The Beach – All Suite Hotel

This three-and-a-half-pearl property embodies its name with a breezy, beach-inspired design throughout the public areas and 16 suites. The small lobby has a blue accent wall, neutral-tone tweed seating, and a gold partition with triangle cutouts. On the other side of this is the breakfast and lunch eatery that has modern, minimalist black wicker furnishings and looks out over the pool deck where additional tables are set up. If on-site, most guests are around the small pool that's lined by cushioned loungers and has stone features such as a hippo. Unfortunately, beach vendors in Negombo can be a nuisance, and they'll come directly to the pool's railing to persuade guests to buy their wares. Another downside is the beach in this spot isn't as wide as those farther north, and it's dotted with lots of trash. However, guests can instead choose to take in excellent views of the beach and sunset from their private balconies or the rooftop restaurant. 

The Beach - All Suite Hotel is situated along Negombo beach, in a spot popular for locals to hang out -- we saw kids playing soccer during our stay. The beach in this area is more narrow than those in resorts father north, though all are public and have vendors that can be a bit of a nuisance. The hotel is located off a main road and down a side street, with several restaurants and shops within easy walking distance. Guests can walk to the main road to hail a cheap tuk-tuk, or if carrying luggage, staff can call for one. Free parking is also available. Note that there's a church next door and past guests have complained of loud ringing bells. Negombo is conveniently located about a 20-minute drive from the country's main airport. The capital of Colombo is about 45 minutes away by car.

All of the 16 one- and two-bedroom suites have private furnished balconies -- most with full ocean views and four with partial views. The spacious units have streamlined, modern decor in either an ocean blue, white, and brown, or sunset orange, white, and brown color scheme, plus corresponding artwork that reflects its waterfront setting. An alluring feature is the separate living and dining spaces that includes seating areas and either two-person (one-bedroom suite) or four-person (two-bedroom units) dining tables. The kitchenettes seem convenient at first glance -- equipped with stovetops, microwaves, toasters, silverware, dishes, instant coffee and tea, and kettles, but the mini-fridges with water and soda don't allow for a ton of food storage, and there are no pans, pots, or cookware such as spatulas. To the hotel's credit, the website says the property doesn't encourage cooking full meals in-suite. On the plus side, the 40-inch flat-screen TVs have several channels, including multiple English-language channels such as HBO, Comedy Central, BBC, and Aljazeera. Other amenities include air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, hairdryers, and safes. Wardrobes include bathrobes, sandals, and safes. Contemporary bathrooms have walk-in glass showers with rainfall showerheads, plus a full range of toiletries. One-bedroom units come in at 770 square feet (71.5 square meters) while two-bedroom suites are 980 square feet (91 square meters).

Guests expecting to spend their days on-site might be a tad disappointed by the lack of features. While the hotel provides direct access to the public beach, this stretch of sand is broken up by lots of grassy areas and dotted with tons of trash -- more so than the beaches father north. Additionally, the water is usually too rough for swimming. Because of this, most travelers choose to spend their days by the pretty pool, lined with cushioned loungers, coconut palms, and a few dining tables. Note, however, that beach vendors will come up the pool's railing to attempt to sell their goods. A tiny, three-piece gym is available on the rooftop, with a glass wall facing the ocean.Also on the roof is TheVu Restaurant (short for "the best view"), serving a range of well-reviewed locally inspired and international dishes for dinner. It has both covered and uncovered seating, plus gorgeous panoramic views. While the restaurant is open late, it doesn't sell alcohol. For breakfast and lunch, the eatery adjacent to the lobby offers Sri Lankan and international cuisine indoors or by the pool. Room service is available from this menu as well.Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.