Tourmaline Hotel takes shape of 'Boutique'

Shirajv SIRIMANE

CONVERSION: The Tourmaline Hotel Kandy would be converted into 'boutique' type luxury hotel by the McLarens Hotels Limited and this would be the first such hotel in Kandy.

Joint Managing Director, McLarens Hotels Limited, Anura Basnayake, said that though there are five star hotels in Kandy, boutique type hotels in Kandy to attract the high-end tourists does not exist. "This is why we decided to invest on a project of this nature," he said.

The Tourmaline hotel has 76 rooms and it would increase 30 rooms and six suites to meet the future demands. The management would invest Rs. 55 million initially for the project.

Separate plunge pools and several new features would be introduced to attract the top end market.

The management would also expand the present banquet and conference facilities to accommodate 600 guests and when completed it would be one of the biggest banquets halls in Kandy.

"The hotel has a name for accommodating various conferences and that is why we decided to expand the facilities," he said.

The company also own and manage the 76-room Hotel Topaz, which is adjoining Tourmaline hotel. "Both hotels have over 200 employees and most of them had been working hotel from its inception," he said.

He said that a new gymnasium, Karaoke bar and a night Club under the swimming pool was also introduced to the hotel to add value.

Bar Supervisor, Alexander Hapuarachchi is one such employee who had been with the hotel from the very inception said that they were earning around Rs.10,000 per month as service charge which is very impressive.

The hotel Badminton team also created a unique record hen they beat the high riding SriLankan Airlines men's' team to win the Travel Trade title while their ladies team were placed runners up.