Experience the Grandeur at Cinnamon Grand Colombo
When the island is experiencing parsimonious turmoil, I visited Sri Lanka earlier this month, in August, to attend the Kandy Esala Perahera 2022, a Buddhist celebration that emphasises the value of rains for bountiful harvests. This ancient festival has been on my bucket list for a while, but as it didn’t happen in the last two years owing to the pandemic, I had to make a point of attending it now since it resumes in 2022 and as luck had it, SriLankan Airlines invited me to witness the spectacle. As Colombo serves as the island’s preceding entry point, I stayed at Cinnamon Grand on Galle Road in the city centre for a day before departing for Kandy.
Table of Contents
Cinnamon Grand Colombo
We drove to Colombo early in the morning, when there was tranquilly across the streets, and only the sound of the ocean could be heard loudly. I was overwhelmed with a strong feeling of recollections as we passed the high commission of India on Galle Road, a neighbourhood where I have stayed several times before. The stunning Cinnamon Grand is located just a few blocks from the SLTDA office, with views of the ocean from its upper levels. And the hotel is indeed grand, as its name suggests.
I love the security measures they have implemented. Get your luggage examined at the entrance security check device before entering the building to complete the check-in process. The entrance of the Cinnamon Grand Colombo is drawn by three white semi-square wall imprints with two floral motifs in honey-dew hints. A glass ceiling on the opposite side provides a perfect view of the skyscrapers reaching the sky. As I was getting absorbed by the surrounding vistas, the CG guards attired in signature uniforms promptly arrived to welcome and greet me.
Cinnamon Grand Lobby
A gigantic wiring work of art welcomes you into the hotel’s ambience as you enter the main lobby, and the circular glass roof above it offers a fantastic perspective of the sky and nearby towers. The check-in was prompt as well, and within a few minutes, I received my room keys, was escorted to my room, and the porter service brought my bags in almost as promptly. However, before I tell you about the room, I must describe the opulent lobby I passed on the way.
It’s difficult to put into words the grandeur that this foyer alludes to with its cylindrical chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and golden pots rising from the ground. It’s just as beautiful as poetry, and I could sit and enjoy it for hours as though it were some sort of work of art. On my right was the tea lounge, and the following morning I sipped a steaming cup of coffee here.
Cinnamon Grand Executive Room
Regarding the accommodation, my Executive Room had a carpeted floor, a king-size bed with plush bedding, and other upscale conveniences. The headboard with its little golden floral designs and white lamps on either side of the bed add beautifully to the classic decor. Excellent views of the hotel pool, the lotus tower in the distance, and the Indian Ocean to the right can be harboured from the rooms. It is easier to take in the stunning views while sipping coffee or enjoying meals on the lovely blue chaise lounger right next to the floor-to-ceiling window.
I was able to work efficiently from the comfort of my room, thanks to the work desk, and the additional plug points. However, the Lavazza coffee maker with capsules was my particular favourite. I believe that the first cup of good coffee you drink in the morning is what guarantees a fantastic day.
The washroom is compact but has a decent bathtub and all the essentials, including premium toiletries, towels, a dental kit, and a hair dryer. In fact, for each guest room, Cinnamon Grand provides a variety of services, including pillow menus, turn-down service, options for breakfast in bed, a walk-in wardrobe, in-room safes, and tea and coffee-making equipment. Room rates start from US$145 per night.
The PLATES restaurant
All my meals at the PLATES restaurant, which offers a multi-country, multi-cuisine experience unlike any other, were delicious during my time at Cinnamon Grand. It is incredible how in a single elegant dining area, you can experience food from all around the world.
The stir-fried mock duck, fish roulade, seafood risotto, roast loin of pork, pork chop with mustard sauce, crab masala, raisin danish, and coffee brownies are some of my favourites I tried at The Plate. Their dessert section features numerous desserts to choose from.
The “Plates,” also offer a distinctive selection of drinks that have been flavoured with regional ingredients to go with your meal. I paired mine with dry Martini’s. With their delectable selection of meals, the restaurant draws people together at any hour of the day. And they offer a plentiful buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A wide selection of wines and beverages are available along with their all-day A la carte menu, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. All you need to do is, go ahead, and grab a ‘Plate’.
This luxurious 5-star hotel is 22 miles from the airport and is close to major commercial and tourism destinations like the World Trade Center, the National Museum, and well-known temples. The Cinnamon Grand features rooms and suites, free Wi-Fi hotspot, 14 dining options, including “Lagoon,” the greatest seafood restaurant in the city, an award-winning spa, two outdoor swimming pools, and a fitness centre. For easy shopping, the hotel is next to the shopping centre – Crestcat Boulevard. By and large, I had a lovely time staying at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
If I visit again, I might try one of their other restaurants or get a massage at their spa because I’ve heard they’re both excellent.
Key dining establishments of Cinnamon Grand include:
-
Plates: All-day buffet and a la carte dining restaurant
-
The Lagoon: The top seafood restaurant in the city
-
The London Grill: For Colombo’s finest European dining experience
-
The Echo for Italian cuisine
-
Chutney for authentic South Indian food
-
Tao: Modern Chinese Cuisine
-
Nuga-Gama: For authentic Sri Lanka dining experience
-
Tea Lounge
