Travel

Orient Hotel - well patronised this season
 

BY PRASAD Abu Bakr

REFURBISHED at a cost of Rs. 7.5 million just before the tragic tsunami hit our shores, Orient Hotel of Bandarawela went full house right throughout this April seasonal holidays "which was a real reason for joy," said General Manager, Rewatha Hettiarachchi.

Situated in the heart of town which makes it convenient for any walk-in guest to spot the place, that is if one has no prior reservation. But in most cases this is what probably happens, even though there are a number of places to stay when one visits this beautiful hill station.

Just 2 hours away from Nuwara Eliya; Orient Hotel stands so tall as a major backdrop to the otherwise overpowering mountain range that visitors get naturally attracted to it on arrival.

Even though most local holiday makers came here to relax and have a good time this season, Bandarawela has much to offer in form of sight seeing excursions according to Hettiarachchi.

With an extensive agenda set by the hotel for the benefit of visitors staying there for at least three days or more visitors can enjoy and experience this up-in-the-mountains resort in more ways than one.

Pilkington Point situated in Koslanda, in the Poonagala hills extends a view of all five districts at an elevation of 1900 meters.

Lipton's Seat, a point from where Sir Thomas Lipton observed the picturesque surroundings, as the name suggests is also at a similar height and gives an exhilarating experience once one you have reached the peak.

A grand view of Bandarawela, Diyathalawa and surrounding mountains come into view from St. Catherine's Seat which is also situated in the area.

There are many sites of historical and religious value in and around Bandarawela that can be of immense use to travellers who look for such sites.

Haldumulla Fort, an ancient fort built by the Portuguese, Soragune Devale which houses many artifacts and archaeological remains from the King Walagamba period, Bogoda Bridge which is the only roofed bridge from the Kandyan period and the adjoining temple and the Stripura Caves where King Ravana has supposedly kept Princess Sita hidden away from her beloved husband Rama, a prince of Indian origin are some amongst the many places that can be explored by visitors.

The biggest bonus to any traveller is to retire to a comfortable abode after indulging in the many sightseeing excursions the area has to offer. Orient Hotel offers one the maximum comfort and pampering that one expects after such a day of travelling and tear.

The 50 well appointed rooms are in addition to the recently built two luxurious suites named ' Rama-Sita' and 'Paradise'. All the regular rooms have on offer all services that are required by travellers to make their stay a comfortable one.

The in-house facilities, both recreational and entertainment too are offered to make the guests have a memorable holiday. A Karaoke lounge within a well stocked bar and a large dinning area richly decorated where a multi-cuisine menu is served are overlooked by Rewatha Hettiarachchi himself.

Though he serves as the full time General Manager at Orient Hotel he is also a well accomplished chef himself in the hospitality industry for over 22 years armed with a diploma in cooking and hotel management from Le Roches Hotel and Training Institute in Switzerland.

Brown's Beach Hotel Conference Hub of Negombo

Brown's Beach Hotel Negombo, 'flagship' hotel of Negombo has opened their doors to Sri Lankan tourists in a big way.

"Our mission is to provide a good service to all Sri Lankan guests and to the corporate sector. We have made some exclusive packages for them to come and spend their leisure time with us. Also it is nice to see that Browns is becoming a venue for long weekend spenders," said D/GM Felix Rodrigo.

Brown's Sunday Buffet is very popular among Sri Lankan corporate. Because most of the leading company outings can be seen at Browns Beach during every Sundays. The Sunday International buffet is the biggest and the most delicious buffet in this area according to Executive Chef Niranjan Morais.

The Jasmine hall, Golden Orchid banquet and mini conference halls are still catering very well to the conferences and functions since they have the specialized staff and latest equipment.

You can see many NGOs, Government institutions, Public Sector Companys patronizing BBH for their MICE activities. It is nice to see that Browns now has become the Conference Hub of Negombo.