Grand Hotel

Introduction

The Grand Hotel is steeped in history. Once the Nuwara Eliya residence of a British Governor, the hotel is an experience of old-time grandeur set amidst four acres of landscaped gardens. This is a world of manicured lawns, flowering hedges, crisply-attired waiters, billiard rooms, fireplaces, hardwood floors and heavy wooden panelling. Temperatures in Nuwara Eliya are more akin to an English summer's day. The Grand, built in Victorian times, was refurbished in 2013, bringing its grandeur up to date. A staple of the package trade, offering well-appointed bedrooms, a range of dining options; and a central location from which to experience this hill country station.

Accommodation

There are 153 Deluxe rooms and Suites that are spread across the Governor's Wing and the Golf Wing. The Governor’s Wing rooms are furnished with colonial period antiques including twin or double beds, with soft furnishings in paisley prints. The Golf Wing rooms are furnished in slightly more modern fashion and overlook the picturesque Nuwara Eliya golf course. All rooms have ceiling fans, most have fireplaces although these days an electric heater is lit in its place on a cold night, and wooden or carpeted floors. There are several suites and interconnecting bedrooms that are well suited for families. In-room facilities include satellite TV, IDD telephone, Wi-F, mini-fridge, tea/coffee facility, safe, room service and laundry service. The ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers.

Deluxe Rooms (400 sq ft): The 145 Deluxe Rooms open out to garden views and are equipped with all standard facilities.

Junior Suites (800 sq ft): There are two Junior Suites which are spacious and consists of a sitting area, bedroom and ensuite bathroom.

Presidential suites (1,200 sq ft):  The three Presidential Suites are luxurious and consists of two ensuite bedrooms, sitting and dining area, and pantry.

Facilities

The Grand Hotel has several venues for dining: the main restaurant - Barne’s Hall with hardwood floors and a log fire at one end - serves international cuisine buffet style; 24 hour Magnolia coffee shop; the Grand Indian serving a variety of vegetarian and non-veg Indian dishes, and freshly baked Indian breads; and the Tea Lounge serving a range of Ceylon teas, cakes and pastries. There is a cosy wood panelled bar with a fireplace located next to the Billiards Room which has three Billiards tables. The heated indoor swimming pool located in a serene setting is ideal to take a refreshing dip and calm your senses. Other facilities include banquet and conference facilities for up to 200 guests, a health centre and sauna, small shopping arcade, tour desk offering outdoor activities including guided nature trails; doctor-on-call, and facilities for children such as a small play area, kid’s menu, high chairs and cots, and baby sitting on request.

Why We Like It

Nuwara Eliya's most famous hotel, now offering a well-grooved service to a primarily package trade.

Sustainability

The Grand Hotel has a collection of committees dedicated to supporting the main pillars of sustainability – Nature (N),Economy (E),Society (S) and Wellbeing (W) – housed under the umbrella ‘Sustainability Compass’. Their initiatives range from zero plastic commitments and the creation of ‘green farms’ to local projects which aim to preserve the environment of key natural areas such as Lake Gregory and Horton Plains National Park.

Location

Nuwara Eliya, more than 6,000 feet above sea level, is Sri Lanka's most famous hill station – and The Grand Hotel is its focal point. Nuwara Eliya can be reached via Kandy or the southern highlands. The drive from Kandy is about three hours.