Your stay — Open University Hostel
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The Property — Open University Hostel
The Open University Hostel feels like a functional base camp rather than a destination in itself. Its lobby is sparse, tiled and bright, with a small reception desk and a seating area that's more utilitarian than welcoming. The USP is location: you're in Nugegoda, a busy Colombo suburb with local eateries and good bus links, a short tuk-tuk ride from the city's main sights. It suits budget-conscious students, backpackers and anyone needing a cheap, clean room for a night or two without frills.
Chronicles of Colombo
Colombo's recorded history goes back to the 5th century, when it was a busy trading port known to Romans, Arabs and Chinese. The Portuguese built a fort here in 1517, and the Dutch and British later expanded it, leaving a mix of colonial architecture: the Dutch Hospital, the old Parliament building and the Cinnamon Grand's original mansion. The city grew rapidly after independence in 1948, with high-rise hotels and office blocks reshaping the skyline. Today, Colombo is Sri Lanka's commercial capital, a chaotic jumble of old and new, where Buddhist temples sit next to shopping malls and street food stalls.
Best Time to Visit
Full Colombo guide →Best months
January to March: clear skies, dry weather, and the tail end of the main tourist season with still-manageable crowds. December is also good but busier.
Peak / festival surge
July (Esala Perahera in Kandy, 150km away, draws huge domestic and international crowds; Colombo itself feels the ripple effect). Hotel prices can jump 30–50% in Colombo during this period, especially mid-range places. Also Christmas-New Year week is peak.
Budget shoulder season
May and September: after the main seasons, rain eases off, hotels drop rates by 20–40%, and major attractions are less crowded. You get reasonable weather without the premium.
Weather & packing
Colombo has a microclimate where it can rain heavily for an hour then be blazing sun – even in the dry season. Pack a light waterproof jacket or umbrella, plus quick-dry trousers or a skirt; lightweight cottons and linens for the heat.
Live City Briefing — Colombo
- Colombo's Light Rail Transit project (phase 1 from Malabe to Fort) is still under construction, causing road closures on the A4 highway near Nugegoda and longer travel times during peak hours.
- The new Port City Colombo development (artificial island with offices, apartments, and a marina) is partially open; you can walk along the breakwater promenade, but building is ongoing – expect construction noise and dust nearby.
- Sri Lanka's tourism recovery continues with increased flight frequencies from India and the Middle East; this July, expect more domestic tourists in Colombo on weekend trips as local travel bounces back.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Open University Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on an upper floor (4th to 6th) at the rear side of the building, away from the street. These rooms are quieter and less disturbed by Colombo's traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms, which are closest to street-level noise and foot traffic. Also skip rooms near the lift shaft or staircase, as these can be noisy with guest movement.
Best views
At 3-star level in central Colombo, expect urban views — street or neighbouring buildings. Request a rear-facing room for a quieter outlook, possibly over a side lane or courtyard, rather than the main road.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 to 6 (assuming a 6-storey building with no lift). These upper floors reduce street rumble and footsteps from above.
🔊 Noise notes
Colombo's main roads have constant traffic (tuk-tuks, buses, horns). The hostel may be on a busier street given its central address. Street-facing rooms will catch this noise, especially during rush hours and late-night honking.
Insider tips
1. Check if the hostel offers earplugs at reception — a common request in Colombo's noisier areas. 2. Bring earplugs regardless if you are a light sleeper. 3. If possible, do a late check-in (after 8pm) to see how quiet your room really is before settling in.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Open University Hostel
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, speed around 10 Mbps download. A login code provided at check-in.
One lift serves all four floors. No stairs-only sections.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand. Building is a converted colonial-era townhouse; original wooden staircase and high-ceiling common room preserved.
Check-in from 14:00. Early bag drop available at no cost if room is ready. Late check-out until 12:00 costs LKR 1500; after 12:00 a full night charged.
Free for same-day arrivals and departures. Overnight storage by prior arrangement only; subject to space.
Ground floor has step-free access via a ramp. Lift fits a standard wheelchair. No adapted bathrooms or grab rails in guest rooms.
On-site parking for 6 cars, free, on a first-come basis. Nearest public car park is at Diyawanna Road, 500 m away, LKR 200 per night. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; at check-in a refundable hold of LKR 1000 per room for incidentals.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: samadi viharaya (260 m · ~3 min walk)
- Church: Peoples Church (574 m · ~7 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Narahenpita Bodhiraja Samithiya (625 m · ~8 min walk)
- Place of worship: Alanmathiniyarama temple (915 m · ~11 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
State Trust Centre — 515 m · ~6 min walk
Lalith Athulathmudali Playground — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
Lumbini — 2.2 km · ~27 min walk
Bandujeewa Play Ground — 1.6 km · ~20 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Commercial Bank of Ceylon — 594 m · ~7 min walk
Flamingo Pharmacy — 632 m · ~8 min walk
Ruhunu Egg Center — 708 m · ~9 min walk
Narahenpita — 1.0 km · ~13 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Sri Lankan Rupee, LKR
Use ATM withdrawals at commercial banks (e.g. Commercial Bank, HNB) for the best rates; avoid exchange counters at the airport and tourist bureaux as they offer poor rates and high fees.
Credit/debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, mid-range restaurants, and supermarkets, but many smaller shops, street vendors, and taxis prefer cash; contactless/mobile pay is limited but growing.
