Grand Hotel - a tourist hot spot

Elizabethan era manor house:

P Rajaratnam in Nuwara Eliya

The National Geographic Traveller Magazine in its press release had declared that Sri Lanka is one of the six countries that a tourist should visit in Year 2012 and they had also identified six places a tourist should visit when in Sri Lanka Adam's Peak, Sigiriya Rock, Dalada Maligawa, Dambulla Viharaya, Yala Sanctuary and the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya has been identified as the only hotel to be featured to visit.

Quote from National Geographic Traveller Magazine, "Pristine grounds surround Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya. The hotel is an excellent example of an Elizabethan era manor house" Unquote.

The Grand Hotel was established in 1891 and acclaimed as a four star hotel by the Sri Lanka Tourism Authority recently. The hotel was the private residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes from 1830 to 1850 during the British Raj days.

Yet another feather in its cap, the Grand Hotel has been awarded the prestigious Productivity Award classified as Star Award by the Ministry of Industries of the Central Provincial Council.

Billiard room

Colonial bedroom

This colonial property being a landmark in the hotel industry of Sri Lanka, was identified and categorized as a 'national heritage' property by the Department of Archeology of Sri Lanka. This is in addition to the many accolades received from the immaculate garden such as the Best Garden award under the Large Commercial category for the past three decades, consecutively. The other awards received for the Best Garden are the Best Central Provincial Council Garden Award and the Best District Award.

Grand Hotel was also the recipient of the Saga Holidays - United Kingdom 'Good Food International Award' for the fifth year in succession for consistency of standards of quality, variety, food hygiene and service. The four star classification was awarded at the right time with the dawn of peace which will not only motivate the staff to forge ahead in keeping with the ever changing trends globally but also attract tourists at the top end in international market.

Very inquisitive monkey

Sunrise from the mountains

Currently 88 rooms have been completely refurbished and have been reopened on schedule to cater to accommodate the tourist traffic from the European, Asian and Middle Eastern Markets. The hotel has 154 deluxe bedrooms with three presidential suites and three junior suites, overlooking the prize winning garden or the 122 year old golf course. The main restaurant known as the Barnes Hall serves the three main meals, buffet style on most occasions. The Coffee Shop with its show kitchen is open round the clock The specialty Indian restaurant serves North Indian and South Indian cuisine, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food. The most sought after venue for dining is the Supper Club with its exotic fusion menus.

The latest addition - Tea Lounge - an open verandah overlooking the front lawn is a place to stretch the tired limbs inhaling the fresh atmosphere. The newly refurbished entrance, reception, lounges and the rest rooms are of the highest quality and has added zip to the facilities of the hotel.

The Billiard Room, is the most popular entertainment area situated adjoining the Public Bar has three international sized billiard tables, on which some of the most memorable and noteworthy tournaments have been held. The Banquet Hall can accommodate up to 150 guests for meals and over 250 guests for cocktails. The private and well appointed board room is also available for smaller meetings seating up to 25 persons.

The recreational facilities available are billiards as stated above, indoor sports such as carrom, chess ad draughts. The gymnasium, health centre and sauna are equipped with the latest exercise equipment. Golf and horse riding in the adjoining properties can be arranged by the hotel on request.

The Grand Hotel can boast that it has one of the neatest and well arranged 'Back of the House' which was acknowledged by the Tourist Board Classification Committee and many tourists walk around the hotel appreciating the fences and hedges on which our gardeners have shown their talent with shears.