The city of Colombo is not only the gateway to Sri Lanka but also happens to be the country’s commercial capital. It’s a great mix of amazing cultural attractions coupled with a deep colonial history, with the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British all once having controlled the small island.
It’s a mega-energetic city with some absolute vibes attractions and of course, a massive love for the game of cricket. I was lucky enough to attend a match watching the national side take on Australia and it was nothing short of EPIC!
And don’t forget about the food scene with the likes of the iconic Ministry of Crab and the street food vendors along the Galle Face Green.
In this gudie, I’m going to guide you through the best Airbnbs in Colombo and give you a foundation of what to expect from the city. Having experienced it myself, I’m confident in saying that you are in for a great time. There are some pretty cool rentals in Colombo that are just waiting to be snapped up.
So, let’s get cracking!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
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Quick Answer: These Are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Colombo
Srilax – Double Room (The One)
- > $$
- > 2 guests
- > Backyard
- > Beautiful light and bright apartment
White Room in Colombo Seven
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Private backyard – Fully fenced
- > Perfect quiet location in the city
Entire Boutique Villa With Pool (PEARL)
- > $$$
- > 6 guests
- > Outdoor dining area
- > Awesome pool area with loungers
Colombo 4 Charm: Elegant AC Studio Apartment
- > $
- > 2 guests
- > Shared patio or balcony
- > Ideal location close to the beach
Tiny House-work space-rooftop pool-The Loft
- > $$
- > 2 guests
- > Dedicated workspace
- > Awesome rooftop pool area
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Colombo
Right, before I get into the real good stuff, it’s important to give you a bit of a background about Airbnbs in Colombo and what to expect. The Airbnb scene in Sri Lanka as a whole is extremely popular with a wide range of rentals available for hire.
The most common Airbnbs that you can expect to come across include stunning homes and luxury apartments, private rooms, and even high-end villas and quaint bungalows. So it’s easy to pick the right one for your trip around Sri Lanka, whatever your style.
I always like to recommend staying in an Airbnb when you’re visiting a new country or city as it’s the best way to really experience the place. This is something that you’re not going to get staying in a hotel, for instance.
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
Local hosts are also great sources of information and can give you some insider tips about where to eat, where to go and where not to go, and tourist traps to avoid. They can even help you to craft the perfect Sri Lanka itinerary.
My experience of the locals in Sri Lanka was nothing short of amazing. I found them to be incredibly friendly and helpful. Coming from a country where you always feel like you have to watch your back, it was a refreshing feeling to be able to really relax and just enjoy the city for what it was.
Airbnb hosts in Colombo, I feel, put across this same energy and friendliness and it will become apparent to you very quickly. Most Airbnb hosts really make you feel at home and that local feeling that you experience when staying at a rental in Colombo is hard to beat.
My host in Colombo welcomed me in, fed me up and gave me loads of tips for my first time visiting Sri Lanka. It was a fantastic start to my trip.
In terms of common amenities, you can expect a lot of the usual standard offerings. Things like WiFi, AC, fully-equipped kitchens, laundry facilities, and pools are all pretty common. If you’re lucky, you might come across some luxury amenities like cute gardens, a BBQ grill, sea and stunning views, and even a gym.
The 15 Top Airbnbs in Colombo
Right, now that should give you a pretty solid foundation of what to expect from Airbnbs in Colombo as well as a small morsel of what the city is like. Let’s now dive into the top Airbnbs that money can rent you!
Srilax – Double Room (The One) | Overall Best Value Airbnb in Colombo
Kicking things off with a bang is this awesome light and bright apartment, claiming the converted spot of overall best value Airbnb in Colombo. I’m sure you can see why it takes the top spot here and it’s somewhere that I would stay without hesitation. It’s important to disclose that the unit doesn’t have cooking facilities, but hey, you’ll be on holiday and you deserve to take a break. Besides, there’s a cafe conveniently located below the unit that serves up delicious meals and coffee all day so you’re covered.
The interior has been decked out to a modern Sri Lankan aesthetic and comes complete with a comfortable double bed, en suite bathroom, and a dedicated workspace. There’s also AC and a ceiling fan to keep you cool, full WiFi, and curated books for some light reading.
White Room in Colombo Seven | Best Budget Airbnb in Colombo
Quiet, cost-effective, and convenient – this is the best way to describe the next spot in Colombo. Ward Place Colombo 7 is a great neighbourhood for those wanting less noise away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The room is located in a private house that is conveniently situated and in close proximity to the local supermarket, coffee shops, and local restaurants.
The room itself has a comfortable king-size bed – the perfect spot to rest after a busy day of exploring the city. There’s also free parking inside the premises, AC, WiFi, a baggage rack, and a full wardrobe for your clothes. A nice little additional feature is the adjacent sitting room with a lockable door that has a laptop-friendly workspace. This is perfect for those digital nomads who need to work while they travel, as well as those travelling on a budget.
