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If you’re looking for a unique stay in Colombo with ocean views, a rooftop pool, and modern amenities at an affordable price, Granbell Hotel Colombo might be the perfect choice.
During our stay, we experienced everything from the stunning rooftop pool overlooking the ocean to the delicious breakfast buffet. In this review, we’ll cover everything, from rooms and facilities to dining and our overall experience, to help you decide if this is the right hotel for your Colombo trip.
Where is the Granbell Hotel Colombo?
Granbell Hotel is located on the seafront in the centre of Colombo on Marine Drive. Its central location between the airport, train station and main attractions make it perfect for a short stay in the city.
The hotel is 35 km from Bandaranaike International Airport, which is roughly a 45 minute drive away. Colombo Fort Station, the main train station connecting to spots like Kandy, Galle and Ella, is a 10 minute drive.
Granbell Hotel is also close to some of Colombo’s must-see spots like Galle Face Green, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and Colombo National Museum.
We found the location to be convenient and safe, as it was a short walk to surrounding attractions, there were plenty of restaurants and cafes and it was close to the train station.
Arrival & Check-In
Our arrival and check-in at Granbell Hotel Colombo was seamless, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. Since we had a late flight, we arrived after hours and experienced a short wait as a few other guests were also checking in.
However, the process was smooth and the convenience of 24/7 reception makes it a great choice if you have a late-night or early-morning flight.
Accommodation & Room Types at Granbell Hotel Colombo
Granbell Hotel has 4 different room types that offer a mix of modern amenities with luxurious interiors, you can choose from:
- Standard room (Luxurious design, normal bathroom)
- Superior room + view bath (Added benefit of a bathtub in front of large glass windows)
- Superior room + terrace (terrace instead of view bathtub)
- Deluxe room + view bath + terrace (more space, with view bath and terrace)
We stayed in the Superior room with a view bath, which was incredible. The room was spacious and beautifully decorated, with a seating area by the large windows that offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
The best feature in the room is definitely the bathtub in front of the window, you can watch the sunset over the ocean while soaking in the bath!
In-room amenities were great, including high-speed Wi-Fi, a large flat-screen TV and a stocked minibar. The bathroom was equally impressive, with a walk-in shower, separate bathtub and premium toiletries.
In-room amenities were great, including high-speed Wi-Fi, a large flat-screen TV and a stocked minibar. The bathroom was equally impressive, with a walk-in shower, separate bathtub and premium toiletries.
Facilities & Activities at Granbell Hotel Colombo
The facilities and activities at Granbell Hotel are some of the best we have ever seen and experienced, and is what makes the hotel so unique and luxurious.
Rooftop Bar & Infinity Pool
One of the best features of Granbell Hotel is the incredible rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi that sits high above the city with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean on one side, and Colombo's skyline on the other.
This was by far our favourite feature of the hotel, it felt extremely luxurious and we couldn't believe the price we had paid for it!
The only downside is the limited lounges around the pool, which were almost always taken every time we visited the pool area, so you would have to arrive early to grab one.
Next to the infinity pool is the Rooftop bar, with plenty of comfortable seating offering 360-degree views over the city. Its the perfect spot to relax with a cocktail and watch the sunset over the city.
Fitness Centre & Spa
The hotel has a fully-equipped gym with modern machines and free weights and a dance studio, all with incredible views of the ocean and city's skyscrapers from the large glass windows.
If relaxation is more your style, there is an on-site spa offering a range of treatments, from massages to facials, along with a sauna, jacuzzi and lounge area.
Dining experience at Granbell Hotel Colombo
At the hotel you'll find plenty of dining options from authentic Japanese cuisine to rooftop drinks with a view. We experienced the breakfast options and the Cafe, which were both impressive.
- Minori Japanese Restaurant – Located on one of the top floors with ocean views, you'll find authentic Japanese cuisine including sushi, sashimi, and traditional hot dishes.
- All Day Dining – The hotel’s main restaurant serves a mix of international and Sri Lankan dishes, offering a relaxed setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- The Bar on the Top – Located on the rooftop, this bar has stunning ocean views and a great selection of cocktails, wines and light bites.
- Café EN - 縁 – A cosy café with coffee, tea and a selection of pastries and snacks.
- In-Room Dining – If you prefer to dine in the comfort of your room, the hotel offers a room service menu with a variety of international and local dishes.
Breakfast at Granbell Hotel Colombo
During our stay, we had breakfast at the All Day Dining restaurant, which featured a delicious buffet. The selection included a mix of continental and Sri Lankan dishes, fresh tropical fruits, pastries and live cooking stations for made-to-order omelets and pancakes.
We also had coffee at the Café EN - 縁, which was delicious coffee, but slightly more expensive than the local cafes.
Service and Staff at Granbell Hotel Colombo
We found the service and staff at Granbell Hotel to be exceptional, everyone was friendly, helpful and always on hand to make sure your stay is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
The door staff helped to carry our suitcases to and from our uber on arrival and departure, which is always a nice touch!
How to Get There from the Airport
Granbell Hotel Colombo is approximately 35 km from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and 5 km from Colombo Fort Station. Here’s how you can get there:
- Taxi / Apps – The fastest and most convenient option is getting a Taxi, Uber or PickMe, which takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. We used Uber for the best prices.
- Private Airport Transfer – Granbell Hotel does offer airport shuttle services, just let them know when booking.
- Public Transport – The least convenient option is public transport. You can take a bus or train to Colombo Fort, then a tuk-tuk or taxi to the hotel.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Granbell Hotel Colombo is a great choice with its modern rooms, incredible rooftop pool and ocean views. The location is convenient, along with its 24/7 reception and range of dining options.
The only cons include check in taking slightly longer during peak hours, and some areas, like the pool, can get busy during peak times.
Would We Recommend It?
Yes! We think Granbell Hotel Colombo is a fantastic choice if you're looking for affordable luxury in Colombo. It's a perfect balance between comfort, convenience and stylish amenities, so it's ideal for couples, solo travelers and business visitors.
Is It Worth the Price?
For the price, Granbell Hotel Colombo offers amazing value. You get high-end facilities at a more affordable rate compared to some of Colombo’s top luxury hotels. Whether you're staying for a short city break or as part of a longer Sri Lanka itinerary, it’s a solid option that won’t break the bank while still offering a premium experience.
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