, which made traveling as a family significantly easier.
Our space included:
A large living room with a TV, desk, and comfortable seating
A full dining area with a large table
A kitchen and laundry space (a game changer for longer stays)
Air conditioning units in each bedroom
Bedroom Setup
Primary bedroom: Built-in closets, ensuite bathroom, and a TV
Second bedroom: Full bed
Third bedroom: Two twin beds
Additional full bathroom for the guest rooms
The entrance to the main bedroom - built in closets on the left, a full bathroom straight ahead and a large wall mirror.
Each bathroom was stocked with amenities, and every room offered full views of the Colombo Lotus Tower, which made the entire suite feel bright and open.
A welcome fruit basket and a bottle of wine - my kids demolished the fruit almost immediately!
We were also welcomed with a basket of fresh fruit and a bottle of wine, which was a nice touch after a long travel day.
Amenities
A zoomed in view of the pool, playground and tennis court from our room on the 25th floor.
While the suite itself already gives you a lot of flexibility, the amenities at the Hilton Colombo Residences round out the experience, especially for families. There is a main pool, which we didn’t have time to fully check out, but we could see it from our room and it looked like a great place to relax.
The pool is open daily from 06:00am until 10:00pm. Adjacent to the pool area you’ll also find a tennis court and a kid’s playground.
Food & Dining
Flow Restaurant
Interior view of Flow at Hilton Colombo Residences
We had both dinner and the breakfast buffet at Flow, the hotel’s main restaurant. My husband raved about the dinner buffet from his previous stay here and it was just as good as the first time, according to him. Probably one of the best compliments my husband can give!
A great mix of local Sri Lankan dishes and Western favorites
Service that was easily 10/10
An incredible dessert bar at dinner
Both girls loved the spaghetti!
Throughout our meal they would also bring local dishes out to us to try - the portions weren’t oversized and they would explain what they were bringing. I truly appreciate someone taking the time to introduce local cuisine to foreigners like that. Kids, and adults alike, can be picky when it comes to trying new things. My favorite was Lavariya, which I continued to eat during our time in Sri Lanka. It’s essentially a sweet dumpling with caramelised coconut wrapped in a string hopper. If you ever see this on a menu definitely try it!
Lavariya at Hilton Colombo Residences in Sri Lanka
On the breakfast bar was delicious looking muesli, but it was made with apples and I’m allergic. They asked me to wait about 10 minutes and brought a bowl out to me. It was delicious and just another way they went above and beyond service wise.
I actually love beans at breakfast!
One thing to note is that dinner is from 7pm until 10:30pm - so if you’re looking for an early dinner, this is not the place. Breakfast is from 06:30-10:00am and an International lunch buffet is served from 12:00-2:30pm. On weekends, lunch is not served but breakfast has extended hours. (Current as of April 2026.)
Dinner and breakfast were equally top notch - from the service to food selection.
And my kids were delighted to find donuts on the breakfast bar - a staple that they remember from other Hilton stays. At the end of our breakfast, they brought the girls a special plate of pancakes with a thank you note!
How sweet!
Basico Bar Lounge
Basico Bar is in the same hallway that leads to Flow restaurant.
Basico Bar Lounge at Hilton Colombo Residences.
I loved how cozy and chic the furniture and design felt in here. These light fixtures look like jewelry!
I loved these light fixtures, they look like jewelry and will live rent free in my head for ages!
Beautiful decor and standout lighting fixtures
A great place to grab morning coffee
An outdoor patio just off the bar for a more relaxed vibe
Because my husband is a Hilton Diamond member, we were given drink coupons at check-in. I used both at Basico - one for a mocktail at dinner and one for a morning coffee. Alcohol wasn’t included.
FAQ
Did my children have ice cream at dessert and then also have ice cream 5 steps from the restaurant? Yes, yes they did.
Is Hilton Colombo Residences family-friendly?
Absolutely. The multi-bedroom layouts, kitchen, and laundry setup make it ideal for families.
What’s the difference between Hilton Colombo and Hilton Colombo Residences?
The Hilton Colombo is a more traditional hotel, while the Hilton Colombo Residences offers apartment-style suites with significantly more space which is perfect for longer stays or traveling with kids.
Are there different room options?
Yes—everything from 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom suites to penthouse options, making it easy to match your group size and budget.
Is there an airport shuttle?
No, there isn’t an official airport shuttle. However, the front desk can easily arrange transportation for you. We had them schedule our ride, and it was seamless.
How far is the hotel from the airport?
The Hilton Colombo Residences is located in the city, not near the airport. It’s roughly 45 minutes to an hour to reach Bandaranaike International Airport depending on traffic.
Would you stay here again?
Without hesitation. This is one of those reliable, comfortable stays that just works—especially for families.
