Colombo's HOTTEST Backpacker Hostel: 44 & Chill!
44 & Chill! Colombo: The Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review of Colombo's Hottest Hostel
Okay, listen up you adventurous souls, budget travelers, and backpackers with a thirst for adventure (and maybe a cheap beer). I just got back from Colombo, Sri Lanka, and I'm still buzzing. And a huge chunk of that buzz is thanks to 44 & Chill!, the hostel that's basically the lifeblood of backpacker cool. Forget those sterile, corporate hotels – this place is a vibrant, slightly chaotic, and utterly unforgettable experience. Buckle up, because this ain't your average cookie-cutter review…
First Impressions: The Arrival Jitters (and the Relief!)
Colombo! The city is a sensory overload – tuk-tuks screaming, spices swirling in the air, a delicious symphony of honking… It can be intense. Finding 44 & Chill! was thankfully easy, thanks to their clear directions (and a handy tuk-tuk driver… who might have tried to overcharge me, but hey, par for the course, right?). Walking through the doors, I felt this INSTANT sigh of relief. The lobby wasn't just a lobby; it was a living room. Comfy couches, walls plastered with vibrant artwork, and a definite "come on in, grab a beer" vibe.
Accessibility & Getting Around (A Few Hiccups & Wins)
Okay, the truth? I'm not using a wheelchair, but I was looking at the website, and accessibility is… well, it's a work in progress. There's an elevator (thank GOD, because with my luggage, stairs were a HARD pass!), and they do claim to have facilities for disabled guests. But I didn't see a ton of obvious handrails or wider doorways. So, buyer beware, and maybe reach out to them directly beforehand to clarify your specific needs.
Getting around from the hostel? Easy peasy. They have a car park (free!), offer airport transfers (a godsend after a long flight!), and the staff are super helpful at pointing you in the direction of tuk-tuks and taxis.
Safety First (and Cleanliness, Oh Lord, the Cleanliness!)
This is HUGE, especially with the current global climate. 44 & Chill!? They’re nailing it. They’ve got CCTV everywhere (outside, in common areas), 24-hour security, first aid kits readily available, and staff trained in safety protocols. They use anti-viral cleaning products, do daily disinfection of common areas, and they've got hygiene certifications plastered everywhere. Frankly, I felt safer there than in my own apartment back home. And the rooms? They're sanitized between stays. Seriously, it's like they went nuclear on every surface. I could have eaten off the floor (though I wouldn’t… hygiene anxiety and all that).
Rooms That Actually Make You Happy (and the Perks!)
Okay, the rooms themselves… they’re not the Ritz. But who cares? The air con works (essential!), there’s free Wi-Fi (in all the rooms!), and the beds are surprisingly comfy. Mine had blackout curtains, a reading light (crucial for late-night bookworms like me), and a little in-room safe box. Basic, yes, but clean, comfortable, and everything you need. Small imperfections, but hey, that’s what makes it real! They’re not perfect, rooms, but they’re a solid escape.
Internet - Because, You Know, We're Still Alive
Wi-Fi everywhere! Seriously. And it works! No fumbling with dodgy connections. Plus, if you’re a LAN kind of person (like, seriously?!), I think they have that too (though I didn’t see any ethernet cables lying around).
Eating, Drinking & (Possibly Over)Indulging:
This is where 44 & Chill! truly shines. The food? Phenomenal. They have a restaurant with a la carte options, international cuisine (needed that burger after all the rice and curry!), and they do Asian cuisine. The Asian breakfast was the perfect fuel for exploring. Oh, and a happy hour? YES. They've got a bar, a poolside bar, and a snack bar. You can also get a coffee at any time. The buffet was great too (though it was sometimes chaotic). I'd say there was a pretty safe dining setup.
