Hotel review: the luxurious Shangri-La Colombo in Sri Lanka 

During my recent visit to Colombo, I had the pleasure of staying at the Shangri-La Colombo in the vibrant heart of Sri Lanka’s capital. The hotel presents a luxurious and serene retreat amidst the bustling cityscape.

This hotel, a part of the esteemed Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts group, epitomises elegance and sophistication, offering a unique blend of Sri Lankan charm and modern amenities.

The hotel’s location is ideal, situated in the city’s business and entertainment district, making it a perfect spot for both leisure and business travellers.

Here is my honest review of our two-night stay at the Shangri-La Colombo.

Hotel design

To be frank, the exteriors of the hotel are nothing to write home about. It’s essentially a large, characterless skyscraper – but then this hotel is a prime example of not judging a book by its cover.

Much of the surrounding buildings and architecture in this part of the city follow a similar aesthetic in terms of their towering builds. Inside though, is where the magic happens.

I challenge you not to gasp as you step into the grand lobby with its impossibly high ceilings and a sense of opulence oozing from every corner.

The decor is a harmonious mix of local artistry and modern design, with intricate motifs and lush greenery adding a touch of tropical allure.

The lobby is flooded with natural lighting. And the result is an inviting and refreshing welcome into the iconic hotel.

Plus, as you’d expect from the Shangri-La group, the staff were an utter delight from the moment we arrived.

Rooms & suites

As a sizeable building, Shangri-La Colombo boasts an impressive array of rooms and suites. Each designed with the utmost attention to detail.

The rooms are spacious and bathed in natural light, offering panoramic views of the city skyline or the Indian Ocean.

Our room on the 26th floor offered truly stunning views over the ocean. The highlight for me was that it gave us a front-row seat for the spectacular sunset each day.

The rooms are elegantly furnished, with plush bedding, state-of-the-art entertainment systems, and luxurious bathrooms complete with premium toiletries. 

I know you can always expect an impeccable night’s sleep in a Shangri-La bed and this one was no different. I’d describe it like being engulfed in a giant marshmallow – in a good way!

Dining at Shangri-La Colombo

The hotel’s culinary offerings are a gastronome’s delight, with several dining options available.

These range from authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to international dishes, all prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

The restaurants and bars at the hotel are designed to cater to diverse palates and occasions. Whether it’s a casual meal, a romantic dinner, or a business lunch.

One evening we ate at Shang Palace, offering an array of delicious Chinese specialities including their signature Peking duck.

On our second night, we ate at the newly opened Tiki Bar, which had a more laid-back feel.

We weren’t quite as impressed with our meal here, as we thought a couple of the dishes we had could be improved. But then it had only just opened for the first time, so I’m sure it will get better in time.

The Capital Bar & Grill is a great spot for some cocktails. It’s a beautifully designed space, and the cocktails are both theatrical and delicious.

We also enjoyed a delightful afternoon tea against the backdrop of a pianist and violinist for an added touch of elegance.

The breakfast buffet was a feast for the senses, with a wide array of options ranging from traditional Sri Lankan dishes to continental favourites.

Also a huge thank you to the member of staff who took me through every single offering at the buffet to tell me whether or not it was gluten free!

Spa and pool

For relaxation and rejuvenation, Shangri-La Colombo offers a world-class spa with an array of treatments inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies.

We enjoyed a sumptuous couples massage, which was exactly what our jetlagged bodies needed.

The hotel also features a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a gorgeous outdoor pool.

While the area itself is wonderfully relaxing, it is positioned not far from the main road where you inevitably get traffic noise and commotion.

But then any hotel in a city centre is going to struggle for absolute tranquillity when it comes to outdoor pools, so it’s really not an issue. 

Business travellers

During our stay, I did notice a lot of business travellers staying at the hotel, so I thought I’d include a mention here.

The hotel is well set up for business travellers, with strong wi-fi and a range of facilities. These include versatile meeting rooms and a grand ballroom, making it an ideal venue for conferences and special events.

Final words

Of course I have to mention the incredible hospitality. The service at Shangri-La Colombo is exceptional, with a dedicated team committed to providing a memorable and personalised experience for each guest.

Every staff member we encountered was friendly, attentive, and went above and beyond to ensure our stay was comfortable and memorable. 

Shangri-La Colombo stands as a jewel in the heart of Sri Lanka’s capital, offering a blend of luxury, comfort, and cultural richness.

It’s an ideal destination for travellers seeking a high-end experience in this beautiful island nation.

Book here or discover more of the best hotels in Colombo.

For more travel inspiration for Sri Lanka’s capital, have a read of my guide to the best things to do in Colombo or watch my Colombo travel vlog on YouTube:

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