Blending traditional and modern features, Taj Samudra has beautifully landscaped gardens and views of the Indian Ocean.
that samudra Colombo It reopened in 2018 after a deep $20 million renovation. The hotel has 300 rooms, of which 71 rooms and 15 suites have been refurbished, with the addition of the Taj Club rooms and the Tata Presidential Suite. One of Colombo’s oldest luxury hotels, Taj Samudra is situated on lush grounds close to the busy Galle Face Center Road in the bustling Colpetty business district, ideal for business travellers. It has excellent dining options and business facilities, in addition to its prime location just opposite Galle Face Green. This also brings some classic luxury in style.
Imagine an atmosphere filled with marble, potted palms and latticed arches. It’s not uncommon for Sri Lankan socialites and celebrities to hang out or drink cocktails in the hallways, so overall, the vibe here reflects the gravitas, exclusivity and splendor associated with the Taj brand. Famous seaside park and a stretch of red sand beach with just a few people hanging out most of the day, just across the multi-lane highway. Flags fluttering along the bustling road separate the gigantic 300-room hotel from the street.
This late 1970s property has 11 scenic acres and represents the colonial era influenced by South Asian culture. With high ceilings, marble floors and columns, a lime-toned English Colonial seating area, chandeliers, large stone vases and ivory doorknobs, the foyer is dazzling and impressive. Restaurants and shops are located throughout the venue, as well as meeting spaces and offices. The swimming pool, six restaurants and the lobby bar are modern areas.
Deluxe Sea View Room
Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised by my Ocean View Deluxe Room, with its soft furnishings in vibrant golden tones that I hadn’t expected before arriving. Needless to say, all the luxurious Taj Samudra accommodations take full advantage of the location, with sea views, creating a peaceful ambience in the room. 35 sqm. The Deluxe Ocean View Room features a retro design with elements such as hardwood floors and abstract patterned rugs, stylish upholstered headboards, and warm wooden furniture such as side mirrors and tables.
However, compared to other Taj hotels, the walls of these rooms are usually plain and there are no picture frames. But the overall look of the luxury room is made up of added gold pillows, an ivory sofa, modern air-conditioning controls and curtains made from olive taffeta. As the sun sinks below the horizon, the amber beams fill the space, stunning and instantly creating a sense of home. Bathrooms feature basic tiles, large marble vanities, rain showers without tubs, complimentary premium toiletries and hair dryers among other essentials.
The deluxe rooms are perfect for business travelers, with desks with ergonomic work chairs, international sockets, bedside laptop and phone charging, but I wish they also had a private covered balcony. Apart from that, the deluxe room I stayed in had a seating area, a huge flat-screen TV, an electronic safe and an electric kettle with a tea/coffee maker. You can also request laundry and dry cleaning services and room service for an additional fee. While the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, it only works on two devices and is only valid for 24 hours. You can purchase a premium plan for a stay of one day or longer.
Room rent from $155
A la carte and more
Taj Samudra’s cuisine is distinctive and a global example of culinary excellence. Cuisine ranges from native Sri Lankan hoppers for breakfast to seafood lunches at Crab Bistro and Japanese sashimi dinners at Yumi. All six restaurants will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey, blending Asian flavours from traditional India to modern Japan. Taj’s main restaurant, Ports Of Call, is located between the lobby and the pool. On the buffet line, in addition to serving international dishes, there is also a section for local food. Buffet, à la carte and full bar are available during lunch.
This restaurant fills up quickly for dinner as long lines form around the live cooking station. The dining room has wood-panelled walls and beams, and is decorated with brass and gold mosaic tiles. Golden Dragon is a contemporary Chinese à la carte restaurant that opened in 2014 and is known for its Sunday all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch. YUMI offers Japanese cuisine for other Asian options. This modern restaurant offers delicious lunch boxes, a small sushi bar, and stylish orange leather chairs and stools. Yumi only serves meals at lunch and evening. They say Crab Factory is Colombo’s most versatile seafood speciality bistro.
Also, there is a small area outside where you can sit by the pool and smoke. Other places to eat dinner include Steak and Grill house, which is only for dinner, and Navranta, an Indian restaurant, which is open for lunch. Pebbles Cafe is open late and serves light fare such as sandwiches, pastries and cookies. Pebbles also has a bar where you can enjoy refreshments while playing a game of billiards. The hotel’s lobby bar, Lattice, offers an elegant setting with live piano music, mirrored columns, white Victorian sofas and palm plants.
The name comes from the beautiful white wood carvings that adorn its tall windows, and a sizable modern metal sculpture hangs behind the counter. Lattice serves exquisite Sri Lankan teas and coffees as well as relaxing beverages in a relaxed, luxurious setting. However, Yumi is the best place to grab a drink after dark. The ambience is a mix of club and lounge. The Pool Bar is a one-day unpretentious cabana with a comprehensive drink menu including Lion and Carlsberg.
Fitness, Pool, Travel and Shopping
Taj Samudra’s 11 acres of well-groomed grounds are a delight to watch, but the resort’s gleaming pool area with loungers is a summer oasis. The surrounding deck and pool area features large covered tables and chairs for smokers, a small bar where you can enjoy a drink, and a spacious semi-hot jacuzzi with fountain. Just outside the pool area, the hotel’s large fitness center includes a modern gym with lifestyle equipment, exercise balls and yoga mats.
The backyard tennis court is lit and there is a squash court with stadium seating underground. On the right side of the entrance, the hotel also has a shopping mall. Along the covered outdoor walkway; there are bookstores, tea houses and jewelry stores. There are plenty of free parking spaces available for those who rent a car. Just past the front door of the hotel, there is a small tour desk where you can ask for directions. Concierge assistance and waiters are additional services.
Nearby sightseeing options
Considered the best museum in Sri Lanka, the National Museum is about a five-minute drive from the former Dutch Hospital, which has been converted into a shopping mall and restaurant space. Colombo Airport is 45 minutes away from Taj Samudra.
