Sofia Colombo City Hotel

The hotel was run efficiently, which made for a pleasing experience, and I’m happy to recommend it. Shops, a supermarket, and restaurants are all within walking distance. I liked working from the lovely atrium on the 10th floor, and the rooftop and pool area were well cared for. The room and corridors always smelled fragrant. I did notice that most people didn’t shower before using the pool, so clearer signs might help politely enforce that. My room was comfortable and well equipped, with a firm bed, powerful showers, instant hot water, ironing gear, drinks facilities, bottled water, and reliable internet. My luggage arrived promptly. Slippers would be a nice extra. The breakfast buffet had a decent selection, though I found the flavors uninspiring. The waffles the next morning were a real treat. The receptionist who checked me in was rather curt and cold, but every other staff member I met was warm, friendly, and helpful. Special thanks to Muzakkir, Sanjaya, and Mahesh for being so professional.

I booked the dinner buffet at Sofia City Hotel Colombo through the Aahass App at a great discount, and the value was excellent. The restaurant was clean, pleasant, and relaxing, a nice setting for dinner with family or friends. Service was the standout: the staff were courteous, attentive, and quick to help, from welcoming us to clearing plates and checking on guests. That deserves 5 out of 5. The buffet had a good spread of local and international food, served fresh and presented neatly, with well-balanced flavors. There’s still some room to add more variety and a few signature dishes, so I’d give the food 4 out of 5. I highly recommend the dinner buffet for its good food, excellent service, and value in Colombo.

We stayed five nights, and the second room was better, with good A/C. At first, our room smelled mouldy. We told the room service person, who sprayed it heavily with floral scent. It gave me a headache, so we asked reception to move us. They arranged it right away and helped us shift, all with smiles. The rooftop pool was clean. Service up there moved at “island time,” but everyone was warm and smiling, and we weren’t in a hurry on holiday. The gym had all the equipment, and the staff member there was lovely and engaging. Dilip, who handled our room service, always greeted us cheerfully and had kind words. We skipped the bar and restaurants because of the bad Google reviews, and got to try many local places instead. The service from staff was warm, kind, friendly, and attentive. The hotel was good enough.

Never stay at this hotel. After four nights, I went to check out and staff accused me, in front of other staff and guests, of stealing hand towels. They had no proof. I told them I hadn’t received any hand towels for the last two days and that they should have checked with staff before accusing a paying guest. I’d even left housekeeping a good review and a nice tip. The employee said it was no worries, and I called an Uber. My bags were put inside the car, then the bellhop said I was needed back at reception. I was furious. The housekeeping manager accused me of stealing again. I explained once more and offered to empty my bags on the floor in front of the other guests, to show them and their staff not to accuse guests without proof. The front desk staff and housekeeping manager should be fired. They’re lucky I don’t take them to court. Outrageous.