🏨 Hotel Thilon Katunayake
Address: 02 Ransiri Garden, Gangarama Road, Andiambalama, Katunayake, Sri Lanka
Booking Page: Hotel Thilon on Booking.com Booking.com
Map Location: View on map
Nestled just a few minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport, Hotel Thilon is a solid choice for travelers needing a practical, comfortable stopover close to the airport or in transit. While it may not be ultra-luxury, its location, amenities, and hospitality make it a valuable pick for short stays, first/last nights in Sri Lanka, or exploring the Negombo / Katunayake area.

In this article, I’ll cover:
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Attractions and things to see around Katunayake & Negombo
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A full hotel overview (rooms, services, pros & cons)
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Guest feedback and experience
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Travel & safety tips
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A suggested 1–2 day itinerary
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SEO keyword usage (e.g. “Hotel Thilon reviews”, “Hotel Thilon booking”, “best hotels in Katunayake”, “where to stay near Colombo airport”, “Sri Lanka travel guide”)
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Affiliate booking call-to-action
🌍 Katunayake & Negombo Area: What to See & Do

🏖 Region Overview
Katunayake is a suburb north of Colombo, primarily known for housing Sri Lanka’s main international airport (Bandaranaike International Airport, CMB). Many travelers use hotels in Katunayake or nearby Negombo as arrival or departure bases. The area also gives access to coastal attractions, temples, and lagoon views.
🌅 Top Attractions Nearby
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Negombo Beach & Lagoon — A short drive away, enjoy sandy beaches, fishing village ambiance, and sunset views.
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Dutch Fort & Canal in Negombo — Remnants from colonial times.
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Angurukaramulla Temple — Colorful Buddhist temple with unique architecture.
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Ave Maria Convent & St. Sebastian’s Church — historic and local religious sites.
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Catholic churches and chapels scattered in the area reflecting the multicultural religious heritage.
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Negombo Fish Market — lively market and fish auctions in early morning hours.
🍴 Food & Local Flavors

In this region, you can enjoy:
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Fresh seafood (grilled fish, prawn curries) in Negombo restaurants
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Sri Lankan rice & curry plates
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Hoppers, string hoppers, kottu roti
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Coconut-based dishes, sambols, and fresh tropical fruit

