A trendy hostel in Colombo's Fort district with modern pod-style beds, rooftop bar with city views, and social atmosphere. Perfect for backpackers wanting comfort and community.
Clock Inn Colombo occupies a converted colonial building on Chatham Street in the Fort district, the historic commercial core of Colombo that borders the old Dutch and British administrative quarter. The location places guests a short walk from Colombo Harbour, the World Trade Centre towers, the National Museum of Natural History, and the evening food stalls that animate the Fort precinct after dark. The Slave Island neighbourhood, with its Hindu kovils and local eateries, is five minutes on foot to the south.
The hostel blends colonial-era bones—high ceilings and original tiled floors in common areas—with contemporary hostel design. Sleeping options cover pod-style bunk dormitories for four to eight persons as well as private double and twin rooms, all with individual power points, reading lights, and personal lockers. Air conditioning runs throughout. The property targets the backpacker and budget traveller segment without cutting corners on cleanliness or security.
The rooftop bar is the social hub and a consistent highlight: open-sided and shaded, it looks across the Fort roofline toward the harbour and serves cold Lion lager, arrack-based cocktails, and simple food including sandwiches, short eats, and hoppers in the morning. Breakfast is included in most room rates and is served on the rooftop. Social events—occasional movie nights and group tours—are organised informally by the front-desk team.
A communal lounge on the lower floors doubles as a work and meeting space with fast Wi-Fi. The front desk assists with onward travel bookings, SIM card procurement, and connections to vetted tuk-tuk drivers for day trips to Kelaniya Temple, Pettah market, and Mount Lavinia beach.
Amenities
- rooftop bar
- free wifi
- lockers
- air conditioning
- social events
- breakfast included
Location
82 Chatham Street, Fort, Colombo 00100
6.9343, 79.8461 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop bar overlooking the Fort roofline and Colombo Harbour
- Prime Fort district location within walking distance of colonial landmarks and Pettah market
- Pod-style dormitories and private rooms in a converted colonial-era building
- Breakfast included in most room rates, served on the rooftop
- Social atmosphere with staff-organised activities and connections to other travellers
Tips for visiting
- Book dorm pods early for peak season (December–March); the property is popular and fills quickly through online platforms
- The rooftop bar is busiest 6–9 pm; arrive early to claim a seat with a harbour view
- Chatham Street sees heavy commercial traffic on weekday mornings—request a rear-facing room for lighter street noise
- The nearest ATM is on York Street, about 3 minutes' walk; withdraw cash before returning late from an outing
- Ask staff about their recommended tuk-tuk driver for the airport run rather than approaching a street tout