Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Having just returned from a stay at this beautiful hotel, I can confidently say it struck the perfect balance between urban adventure and luxurious relaxation. Located right in the heart of Colombo, it offered easy access to all the city’s cultural gems, while its stunning pool, world-class spa, and impeccable service provided a tranquil sanctuary to recharge. The following is based on my experience and thorough analysis of reviews.
Location, Location, Location:
First off, the location is unbeatable. Situated right in the centre of Colombo, it’s a short walk to the World Trade Center, Galle Face Green, and Colombo Port and fort. This makes it a fantastic base for exploring the city, whether you’re a tourist or a business traveller.
Old-World Charm Meets Modern Comfort:
The hotel itself is a wonderful blend of old-world elegance and modern amenities. The architecture is stately, and the interiors are tastefully decorated. Yet, the rooms are spacious and well-equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
A Feast for the Senses:
Foodies won’t be disappointed! The Cinnamon Grand boasts 8 restaurants and bars, offering a mind-boggling variety of cuisines. From international buffets to fine-dining experiences, there’s something to satisfy every craving. I particularly enjoyed The Lagoon.
Beyond the Room:
The hotel also has a fantastic spa complex, an inviting outdoor pool, and even a shopping mall attached. For those seeking relaxation, the spa offers a range of treatments, while the pool is a great place to cool off after a day of sightseeing.
A Touch of Sri Lankan Hospitality:
The staff at the Cinnamon Grand were some of the friendliest and most helpful I’ve encountered during my travels. They were always attentive to my needs and went the extra mile to ensure a memorable stay.
Minor Nitpicks:
While everything was fantastic, there were a couple of minor points to note. With so many restaurants, it can be overwhelming to choose where to dine. Perhaps a curated recommendation list based on preferences would be helpful. Additionally, the room rates can be on the higher side, so it might not be suitable for budget travellers.
Overall Impression:
Overall, the Cinnamon Grand Colombo is a luxurious hotel that lives up to its 5-star rating. It’s a perfect choice for travellers seeking a comfortable and stylish base to explore Colombo. While the price point might be higher, the impeccable service, stunning location, and world-class amenities make it a worthwhile splurge.
Accommodation
Standard Room Size – 32 m²
Room Types – Premium Room, Premium Suite, Executive Room with Lounge access, Premium Suite, Executive Suite with Lounge access and Presidential Suite with Lounge access
Pros
- Spaciousness: Guests frequently appreciate the generous size of the rooms, providing ample space for relaxation and comfort.
- Comfort: The rooms are generally recognized for their comfortable setup, enhancing the overall guest experience.
- Modern Amenities: Equipped with modern amenities, the rooms cater well to the needs of contemporary travellers, adding convenience.
- Value: Despite the higher price point, many guests feel that the quality of the rooms and the accompanying amenities justify the cost, making it worth the investment for a premium experience.
Cons
- Maintenance Issues: Occasional reports of maintenance issues can detract from the guest experience, highlighting a need for more consistent upkeep.
- Inconsistent Experiences: Some guests encounter subpar experiences with room quality, indicating variability in service and maintenance standards.
- Price Concerns: The cost of the rooms may be perceived as high, which could be a deterrent for some travellers seeking value.
Premium Room
- Room size: 32 m²
- Design and Interior: Modern comforts with a premium, chic interior.
- View:
- Garden view
- Pool view
Executive Room with Lounge access
- Room size: 32 m²
- Location: Exclusive VIP floor
- Exclusive amenities:
- Private elevator access
- Express check-in and late check-out
- Access to the boardroom and executive lounge
- 24-hour butler services
- Complimentary services:
- Pressing for one garment per night
- Shoe shine service
- Happy Hour and a complimentary bottle of wine
Premium Suite
- Room size: 64 m²
- Special Features:
- Rooftop pool
- Spacious suite with 1 bedroom, seating area, and 1 bathroom
- Complimentary wine/champagne for guests
- The suite accommodates 1 bed
Executive Suite with Lounge access
- Room size: 64 m²
- Location: Exclusive VIP floor, renovated in November 2017
- Premium Benefits:
- Express check-in/late check-out
- Access to a boardroom and executive lounge
- 24-hour butler services
- Complimentary Services:
- Pressing for one piece of laundry per night
- Shoe shine service
- Happy Hour and a complimentary bottle of wine
Presidential Suite with Lounge access
- Room size: 141 m²
- Location: Exclusive VIP floor, updated in November 2017
- Special Amenities:
- Separate elevator access
- Express check-in/late check-out
- Access to a boardroom and executive lounge
- 24-hour butler services
- Additional Benefits:
- Pressing for one piece of laundry per night
- Shoe shine service
- Happy Hour and a complimentary bottle of wine
Dining
Cinnamon Grand Colombo offers a diverse range of dining options, including several restaurants that cater to different tastes and preferences. Whether guests are in the mood for local Sri Lankan cuisine, international dishes, or speciality foods like seafood and steaks, there is likely a restaurant within the hotel that meets their desires.
Plates
- Cuisine: International multi-cuisine.
- Experience: Multi-country, multi-cuisine dining in a chic, modern setting.
