Marino Beach, Colombo’s fun place to stay

From the long infinity swimming pool on the rooftop of Colombo’s newest hotel, Marino Beach, there are views across the Indian Ocean of spectacular sunsets, while a Mall adds fun to the smoothly crafted hospitality of this new hotel.

The clean-cut opulence of the huge lobby is impressive with a white grand piano placed under waves of brilliantly lit chandeliers on well buffed glimmering tiles. Lifts to all floors above the second work only with a touch of the room key-card, a security measure designed to keep all but registered hotel guests out. Even entry to the amazing rooftop swimming pool (and its bar and small restaurant) is controlled by a barrier that only admits you if you have a key-card.

Rooms at Marino Beach Colombo

My room, number 612, was exactly as a hotel room should be, with the bathroom on one side of the entrance and wardrobe, with safe and extras like bathrobe and slippers, on the other. The bathroom was a surprise though, as I could watch the room and the staggering view of the ocean while using it since only a glass panel separates it from the bedroom. But there is an electronic device that lowers a blind for privacy.

In contrast to the muted hues of the corridor, the room was bright, taking full advantage of natural lighting and spaciousness (376 square feet). There was a counter below the 50-inch flat-screen television and a separate vanity/work desk complete with conveniently placed wall sockets for all devices.

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Restaurant and the Mall at Marino Beach Colombo

The hotel’s restaurant open to everyone (with a generous buffet meal) is on the second floor and it was there I discovered a secret bar (Tides) with a keen young mixologist, not a clueless dispenser of drinks. Access direct to this bar is possible by a lift, located at the right side of the lobby entrance. Another lift gives access to the fun of a glittering mall of upmarket shops and food outlets and an unbelievable 9D reality cinema (which heart patients visit at their own risk).

The Mall, entrance from Galle Road as well as from the hotel, is a refined gallery of shops, several eateries, and a gaming centre as well as the 9D Cinema. It’s good to have something else to do (window gazing? shopping? snacking? being frightened by a movie?) as well as swimming on the rooftop or propping up the bar. On the eighth floor only accessible from the Mall, is a trendy sea-view grill restaurant.

Although the USP of Marino Beach Hotel is undoubtedly the wondrous rooftop pool, it scored with me in other ways. It is modern but with an inbuilt atmosphere of traditional décor and hospitality. It’s already proving popular with independent tourists staying in Colombo at the end of a holiday touring Sri Lanka, who seek sophisticated comfort at a budget price.

Book a stay here at 10% off