We needed a hotel near Colombo airport after a late night flight arrival. We booked a villa at the Tamarind Tree Hotel and paid USD160 in advance. We also booked an airport transfer for USD20. We were met at the airport, but no vehicle was then available. Finally, a decreipt old van appeared for the short trip to the hotel. Indifferent front desk staff checked us in. The room was dreadful, very basic and badly maintained and cleaned. Upon complaining the next morning we were told that our villa booking had been given to another guest as we had been late arriving at the hotel. Staff didn't tell us anything on arrival, seeking to pass off the basic room as the 'villa' we'd paid for. We were promised a refund of the difference in the price.

The Tamarind Tree Hotel, is a 10 minute drive, from the airport of Sri Lanka, near the city Ngombo. Four-star hotel, perfectly suitable for those who had flown in Sri Lanka and want to rest the first night, instead of starting right away on a trip or for those looking for a place to stay and organize before you fly from Sri Lanka.

Huge hotel units, bedroom, living room and bathroom, detached in large lawns, which can easily accommodate four - six guests. The hotel also has a large swimming pool and a restaurant serving buffet style dinner.

You can stay in a hotel on a Room Only basis, excluding meals and price, we paid a couple, was 75 $ only. Definitely a decent hotel, good location and is recommended before flying back home. Simply do not have to invest $ 150 hotel in Colombo and in about an hour's drive from the airport.

Good job the bedroom had A/C as the lounge was like an oven. Large spacious bungalow room, very clean if functional. Restaurant had usual buffet but with chef cooking if you were lucky and didn't mind a long queue. Use this hotel for a convenient location very near the airport but don't stay longer. Staff are very good in the restaurant.

This is a wonderful alternative to the typical "Taj" or "Ramada" style airport hotel. There are two bungalows to each little bungalow-complex (I think), each having its own verandah with two wooden/rattan chairs. The rooms were oldish but clean, only showers (with plenty hot water but less pressure), and sitting area with an older style TV, dining table, cupboard, etc. AC in the bedroom only, fans in both rooms.The whole complex is in a grassy landscaped area with coconut palms, and other beautiful trees (incl Tamarind trees of course!). The swimming pool was a good size and plenty of chairs/loungers to go around. Perfectly well maintained. Beautiful setting, really, not at all like most airport hotels. Plenty of space to run around, stroll about, etc. Oh, there was a baby horse and mother-father horses grazing on the grounds which absolutely delighted our kids! They were well kept and looked-after....

The food etc is typical of airport hotels, except we thought the Sri Lankan options were better (more spicy! -- :) ). Breakfast buffet included the usual dry donuts, unrisen muffins, etc., but also eggs/sausage/bacon, baked beans, and Sri Lankan options.

For our 5:30am departure, they gave us BREAKFAST PACKETS!!! What a wonderful surprise (contained a banana, 2 bread rolls, hard boiled eggs, and curry-puffs). Not bad!

Service is friendly, courteous, and fine. Not the most efficient, but we're not in Japan!

Highly recommend. We will ALWAYS stay here enroute to/fm the airport.