debnyc: we stayed in Habarana for 2 nights as part of the CT visit. From here we went to Pollonoruwa and Sigiriya during the days. I'm glad we did not stay in Dambulla as there isn't much there. We stayed at Mutu Village and enjoyed it. Very small low key place.

Susie, that's really helpful. Interestingly enough, I was looking at Mutu village as a possible place to stay. The other choice was Aliya.
I think I'll save a few $$ and go with Mutu on this stop.

And...
A big THANK YOU to annhig. We're staying at the Queens hotel in instead of Helga's Folly. Here's why-
I'll only be in Kandy 1 night and what I want to do is see Temple of the tooth and shop at Waruna antiques. (awesome reviews on trip advisor) Queens hotel is centrally located and seems super close to the temple. I like old British Colonial and don't mind if it's a little worn around the edges. It's just part of the charm.

Next stop is Trincomalee. Based on a reco on this forum, I was looking to stay at Nilaveli Beach Hotel, BUT...the travel agent is recommending Pigeon Island Hotel because it's newer. Trip advisor reviews seems to be leaning toward Nilaveli Beach Hotel. Does anyone have insights about which one? Also wondering if I should stay there for 2 or 3 nights.

And last stop...Lake Lodge in Columbo. Seems like a nice chic boutique and coming in less expensive that Columbo Courtyard.

Thanks everyone. Your insights are really helping to set up a memorable trip.

debnyc - I can't help with your other hotel dilemmas but I hope you enjoy the Queen's. Do look at the exhibition of old photos at the back of the main bar [just off the lobby to the left of the reception desk]. I don't know what the restaurant food is like in the hotel but the food in the bar was just like being in a good class British hotel - a great club sandwich and excellent pot of tea!

And if you have time, do spend a couple of hours at the gardens in Kandy - you'll need your driver or a tuk tuk to take you there and back but it's well worth the trip.

I agree with the comment that it is better to stay the first night in Negombo rather than Colombo. I stayed at the Morning Star Guesthouse which had reasonable rates (I paid 60 USD) and a quiet location.

Karen, thanks for the reco.
I might need use it.
Stay tuned for a review on Camlo Tours. I'm a bit on the fence with the service/response, I've been getting. But, I'm willing to give them a chance a little bit longer.
I'll also check out Morning Star guest house. Totally agreed, first night should just be an easy stop over from the airport.
On the backend of the trip I'm looking at Lake Lodge in Columbp. Seems like a good location for my interests which are shopping and eating when I'm in a city.
My top shopping place picks are:
- Paradise Road
- Barefoot
-Hermitage
Eats...
Ministry of Crab
I'm open to any other favs for shopping and eating in Columbo