Lewis Place, Negombo, Sri Lanka | (618) 248-8274
Beachfront setting within walking distance of restaurants and shops
Outdoor pool with kids' section and views of the ocean
Rooms have flat-screen TVs, kettles, AC, and safes
25-minute drive to main international airport
All rates include a buffet breakfast with local dishes
All-day restaurant and bar with views of the beach
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Worn, dingy appearance in many areas
Dated furnishings in lobby and rooms
Beach vendors can be a nuisance (common throughout Negombo)
Food receives mixed reviews
The lower-middle-range Catamaran Beach Hotel has a good range of facilities, but its dingy and worn appearance is a significant downside. The 46 rooms come with flat-screen TVs, outdoor spaces, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and air-conditioning, but furnishings and fixtures are showing their age, particularly the bathrooms. The highlight here is definitely the outdoor pool with an attached kiddy section and views of the ocean, though guests should expect vendors to come up and try to sell goods. A restaurant and bar are on-site, plus breakfast is included, but food receives mixed reviews. The affordable rates make this an attractive option, but the Paradise Beach Hotel offers a better bang for your buck, as it's just slightly more expensive.
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Scene
Dated, worn hotel that has some of the best beachfront rates in the area
The Catamaran Beach Hotel is one of the cheapest options in Negombo, especially for those situated along the beach. The property's exteriors are far more impressive than the interiors, featuring lots of greenery and a decent-sized pool overlooking the wide golden beach and palm trees. The two-story hotel has open hallways with red tiling and Dutch colonial chairs. Inside, the lobby is outfitted with several dated gray couches around coffee tables topped by flower bouquets and blue-and-white lamps. The second-floor bar is more attractive, with a vaulted ceiling, red-brick bar, and views over the pool and beach. Signs of wear are evident throughout, but the hotel's many transit travelers appreciate the affordable rates. There was a boisterous group of young male friends during our stay, but the property attracts a mix of couples, families, and groups.
Location
Along Negombo Beach, walking distance to restaurants
The Catamaran is situated along Negombo Beach, in the southern section of waterfront hotels in the main Negombo area. It's about a 15- to 20-minute walk to the town's bustling strip of eateries and bars, but there are plenty just a few minutes away as well. An ATM is also about a 15-minute walk. The hotel is around 25 minutes by car to Bandaranaike International Airport, and 45 to Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo. On-site parking is free.
Rooms
Dated and worn rooms, with AC, flat-screen TVs, and electric kettles
The 46 rooms are outfitted with dated and worn decor consisting of wooden and wicker furniture; blue-, red-, or white-tiled floors; and white walls with landscape artwork above the beds. Linens include royal-blue bedskirts, yellow or blue bed runners, and rainbow-plaid throw pillows. The overall look is disjointed, made worse by scuff marks, chipped paint, and seemingly dirty tiles. Amenities are decent, though, including air-conditioning, ceiling fans, tea- and coffee-making facilities, small flat-screen TVs, and safes. All rooms also have furnished patio spaces, though these abut the walkways and aren't private. Bathrooms have glass showers and toiletries -- stand-alone tubs are available in some.
Features
Free buffet breakfast plus ocean-view pool but little else
The most attractive feature at the Catamaran is the outdoor swimming pool with a kiddy section. Wooden and plastic loungers are available, but there are no umbrellas. The pool deck overlooks the wide stretch of golden sand and palm trees, though it's worth noting that local vendors often come right up to the pool to try and sell goods, which is common in the area, but may be a nuisance to some guests. This isn't the prettiest beach, due to lots of trash, and the water is often too rough for swimming. All rates include a hot-and-cold breakfast buffet that features local and international dishes to suit various tastes. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner as well, though food receives mixed reviews. The open-air bar on the second floor is a pleasant spot for unwinding, with views of the beach and pool. Wi-Fi is free, but the signal is most reliable around the lobby.
