Blending the best of Sri Lanka and Japan

Combining Japan’s high service standards with Sri Lanka’s world renowned hospitality, Granbell Hotel Colombo opened its doors in early May to warmly welcome its visitors. The opening of this hotel cements the longstanding friendship between the two countries and it is positioned to bring in much needed foreign exchange to the country.

Granbell Hotel Colombo is owned and managed by Belluna, which is a company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. It has a growing hospitality portfolio around the world including 17 properties in Japan, one in Hawaii, one in the Maldives and two in Sri Lanka. The company aims to provide significant employment opportunities through Granbell Hotel Colombo, for the local community in this post-pandemic era and help strengthen the country’s economic revival.

Located in the heart of the city, Granbell Hotel Colombo follows a sustainable design concept with open-air corridors and interiors that blend seamlessly with the coastal vistas. Visitors can experience the highest standards in construction with a combination of Japanese architecture and Sri Lankan craftsmanship.

Catering to an eclectic mix of holidaymakers, corporate clients and international visitors, the hotel offers a host of exciting facilities and services that include a rooftop infinity pool and bar, a fitness centre, spa, yoga and dance studio, and an all day dining restaurant.

The hotel’s 292 rooms offer scenic views of the Indian Ocean or the Colombo cityscape, and feature modern furnishings including a bathtub, rain shower and state-of-the-art Toto wash closets.

Recognising that food is an important deciding factor when choosing a holiday destination, a key highlight of the hotel is its Japanese restaurant Minori. It serves authentic teppanyaki cuisine and other Japanese specialties, which are orchestrated and prepared by its talented Japanese head chef.

Complete with an extensive selection of wines and signature cocktails, the all day dining restaurant is a must visit for foodies. Guests can now enjoy coffee, tea, desserts and other goodies at the recently opened cafe on the first floor.

They can also partake in a high tea buffet on certain days and a Japanese buffet once a month while being entertained by a band every Friday night at The Bar On The Top. In addition to its restaurants, the hotel’s banquet hall, which can seat up to 70 guests, is ideal for corporate gatherings, meetings, weddings and cocktail events.

Despite being a newcomer to the country’s hospitality sector, Granbell Hotel Colombo has already received rave reviews from clients and travel agents alike. The hotel has forged strong relationships with tour operators and destination management companies to promote the property across key markets such as Europe, India and the Middle East.

The Chinese and Far Eastern markets are an upcoming focus for the hotel with the Global Distribution System (GDS) connecting it with a plethora of travel agencies from around the world.

Presently, the hotel’s primary focus is on domestic travellers without whom it would not have had such a successful start to operations. Going forward, residents can expect exciting offers during the peak period, which began in November, and ongoing offers for travel agents and corporate guests.

The hotel is the ideal location for an overnight stay and to entertain guests during the festive period with many events lined up to celebrate the season. Follow Granbell Hotel’s social media channels to be notified of proceedings including gala dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Guests can escape the chaos of the city while staying in the heart of Colombo and being close to many key attractions. As such, visitors are invited to stay at Granbell Hotel Colombo for some much needed relaxation and excitement.

– Compiled by Avanti Samarasekera