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The best credit card for hotels in Sri Lanka.

Updated

Why this card

Hilton Honors Aspire for hotels in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka has the Shangri-La Colombo, Hilton Colombo, and Marriott Weligama Bay on the south coast. Chain coverage is concentrated in Colombo and the southern beach belt, and award rates run well below cash on most properties.

Annual fee

$550

Best earn rate

14 points per dollar at Hiltons, automatic Diamond, $400 in annual credits

Signup bonus

Currently 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offer

Hilton Colombo and the DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila both run in the lower Hilton point bands at roughly 40,000 to 60,000 a night against $150 to $300 cash. Diamond breakfast and lounge access at the Hilton Colombo cover most of your daily food cost. The annual free weekend night cert easily covers a stay at either property.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: Marriott Bonvoy Bevy.

Marriott Weligama Bay on the south coast is a beach resort that prices around 35,000 points off-peak. The 50K free night cert covers a peak-season Saturday. Better fit if you want a beach base over a city stay.

American ExpressAnnual fee $250

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecHilton Honors AspireMarriott Bonvoy Bevy
Annual fee$550$250
Best earn rate14 points per dollar at Hiltons, automatic Diamond, $400 in annual creditsSee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently 175,000 points after spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Sri Lanka tourist visa is now online but can take 2 to 3 days to issue, so apply before you fly. Hotels outside Colombo often charge a service fee and a 10 percent local government tax that are not included in headline rates. Pay all charges on a no foreign transaction fee card and budget for the taxes separately.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Sri Lanka?

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Hilton Honors Aspire from American Express. Hilton Colombo and the DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila both run in the lower Hilton point bands at roughly 40,000 to 60,000 a night against $150 to $300 cash. Annual fee is $550.

How many points do you need for a free night in Sri Lanka?

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Roughly 50,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Sri Lanka. Cash rate is around $200 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy a better choice for hotels in Sri Lanka?

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Marriott Weligama Bay on the south coast is a beach resort that prices around 35,000 points off-peak. The 50K free night cert covers a peak-season Saturday. Better fit if you want a beach base over a city stay. Annual fee is $250.