COLOMBO/KOLAMBA -- area code (94-1)

Comments from Utopians:

"Stayed at the Galle Face Hotel for three nights in Aug. At US$150 a night this hotel is worth it! Right on the waterfront, right in the center of Colombo and right in front of the Galle Face Green. This is an amazing landmark hotel. Went to sleep listening to the sea every night." -- ghekko62, Aug 19, 2011

Galle

• Ammangalla
  A 16th Century hotel built by the Dutch. It has unbeatable atmosphere and serves wonderful food. The staff are charming. It is expensive.

  Galle Fort Hotel 28 Church St, +94-91-223-2870, FAX +94-91-223-2939, email. A gay and lesbian-friendly 12-suite luxury boutique hotel in the heart of the world heritage site of the Dutch Galle Fort. The perfect base for beaches, turtles, tea plantations, rainforests and all the iconic Sri Lankan experiences. Friendly, elegant and affordable. Award winning food and service. Winner of the 2007 UNESCO Award of Distinction for Heritage Conservation!

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Stayed at the Galle Fort Hotel for two nights in the Porcelain Suite. This is a truly great hotel. I splurged and it was worth it. Staying in the Fort really is a unique experience. What they have done with this hotel is fantastic. It is not that expensive compared to other hotels in the Fort. Just be aware everything comes with 24%+ service taxes and duties (yes, a bit naughty)." -- ghekko62, Aug 19, 2011

• Lady Hill Hotel
  Upper Dixon Rd. Accommodation and food at reasonable prices. Beautiful rooftop bar overlooking the town. There is a swimming pool at the hotel. The staff and management are very friendly and will assist you getting around the area.

Negombo / Migamuwa -- area code (94-31)

Negombo, the only city in Sri Lanka with relaxed, everyday gay life, is a peaceful oceanside resort just 15 minutes drive north from Colombo's international airport. Budget airlines like Air Asia offer unbelievably low priced flights from hubs like Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, making this an easy-breezy beach get-away. With tropical island pace of life, seaside dining and bars, extraordinarily friendly locals and gay-only resorts, its become a favorite holiday destination for jet-setting regional gays looking for a weekend retreat or long-stay holiday.

Dickman Resort 26/7 Poruthata Rd - Sea Ave, Utopia Map, 777-660-120, email. Truly one of Asia's great gay retreats. Private men's resort just 12 miles from the airport and two minutes walk from the beach. This secure, private compound is full of tropical color, cool sea breezes, verdant gardens and romantic nooks. From the moment you arrive you are attended to by warm, relaxed (and handsome) staff who immediately make you part of the extended family. Eight gorgeous rooms, plus suite accommodation with local fine art, open air tropical showers, aircon, large beds, safe, cable TV and DVD player. 24-hour Wi-fi connection at a small surcharge are also available. Their pool, with spa jacuzzi bench, is a sun-splashed canvas of vivid, sensual hues with showers, iPod pavilion, and lounge chairs with large beach towels. The garden area, where guests may enjoy a hearty, fresh breakfast until noon and snacks and drinks at the bar, is home to birds, chipmunks and lizards. Relax under the shade of an ancient mango tree or play in the snooker lounge. The resort is a short walk to many restaurants and pubs in the Ettukala district. Guide service and luxury limousines also available.

Comments from Utopians:

"A big thank you for my stay at this hotel. It was probably one of the most relaxed and lazy holidays I have ever had. I enjoyed the peace and quiet and the lovely pool. I appreciated the friendliness of all the staff. I really loved the design of the hotel and was able to have a look at all the rooms when they were empty. All very impressive." -- Bill, Dec 8, 2011

"Stayed for 4 nights. All that has been said is true about this place (if a little exagerated). It does look great and the outdoor bathrooms are a nice touch. The pool is great for socialising, the staff are fantastic and cute and everyone is friendly and helpful. However, there is nothing much to see at Negombo so if all you want is to relax by the pool, Dickmans is the place for you. If you want to see Sri Lanka you will have to move on. Dickmans cancellation policy is strict, so make sure this is where you want to stay before handing over your deposit." -- ghekko62, Aug 19, 2011

"I stayed this month. I run a gay B&B and know when I'm dealing with a professional and Dick is a pro. Dickman Resort far exceeded my expectations. Beautiful rooms, all modern conveniences and everything works perfectly. Ultra-modern aircon (no small deal in steaming Sri Lanka), an enormous pool, and extremely friendly staff. And, to top it off, his rates are beyond reasonable providing excellent value. If you're planning on visiting Sri Lanka, don't hesitate to stay at Dick's. There isn't all that much to recommend Negombo, besides proximity to the airport, but there's also little reason to leave Dickman's once you get there." -- HowBurch, Mar 20, 2011

Gomez Place 22/6B Poruthota Rd (kitty-corner to Dickman Resort), Ettukala, Negombo, 227-6827, 773-658-385, email. A gay-run guesthouse located 36km north of Colombo and 15 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake. An oasis for the weary traveler and a starting point for a longer tour of this beautiful island. Large rooms are well appointed, with hot water and aircon. Swimming pool. Excellent staff who look after you and attend to all your needs. Breakfast is healthy and plentiful and they can also arrange for dinner on the premises. Located about 100 yards from the beach and steps away from local shops and restaurants. They employ a driver who is available for trips around town or beyond. Upgraded and additional rooms added in 2010 and 2011.

Comments from Utopians:

"Gomez Place is the best for value. Cute staff, friendly owner." -- travelsanta, Jan 6, 2011

"I had the pleasure of staying one night at the Gomez Place. They guided my driver easely to the small lane and gave me a very friendly welcome. I expected nothing special, but was so surprised when I saw the lovely, spacious, very clean room with good sircon, big bathroom with good working shower, safe, and the bedspread decorated with flowers. Very reasonable price! The local young staff were very polite, smiling and friendly. Sri Lanka on its best side!" -- smoothshaver, Feb 19, 2011

• Home Rental Service
  Mark Rd, Negombo, 004-412-6827-2445, email. Traditional style two-bed two-bath bungalow in a fishing village along the coast. An ideal location from which to visit and explore the wonders of the island. Rooms are all ensuite, with air-con, ceiling fans and self catering. Laundry, house keeping and cooking are available locally at reasonable rates. Utopia Member Discount

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Stay away from the Goldi Sands Hotel. The staff are very rude and the food is horrible. Full of European package tourists. Only nice thing is the location, easy walk to bars and restaurants." -- jamescanada, Aug 30, 2011