VH-RMD

I looked through the menu and really couldn't see where to put this question, so mods please move as appropriate.

Does anyone know how to make a booking at the Airport Transit Hotel at CMB?

I have searched all the Sri Lankan websites and the various hotel booking sites like Booking.com and TA but no phone numbers or email addresses come up.

I have a 12 hour stopover with a 6 year old and would love to book a room as I can't be bothered to exit the airport on this occasion.

Thanks in advance.

BSBtraveller

I don't think there is a transit hotel at CMB. Everything close will require a taxi.

If you're getting in a taxi, just 10 - 15 mins away is Negambo Beach which is where you should stay. Jetwing Blue is pretty good. There are other options, but stay by the beach. DO NOT go all the way into the city, it's too far and the traffic is terrible.

rankourabu

There is no airport hotel
There are some hotels near the airport that will pick you up.

Otherwise, Negombo beach is the place to go.

Do not book anything in Colombo proper ike the above poster says.

VH-RMD

This from the Sri Lankan airport site would suggest otherwise....

http://www.airport.lk/shop_dine_&_re...nsit_hotel.php

SFO777

There is indeed a transit hotel at CMB, or at least was 2 years ago. I've stayed there twice. It's on the 2nd level just beyond the Emirates Lounge. Not the most luxurious, but clean and comfy. My recollection was that it cost around $50 for 6 hours. Pics from a couple of years ago. http://www.sfo777.com/hotel/colombo-...-transit-hotel

Email them directly at: [email protected]

Rate card from 4 years ago...



And directions note from Front Desk Manager:
SP NOTE: hotel is situated within the transit area and before the immigration do not pass the immigration .there is a elevator on left side at the immigration counters area to enter to the transit hotel and also make sure to tag your luggage to collect it from your final destination.

VH-RMD

Thank you very much!

obscure2k

Please continue to follow this thread in the FT Asia Forum.
Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

VH-RMD

Thank you again, the above email address did work to secure a booking and the rates have not changed since 2012!

SFO777

Good to know. Enjoy your stay.

onlysuites

Beach hotel in Negombo is 10-15 mins drive and a lovely place for a layover.

YVR Cockroach

Depending on what time you arrive and leave CMB, you could either stay nearer the airport or in Negombo. I've done both (had a relatively-early flight leaving CMB) - had booked a guest house but the room had water damage and hence mould/mildew. Ended up at the Airport City Inn/hotel (or some such name) which was a fairly nice and comfortable place.

needtoescape

I am considering the transit hotel for an overnight (<24 hours) layover with an early morning flight out of CMB. My flights into/out of CMB would be on the same ticket on UL, so I should have both boarding passes before getting to CMB and think I should be able to check my bag all the way through and only have a carry-on with me during the layover.

If I stay at the airport transit hotel, can I leave the airport when I arrive in CMB and return to the airport, go through security, and check into the transit hotel later in the evening (around 11 pm or so), or would I be stuck at the airport the entire time?

quarryking

You'd just need to check if your eligible for the visa on arrival. Else you could always apply online at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

Dr. HFH

The way that the Sri Lankan visas work is far from obvious. Here's a guide.

N.B.: I only address tourist and transit visas.

You apply online, as indicated above. Transit visas are free; but the key is how they define "transit." Whether or not you are actually in transit has little to do with whether or not you want a transit visa. Theoretically, transit visas do not allow you to leave the airport. However, once you are by the Immigration desks, there is no restriction and you can leave the airport property. But if you tell the Immigration officer that you are in transit but that you are transiting at an off-airport hotel, you will be required to get a tourist visa, which has some cost associated with it.

Key is the way you complete the landing card. If you are transiting, just put "TRANSIT" on the line for your Sri Lanka address. Occasionally, the officer will ask why you are entering the country if you are only transiting. The answer I use (which actually is the truth) is that I have to claim my bags and recheck them since I am traveling on two separate tickets. Note that to do this, you must claim your bags and exit the building. When you get out to the sidewalk, turn right and walk to the next building, where you will go through security (twice) and then be at the checkin desks. The departures entrance and arrivals exits are in two different buildings which apparently connect at the back.

If you are on a Transit visa, you will be permitted to enter for two days.

One other note: Arriving and departing pax are not separated at CMB. So as long as you have no checked bags or your checked luggage is checked through, no need to enter the country at all. When you deplane on arrival, you will be in the gate area/hallway with departing pax. Just find your departing gate and go there (assuming that you have a boarding pass for your onward flight).

Ausriver

I will have about 7 hour layover at CMB, need to take out luggage and check in again as two separate tickets.

If I stayed in the transit hotel, what would happen to my luggage? Would some one from the hotel help me to keep the luggage at someone so I could collect it later?

Thanks