Billed as a unique boutique hotel, it also claims to be certified as carbon neutral. At check in we were warmly greeted with a refreshing ginger drink and the formalities were quickly completed. At this point we were offered to add a voluntary $2 per day contribution to offset the carbon “cost” of our stay but as we’d already offset our whole trip we declined and this was politely accepted. Having previously provided us with a special rate, we were generously upgraded to a suite, thank you CCHandS.
Our suite (204) was a large and luxurious space, sporting rich wood flooring and a king sized four poster bed. The bedroom area was equipped with desk/shelf from wall to wall, very handy for laying out our possessions. At one end there was a wall mounted TV and at the other there was an Apple Mac for complimentary use, along with a portable phone. Complimentary WiFi was included but only three devices could be used and we needed one of those if we wanted to use the Mac (which we didn’t). A quirky desk lamp made from cog wheel reminded us that when the hotel repurposed the building to a hotel, it utilised as much recycled material as possible. A mosquito plug in was also provided.
Leading into the lounge area, the wardrobes contained bathrobes, slippers and mini safe. The lounge area was well equipped with two comfortable chairs, coffee table, another TV, tea and coffee making equipment, fridge, bottled water (complimentary and refreshed on request).
Our bathroom was huge and contained both bath and shower. Whilst the rest of the suite had air conditioning units and a ceiling fan, the bathroom was left comfortably warm so that there was no chill when luxuriating in the bath. The windows in the bathroom were slatted and netted, so let the warmth in from outside, but also the noise, not all the suites have this feature and so are quieter e.g. suite 207. A good range of items are provided in the bathroom, shower gel, shampoo, disposable razor etc. There was also a hair dryer.
Returning to the “green” credentials of this hotel. Whilst they are undoubtedly doing a great job, with the glass water bottles being reusable for example, I’d like to see them remove the single use items e.g. the coffee pods, the disposable razors, tiny shampoo plastic bottles and replace them with items that are reusable and sustainable. I did enjoy the many quirky sculptures throughout the hotel made from recycled materials.
We stayed here on a bed and breakfast basis and breakfast was served in a beautiful setting beside the pool. The fruit platter, eggs, bread and pastry basket were all delicious. Service is excellent but relaxed, so leave plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast.
As well as the pool there was a spa and plenty of restful areas to relax. Food is served on the premises, plus there are plenty of other places to eat nearby such as Elite just a few mins walk away. Note: Elite do not serve alcohol.
There wasn’t a lift and there were plenty of steps within the hotel, so guests with mobility issues should check to ensure their needs can be met.
The staff and management were very polite and helpful. On our first night, overnight roadworks started unexpectedly (11pm) outside our room making it impossible to sleep. The hotel gave us another suite (207) to sleep in (away from the roadworks) and then helped us move our possessions into the room the following day……excellent service.
We’d be very happy to stay in this hotel the next time we travel to Colombo.
