Ceylon Continental Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Opened to the public in 1973 and refurbished in 2001, Ceylon Continental Hotel occupies a prime position in Colombo, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Its location offers easy access to many of the city's most important landmarks while affording guests a magnificent view of the Indian Ocean throughout their stay.

The hotel delivers a five-star experience with a comfortable and luxurious atmosphere designed to make every visit to this bustling city a memorable one. Situated roughly 35 km from the International Airport, it sits conveniently close to banks, trade centres, ticketing offices, government institutions and shopping malls, as well as the central bus and train stations. Taxi services are also available on call.

Accommodation

Ceylon Continental Hotel offers 250 rooms and suites, all with ocean views, fitted with a modern set of amenities. Classic ocean view rooms provide an elegant retreat from city life, equipped with air-conditioning, temperature controls, a safe, satellite television, IDD facilities, smoke detection, 24-hour housekeeping and room service, hot and cold water, a writing desk and wireless internet. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available.

Deluxe Rooms on the 6th and 7th floors also overlook the Indian Ocean and add marble floors, king or queen size beds, a separate seating area with sofa, luxury bathroom amenities, a minibar and tea and coffee making facilities. Executive rooms, reserved for VIP guests, occupy the 8th and 9th floors and include an in-floor business centre, a fully equipped meeting space, a 24-hour café and a restaurant. The hotel's Presidential Suite comprises a living room, dining area, bedroom, kitchenette, a flat-screen television with surround sound and around-the-clock butler service.

Dining

At lobby level, the Emerald Coffee Shop is open 24 hours for breakfast, lunch, dinner and night snacks. Café Conti specialises in pastries, sweets, cakes and fruit juices. The Heist Bar serves savoury snacks and dishes alongside a wide selection of spirits and wines, with a happy hour offering liquor at particularly competitive prices. For a different culinary experience, the authentic North Indian restaurant Tandoor recreates a truly North Indian ambience. The signature Club Continental Lounge, located on the 9th floor, is especially well suited to business events.

Events and Recreation

The hotel houses three ballrooms — the Sapphire Ballroom, Cat's Eye Ballroom and the Moonstone Ballroom — each offering style and exclusivity for wedding receptions, dinner dances and corporate events. The Pearl Banquet Hall opens onto an open-air garden terrace, making it a relaxed venue for daytime gatherings. The Garnet Room and Oak Room serve as more intimate spaces for meetings and conferences.

For recreation, guests have access to a gymnasium, a swimming pool with a children's area, squash courts and a shopping gallery featuring gem and jewellery shops as well as a bookshop. Additional services include laundry, a doctor on call, foreign currency exchange, a travel counter and 24-hour security.

Excursions

The hotel's central location makes a number of excursions easy to arrange. Popular choices include the World Trade Centre, the Galle Face Green and the zoological gardens, which is about an hour's drive away. More adventurous guests may choose to travel along Galle Road, taking in the landmarks and sites along the route, while restaurants, cafés, bars and shopping options remain within easy reach throughout.