Things to Do & (Attempting to) Relax:
Listen, this hostel is a launchpad for adventure. They can organize pretty much anything, or at least point you in the right direction. While there isn’t a dedicated “spa” as in the traditional definition, you can find some good options in the area. (I didn't try the spa, so I can't vouch for it).
The Quirks & The Personal Touches…
One thing that really stood out was the staff. They weren't just employees; they were friendly, they’d actually talk to you, give you tips and just make you feel welcome. It made a huge difference. The vibe is genuinely “chill.” They have a terrace with great views, and they often host events (I missed the live music night, which I still regret).
The Not-So-Glamorous Bits (Because Real Life Isn't Always Instagram-Perfect)
Okay, here’s the truth: it’s a hostel. It’s not going to be silent. You’ll hear noise (especially if you get a room near the common areas). And sometimes, the shared bathrooms can get a little…well, used. But honestly? That's part of the charm. You're in a hostel, embracing the backpacker life.
My Verdict & Why YOU Should Book (and Maybe Not…)
Look, if you're after a sterile, luxury hotel experience, 44 & Chill! isn’t for you. If you want to be coddled and pampered, there are other options. But if you crave adventure, connection, and a fun, social atmosphere, then BOOK IT. Seriously. It’s clean, safe, well-located, and the staff are amazing. Just be prepared for a little chaos, embrace the mess, and get ready to make some memories (and maybe some friends).
The Ultimate Offer - For You, My Fellow Adventurer!
Book your stay at 44 & Chill! within the next week using the code "CHILLOUTCOLOMBO" and get a free cocktail at the poolside bar, plus a 10% discount on a local tour booked through reception! (Seriously, the tours are awesome. I recommend the one to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.)
However…:
If you are looking for a spa day. Find another place. If you need to use assistive devices to maneuver yourself, call them before booking. Also, if you're not a people person, maybe pass on this hostel. This place will pull you into a social vortex.
44 & Chill! is more than just a hostel; it’s an experience. And I, for one, can’t wait to go back.
JI Hotel Fuyang West Station: Your Perfect Fuyang Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because here's a Sri Lankan adventure itinerary, penned from the depths of my slightly-caffeinated, over-exaggerating soul. This is not your perfectly curated, brochure-worthy travel plan. This is real life, people. And it's gonna get messy. We're starting (and kind of ending?) at Backpack Hostel 44 in Colombo.
Sri Lanka: A Chaotic, Coffee-Fueled Diary of Doom (and Joy!)
Day 1: Colombo - Arrival & "Are Those Actually Monkeys?"
- Morning (ish, let's be honest with ourselves): Landed in Colombo. Humidity hit me like a warm, wet hug. Passport control? Surprisingly breezy. Though I did almost trip over my own feet, which, classic. Found a tuk-tuk that smelled suspiciously of curry and diesel, but hey, that's the vibe, right?
- Afternoon: Arrived at Backpack Hostel 44. Place is buzzing! Like a beehive of tired backpackers and a smell of very strong incense, my room, however, has a working AC. Thank the gods. Checked in, dumped my bag, and immediately collapsed on the bed thinking, "This is the life!" …until the aircon promptly died. The staff, bless their hearts, were on it, but I'm already learning that Sri Lanka runs on 'island time'.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Wandered the streets around the hostel. Gawked at the colonial architecture – seriously, the buildings are so impressive! My biggest fear was crossing the road – traffic is nuts here! I saw my first actual monkey scampering across a power line – I swear I’d be able to see them from my window. Ate some delicious (and spicy) kottu roti from a street vendor - then cried a little tears of joy and fear.
- Evening: Back at the hostel. Met a girl from Germany, currently working on a tan at the outdoor area. She told me about a hidden beach. I'm already plotting my escape. Also, a group of us are going for beers at some… well, it's a bar somewhere. Fingers crossed it doesn't involve a 3-hour tuk-tuk ride.