No strict rule, but a 5-10% tip at restaurants is appreciated for good service; round up taxi fares to the nearest 50/100 LKR; tip hotel porters 100-200 LKR per bag.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A short black or filter coffee from a local kade (corner shop) costs around 30-50 LKR.
A rice-and-curry takeaway from a street-side counter or small eatery costs about 200-350 LKR.
A main course at a casual local restaurant (e.g. kottu roti or fried rice) runs 350-500 LKR.
Look for stalls and small carts around Pettah Market, Galle Face Green, and Maradana for kottu roti, isso vade, and samosas at 50-150 LKR each.
Keells Super, Cargills Food City, and Laughs Supermarkets are the common budget chains in Colombo.
One Galle Face (for budget chain stores) and Pettah Market (for bazaar-style clothes and textiles) are typical affordable shopping areas.
Use the public bus (CTB) for around 20-40 LKR per ride; the cheapest way from the airport is the 187 bus to Pettah (around 120-160 LKR) or the train from Katunayake to Colombo Fort (50-100 LKR).
Avoid bottled water where possible—carry a refillable bottle and use filtered water stations. Eat at lunchtime shorwa (soup/rice places) rather than tourist restaurants for big savings. Use Uber or PickMe (local ride-hailing) for fixed, transparent fares.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Colombo, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Open University Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Commercial Bank of Ceylon — 594 m · ~7 min walk — pharmacy · Flamingo Pharmacy — 632 m · ~8 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Airport/Anywhere in Colombo → Marino Beach Colombo Hotel
💡 Budget-friendly local option. Negotiate fare before boarding or use Tuk Tuk app. Fun cultural experience, not fastest option.
Colombo Fort Railway Station → Colombo Fort Station (near hotel)
💡 Most authentic local experience. First class compartments worth the upgrade. Scenic coastal views on evening rides.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) → Marino Beach Colombo Hotel
💡 Pre-arrange through hotel or use Uber app for fixed rates. Avoid unmarked taxis at airport.
Colombo Fort Station/City Center → Galle Face Green near Marino Beach
💡 Air-conditioned intercity buses more comfortable. Use Google Maps to track routes. Beware of pickpockets during rush hours.
About Colombo
Wikipedia ↗
Colombo ( kə-LUM-boh; Sinhala: කොළඹ, romanised: Koḷam̆ba, IPA: [ˈkoləᵐbə]; Tamil: கொழும்பு, romanised: Koḻumpu, IPA: [koɻumbɯ]) is Sri Lanka's executive and judicial capital, as well as the country's most populous city. It is also the financial centre of the island and a tourist destination. The Col...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Open University Hostel?
Request a room on an upper floor (4th to 6th) at the rear side of the building, away from the street. These rooms are quieter and less disturbed by Colombo's traffic noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at Open University Hostel?
Avoid ground-floor rooms, which are closest to street-level noise and foot traffic. Also skip rooms near the lift shaft or staircase, as these can be noisy with guest movement.
Is Open University Hostel noisy?
Colombo's main roads have constant traffic (tuk-tuks, buses, horns). The hostel may be on a busier street given its central address. Street-facing rooms will catch this noise, especially during rush hours and late-night honking.
Which rooms have the best views at Open University Hostel?
At 3-star level in central Colombo, expect urban views — street or neighbouring buildings. Request a rear-facing room for a quieter outlook, possibly over a side lane or courtyard, rather than the main road.
What are insider tips for staying at Open University Hostel?
1. Check if the hostel offers earplugs at reception — a common request in Colombo's noisier areas. 2. Bring earplugs regardless if you are a light sleeper. 3. If possible, do a late check-in (after 8pm) to see how quiet your room really is before settling in.
What time is check-in at Open University Hostel?
Check-in at Open University Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Open University Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for all guests, speed around 10 Mbps download. A login code provided at check-in.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Open University Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Open University Hostel?
A rice-and-curry takeaway from a street-side counter or small eatery costs about 200-350 LKR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Open University Hostel?
Use the public bus (CTB) for around 20-40 LKR per ride; the cheapest way from the airport is the 187 bus to Pettah (around 120-160 LKR) or the train from Katunayake to Colombo Fort (50-100 LKR).
When is the best time to visit Colombo?
January to March: clear skies, dry weather, and the tail end of the main tourist season with still-manageable crowds. December is also good but busier.
Top Attractions in Colombo
💡 Go in the morning (8-10am) before the heat and crowds peak. Don't take photos without asking — some vendors get annoyed. The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque) on 2nd Cross Street is worth a look from outside; non-Muslims can't enter but the architecture is striking.
💡 Best early morning (6-8am) before the heat hits. Avoid weekends when it gets crowded with young couples and families. The old banyan trees near the east gate make good shade for reading.
💡 Go at dusk for the street food stalls. Try the isso vade (prawn fritters) from the carts near the sea wall. Best spot for photos is the south end where the old cannon sits.
💡 Entry is 500 LKR (foreign). Dress respectfully (cover shoulders and knees). The Seema Malaka meditation centre on the lake nearby is free and often overlooked — walk the boardwalk for a peaceful view of Beira Lake.
💡 Entry is 1200 LKR for foreign adults — cheap by museum standards. Go on the last Saturday of the month for free entry. Allow 2 hours. The natural history wing next door is also included in the ticket.