TRAVAL

Peacock Beach Hotel, the only four star class hotel in Hambantota, would be investing Rs. 30 million for the renovation of its Harbour Wing, where its 36 standard rooms would be converted into deluxe rooms. The refurbishment has been planned to be completed in a period of three months.

“During the year 2011-2012, the hotel had undergone major transformations with an investment of Rs. 170 million, where its seafood restaurant, business centre and gym had all been upgraded to meet the growing demand for luxury accommodation in the area,” Managing Director, Dulani Guruge said.

Jinadasa Guruge of the Guruge Group of Companies, started construction on the hotel in 1979 and commenced operations in 1985. The hotel which comprises 84 rooms, has been the first and the largest hotel in the area to date.

After several phases of development, the current strength of the property was 94 rooms, which includes 36 standard rooms which would be converted into 24 deluxe and 30 super deluxe types. In addition, the hotel also offers two suites at just a difference of US$50 in price than the other categories.

“After the opening of both the Magampura Harbour and Mattala Airport, we see an additional demand for the hotel, mainly from the corporate sector,” Assistant Manager, Deepal Wellala said. “We are also expecting additional airline traffic in,” Wellala said. With the extension of the present expressway from Galle to Matara, these developments would be selling points that would attract additional visitors and tourists to the area.

“The Peacock Beach Hotel is situated in a centralized location and our demography, would be a majority of leisure seeking and business clients. The hotel makes it accessible to National Parks in Yala, Bundala, Udawalawe and Kataragama, which was a 50 minute drive from the hotel,” he said. The hotel also organizers special excursions in these areas.

The hotel consists of a VIP lounge, a Business centre, a Conference hall for 24 pax and a banquet hall to cater to 110 guests. “With the opening of the Cricket stadium, the hotel is the preferred partner of all playing teams and officals,” Wellala acknowledged. The hotel enjoys their main markets from Germany, England, Poland and Russia and also from Sri Lanka. Resident Manager, Andrew Buultjens acknowledged the hotel’s 110 strong staff comprising of the higher management as well. Over 50% of the staff were from the locals the area, while the rest had been employed from other areas around the country.

“We can achieve the revenue target by the end of the year,” Buultjens added.


The first swimming pool	The new infinity pool.

Assistant Manager, Deepal Wellala and Resident Manager, Andrew Buultjens	Tourists at the hotel bar

A safari tour bus of the hotel Two autographed Cricket bats	The interior of Monara Restaurant

Cinnamon Grand rewards, recognizes long term associates

The commitment of and contributions made by the loyal and dedicated associates of Cinnamon Grand was celebrated recently at the hotel’s annual Long Service Awards, held at the Oak Room. The awards intended at recognizing and rewarding associates who have served the hotel for a long period of time, was held in a truly grand style.

In appreciation and gratitude of the long term service extended to the Cinnamon Grand by the associates, the night was a tribute to those who have made a real impact on the hotel’s success. Awards were presented to associates who completed five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years of service at the hotel.

The night saw a total of 119 associates recognized and thanked for their dedicated service and unstinting support. 49 associates were recognized for completing five years, with 24 for 10 years, 19 for 15 years, 11 for twenty years and 14 for twenty five years of service. Notably, B. D. Collas from Housekeeping and K. D. Sarathchandra from Human Resource has been a part of the Cinnamon Grand team for over thirty years.

They were gifted two sovereign coins each. Others were also presented with sovereign coins, depending on their years of service.

Peacock Beach Hotel to be refurbished again

Cinnamon Grand rewards, recognizes long term associates