The Icebear Guesthouse – A Favorite for Families in Negombo
About the Hotel
Rooms & Accommodations
The Icebear Guesthouse offers several accommodation types: a Dutch period bungalow with three rooms, a beach-side Atrium Villa with four rooms designed by Swiss artist Lahaii, a garden cottage with two antique column bed rooms, and a three-bedroom holiday apartment with kitchen and living room. All rooms include air conditioning, minibars, tea/coffee makers, and laptop-friendly workspaces. Some feature sea views, garden views, tile/marble floors, and private entrances.
Dining Options
The beach-side Icebair Restaurant serves room guests with Swiss fare including rösti, special breakfast muesli, seafood mains, and rice and curry. The Coffeetearia offers five types of Ayurvedic herbal teas, German filter coffee, Italian espresso, and afternoon tea. Beverages are served in chilled glasses with silverware. Fresh seafood from local daily catches is prepared upon request.
Leisure & Activities
Guests have access to free bicycles, beach volleyball, cricket with local fishers, jeu-de-boule, carom, and a silent meditation/yoga corner. Private yoga lessons, professional Ayurvedic massages, and boat or car trips can be arranged. The property features a 3000 m² tropical beach garden with coconut trees, bamboo, hibiscus, and banana trees.
Location & Transportation
Located 2 km from Negombo and a 16-minute walk from St. Anthony's Church. Nearby landmarks include St. Sebastian's Church (0.5 km), Negombo Beach Park (1.5 km), and the Dutch Canal (2.5 km). Bandaranaike International Airport is 15 km away. Airport transfers cost $30 for arrival and $20 for departure. The guesthouse can arrange freelance drivers for island tours and connect guests with motorcycle, scooter, and tuk-tuk rentals.
Services & Amenities
The 24-hour front desk provides area advice. Services include baby cots, children's seats, laundry, doctor calls, and ironing facilities on request. Free Wi-Fi throughout. Safety features include fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and a security system. Resident Manager Mr. Cristi and Swiss owner Gerd Arthur Haisch provide personal service in the British 'rooms-in-home' tradition.
Choose from a variety of room types
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Tips on navigating the city
Access a full list of transport options to make getting around with your family easy
Facilities
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- Pets allowed
- Security
- Luggage storage
- Locker room
- Currency exchange
- Barber shop
- Coffee shop
- Fireplace
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness centre
- Wind surfing
- Diving
- Snorkelling
- Canoeing
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Bowling
- Darts
- Yoga class
- Fishing
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Grocery shopping service
- Shops/Commercial services
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Snack bar
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Outdoor dining area
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Packed lunches
- Special diet menus
Business
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cots
- Playpen
- Board games
- Children's menu
- Children's play area
- Game room
Spa & Leisure
- Beach access
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- BBQ facilities
- Spa & wellness centre
- Massage
- Open-air bath
- Public Bath
Room features
- Air conditioning
- Mini-bar
- Sitting area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Garden furniture
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Dining table
- Ironing facilities
Self-catering
- Electric kettle
- Cookware/ Kitchen utensils
Media
- CD player
- AM/FM alarm clock