345 Lewis Place, Negombo, Sri Lanka | (618) 248-8274
Situated along a wide stretch of Negombo Beach
Two outdoor pools, one with a small kiddy pool attached
Rooms have flat-screen TVs and coffee/tea; some with balconies
On-site restaurant serving all three meals, plus poolside bar
A substantial breakfast buffet is included in most room rates
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property
Spa offering massage treatments
Two meeting and event spaces
Central location near ample eateries
Most rooms are showing wear and tear
Little insulation from outside noise
No shampoo or conditioner provided
Beach vendors can be a nuisance (common in Negombo)
Elevator is tiny
Complaints of uncomfortable beds
The 85-room Camelot Beach Hotel is a mid-range property with an excellent setting along Negombo Beach. Rooms show wear and are in need of an update, and have little insulation from outside noise, though standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and flat-screen TVs. Most of the action takes place outside at the two pools, one of which has a small kiddy pool, and they're surrounded by tables and lounge chairs. The open-air restaurant is open for all three meals, serving a substantial breakfast buffet that's included in most rates. Despite the widespread dingy look of the property, reasonable rates and a 20-minute drive to the airport make this hotel a popular option. It's worth comparing rates with the similarly priced Paradise Beach Hotel, which has more modern rooms.
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Scene
Affordable beach hotel with lovely pool area but outdated interiors
Camelot's stone facade fronted by a fountain feature and row of flags may give off an upscale vibe, but dated interiors will likely be a letdown. The black-tiled lobby has a few metal benches with patterned cushions, rainbow-colored polyptych artwork, and one tiny elevator. An adjacent seating area has orange striped banquettes under framed photos of Sri Lanka, though most guests spend their time in the much more appealing areas outdoors. The open-air, well-reviewed restaurant sits next to the two pretty outdoor pools and bar, which are surrounded by green swaths of lawn, wooden loungers, and tables -- all with views of the water. A brick pathway leads guests past palm trees to the wide stretch of golden-sand beach. Unfortunately, the water can be too rough for swimming at times and passing local vendors can be a nuisance -- though this is common throughout the area.The three-pearl hotel's affordable rates and convenient proximity to the airport bring in lots of short-term travelers that have just arrived or about to leave the country.
Location
Beachfront setting, a 20-minute drive to the airport
The Camelot Beach Hotel is well-positioned for travelers that have either just arrived or are about to depart Sri Lanka, as the Bandaranaike International Airport is a 20-minute drive away. It sits along a wide stretch of golden sand in the laid-back beach town of Negombo. There are ample hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops within a short walk of the hotel. Tuk-tuks are the cheapest and most common form of transportation in Negombo and can be easily hailed just outside the property. Free parking is available for those with cars.
Rooms
Mix of dated and contemporary rooms with kettles, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi
The Camelot has 85 rooms that have either dated, worn furnishings, or a more contemporary design with an attractive earth-tone color scheme. The Standard Rooms are the former, featuring white-and-black tiling, motel-style patterned comforters, patterned curtains, a mix of dark and white wooden furniture, and lamps with bright-red shades. The Deluxe Rooms and above have more modern dark wooden furniture, orange-and-tan-striped bed runners that match wall hangings over the beds, and tan tile floors. They're not exactly inspiring, but worth the upgrade. However, guests have complained about uncomfortable beds across room categories.Views vary of either the pool, city, or ocean, and all units except for the Deluxe Rooms have balconies or patios. All units are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea- and coffee-making facilities, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, in-room safes, and free bottled water. Bathrooms are small and have walk-in showers with soap and shower caps, but no shampoo or conditioner. Suites add sitting areas, bathtubs, mini-fridges, and hairdryers. Note that some rooms have little insulation from outside noise.
Features
Two pretty outdoor pools, quality restaurant, and spa treatments
Camelot sits along a wide stretch of golden-sand beach, however it's open to the public and vendors can be a bit of a nuisance. Additionally, during certain times the water may be too rough for swimming -- guests are alerted of the water's safety by a yellow or red flag at the beach entrance. Travelers can always swim in one of the two outdoor pools, which are easily the most attractive part of the property. One sits next to the restaurant and is surrounded by loungers, funky daybeds, and modern black wicker tables and chairs. The larger pool sits next to the water for amazing views, and it has a separate kiddy pool. Ample wooden loungers are spread among the surrounding decks and grass, though not all are cushioned.Between the two pools is the Excalibur Bar, which is open from morning until late. For dining, the poolside Sangreal Restaurant serves buffet-style meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a large space with two-tone wooden tables and chairs. The food receives good reviews and the buffet breakfast (included in many rates) is substantial, featuring Sri Lankan and international dishes. Occasionally, there's live music here at night. The property lacks a gym, but it does have a small spa offering a variety of Ayurvedic massage treatments. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and there are two meeting and event spaces available.
