Would appreciate any recommendations for an overnight close to CMB. Travelling with family. 07:00 departure. Thanks in advance.

There's only one worth considering; the Gateway Hotel Airport Garden.

Part of the Indian Taj Group, the website is here (http://www.thegatewayhotels.com/airportgardencolombo/overview.aspx).

I work in Colombo multiple times a year and always stay here for the night before my return home. Spotlessly clean, well run, more than decent restaurant, swimming pool, five minutes to the airport, and also an airport shuttle service. The latter used to be included in the room fee but now has a small charge. Still worth it.

Last year my family (wife and 5-year-old twins) flew out to join me for a holiday after I'd been in Sri Lanka for 5 weeks, and we all stayed at this hotel for the final night; they all enjoyed it too, and given the often chronic traffic, being so close to the airport completely de-stressed the occasion too. (Less of an issue for you as you'll be checking in circa 4:00am)

Check-in speed can vary enormously, so I usually abide by the requested three hours - and then if I am through quickly, find the Coffee Bean cafe with WiFi included in the cost of a coffee, and just relax or get some work done. In your favour, you will be departing towards the end of the wee-hours rush of long haul flights.

I just flicked through my bank statements to find the cost of the family room (two enormous double beds) with evening meal, breakfast, and airport transfer for the four of us: £105 (so say Euro 130 for you in round numbers)

Hope this helps,
XV

Yeah, stayed in that place many times, not cheap, but was always reliable.

Otherwise in town, Holiday Inn was cheap and OK, Hilton was reliable, but allow an hour for the drive to the airport.

Exactly the type of information I was looking for. You've been a great help both of you and thank you.