“A striking sea-facing hotel on Marine Drive. Understated Japanese design meets modern minimalism in stylish rooms with big beds, sink-into tubs & expansive views. Minori Japanese Restaurant is popular for its cuisine & cocktails, and the rooftop pool a is terrific sunset spot. Superb value too.”
“A striking sea-facing hotel on Marine Drive. Understated Japanese design meets modern minimalism in stylish rooms with big beds, sink-into tubs & expansive views. Minori Japanese Restaurant is popular for its cuisine & cocktails, and the rooftop pool a is terrific sunset spot. Superb value too.”
Hotel Review
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, The Granbell is a hugely popular addition to central Colombo's hotel scene. The first of the Japanese group's hotels on the island, it's a slick high-rise with a luxe, modernist feel and very reasonable rates for a city break as a couple or with friends and family.
Guests are welcomed by friendly staff in the sea-facing lobby, which adjoins relaxed Cafe En and boasts a breezy terrace. There's a good spa and fitness centre onsite, and you're within walking distance of lively Kollupitiya Market and numerous cinemas. City landmarks, shopping opportunities and great galleries are just a short drive away.
White-painted rooms are decorated with geometric textile wall hangings set behind big beds topped with crisp white linens. All offer lots of light, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing views towards the coast or the city — the rooms best feature private balconies and sea views. Swish bathrooms are a particular stand-out, with bathtubs and rain showers, as well as smart Japanese toilets — still a rare find in Colombo.
Head up to the all day dining restaurant for light bites, or book at table at atmospheric Minori, the fabulous Japanese restaurant which also specialises in cracking cocktails. Views from the rooftop pool are dazzling, and sundowners at the Bar on the Top are a real treat!
Written by Saskia Walker
Recommended For
- Romantic Break
- Romantic guest rooms with big sink-into tubs, a chic Japanese restaurant & great cocktails make this a great choice for couples
- City Style
- A swish city hotel in a sleek high-rise overlooking the Indian Ocean, with smart, minimalist Japanese interiors
- Close to nightlife
- R&B is ideal for a late night out — the hip bars & eateries of Park Street Mews are a brilliant place to ease into the evening
- Local markets
- Fill your bags with fresh produce at Kollupitiya Market, buy stacks of spices in Pettah or crafts at the Saturday Good Market
- Great walks
- Head along the coast to Galle Face, a seaside promenade ideal for late afternoon strolls, street snacks & people watching
- Museums
- Take a guided tour of Number 11 House, the former home of architect Geoffrey Bawa, or visit the National Museum
- Designer Shopping
- Pieces by up-and-coming Sri Lankan designers are stocked at PR and the Design Collective, both chic boutiques
- Learning
- Golf
- Restaurant
- Savour snacks at Cafe En, generous buffets at the All Day Dining Restaurant, and gourmet Japanese cuisine at Minori
- Conference facilities
- The banquet hall is well-suited to larger private events; there is also a smaller meeting room
- Gym
- The fitness centre and dance studio are ideal for working out
- Views
- Overlooking the Indian Ocean and Port City
- Roof terrace
- With bar and swimming pools
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Less £
- Designer
- Sit-out Terrace
- Spa
- Artworks
- Sea Views
- Chic
- Child friendly
- Business Hotel
- Lively
- Contemporary
- Luxury
- Romantic
- Gourmet
Facilities
- Restaurant
- Savour snacks at Cafe En, generous buffets at the All Day Dining Restaurant, and gourmet Japanese cuisine at Minori
- Conference facilities
- The banquet hall is well-suited to larger private events; there is also a smaller meeting room
- Gym
- The fitness centre and dance studio are ideal for working out
- Bar
- Sip cocktails with striking city views at Le Bar on the Top
- Views
- Overlooking the Indian Ocean and Port City
- Roof terrace
- With bar and swimming pools
- Swimming Pool
- Rooftop plunge pools
- Airport transfer
- Walking distance restaurants
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Sauna/Steam
- Meeting Room
- Cots available
- No pets
- Private dining room
- Lift
- Sit-out Terrace
- Laundry
- Air conditioning
- Hot Tub
- Spa
- Child friendly
- Sitting Room
- Room service
- Suites
- Concierge
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Wifi
- Safe
- Parking
Activities
- Close to nightlife
- R&B is ideal for a late night out — the hip bars & eateries of Park Street Mews are a brilliant place to ease into the evening
- Local markets
- Fill your bags with fresh produce at Kollupitiya Market, buy stacks of spices in Pettah or crafts at the Saturday Good Market
- Great walks
- Head along the coast to Galle Face, a seaside promenade ideal for late afternoon strolls, street snacks & people watching
- Museums
- Take a guided tour of Number 11 House, the former home of architect Geoffrey Bawa, or visit the National Museum
- Designer Shopping
- Pieces by up-and-coming Sri Lankan designers are stocked at PR and the Design Collective, both chic boutiques
- Learning
- Theatre
- Golf
Map & Location