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View on Osprey View on REIEntire Boutique Villa With Pool (PEARL) | Over-the-top Luxury Airbnb in Colombo
Nothing quite speaks luxury more than a boutique villa that’s decked out to the nines. This epic spot can sleep up to six guests across its three bedrooms, each with a queen bed and its own attached bathroom. It’s spacious and luxurious, with a spacious living room area adjacent to the garden and pool area.
Speaking of, this is my favourite part of the villa. Think lounging around the pool on those hot, humid days catching a tan, and then slipping in for a refreshing dip. Apart from the sun loungers, there’s also an outdoor seating area with an umbrella for you to keep out of the hot tropical sun. I almost forgot to mention the wellness yoga room that’s available for your full use to facilitate those real namaste vibes for the duration of your stay.
Colombo 4 Charm: Elegant AC Studio Apartment | Perfect Airbnb in Colombo for Solo Travelers
The next Airbnb in Colombo is the perfect spot for solo travellers, you know, that one-man/woman wolfpack sans the whole entourage. The studio apartment is conveniently located in Colombo 4, within close proximity to the beach, local attractions, bars, restaurants, and pubs. It’s also conveniently located on the ground floor with a separate entrance so you won’t have to trudge up and down stairs in the heat.
The space is open-plan and compact, with the sleeping area, living room, dining area, and kitchen all in one happy space. It’s ideal for a single person but can also function well for a couple looking for a cost-effective place when visiting Colombo. There is a small kitchenette to prepare meals in but I’d rather take advantage of the proximity to the Galle Face Promenade and grab some street food in the evenings.
Tiny House-work space-rooftop pool-The Loft | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb in Colombo for Digital Nomads
The next rental in Colombo is something a bit more unique for the city – a compact yet equipped tiny home setup. The unit is comprised of two levels, with the upper-level housing the queen bed and the reading area with swing chairs. The most important part here is the dedicated, laptop-friendly workspace also located on the upper level complete with WiFi and AC.
On the lower level, there’s a small kitchen, bathroom, washer/dryer, and a small dining area with views over the surrounding city. There’s also an epic rooftop area that you will have full access to, complete with an exercise bike, outdoor furniture, and a pool. Think daytime dips in between work and evening drinks after a day behind the laptop. A great spot for a digital nomad.
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Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Colombo
Right, I’m just getting warmed up – here are some more epic Airbnbs in Colombo:
Stylish 2BR Oasis: Lake & Skyline views in Colombo
The best of the rest gets going with a bang here with this awesome two-bedroom apartment high up in the Colombo skyline. From the living room, you are treated to views over the local Beira Lake, the surrounding city, and the Lotus Tower, with the harbour in the background. The views get even better from the rooftop pool area where you will have 360-degree views of the city and surrounds. I’m a huge fan of rooftops for this very reason and it’s also great for cracking open a cold one in the evenings.
The unit can sleep a maximum of four guests across the two bedrooms, each housing a comfortable queen-size bed. The master bedroom also has a balcony for you to escape and grab some fresh air. In addition, there’s a living room and dining area as well as a full kitchen complete with laundry facilities.
Twin Peaks Luxury Apartment
Looking for a stunning, luxurious Airbnb in Colombo for your time in the city? Then look no further than this incredible two-bedroom apartment nestled in the heart of the city. The main bedroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted views of the city and surrounds, directly from the comfort of the king-size bed. The second bedroom has a sofa bed in it for an additional person to sleep but it functions far better as a separate work space. There’s a laptop-friendly workspace and a comfortable office chair for those who need to work on the go with full WiFi to keep you connected.
The living room, dining area, and full kitchen are all in one big happy open-plan arrangement, without compromising on comfort. There’s also a large Smart TV, full fibre WiFi, 24-hour security, and a shared gym and swimming pool area. So, there’s no excuse not to keep fit while you travel 😉
Cozy 1-bedroom studio in Colombo
Who says comfort always has to come in the form of a large, spacious apartment? The next rental in Colombo shows that dynamite certainly does come in small packages (well, apartments). This compact and cosy studio apartment is well-located in the city and is a mere trot over to the ocean which is always a refreshing win for me. Local transport links are also minutes away, with buses are trains linking you to the rest of the city and beyond.
Inside, you will have an open-plan kitchen and dining area with a separate bedroom housing a comfortable double bed with great views. I just love the fact that it’s so light and bright inside – it always warms the soul and seems to put across great vibes for the stay. But hey, that’s just me!
Ascot Alcove
There’s nothing more relaxing than being surrounded by tropical plants – their hues of green seem to help achieve a state of ataraxia. Ascot Alcove takes the form of a single, open-plan room with an attached bathroom but is a really well-thought-out space. There’s even a laptop-friendly workspace inside the room – a large, mahogany desk, if you will. It boasts an ergonomic office chair, too, for added comfort, so it’s perfect for digital nomads and other location-independent workers.
