Casa does indeed have a liquor license problem... they've made several excuses, but I think at 6 months of delay there must be something really wrong!

I wrote both places up on my travel blog with some photos...
Casa here
and Park Street here

Park Street will cut their rate a lot if you email them and play hard to get. Just email them if that's where you really want a room.

For a quick turn, I would suggest the Beach Hotel in Negombo. It's only 30 minutes from the airport. I'll eventually get some pics up on my travel blog and repost the link. There is no reason to go into the city if you are just here to do a turn... Same thing with the rates here, send them an email and tell them you wont pay their rack rate.

There are some great hotels in Sri Lanka (further south of Colombo), it's funny how people fly right in and out without ever getting to enjoy what is a perfectly safe and very enjoyable country. Plus, many hotels in Lanka can be had for about 60% of listed prices. Expat residents that I know tell me they usually negotiate about 50%, room upgrade if available and all prefix meals included! I like to pick what I eat, so I dont go with the meal option, but have had great luck with negotiating my own deal in advance.