- Beverages: Unique range featuring local ingredients.
- Dining Options:
- Decadent buffet is available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- All-day A la carte dining.
- Special Features:
- Extensive range of wines and cocktails.
- Special kids’ menu.
| Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|
| 6:30 AM-10:30 AM | 12:00 PM-3:00 PM | 6:30 PM-11:00 PM |
The Lagoon
- Cuisine: Offers Indian, Continental, Chinese, and Thai seafood dishes.
- Concept: Seafood restaurant inspired by the vibrant local seafood markets but with a classy twist.
- Food Selection:
- Choose from the freshest catches of the day.
- Custom preparation by skilled chefs with your choice of sauce or curry.
- Cooking Styles:
- Sizzling, grilled, steamed, curried, or fried.
- Beverages:
- Selection of choice spirits to complement your meal.
| Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM-2:30 PM | 6:30 PM-12:00 AM |
Breeze Bar
- Cuisine: Bar & casual dining
- Concept: Lively poolside dining with a relaxed ambiance
- Food Selection: Light snacks, bar bites, and refreshing beverages
- Cooking Style: Simple, fresh, and casual preparations
- Special Features: Expertly mixed drinks, vibrant poolside atmosphere, perfect for both leisure and socialising.
| Operating Hours |
|---|
| 10.00 am – 12.00 midnight |
Tea Lounge
- Cuisine: Tea, light snacks, desserts, and whiskey
- Concept: Elegant tea lounge by day, sophisticated whiskey lounge by night
- Food Selection: Wide variety of teas, savoury bites, and tempting desserts
- Cooking Style: Classic and artisanal preparations
- Special Features: Live piano music, seamless transition into a whiskey lounge in the evening
| Operating Hours |
|---|
| 07.00 am – 12.00 midnight |
Cheers Pub
- Cuisine: British pub fare and bar snacks
- Concept: Traditional English sports bar with a lively atmosphere
- Food Selection: Classic pub dishes, bar snacks, and a wide selection of drinks
- Cooking Style: Hearty and traditional British pub-style cooking
- Special Features: Wooden interiors, strategically placed bar tables for optimal match viewing, and a social atmosphere where fans unite despite rivalries
| Weekdays | Weekends |
|---|---|
| 11.00 am – 12.00 midnight | 11.00 am – 2.00 am |
The London Grill
- Cuisine: Classic fine dining, European-inspired
- Concept: Sophisticated and elegant dining experience
- Food Selection: Premium meats, seafood, and gourmet dishes
- Cooking Style: Traditional fine dining with cloche service
- Special Features: Colombo’s oldest fine-dining restaurant, vintage wine selection from a master cellar
| Operating Hours |
|---|
| 07.00 pm – 11.00 pm |
Coffee Stop
- Cuisine: Coffee and light café fare
- Concept: Cozy café for relaxation, socializing, and casual meetings
- Food Selection: Specialty coffees, pastries, and signature macaroons
- Cooking Style: Artisanal and café-style preparations
- Special Features: Relaxed ambience, ideal for both friendly catch-ups and business discussions
| Operating Hours |
|---|
| 07.00 am – 12.00 midnight |
Nuga Gama
- Cuisine: Authentic Sri Lankan village-style cuisine
- Concept: Traditional Sri Lankan village experience in the heart of the city Food Selection: Classic Sri Lankan dishes made with fresh, local ingredients Cooking Style: Traditional home-style cooking by experienced village cooks (ammes)
- Special Features: Rustic village ambience, culturally immersive dining experience
| Operating Hours |
|---|
| 07.00 pm – 10.30 midnight |
Executive Lounge
- Cuisine: Exclusive dining with premium selections
- Concept: A refined space blending work and relaxation for executives
- Food Selection: Exclusive breakfast, high tea, and evening cocktails
- Cooking Style: Elegant and sophisticated preparations
- Special Features: 24-hour service, happy hours, and a tranquil yet professional ambience for both work and leisure
| High Tea | Happy Hour |
|---|---|
| 03.00 pm – 06.00 pm | 06.00 pm – 08.00 pm |
Weddings and Events
Whether you’re planning a dream wedding in the heart of Colombo, hosting a corporate event or conference, organizing a private party, or planning a formal sit-down banquet, Cinnamon Grand Colombo truly caters to every need. From stunning event spaces to exceptional service, they make every occasion feel special and unforgettable.
Here is the breakdown of every wedding and event hall in Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
The venue offers a range of versatile spaces, each designed to create the perfect atmosphere for your event, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large celebration
Visit the Cinnamon Events and Weddings page to find out more
My visit to Cinnamon Grand Colombo was largely an unforgettable experience. The elegant ambience, delicious dining options, and top-notch service certainly stood out, making it a perfect place for both relaxation and business. However, there were a few minor drawbacks—some areas felt a bit crowded, especially during peak hours, and the pricing could be on the higher side for certain services. Despite this, the overall experience was memorable, and with its exceptional offerings, Cinnamon Grand Colombo remains a top choice for those seeking luxury and comfort in Colombo. I look forward to returning but with a more careful consideration of timing and cost!
