Grand Oriental Hotel

The harbour view is lovely, and the classic colonial-style architecture gives this heritage hotel a lot of character. Inside, the rooms are spacious and the atmosphere has a nostalgic feel. Staff were friendly, and the peaceful setting suited a quiet stay or a relaxing meal. A nice option if you like historic hotels.

Set beside Colombo's busy historic harbour, the Grand Oriental Hotel is a landmark with more than a century of history. Its story reaches back to a simple façade once occupied by the Dutch Governor. The building became British Army barracks in 1837, then was turned into the elegant Grand Oriental Hotel in 1875 under Governor Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, with architect James George Smither. When it opened on 5 November 1875, it was promoted as “the only fully European owned and fully equipped hotel in the East.” For its time, 154 luxury rooms, electric lights and fans made it a modern marvel. In its heyday, travellers arriving by mail steamers found landscaped tropical gardens, a resident orchestra and sweeping harbour views, all part of the grand colonial experience. The hotel changed with the times in the 20th century: it introduced on-suite bathrooms in the 1920s, welcomed local guests by the 1940s, and was renamed Taprobane Hotel in the 1960s after ownership changes. It regained its original historic name in 1989. Today, its original features and later restorations make it a draw for people interested in history, architecture and stories from a bygone era. Its harbour setting adds to the appeal.

The location worked really well, about a 20 minute walk to Galle Face. The building has a grand, old colonial feel and a huge lobby, though the rooms were only average. There was an odd smell that kept returning, and the corridors felt a bit shady.

We really enjoyed the rooftop pool and its view over the Indian Ocean, along with the breakfast and dinner buffet. The hotel is in a quiet part of the city, close to attractions, and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. The staff were polite and helpful. One of the best hotels I’ve stayed at.