THIS MUCH-APPRECIATED MEMBER OF ONE OF THE TOP HOTEL CHAINS OF THE WORLD

is set in a ten-acre green patch in the heart of Colombo City. Adjoining the new business district, close to the major diplomatic missions and the chamber of commerce, with a three storeyed, up-market shopping mall leading off the lobby, it has reasons to call itself a resort within your world of business!

Elegance, grandeur and efficiency set the tone of the place. The lobby with a bubbling fountain and natural light flooding through its glass domes is your first pleasant impression. The enormous, colourful batik banners of traditional imagery cascading down the full height of the high-rising blocks in the two atriums arrest the eye, whether you're passing by, or attending a party or an art exhibition held there.

The rooms are as tasteful and complete as you would expect from this world-renowned five-star property.

If you are an executive guest, you have access to Colombo Club - a private club of city business people. You can also use the meeting room adjoining the lobby and a lift exclusively serving the two executive floors. The Presidential Suite, in the old wing, affords a height of luxury and a picturesque view of the sea.

The Indian restaurant offers authentic dishes prepared under the supervision of an Indian master chef. Alternatively you might wine and dine in style at the London Grill. A third, 24-hour, restaurant serves eastern and western buffets with theme nights. This one opens onto the swimming pool (regarded to be the largest in Colombo) and its surrounding, beautifully landscaped, garden.

The business center is, of course, fully equipped. Extras include book-binding, a courier service and the help of three secretaries available until 10pm. In the evenings, the lobby and the cool lounge bar get lively with, first, an orchestra and later a well-known Colombo band. If you're still up for some more activity, 'Cascades' is one of the city's best known and loved disco and night clubs.