We stayed two nights at Dephani at the beginning of our trip to Sri Lanka and it was a nice stopover after our flight. Our room was clean with nice view to the sea. But our stay was plagued with water shortages. Food was not bad but not the best we ate in Sri Lanka.
Sadly, Negombo's beach is dirty and we would not stay there more than a couple of days.

Having read the reviews I thought this place maybe a touch above the other guesthouses along Lewis place but it is pretty typical the others.
I chose the place based on the reviews and the facts of internet access and sea frontage.
Pick your room carefully, the downstairs ones are the cheapest @ 1500 r/s but unless you get a sea facing one they are very hot. The upstairs rooms are the best with great sea views a balcony and welcoming sea breezes @ 2000 r/s or 2500 with air con.
The food is good and the staff are helpful and friendly.
The internet access Wi Fi is only downstairs, is slow & is often not turned on ! seems only one member of staff knows how to switch it on and is not always on the premises. Note they do not have a computer !
The place is a bit worn but has a private garden sea facing that is well shaded by palms, there are plenty of sunloungers available.
The advantage of this Wi Fi guesthouse as opposed to Ocean View and Marine view is that it is far enough away from the main road to not hear the endless tooting of vehicle horns that start a 6am.
In summary its an ok place with good sea views, helpful friendly staff and quiet. An alternative with the same facilities is the Silversands which is actually slightly cheaper and close by. In season it is best to book ahead as they both, being in Lonley Plant and The Rough Guide are often full.

My husband and I are in Negombo for 3 weeks and are very much enjoying staying at the Dephanie. The girls at the front desk are so efficient and nice.

Free Wifi
ensuite rooms - with hot water
Pleasant restaurant (though there is no rush)

Step out through the lovely garden onto the beach.

Plenty to do and see in Negombo and surrounds.

Upstairs balcony rooms with lovely view of beach and garden. Fantastic girls running the place - so sweet and so helpful. Everything we need!