Colombo Residencies

My stay at Crescat Residencies was extremely stressful and unpleasant. I paid over a million rupees for just 2.5 months’ rent through a real estate agent, with utilities extra, and felt scammed. The rundown apartment looked untouched since the early ’90s. Its old central air-conditioning kept breaking, the curtains were falling apart, the couch was stained and filthy, the bathrooms leaked, and the old furniture was dusty and seemed full of mites after years without proper cleaning or maintenance. Wi-Fi was out for a whole month, but I was still charged for it. On the few days it worked, it was so slow I could barely use it. I sent rent and electricity, water, and Wi-Fi payments to the agent’s personal bank account. I never got bills or receipts, only WhatsApp messages with payment amounts. I seriously doubt the owner, who apparently lives overseas, saw that money. I’m now in the process of reporting the agent to the authorities. Building maintenance was another ordeal. When I locked myself out, they initially told me to buy a new lock to replace the one they might need to break. One worker eventually opened the door without breaking it, and I tipped him generously. Then he handed me his phone, and an unknown woman rudely demanded that I pay him more. I suspect she was connected to the agent. Another day, the whole apartment lost power from morning until late at night. Maintenance had no idea why, and several people spent hours trying to fix it. When it got dark, I had to go to the supermarket for candles while they were still struggling. The SITREK security guards made things even worse, especially Rafaideen (man wearing a white shirt and has a moustache) and Bandaranaike. They were rude and arrogant, acting as if I was staying in their home for free. Their job is to protect residents and the building, not intimidate people or make them feel unsafe. Rafaideen in particular made me feel extremely uncomfortable and unsafe every day. I suspect they’re overworked and underpaid and taking their frustration with SITREK out on residents. I reported them to building management, but nothing happened, and I expect their behaviour will continue. I wouldn’t recommend Crescat Residencies. It’s outdated and not worth the price. The agent and guards made every day of my holiday unpleasant. There are many better, newer, more modern and premium apartments in Colombo for less money. Don’t go, and be careful of scammers in Colombo.

The condominium is right beside Cinnamon Grand Hotel, one of Colombo’s premier hotels, with its restaurants and facilities close by. The shared areas are well maintained, security is effective, and the staff are responsive.

Is it okay to bring a 6 kg puppy here?

The apartments are comfortable and the place is great to stay in. But customer service was poor, especially if you get the mustached guy at reception, who can be rude and unwelcoming. Also, don’t take the tuk tuks parked out front of Crescat Boulevard, they’ll rip you off. Better to flag one down on Galle road.