I echo all the other reviews in their praise of the location. It's such a welcome retreat from the stinky bustle of trafficky Colombo. And the cute lap pool is such a bonus after hours of tourist tramping and sweat. We stayed in a suite. 2 airy spacious rooms. Like the whole hotel the room has seen better days, but that's part of the appeal. You get the feel of staying in a real home. Having read about the food we had high expectations. The menu itself is imaginative and sustains those expectations. The reality, however, was disappointing. "Roast pork with fig salsa" sounded enticing. I think the pork must have been roasted some time before and reheated. It was awfully tough - and camouflaged with what tasted like fig jam. The accompanying roast vegetables were tasty - but cold! My partner's chicken still harboured strips of rubbery sinew. The desserts were good. Another aspect that shocked us was the absence of a welcome drink upon arrival. This is our second visit to Sri Lanka (we were there in April 2011). Every place - EVERY place - we stayed we were greeted with a glass of cool fresh juice (and a wet towel). We arrived here right from the airport and a tiring journey and within half an hour were signing for the pot of tea we'd been offered. 300 rupees. Get a life!

We thoroughly enjoyed the hospitality and although ours was one of the cheapest rooms it was great. Don't be put off by the idea of a bathroom that's half open to the sky - it's a lovely idea and very refreshing. The food is excellent and the houseboys are charming. Frankly Colombo isn't much of a holiday destination in itself but if you're here on business or passing through then this is a very good choice of accommodation.

Myself & my girlfriend spent 1 day & night at Havelock Hotel before a flight. We decided to treat ourselves after 3 weeks of staying in budget guesthouses. Havelock Hotel was certainly a treat and impressed in every department. From the lovely buildings & furnishings, to the wonderful secluded garden & refreshing pool, spacious and well-appointed room and courteous & professional staff we were spoilt in every way.

The food in particular was excellent. The menu featured a selection of Western dishes and Sri Lankan specialties with a twist. Breakfast was fresh, plentiful & immaculately presented. The dining courtyard & pool are shaded by mature trees which shelter you from the heat whilst dining, swimming or simply relaxing in the garden. They also harbour local bird & animal life. It was a treat to watch a Paradise Flycatcher over breakfast.

Our room (7) had a lovely 4-poster bed & French doors opening out onto the Jacuzzi and small pool - perfect for popping out for a cheeky dip. The dark wood furniture gave the room an air of colonial elegance.

The hotel is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in Colombo 5. It is easy enough to get into town by tuk-tuk or a 10 minute train ride to beat the traffic.

Overall I thoroughly recommend this hotel. I only wish we could have stayed for longer.

If you are in Colombo this is the best place to hide away at. It's design is stunning and was a great introduction to the beautiful colonial styles that can be found dotted through Sri Lanka.
It's like retreating into a garden with beautiful rooms, great friendly staff and a very good kitchen offering a wide selection of global meals all at a reasonable price.
I would pick the Havelock Place Bungalow any day over the Cinnamon Grand or renown Galle Face Hotel.
I definitely will return, especially for their amazing homemade Ice Creams, what a variety of flavours, I suggest the Fig and Honey.