Rupert Parker Tries To Eat His Way Through Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel’s 14 Restaurants.
Close enough to the ocean to get the benefit of sea breezes, the Cinnamon Grand Colombo hotel is also smack bang right in the city centre. Home to 14 restaurants, 10 meeting and event spaces, plus multiple outdoor venues, it’s perfect for both business and leisure. Facilities include two swimming pools and a spa complex.
It boasts a contemporary architectural design that is characterized by clean lines, spacious interiors, and an impressive use of natural light. The lobby, in particular, is a breath-taking space that immediately captures your attention. The high ceilings, marble floors, and art installations give a sense of openness and sophistication.
One of the standout areas of decor is the hotel’s restaurants. Each dining venue has its own distinctive style and ambiance reflecting the type of cuisine. There’s an outdoor Sri Lankan village, Southern Indian sophistication, brick and wood panelled fine dining and even a traditional British pub for Sunday lunch.
The 475 rooms and 26 suites range from Deluxe to Premium to Presidential. We stayed in a spacious Premium Room with a king size bed. There was a pillow menu and luxury bath robe and slippers. A desk for business and complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities plus mini bar ensured a comfortable stay.
The bathroom had both bathtub and shower cubicle, and the sinks were fitted with special make-up and shaving mirrors. Huge windows gave us spectacular views of the city and the sea. We also liked the evening turn down service which also supplied fresh towels.
You’re never likely to go hungry here with 14 restaurants, far more than we could sample during our stay. The poolside Breeze Bar stages a barbeque every weekend with special cocktails. At Cheers Pub you can watch sports, play pool and enjoy traditional pub food.
The Tea Lounge offers a delightful selection of teas, delectable savouries, and enticing desserts that are available all day, as a pianist fills the air with favourite tunes. At night, the lounge transforms into a whiskey lounge and, of course, other drinks are available.
The Coffee stop offers a refreshing cup of coffee, macaroons, sandwiches and pastries. It also provides cakes and truffles to take to that special celebration. They even provided me with a huge chocolate birthday cake.
Breakfast is taken in Plates but the buffet spread is also available for lunch and dinner. Embark on a global culinary tour with a unique range of beverages infused with local ingredients to complement your meal. All day a la carte dining, paired with an extensive range of wines and cocktails, is also on offer.
Noodles has dishes bridging Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia, with local chefs overseen by a master Vietnamese chef. You pick your noodles and choose a sauce or opt for signature dishes like Laksa Lemak, Mee Goreng, Wonton Soup and Roast Pork Tebasaki.
Chutneys provides an authentic South Indian experience. The menu is perfectly curated by Indian chefs and includes delicacies from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Try beverages such as panakkam and masala chais with main courses that include a diverse variety of idli and special dosai.
Nuga Gama is an outdoor dining experience with a recreation of a traditional Sri Lankan village, nestled amidst the urban landscape. The restaurant is set around a 200-year-old banyan tree and the authentic Sri Lankan cuisine is prepared by local cooks or Ammes. You can even watch them prepare traditional recipes and take home their culinary secrets.
The freshest of local seafood is served in The Lagoon and you can opt for the way you like it best – sizzling, grilled, steamed, curried, or fried with a choice of sauces or curry.
Fine dining happens at The London Grill, accompanied by a wine selection from the master cellar’s impressive vintage list. The choicest French and continental fare includes the pièce de résistance, Angus Filet Mignon with king prawns or foie gras.
Whether for business or leisure, the range of facilities include two gymnasiums, two swimming pools, and the NIJA Luxury Wellness Spa. Experience a range of holistic treatments by expert practitioners, beauty consultants, massage therapists and licensed on-call doctors. The Signature Wellness Menu includes Solo & Ayurveda Retreats, Facial & Consultation Packages, and Couple & Bridal Packages.
Weddings are popular here. A range of indoor and outdoor venues make for a plush ambience, be it during the day or at night. Add the finest catering, choice food and wines and there are enough rooms to accommodate all guests. For business, there’s a wide range of function spaces designed for meetings, conferences, cocktail receptions, seminars and workshops.
Connected to the Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel is the Crescat Shopping Center, a two-storeyed mall with designer shops, boutiques, bookstores, a bistro, food court and even a supermarket. Nearby are the city’s top attractions, such as the Gangaramaya Temple, the National Museum of Colombo, and Galle Face Green.
What we liked about the Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel is that it’s right in the heart of downtown and offers an amazing range of dining experiences. After a hard day exploring the city, it’s great place to come back to and cool off in either of the two pools. Even better, since it’s set back from the road, you’re guaranteed a good night’s sleep as there’s no traffic noise to interrupt your sweet dreams.
Tell Me More About The Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel
Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel 77 Galle Road, Kollupitiya, 00100 Colombo, Sri Lanka
The Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel is situated 35km from Bandaranaike International Airport, a forty-minute taxi ride.
Full board for two people at Cinnamon Grand Colombo Hotel starts from $250. For best prices book online.
