Paradise Beach has an open-air entrance with potted plants and a brick turnaround for tuk-tuk drivers and taxis. Brown and neutral tones in the lobby lead to a green lawn with a buffet restaurant on one side and outdoor pool and Pirate Bar on the other. The pool is divided into three geometric parts with chairs and umbrellas huddled around the biggest section, where guests -- mostly Europeans -- can be found napping or reading. A path leads to the beach area, which is not as nice as some southern beaches but traditional Sri Lankan catamaran boats are for hire. Expect vendors to approach with their goods for sale; a firm "no, thank you" will keep them at bay. This is a popular spot at sunset with locals playing soccer and couples taking strolls. Next to the property is a beach bar with a nightly bonfire starting at dusk. Back on the property, a dinner buffet is served but most guests skip it and opt instead for a drink at the bar, before dinner elsewhere. In the morning, early risers hit the free breakfast buffet when it first opens. 

The hotel is in Negombo -- a beach hotel area 15 minutes north of Colombo’s Bandaranaike International airport. This is a convenient spot for travelers who want to skip the big city and easily catch their departing flight. The area used to be a major cinnamon source during European rule, and today, Negombo is more famous for tourists and fishing; every morning, guests can look out over the ocean and see traditional wooden catamaran boats bobbing in the water. The beach is not white sand like beaches to the south, and there is more pollution here, but on a sunny days, views are pretty and there is plenty of space for strolls in either direction. Sunsets are not to be missed. 

On the other side, the hotel sits on a main commercial strip next to other hotels and guesthouses, so guests can walk to restaurants, shops, and pharmacy stores for toiletries and essentials. Free parking is available for those with rental cars, otherwise the front desk can arrange a taxi. Tuk-tuks -- cheaper and more fun than taxis -- can be flagged down from the street. 

Paradise Beach Hotel provides 66 rooms (twin or king beds) that take up four floors overlooking the grounds -- higher rooms have glimpses of the sea beyond. All rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, free bottled water, empty mini-fridges, and coffee/tea making facilities. Some have a pink and purple theme -- similar to the hallways -- while others have a bold blue, red, and beige theme. In addition, some have pale tile floors while others have dark parquet floors. Contemporary dark wood furnishings include a working desk, cupboard closet, and nice patio furniture. Bathrooms have walk-in showers and rain showerheads, though a dingy gray flowered tile design could use replacing. Provided toiletries include shampoo, shower gel, and lotion.

Suites have a separate living room area and larger patio; bathrooms are decked out with a two-person jetted tub and separate walk-in shower.

The hotel has one restaurant serving all three meals in an open-air space close to the lobby. This is simple buffet fare with both hot and cold items (Western and Asian style food) and occasional special themed nights. Most guests come early for the breakfast spread, which is included in the rate. Lunch is also popular with those who've spent the morning by the pool, but guests are more likely to hit the neighborhood for dinner. The Pirate Bar is great for poolside beers and snacks during the day, and for pre- and post-dinner drinks at night. They have authentic dark English decor and antiques from another era, as well as music from the early 20th century. There are a few separate seating areas around the property for guests to enjoy drinks and boardgames if the terrace by the pool becomes too crowded.

The outdoor pool is often filled with guests soaking in the sun, and most chairs and umbrellas are snagged in the morning for all-day readers and nappers. There's private access to the adjacent public beach; though not the cleanest or prettiest in Sri Lanka, guests can take long barefoot walks in either direction. The light brown sandy beach is a wide space leading to the Indian Ocean, but there's a strong current so it's not ideal for young swimmers. Vendors might be a nuisance here, as well. There are water activities and excursions around Negombo and the front desk can offer suggestions, starting with the wooden catamaran boat rides by the shore. There is a 24-hour reception and front desk, though there may be an English language barrier, which could explain inconsistent service. 

Wi-Fi is available for free in the lobby and may be accessible in lower floor rooms. Laundry service is available for a charge and parking is free.