The space is also filled with a spacious queen-size bed, side tables with reading lamps, and a small dining table with chairs. There’s also a light and bright bathroom as well as a kitchenette area for preparing basic meals. There’s a moka pot for preparing your morning brew and a great patio area where you can sit, relax, and enjoy your cuppa. It’s all about the simple pleasures in life!
Randy’s Place
Up until now, most of the Airbnbs in Colombo have been private apartments and stays in the city. While these are great, there’s nothing quite like an authentic, local experience when visiting the city. Randy’s Place offers guests a private room with its own attached bathroom within a family home. What better way to experience the local culture than staying with a local, right? You will have access to other shared spaces with the home but your room will be completely separate.
There’s also a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast included daily in the room rate so it’s another way to dive deeper into the culture. It’s also a short Tuk Tuk ride to downtown Colombo, which in itself is something that you have to experience at least once while visiting. We once caught a Tuk Tuk a couple hours cross-country which is a story for another day!
Penthouse in central Colombo 03
Right, and we’re back to private Airbnb rentals in Colombo with this awesome penthouse apartment in Colombo 3. The location is second to none in the city, within minutes of local cafes, bars, and restaurants. There are also unparalleled views of the local city surroundings and the ocean in the distance.
The unit itself is comprised of two bedrooms, each with a comfortable large double bed and attached bathroom. The living room is simple in its configuration, with a sofa and bench chairs, with a wall-hung TV and AC. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen if you’d prefer to stay in and cook instead of exploring the local food scene.
R7* A new B&B in the heart of Colombo
The next listing is something a bit different from the rest of the units in that it’s a room in an aparthotel. Yes, that’s an apartment hotel in case you were wondering. The new build is made up of a number of private room units, each with its own comfortable queen-size bed and attached bathroom. It’s also a great spot for digital nomads to base themselves as there’s a great desk and chair setup for bashing out some work.
There are shared spaces within such as the common dining area and the kitchen facilities which are available for guests to use. The location is also great within central Colombo and there are plenty of local restaurants nearby that you can walk to. Simple, comfortable, and uncomplicated is the name of the game here.
Chanthe Lux ‘the most stylish’
The next Airbnb in Colombo is another homestay vibe, in the form of an attached private room. The beauty about this one is that it’s not directly inside of the owner’s home so you have a bit more privacy during your stay. You will have your own private entrance too so you can come and go as you please without feeling like you’re disturbing anyone. The owner does live in a separate unit on-site so you will have the advantage of a homestay in terms of getting great local information.
The room itself has a comfortable queen-size bed, an attached bathroom, basic tea and coffee-making facilities, a fan, and a small fridge. There’s also a desk and chair setup and full WiFi for those who need to get some work done.
The Beira House: Luna Room
Beira House, named after the famous local Beira Lake, is made up of a number of private room units, each rented out separately. This first one, Luna Room, is a ground-floor en suite room and is a great cosy little space ideal for a solo traveller or a travelling couple. The room has a Queen-size bed in it as well as its own attached bathroom so you won’t have to share with others. You will, however, have access to other shared spaces within the house. These include the living room, dining area, kitchen, garden, and two balconies.
Speaking of the balconies, the first-floor one is perfect for relaxing and looking at the stars, while the rooftop one is great for yoga sessions. There are also plenty of things to keep to occupied, from card games and reading material to a TV in the living room.
The Beira House: Surya Room
The final rental in Colombo is none other than Surya Room at Beira House, the former master bedroom in the residence. I’m sure you can guess what this means too – more space and more comfort! There’s plenty of cupboard space for storage as well as a desk and chair setup if you need to get some work done. You’ll also have your own private bathroom as well as an outdoor patio area to soak up the views of the lake.
The bonus is that you’ll also have all the rest of the common spaces around the house to take advantage of if you get bored with your private offerings. It’s all about relaxation here and if that’s your vibe, then this is the spot for you!
FAQs About Airbnbs in Colombo
These are some of the most commonly asked questions I get about Airbnbs in Colombo:
What To Pack For Colombo
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Don’t Forget Your Colombo Travel Insurance
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Colombo.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
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Final Thoughts on the Best Airbnbs in Colombo
Right, well that’s all I have time (and space) for in this article. I hope that I’ve managed to show you a great variety of rentals in Colombo to tickle your fancy and get you amped for your next trip.
There’s a good, solid foundation of information here to get you started with the planning process and I’m confident that there’s a spot here for everyone. Remember, Airbnbs in Colombo are plentiful so it’s all down to choosing something that best suits your needs, wants, and of course, budget.
My next bit of advice is simple – find a spot, book that ticket, dust off your passport, and get ready to explore Sri Lanka. It’s one of my favourite countries in the world and should be on your bucket list!
Happy planning!
Photo: @danielle_wyatt
- Check out our Backpacking Sri Lanka guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Make sure you visit the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks in Sri Lanka.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
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