Where To Stay In Colombo – Review of The Shangri-La Colombo
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My Stay At The Shangri-La Colombo
When planning where to stay in Colombo Sri Lanka, it’s essential to choose accommodation that reflects the city’s blend of modernity and tradition. For me, although on the pricier side, one standout option is Shangri-La Colombo. A luxury hotel that offers a refined experience for both leisure and business travelers. I have been lucky enough to stay here on more than one occasion, thanks to generous birthday gifts and a good wardrobe clearout on Vinted. Vinted marketplace is a great way of earning extra travel funds, by selling unwanted items you have in your home. Anyway, I digress, back to my review of the Shangri-La hotel.
The Arrival Experience
Located along the Galle Face waterfront, this stunning property combines contemporary comfort with exceptional service. From the moment you walk into the imposing and elegantly designed hotel lobby, you get a sense of what’s to come. Checking in is a breeze and a very pleasant experience.
During my last stay I had a particularly early morning landing and arrived at the hotel before 09:00hrs. Expecting to be waiting around until 14:00, I was more than pleasantly surprised when I was offered a private room to rest in until my booked room was ready, at no extra charge. The staff really did go above and beyond and seemed to effortlessly anticipate my every need after a long flight.
Important Factors When Choosing Where To Stay In Colombo – Luxury And Comfort At Its Finest
The hotel boasts a range of elegantly designed rooms and suites that offer panoramic views of the ocean or the city skyline. Each space is thoughtfully designed with a blend of Sri Lankan culture and modern luxury. The rooms are spacious and feature high end finishes, including plush bedding and state of the art technology to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Review Of The Room at Shangri – La Colombo
I stayed in the Premier Balcony King Room and was not disappointed. Once I was shown to my room, the first thing I did was check out the bathroom (who else does this?) and was excited to see, luxury brand Spa Ceylon toiletries.
This is one of my favorite beauty brands while traveling around Sri Lanka and so to be able to try out new travel sized products was amazing. Also, in the bathroom was a hairdryer, and hidden away in one of the marble vanity unit drawers I found a welcome amenity kit. This kit actually had useful items of good quality e.g toothbrush, toothpaste, shaver, hair band and cotton buds. One of the more intriguing finds in the bathroom was a phone next to the toilet. I didn’t have any need to use, but answers on a postcard for anyone who would!
Next move, check out the mini bar! This was adequately stocked with complimentary water, tea, coffee and a very generously filled tropical fruit bowl.
Inside the wardrobe there was a fluffy dressing gown and slippers. Perfect for relaxing on one of the biggest and comfiest beds Ive seen. Something else worth mentioning was the natural temperature of the room- it was perfectly cool. During my stay there was no need to turn on the AC. For people who know me, I’m not a fan of long overnight AC usage, so to not have to use it at all, left me a very happy hotel guest.
The icing on the cake was sitting on the balcony taking in the view of Port City and the Ocean. Sitting out there in the morning with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, watching the world go by was pure bliss. When I’m looking for somewhere to stay in Colombo, accommodation with a balcony or outside space is one of my top requirements.
For those looking for an extra touch of indulgence, the Horizon Club Rooms offer exclusive access to the Horizon Club Lounge, where guests can enjoy personalized check in/out, daily refreshments and evening cocktails with a view.
Location, Location, Location – Factors To Consider When Choosing Where To Stay In Colombo
Another, top consideration when choosing where to stay in Colombo is location. When it comes to the Shangri-La Colombo’s location, I personally don’t think it can get any better. Situated on Galle Face Greene overlooking the Indian Ocean, the hotel provides easy access to many of Colombo’s key attractions. It’s attached to the countries largest shopping mall (One Galle Face Mall) and is walking distance to One Galle Face Greene, Pettah Market and the historic dutch hospital. Colombo Fort Railway Station is also just a 15 minute walk away, handy if you have an early morning train journey planned.
The hotels prime location ensures you are never too far from the action.
World Class Dining Experiences – Factors To Consider When Choosing Where To Stay In Colombo
Shangri-La Colombo is home to an array of exceptional dining options that cater to all tastes (Something to consider when choosing where to stay in Colombo). From authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to international flavors, guests are treated to a memorable culinary journey.
The cakes from the main lobby Sapphyr Lounge are works of art and taste just as good as they look. Choosing was like making a life decision, except way more delicious and with fewer regrets.
- 🔶 Shang Palace – For an unforgettable taste of Chinese dishes.
- 🔶 Sapphyr Lounge – Located in the lobby, perfect for enjoying afternoon tea and delicious cakes.
- 🔶 Marina Bar & Grill – Laid back alfresco dining. Offers fresh seafood and steak options.
- 🔶 Central – Buffet style restaurant
The breakfast buffet was one of the best Ive seen and tasted. There was so much choice with food options from around the globe. Plenty of cooking stations available with chefs ready and waiting to cook your food to order. The serving staff did not disappoint, they were friendly and attentive, keeping those coffee cups filled. It was the perfect start for the day ahead.
🔷 Tip – Save up those Shangri-la circle points and use them to buy a breakfast voucher.
Amenities and Facilities – Factors To Consider When Choosing Where To Stay In Colombo
When deciding where to stay in Colombo amenities & facilities are important. Shangri-La Colombo offers a range of top-notch facilities to ensure a comfortable and memorable stay. Highlights Include:
The Hotel Pool
The hotels large infinity pool is perfect for a relaxing dip and offers stunning views of the ocean and city. When I went down to the pool it was quiet, so I headed straight for my own private pagoda bed. Once I had settled myself in for the afternoon, the friendly pool staff introduced themselves and asked if I needed any towels. Then promptly presented me with a small cool box. A little confused I opened the box and found freshly cut tropical fruit and a bottle of ice cold water. I think my confusion was quite obvious as the staff member promptly smiled and explained this was complimentary for guests using the pool. After he left, I popped in my headphones and just looked out, appreciating the view thinking this place just keeps getting better and better.
CHI, the Spa at Shangri-La is a serene retreat offering signature treatments inspired by Sri Lankan traditions, ensuring a rejuvenating experience for guests. As a member of the Shangri-La circle I had enough points to exchange for a 1 hour relaxing body massage. It was an hour of pure bliss and any aches and pains I had disappeared which I was very grateful for after 2 days of travel.
It’s certainly worth joining the Shangri-La circle as the more you stay the more points you earn. Its completely free to join and you can exchange points for dining vouchers, hotel branded gifts and spa treatments.
Fitness Centre
The hotel has a fully equipped gym for fitness enthusiasts looking to stay active while traveling.
Concluding Thoughts
Shangri-La Colombo offers the perfect combination of luxury, convenience and Sri Lankan charm. Its prime location, world class dining, exceptional amenities and top tier service ensure that your stay will be nothing short of memorable. During my stay I certainly experienced impeccable levels of service. The staff really did go above and beyond to make me feel like royalty.
The Shangri-La Colombo is definitely in my top 3 list of places to stay when visiting Colombo. If your travel budget permits, I would not hesitate to book a room here. While it may be a bit of a splurge, the experience is definitely worth it for a special occasion or as a little treat. It’s those indulgent touches that can turn a regular trip into something truly unforgettable.
Happy Travels