THE GRAND ORIENTAL HOTEL IS IN FORT, COLOMBO'S COMMERCIAL CENTRE.

This comfortable old colonial hotel caters mainly to those in town for business for a few nights or those in transit to other destinations around the country. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and offers the traveller a variety of facilities and comforts.

There are 70 large and restful air-conditioned bedrooms with attached bathrooms, hot & cold water & other modern amenities such as phones, TV, mini bar and piped music. Of these, 15 are deluxe rooms and 5 are suites. The suites overlook the Colombo harbour, furnished with massive four-poster beds and mock Dutch colonial furniture. Two of the suites are named after the famous Russian playwright Anton Chekhov, who stayed at the hotel for a couple of days, and the Philippine martyr Dr Jose Rizal, who also resided here for a while. The whole hotel seems steeped in history, and very clever sketches depicting ancient Sri Lankan life style and practices, further enhance the ambience.

The hotel boasts one of the most romantic views in the city at night, from The Harbour Room - a select restaurant with a captivating view of the harbour. If you're in the mood to let it all hang out after a hard day in the City, you can check out the in-house Blue Leopard nightclub which operates until the wee hours of the morning and which features live bands as well as DJs.

The GOH, as it is more popularly known, also has three banquet halls, full conference facilities and a business center. Two of the elegant halls, the “Lotus Room” that accommodates 500 people and “Rainbow Room” which holds 350 people are regularly used for local weddings. The stylish third hall “Satin Room” accomodates 60-75 people and is used for the more private parties & meetings.

There is an in-house jewellery shop, as well as a Travel Counter that can organise tours all over the island for you. Children have entertainment in the form of Cable TV and indoor games, and a babysitter can also be organised on request; there is a doctor always on call.