Experience luxury at Cinnamon Grand Colombo

While the island was going through the upheaval of frugality, I visited Sri Lanka earlier this month in August for Kandy Esala Perahera 2022, a Buddhist celebration that highlights the value of rain for a good harvest. This ancient festival has been on my bucket list for a while, but due to the pandemic it hasn’t happened in the past two years, I have to attend now as it resumes in 2022 and luckily for it, SriLankan Airlines Invite me to witness this spectacle. Since Colombo is the previous entrance to the island, I stayed at the Cinnamon Grand on Galle Road in the city center for a day before leaving for Kandy.

Cinnamon Grand Colombo

Early in the morning we drove to Colombo, across the street was quiet except for the sound of the sea. I was overwhelmed by a strong memory as we passed the Indian High Commission on Galle Road, a neighborhood I’ve lived in a few times before. The stunning Cinnamon Grand is just a few blocks away from the SLTDA offices and offers ocean views from its upper floors. And the hotel is indeed grand, as its name suggests.

I like the security measures they implement. Before entering the building, please check your luggage at the entrance security screening machine to complete the check-in process. The entrance to Cinnamon Grand Colombo is painted with three white half-square wall imprints and two floral motifs with hints of honeydew. The opposite glass ceiling provides the perfect view of the skyscrapers to the sky. As I was taken in by the surrounding scenery, CG guards in their signature uniforms arrived quickly to welcome and greet me.

Cinnamon Lobby

As you enter the main lobby, a huge piece of wiring art welcomes you into the hotel’s ambience, and the circular glass roof above it offers fantastic views of the sky and the towers nearby. Check-in was also prompt, within minutes I received my room key, was escorted to my room, and the concierge brought my luggage in almost as quickly. Before I tell you about the room, however, I must describe the luxurious lobby I passed by on the way.

It’s hard to put into words the grandeur implied by this foyer, with its cylindrical chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and golden jars rising from the ground. It’s as beautiful as poetry, and I can sit and enjoy it for hours as if it were some kind of art. To my right is the tea room, where I had a steaming cup of coffee the next morning.

Cinnamon Deluxe Executive Room

Regarding accommodation, my executive room was carpeted, with a king bed with plush bedding and other upscale amenities. A little gold floral design on the headboard and white light fixtures on either side of the bed add a nice touch to the classic decor. The room has a great view of the hotel swimming pool, the Lotus Tower in the distance and the Indian Ocean to the right. It’s even easier to take in the stunning views while enjoying coffee or dining on the lovely blue lounge chairs next to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Thanks to the desk and extra sockets, I was able to work productively from the comfort of my room. However, the Lavazza coffee machine with capsules is my particular favorite. I believe your first good coffee in the morning guarantees a great day.

The restroom is compact but has a nice tub and all the necessities including premium toiletries, towels, dental kit and hairdryer. In fact, for every room, Cinnamon Grand offers a variety of services, including pillow menus, turndown service, breakfast in bed options, walk-in closets, in-room safes, and tea and coffee making facilities. Rates start at $145 per night.

PLATES Restaurant

All of my meals at PLATES provided a multi-national, multi-cuisine experience like no other and were delicious during my time at Cinnamon Grand. Incredibly, in one elegant dining area, you can experience cuisines from all over the world.

Fried duck, fish tacos, seafood risotto, roast pork loin, pork chops with mustard sauce, crab curry, raisin danish and coffee brownies are some of my favorites I’ve tried at The Plate. Their dessert section has many desserts to choose from.

The Plate also offers a unique selection of drinks, flavoured with locally sourced ingredients, to complement your meal. I paired mine with the dry martini’s. With its delicious meals, the restaurant brings people together at any time of the day. They offer an extensive buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Feast your eyes on a wide selection of wines and beverages, as well as an all-day à la carte menu. All you need to do is, go ahead, grab a “plate”.

This luxurious 5-star hotel is 22 miles from the airport and close to major business and tourist destinations such as the World Trade Center, National Museum and famous temples. The Cinnamon Grand offers guest rooms and suites, free Wi-Fi hotspots, 14 dining options including the city’s best seafood restaurant “Lagoon”, an award-winning spa, two outdoor pools and a fitness center. For shopping convenience, the hotel is adjacent to the shopping center – Crestcat Boulevard. Overall, I had a great time at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

If I visit again, I might try one of their other restaurants or get a massage at their spa as I’ve heard they’re all great.

Key dining venues at Cinnamon Grand include:

1. The Plate: All-day buffet and à la carte restaurants

2. The Lagoon: The City’s Top Seafood Restaurant

3. The London Grill: Colombo’s Best European Dining Experience

4. Echoes of Italian Food

5. Chutney for authentic South Indian cuisine

6. Tao: Modern Chinese Cuisine

7. Nuga-Gama: Enjoy an Authentic Sri Lankan Dining Experience

8. tea room