Sri Lanka
Browns Beach Hotel is a large sprawling place in Negombo, which I occasionally use as a base (it’s just 20 minutes from the airport). A package deal to Sri Lanka often costs about the same as a flight so you can leave your heavy gear here while you pop off on your travels.
Popular with British package tourists and more well-to-do Sri Lankans at the weekend (when the nightclub opens), Browns Beach is a friendly enough place with a large pool and several bars. In the season, the place gets full, in June I was one of around 20 guests, out-numbered 10 to 1 by staff.
Try to get one of the ground-floor chalet type rooms (practically on the beach) rather than the older upstairs rooms in the main building. All have AC and a fridge.
Negombo beach
www.aitkenspencehotels.com/browns
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