Originally Posted by
Fliar
stephem, my parents will be flying into CMB early in the morning and fly out late the next night so I need to find a place for them to stay. (This is to make use of the AZ fare!).
I had read about the two places you mention (they're in the Conde Nast hot picks list) and was wondering:
- how far are they from the aiport?
- casacolombo wants a ridiculous (close to) $100 for a one-way airport transfer. What other options would you recommend for them to get to the hotel easily and safely?
- finally, how would you recommend to try and get a decent rate. The rack rates for these places are pretty high considering the security situation but I suspect calling the hotel directly would yield better rates? (this is for January)
Thanks!
At night it will take about 30 to 45 mins to get from the airport to these hotels. Daytime can be double that.
$100 is indeed ridiculous for the transfer. There is a taxi desk as you exit the arrivals hall and the rate for a van (ie people carrier) to central Colombo should be about $20.
The rates on these 2 hotels are unreal. They cannot possibly be full or anywhere near that. I fell out with Park Street in July because they only had double beds in the rooms and I wanted twins - for which they were going to charge an extra $50 with no concession on the rack rate! They lost the business.
By the way, when I was in Sri Lanka last month I heard there is a problem with the liquor licence for the Casa and you have to bring in your own booze. That may have been fixed now.
Have a look at Galle Face Hotel. It is perfectly OK for one nigth but you must go for the Regency Wing - about $ 80 per night.