Cinnamon Grand Colombo

The Cinnamon grand lobby has been my standard 'go to' place for casual meetings and especially if there is a need to fill and hour or two between engagements with a book. After years of visits, I thought it would be remiss of me not to take the time to write up a brief review. Of all the major Colombo hotel lobbies I would say without hesitation that this is the best in my view (the Cinnamon lakeside version coming second) based on my specific needs for a hotel lobby - peace, choice and competent service.

I have always found, that the music, is generally subdued, so it does not dominate the environment, allowing for conversation or quiet time to read. While I have encountered occasions where things have been too loud or perhaps a tad crass, these have been exceptions and never the rule. This is in stark contrast with some other places where the 'background' music is anything but!

The coffee stop which is close at hand offers a decent range of food and beverage options, though it is regrettable that the absolutely excellent pork pie which has been a signature item for ages has, for reasons that elude me been discontinued. Which prompts me to rank it as 'very good' rather than 'excellent'. The lobby bar too offers a very decent selection, including my personal 'make or break' beverage, coke zero which has always been served to me with courtesy and professionalism.

Adding to the subject of service, I have always been served promptly and politely. The staff are alert to customer needs - while perhaps not to the level of the fictional 'Grand Budapest Hotel' from the movie of the same name where staff strive to discern the needs of the customer even before he or she asks - is nevertheless very good and definitely stands out from the competition.

While I have had pleasant encounters with all the staff, It would be remiss of me to not make special note of Ms Akithma who I have found to be particularly efficient and helpful in conduct of her duties. Always on the move and always with a smile. The earlier floor manager Mr Suren and the current manager always showed/show a 'hands on' approach - walking the floor and taking an active role the smooth operation of their space, which without doubt made/makes a significant impact on the overall quality of the customer experience.

Often being by myself or with one guest, I always aim to occupy a table with two chairs, so as not to hog seating space. In this endeavour I have always found the lobby staff going the extra mile to move the furniture if necessary to ensure a well placed table without extra seating - while a seemingly simple matter, I note this here since it is often in these little details that the true meaning of 'service quality' emerges.

All in all I hope I have done justice to this very pleasant space in Colombo, even though it comes after many years. While there is, as in anything, always room for further improvement (my much missed pastry comes to mind : ) I would recommend the Cinnamon Grand lobby without hesitation.

The convenient location of this hotel is evident right from the start, and even arriving in the wee hours of the morning didn’t take anything away from the Atmosphere or the warm welcome.

Our room on the 9th-floor Executive Lounge was an excellent deal, especially considering the additional access and benefits that came with the upgrade: high tea, happy hour, two complimentary pieces of laundry per day, and a lavish breakfast buffet. The room was clean, well-stocked and well-lit, and it was serviced impeccably every single day.

The service throughout the hotel was personalised, prompt and immaculate. Colombo is the smiles capital of the world, after all! The rooms are also very well soundproofed, keeping noise to barely noticeable levels, even with the large atrium below, where performances and other activities regularly take place.

The gym and pool come with butler service as well — you really just have to immerse yourself and enjoy. Excellent value for money.

I would particularly like to mention Wasantha and the boys in the Cinnamon Lounge, where we spent many hours enjoying high tea. Their service was outstanding, and they went the extra mile with personalised teas, including fresh ginger and masala teas prepared with spices and milk.

Overall, everyone — from reception and the front desk to the staff waving goodbye — went out of their way to make our stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The level of hospitality was simply out of this world.

Highly recommended, and yes, I would definitely stay here again. Thank you!