Day 2: Colombo - Culture Shock and Coconut Dreams
- Morning: Slept in. Then, after 10 hours of sleep, I realized how tired I was. Breakfast at the hostel – surprisingly decent. Met a guy from New Zealand who was rambling about the amazing train journey to Kandy. Sounds… interesting.
- Late Morning: Found out there's a temple, Gangaramaya Temple, and I went despite my initial reluctance. The architecture was insane. So many statues of Buddha! I felt so… out of place. A local woman handed me a flower and smiled and smiled and smiled, and it was a little bit overwhelming, but then I realised it brought me joy; I felt very emotional. I needed a coffee.
- Afternoon: Explored Pettah Market. Okay, chaos is an understatement. This is a sensory overload. I got jostled, stared at, and probably ripped off for a bottle of water. But…the vibes, man. The colour, the noise, the smells…it's a beautiful mess. Bought a colorful scarf that I'll probably never wear but couldn't resist.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Found an amazing little juice stand and had the best coconut water of my life. Seriously, I swear it cleansed my soul. Then, because I am me, I spilled half of it down my front. Laughing fit ensued.
- Evening: Back at the hostel, catching up with my fellow travellers. Started a conversation with a guy from Canada, and had a few beers. Turns out, we’re both terrified of the train journey to Kandy.
Day 3: Colombo - The Day I Almost Became a Pro Roadrunner (But Failed)
- Morning: Woke up feeling like a wet tea bag. Head hurts, body aches, but the thought of breakfast is keeping me going. It's a battle, this travel thing.
- Late Morning: Attempted some local transportation. Public transport is… an experience. I watched a bus driver weave through traffic like a caffeined cobra. Thought about getting a taxi, no. I need to be amongst chaos.
- Afternoon: Found a park to attempt a bit of yoga. I spent the whole time trying to avoid the stray dogs and the judging stares of the locals. Gave up and just watched a cricket match. I have absolutely no idea what's going on, but the atmosphere is electric.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: I’d forgotten how much I loved food. After the yoga, I had a craving so I had a quick trip to a local market for more street food. What I got was amazing.
- Evening: Drinks at the hostel bar. Trying to learn some basic Sinhala phrases. My attempts are, shall we say, hilarious. Pretty sure I just ordered a curse word instead of rice and curry. Oh well.
Day 4: Leaving Colombo - A Fond Farewell (and a Train Journey of Terror)
- Morning: Packing (terrible at it!). Saying goodbye to the staff at Backpack Hostel 44. Feeling a little bit sad to leave, but also ready for a new adventure. The train to Kandy looms large.
- Late Morning: Managed to get a tuk-tuk to the station without too much drama. The air is thick with anticipation (and the smell of diesel). I'm surprisingly nervous.
- Afternoon: THE TRAIN. Okay, this deserves its own paragraph. I'd heard about the 'scenic train journey' to Kandy. What I got was a rollercoaster of emotions. The train itself? Packed. Absolutely, utterly crammed. People were literally hanging out the doors. The views… yes, they were stunning. Lush green hills, tea plantations, waterfalls. But the sheer chaos, the constant rocking, the vendors shoving food through the windows… it was a sensory assault. I laughed, I cried, I may have had a small panic attack. But, by the end of it, I felt a strange kind of triumphant exhaustion.
- Evening: Arrived in Kandy, exhausted but alive. Checked into the hostel.
And the rest (of this itinerary) is to be determined…
This isn't the end of my journey, but it's the end of this plan. Sri Lanka is a whirlwind. It's beautiful, challenging, and messy. And, right now, it's exactly where I'm supposed to be.
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44 & Chill: Your Unfiltered Guide (and Warning!)
So, 44 & Chill… is it REALLY as good as everyone says?
What's the vibe? Is it party-party-PARTY?
How's the dorm situation? Should I spring for a private room?
The food... is it edible?
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
Is there a common area? What can I do at the hostel?
How do I get there from the airport?
Is it safe?
What's the best thing about 44 & Chill?
