Colombo — Neighborhood Guide
Cinnamon Gardens — named for the Dutch cinnamon plantations that once covered it — is Colombo's most elegant residential quarter: colonial bungalows behind bougainvillea walls, the National Museum, and Viharamahadevi Park's vast tropical canopy.
Quick Answer
Cinnamon Gardens — named for the Dutch cinnamon plantations that once covered it — is Colombo's most elegant residential quarter: colonial bungalows behind bougainvillea walls, the National Museum, and Viharamahadevi Park's vast tropical canopy.
5 hotels reviewed · Price range: $$, $$$ · Last updated March 2026
About This Guide
The wide tree-lined streets of Cinnamon Gardens (also known as Ward Place/Thurstan Road area) house Colombo's diplomatic residences, the National Gallery, and some of the city's finest boutique hotels in converted heritage buildings. Its calm, green character is in complete contrast to the urban density of Fort and Pettah.
Insider Tips
Viharamahadevi Park (the largest in Colombo) is excellent for morning walks — the giant trees and flowering cannonball tree are remarkable.
The National Museum holds Sri Lanka's most important collection of historical artifacts — allow 2 hours.
The Sunday antique and curio market near Independence Square is one of Colombo's best weekend morning activities.
Our Picks
5 hotels · Updated February 2026
Cinnamon Gardens
A boutique city hotel in a converted colonial bungalow near the Viharamahadevi Park — 20 rooms of quietly sophisticated design using Sri Lankan handlooms and locally made furniture, a garden courtyard for breakfast, and a genuinely attentive team. The location in Cinnamon Gardens provides tree-shaded streets and walkable access to the city's finest restaurants.
Cinnamon Gardens
Jetwing's Colombo city property brings the group's signature understated luxury to a 27-room boutique hotel in the heart of Cinnamon Gardens — high ceilings, Sri Lankan art and textiles throughout, and the thoughtful sustainability practices that define the Jetwing brand. The rooftop pool and bar offer an excellent view over the surrounding colonial bungalows and the National Park canopy.
Wattala (Near Airport)
A converted 200-year-old colonial walauwa (manor house) hidden behind high walls near Katunayake, The Wallawwa is Sri Lanka's finest boutique hotel and one of Asia's best — 17 rooms in a heritage building of extraordinary atmosphere, a garden of mature tropical trees, and the most genuinely personal service of any hotel on the island. The proximity to the airport makes it a perfect first and last night property.
Fort
A Colombo institution since 1984, the Galadari faces the Galle Face Green directly opposite its grander neighbour and delivers reliable international standards with considerably more accessible pricing. The harbour-facing rooms and the outdoor pool with its ocean panorama represent among the best value per square metre of ocean view available in the city.
Fort
The Hilton Colombo towers above the Fort area in a distinctive postmodern structure that has dominated the Colombo skyline since 1987 — a reliable, well-run international hotel with unbeatable central positioning, an outdoor pool deck overlooking the harbour, and a range of restaurants that includes the popular Spoons for its Sri Lankan breakfast buffet. The Lotus Roof bar offers excellent harbour views at sunset.
Common Questions
Cinnamon Gardens is the most beautiful residential area in Colombo — ideal for design-conscious travellers who want character and green space with easy access to the city.
Viharamahadevi Park, the National Museum, the National Art Gallery, Lionel Wendt Theatre, and the colonial bungalow architecture.
Cinnamon Gardens is approximately 30 minutes by Uber from the Fort area and 45 minutes from the airport.
More Destinations
Prices and availability change daily. Lock in the best rate by booking early — most of our top picks offer free cancellation.
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