I think your own personal context will effect how you perceive a property. I have just completed 15 nights at Ocean View. I was here by myself and was catching up with friends in Sri Lanka, not so focussed on a holiday. I found my room No7 had a very comfortable bed, new pillows and a new air conditioner with an ensuite. The shower a little low on water pressure and I perceive being solar heated showers late in the evenings was tepid, so best to aim for an early evening or late afternoon washdown. It cost me $32 a night, continental breakfast you paid extra for. The overal residence is well maintained. Mark the owner is usually around and is very helpful with good english spealing ability. The place is well situated not too far from the Negombo township. I hired a bike for $2 a day via Mark. He is very prompt in responding to emails. Paying a tuk tuk $4 each time for a round trip into Negombo adds up. If you want a swim the surrounding pools in other hotels will give you access for between $3 and $4. I also frequented buffet breakfasts in surrounding hotels for between $8 and $12. Camelot Hotel at $8 is great value. If you want the best and widest choice Jetwing Blue will set you back $12. The Catamarran Hotel a couple doors up has a nice breakfast for $10. So my room was great to drop in for the night.

Stayed here one night. The room was basic but very clean and comfortable.

Stayed in this simple guesthouse for one night before joining a tour of Sri Lanka that used another hotel in Negombo. The owner Mark responded to all my questions posed to him on email. As I was arriving late at night, I used his airport pickup service and was met by a driver waiting for me with a sign. I booked a room which had 2 twin beds, a/c, fan, private bathroom, mosquito net. It was clean, toilet flushed, hot water available for shower. I had a nice breakfast of fried eggs, toast, coffee and fruit platter. I then contracted with Mark for a day tour of Colombo. He was very pleasant, spoke good English and very knowledgeable about his country. I met a couple who booked a one week tour through him and seemed very happy with the service. Don't expect a 5 star hotel here. Staff very efficient and friendly. Would definitely stay here and use Mark's tour services again.

Just a 20 minute drive from Airport this place makes a good stopover, arriving or leaving Sri Lanka. The rooms are a decent size, clean and well maintained though the bed is quite hard. Staff will put on extra mattress if asked. There are good eating places around the hotel and the beach is down a lane across the road.