Hilton COLOMBO

THE MARKET 

Hilton Colombo operates within a dynamic and evolving hospitality landscape, particularly in the commercial capital. Following a challenging few years marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic crisis and political unrest, the city’s hotel sector has enjoyed a remarkable recovery boosted by a strong momentum in tourist arrivals, which officially surpassed two million for calendar year 2025 in November.

Although arrivals are now matching the pace witnessed in 2018, Colombo’s city hotels contend with a higher room inventory and wider range of choices for international travellers.

Indian travellers continue to drive volume growth in Colombo due to a higher demand for hotels and preference for non-package stay experiences – and this momentum is expected to increase with the city’s emerging gaming options.

The average length of stay in the city remains around two days but with a stronger international events calendar for 2025/26, city hotels – including Hilton Colombo – now have an opportunity to capitalise on the growing momentum for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) travel.

ACHIEVEMENTS 

Hilton Colombo, together with the wider Hilton Sri Lanka portfolio, earned multiple accolades in 2025 that underscore its leadership, service excellence and commitment to people centric hospitality.

At the Great Place To Work® Awards, the properties were honoured as a Best Workplace^TM in Sri Lanka and Best Workplace in Asia^TM, while also receiving the Industry Excellence Award for Hospitality, Travel & Tourism and recognition
as a Best Place to Work for Parents.

On the global stage, Hilton Colombo continued to shine, being named Sri Lanka’s Leading Conference Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2025, reaffirming its reputation as a premier MICE destination.

In addition, the hotel distinguished itself at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2025, securing titles for Best Architectural Design – Sri Lanka, Best Luxury Business Hotel in South West Asia and Best Luxury Conference & Event Hotel in South West Asia. These honours collectively highlight Hilton Colombo’s exceptional standards in design, hospitality and event excellence.

HISTORY 

Hilton Colombo showcases a proud heritage of over 38 years in Sri Lanka, having been one of the first international brands to enter the local hospitality and tourism industry. Opened in 1987, Hilton Colombo is the flagship property of Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ signature portfolio in Sri Lanka, which also includes Hilton Colombo Residences, Double Tree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort and the newly launched Hilton Yala Resort.

Over the past three decades, Hilton Colombo has hosted a series of high profile events from the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013 and Colombo Fashion Week (CFW), to the annual Miss World Sri Lanka pageant and Embassy of Vietnam’s National Day celebrations.

It’s most popular annual celebration still remains Oktberfest at Hilton Colombo – a grand German inspired occasion that has been a beloved tradition for the past 32 years.

Approximately 20,000 weddings have been hosted at Hilton Colombo with the property being the number one choice for prospective couples who are drawn by the service excellence of its event specialists and banquets offerings.

The hotel has become an iconic landmark within Colombo’s hospitality landscape, welcoming distinguished guests including Commonwealth heads of state, former US presidents and celebrities.

Hilton Colombo is regarded as being among Sri Lanka’s classic social hotspots, showcasing a proud history of delighting guests with immersive dining and exceptional stay experiences that span more than three decades.

THE PRODUCT 

Hilton Colombo is an acclaimed city hotel located in the heart of Colombo’s central business district, renowned for its exceptional hospitality and versatile offerings. Whether for business or leisure, guests are afforded an experience of unparalleled comfort and sophistication.

The hotel features 368 guestrooms and suites, with exquisite views of the city skyline and Port of Colombo; six restaurants and bars; and 2,891 square metres of event space. Culinary options abound with Graze Kitchen offering world flavours, SunsetBlu providing relaxed poolside dining, Emperor’s Wok serving authentic Chinese cuisine, and Cafe Kai offering grab and go delights.

Its entertainment venues include Stella Karaoke Lounge & Bar and L.A.B. Lounge and Bar.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The hotel recently completed phase one of its refurbishment programme, which included 262 refreshed guestrooms comprising fully renovated superior rooms, deluxe rooms and suites. This project was carried out with the aim of enhancing the guest experience for the modern international traveller, who seeks a stay that is both comfortable and luxurious.

PROMOTION 

Hilton Colombo, in line with the Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ brand principles, follows a two-pronged approach to general promotion. As a city hotel, Hilton Colombo drives business for rooms from Sri Lanka’s top performing international source markets while relying on the local market for the hotel’s six restaurants and bars.

Banquets, which encompass weddings and MICE, focus on capturing business from local and international guests (i.e. corporates and MICE groups from target source markets). Being an international brand with over 38 years of history in Sri Lanka, the team at Hilton Colombo continues to focus on maintaining and growing its market share while sustaining a strong brand presence for prospective guests looking totravel to Colombo.

The hotel’s brand promotion mix entails PR and media engagements, digital advertising, traditional sales calls and trade show visits. Hilton Colombo further leverages the brand’s Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, which offers tiered member benefits that provide prospective and regular guests to book repeat stays at the hotel.

BRAND VALUES 

Hilton Colombo aligns closely with the core brand values upheld by Hilton Worldwide – viz. hospitality, integrity, leadership, teamwork, ownership and ‘now’ – ensuring that every aspect of its service culture reflects the ethos of one of the world’s most respected hospitality brands.

At the heart of these values is hospitality: a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Integrity underscores every action, reinforcing the principle of doing the right thing at all times. And the value of leadership is reflected not only in the hotel’s standing within the hospitality and tourism industry but its contributions to the wider community too.

Teamwork remains central to the hotel’s daily operations with team members collaborating seamlessly to create memorable stays for guests. Through ownership, employees take responsibility for their actions and decisions, cultivating a culture of accountability and excellence.

Finally, the value of now emphasises operating with urgency and discipline, ensuring responsiveness, efficiency and attention to detail. Together, these values shape Hilton Colombo’s identity and guide its continued success as a premier hospitality destination.