💡 Travel FAQs for the Area
Q: What is the best time to visit Katunayake / Negombo?
A: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate; relative dryness and moderate humidity occur from December to March. Avoid heavy monsoon months.
Q: How many days should one stay in the area?
A: For most travelers, 1–2 nights is enough (arrival / departure buffer). If you want to relax by the beach, add a day in Negombo.
Q: What are must-see spots near Hotel Thilon?
A: Negombo Beach, fish market, Dutch Fort, Angurukaramulla Temple, and local markets.
🏠 Hotel Thilon: Overview, Amenities & Features
⭐ Star Category & Market Positioning
Hotel Thilon is most often described as a 3-star hotel in the Katunayake / Seeduwa area. expedia+2hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+2
It is marketed as a practical, comfortable option near the airport, ideal for transit stays. hotels+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3hotel-thilon.srilankahotel.net+3
🛏 Rooms & Accommodation
Hotel Thilon offers around 19 rooms across its wings. hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+1
Rooms typically include:
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Air conditioning and ceiling fans Booking.com+3expedia+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
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Private en-suite bathrooms with hot water showers Tripadvisor+4Booking.com+4hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+4
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Flat-screen TV with satellite channels expedia+1
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Free toiletries, towels, and basic room amenities hotel-thilon.srilankahotel.net+3Booking.com+3hotels+3
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Some rooms may have garden views hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+1
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Free WiFi throughout property expedia+3Booking.com+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
🍽 Facilities & Services
Hotel Thilon includes a number of guest-friendly facilities:
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24-hour reception / front desk Booking.com+2hotel-thilon.srilankahotel.net+2
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Restaurant / bar onsite, offering Sri Lankan / international cuisine hotels+3expedia+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
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Airport shuttle / transfer service (for a fee) Booking.com+3expedia+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
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Car rental / taxi assistance Guest Reservations+3Booking.com+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
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Free private parking on site hotels+3Booking.com+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
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Laundry / housekeeping services available expedia+3Booking.com+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
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Garden area / BBQ facilities hotel-thilon.srilankahotel.net+1
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Ticketing / tour support / concierge services Guest Reservations+2hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+2
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Non-smoking rooms hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+2hotel-thilon.srilankahotel.net+2
📍 Location & Access Benefits
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The hotel is located in Andiambalama, Katunayake, just minutes from the airport. hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+2Booking.com+2
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On many listings, the distance from the airport is about 1.8 km (5–7 minutes), making it ideal for transit stays. Booking.com+4Tripadvisor+4trivago+4
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Because of its proximity, many guests use it for arrival or departure nights. Tripadvisor+4trivago+4hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+4
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The garden, quiet surroundings, and ease of airport access are key draws. hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+2hotel-thilon.srilankahotel.net+2
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It also serves as a base to explore local attractions in Negombo or the western coastline. expedia+1
👥 Who It Suits
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Transit travelers / layovers — perfect location close to airport
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Business travelers needing proximity to CMB
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Couples or solo travelers seeking a comfortable, no-fuss stay
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Small families (if room capacity allows)
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Less ideal for those seeking luxury amenities or full resort experience
💬 Guest Experience, Strengths & Weaknesses
⭐ Feedback & Reviews
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On TripAdvisor, Hotel Thilon is rated “Very good / 4.0 / 5.0”, with about 12 rooms and hosted restaurant for internal guests. Tripadvisor
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Guests frequently mention its function as a good pick for first/last night stays near the airport. Tripadvisor
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On Expedia, the hotel is described as 3-star, business-friendly with free WiFi, free parking, restaurant, etc. expedia
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Hotels.com ratings place it around 7.8/10 (“Good”) among guests. hotels
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In reviews and listings, positives include helpful staff, clean rooms (for price), good location, low cost. hotels+4trivago+4hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+4
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Some criticisms: limited luxury or extras, small scale, basic interiors. Some comments mention fewer facilities than higher-end hotels. Booking.com+3trivago+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3
👍 Strengths
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Proximity to the airport is a major advantage
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Affordable pricing compared to hotels closer to the city center
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Essential amenities (air conditioning, WiFi, restaurant, transfers)
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Quiet environment despite being near a busy transit node
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Good for short stays / transit
👎 Potential Drawbacks
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No mention of a swimming pool in most listings
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Smaller scale property — fewer amenities compared to full resorts
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Rooms may be basic in décor and furnishings
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Because it is transit-oriented, ambiance may lack indulgence or luxury
✈️ How to Get There, Safety & Itinerary Suggestions
🚖 Transport & Access
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From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB): Very short drive. The hotel can arrange airport shuttle (fee applies). Booking.com+3hotel-thilon.negombohotels.net+3hotel-thilon.srilankahotel.net+3
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By taxi / private transfer: Many hotel guests arriving by air will take a taxi or use the hotel’s transfer service.
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From Negombo / Colombo: It’s a short drive north from Negombo or along western coastal route.
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Walking: Unlikely feasible from the airport unless very loaded; better to take a short ride.
⚠ Safety & Local Tips
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Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists, but always use standard precautions: watch luggage, use trusted taxi services, don’t flaunt valuables.
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Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
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Drink bottled water.
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Be cautious of traffic near roads — the property is close to arterial roads.
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Respect local customs, especially in religious contexts.
🗓 Suggested 1–2 Day Itinerary (if you have spare time)
Day 1 – Arrival / Relaxation
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Arrive, check in, rest and recover after your flight
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Visit Negombo in the late afternoon: the beach, fish market, Dutch Fort
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Enjoy dinner by lagoon or coastal area
Day 2 – Local Exploration & Departure
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Early morning: head to Angurukaramulla Temple and local churches
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Relax by the beach or stroll in Negombo
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Return to hotel, check out and proceed to airport or next leg
If you have extra days: explore Colombo, Galle, or go inland to hill country.
🔗 Affiliate Booking Section
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🧳 Conclusion & SEO / Publishing Tips
Hotel Thilon is not a luxury resort — but for what it aims to be (a practical, comfortable transit / short-stay hotel near Colombo’s airport), it delivers good value. Its strength lies in its location, essential amenities, and friendly service.


