Pledge 3

Pledge 3 is a small, cozy boutique offering a quiet atmosphere, but no ocean views. The concrete exterior doesn't look like much, but once inside, guests are met with friendly, helpful staff, welcome drink of their choice, and attractive facilities. The small reception area has wood floors, modern white wicker seating with tan cushions, and a black-and-white print. Adjacent is a wooden walkway with two floors of rooms on either side, plus red-metal beams and concrete stairs that evoke an industrial look. Farther on is the hub of the hotel, a courtyard housing a saltwater pool, green lawn, and open-air restaurant and bar. Palm trees, white wicker loungers and wooden tables, and pool fountain features abound. The restaurant and bar have retro-looking white, orange, and green leather seating and more red-metal beams under a vaulted wood ceiling. Overall, the hotel has a chic design and relaxing vibe that are better suited to couples, though low-key families also make up the clientele.

This boutique is located on a side street just off the main beachside road in Negombo. There are ample restaurants, bars, and shops within easy walking distance, and Negombo Beach can be reached in about five minutes on foot. However, the public beach is often littered and the water is too dangerous for swimming. Negombo is the closest city to the main airport -- Bandaranaike International Airport -- so it tends to be a short stop for travelers just arriving to or leaving Sri Lanka. Pledge 3 is a 26-minute drive from the airport and can help arrange transfers. Parking is free.

There are 12 Deluxe Rooms and two Suites available, all with chic, modern styling that includes light-wood floors, dark-wood furniture, and headboards and panels with a cracked-wood effect, plus huge close-up photographs of Marilyn Monroe's face over the beds. Pops of color come from bright-yellow or gray accent walls and matching throw pillows, and either green or orange leather chairs. Works desks, minibars, flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, safes, free Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning are standard. Suites add vaulted wood ceilings and living areas with couches and dining tables. Sleek bathrooms have black tile and peek-a-boo windows with shades for privacy. Deluxe Rooms have walk-in glass showers, reusable toiletry bottles, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers, while suites also have separate bathtubs. There's little to fault the rooms, except that the windows overlook the exterior hallways and lack privacy, so blinds often have to be drawn and block natural light. 

Unsurprisingly for a small boutique, there are no gym or spa facilities on-site. However, the features offered are first-rate. The centerpiece of the courtyard is a slightly raised saltwater pool with fountains and a wooden deck lined with tables, cushioned loungers, and circular daybeds. Across the green lawn is the open-air Jive Galley restaurant and adjacent Retro Pub. The restaurant serves exceptional local and international cuisine for all three meals, and an extensive breakfast consists of cooked-to-order options. The bar offers various cocktails, local beer, fresh fruit juices, and coffee. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and staff can help arrange tours and laundry service.