Colombo is the largest city and the commercial capital of Sri Lanka featuring a melting pot of races, religions and cultures and offers a thrilling mix of tropical environment, colonial villas, and modern cityscape.
Colombo is full of contrasts from huge impressive colonial-style buildings and big parks to lakes, temples, churches and mosques to busy and chaotic areas with narrow streets packed with people shopping for the latest in Sri Lankan fashion. It has one of the largest artificial harbors in the world and handles the majority of Sri Lanka’s foreign trade.
You will cover a few key sights during your stay in Colombo such as the Colombo National Museum, Independence Square, and the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple. You can also join the locals for an evening stroll along Galle Face Green; or consider a tour of the city’s culinary spread, from traditional Sinhalese and Tamil dishes to innovative world-fusion cuisine. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and aromas of the whirling Pettah Bazaar, go on a thrilling tuk tuk ride around the city and enjoy high tea at a splendid colonial style hotel overlooking the Indian ocean.
With a fascinating heritage and a dazzling culture, Sri Lanka’s capital offers a plethora of exciting adventures, experiences and has become one of Asia’s favorite destinations and most promising business hubs.
The city has an excellent array of accommodation in all price ranges, from beachfront ‘resort’ type hideaways to elegant colonial boutiques, luxury serviced apartments and 5-star city hotels featuring world famous hotel chains.
Boutique hotels in Colombo
If you fancy luxury, something eccentric and characterful or a mixture of all that and more, then boutique hotels in Colombo are where it’s at. But what is a boutique hotel anyway?
These are lodging facility that gains its uniqueness through super stylish décor, and ultra-personalized service.
Some of these boutique hotels in Colombo are set in former colonial buildings located right in the heart of the city which makes them very accessible. They also possess the basic amenities and services you would ideally require when visiting Colombo on business.
2. Paradise Road Tingatel Colombo – A standout 10-suite boutique which was the former prime minister’s residence dating back to the 1930’s. It is surrounded by chic contemporary interiors characterized by monotone, earthy color schemes, decadent arrangements of fresh flowers, and eye-catching Sri Lankan modern art by leading local artists.
3. Maniumpathy – Previously home to five generations of a family originating in the city of Jaffna, now established as a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of Colombo surrounded by art galleries, chic boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, leading shopping centers and national monuments. Maniumpathy offers its guests personalized butler service to cater to your individual needs and also boasts of its facility, ‘The Grand Ebony Room’ ideal for any private business dinners/functions.
Business & City hotels in Colombo
If you’re looking at staying in a hideaway that caters to the specific needs and hectic schedules of business travelers, then Colombo has a plethora of fully fledged business hideaways with state-of-the-art facilities and events spaces of all shapes and sizes. You’ll find a complimentary ironing service, express check in/checkout, as well as in-room workspaces and access to fitness rooms and spas. Their excellent locations near to transport links, airport, city-center attractions, and business centers also ensure that you spend less time moving from one location to another.
Hideaways like Shangri-La Colombo, Cinnamon Grand, Cinnamon Lakeside, The Kingsbury, Movenpick Colombo, Galle Face Hotel, Ozo Colombo and Taj Samudra combine the essence of a resort type atmosphere so that you enjoy the best of both worlds.
Colombo offers a lot more activities and quintessential ways you can possibly indulge in after your busy day. Sip sunset cocktails at Galle Face Hotel, challenge yourself with a round of golf at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, shop at exquisite boutiques featuring international brands as well as local souvenirs, embark on a night cycling tour around the city, or most often head over to the Dutch Hospital Shopping precinct for iced cold beers featuring live bands and entertainment to liven the mood.
You’ll also find the Ministry of Crab; a resident in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants dedicated to serving you the best of Sri Lanka’s lagoon crab which has long gained popularity outside of the island and a popular spot among business travelers for post meeting outings.
There’s also an incredible range of unique restaurants Colombo, from hotels perfecting rooftop fine dining, exclusive sushi restaurants to elegant dinners at the floating restaurant of Cinnamon Lakeside or Gartons Ark along on the tranquil waters of the Diyawanna Oya.
Having on board experts that caters to the specific needs and hectic schedules of business travelers, it does make doing deals on the go that much easier. Get in touch with ‘ArtTravele’ and leave it in the hands of our experts to curate your next business tour in Sri Lanka while you tackle the trade.
