Hotel Thilon

We needed a place near the airport because our travel agency booked it for our early flight from Srilanka to Maldives. It feels more like a homestay than a hotel, and the room was small and cramped. The covers and light blankets were worn, and the tissue and towels weren’t set out. The staff brought them quickly when we asked. If you're in the same situation and have an early flight, it works for a night, and you can easily get a three wheeler or car through mobile apps.

The owner himself cared about us getting a good night’s sleep before our flight, and the staff and service were great. The bed was somewhat hard, and there was no mosquito net, though we didn’t need one. We had a wonderful impression of the place, and the transport to the airport was great too. I’d definitely recommend staying here.

The owner was lovely and eager to help, and the price and location were perfect, especially for an early flight or late arrival. The room had AC, a fan, TV and locker, though it could have been a bit cleaner. There were lots of mosquitos and no mosquito net.

At 4 a.m., when I was leaving to catch my flight, I found myself locked inside this run-down concrete place with its prison-cell feeling, surrounded by high metal fences. Nobody was around, even after I banged on every door near reception. I ended up forcing the gate open to get out, and barely made it to my flight. A terrible experience.