Cinnamon Grand Colombo — Hotel in Colombo

We stayed at Cinnamon Grand Colombo expecting a 5-star experience — what we got was a complete disaster from start to finish. If I could rate it zero stars, I would. This hotel is falsely advertised and doesn’t even meet basic hospitality standards.

From the very first day, we were placed in a room with a non-functional AC — completely unacceptable in Sri Lanka’s heat. We asked them to fix it, and they kept stalling by sending someone who did nothing useful. Eventually, they moved us to another room, which was also poorly maintained and uncomfortable.

We had clearly booked triple beds, but were given just two twin beds. When we asked for the third bed, they brought out a cheap, pathetic excuse for a mattress that felt like sleeping on cardboard. How is this acceptable in a 5-star hotel?

When more of our family joined — including two small children — we asked for connecting rooms. The connecting room they gave us had yet another broken AC and visible cracks in the walls. Again, we were moved to another room on the same floor, but it wasn’t connected, defeating the entire purpose. And once more, the AC screeched all night, making it impossible to sleep.

The hotel’s main elevator was broken and unusable. They made us use an alternate elevator that was an absolute nightmare. We’d press the button for our floor (7th), the lift would reach it — then suddenly drop back down and force us to go through the loop all over again. When it did stop, it would jolt violently, feeling unsafe and outdated.

If that wasn't enough, our room key cards failed EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. We had to get them reactivated constantly. We developed a routine of stopping by the front desk before even trying to go to our room, because otherwise, we’d waste time riding the broken elevator up, only to find the cards didn’t work and have to go back down. This happened for days.

Room service was equally frustrating. They rarely came at the scheduled times and often showed up while we were trying to relax with the kids. The rooms weren’t cleaned properly or consistently. But the worst part? One night, we found a LIZARD on our BED. Yes — a live lizard on the sheets of our so-called “luxury” hotel room. We were horrified. When we called for assistance, they simply came and removed it without even apologizing, like this was totally normal.

Throughout our stay, we felt like we didn’t matter to the hotel at all. It was obvious that all attention and effort were focused on the national cricket and rugby teams who were also staying there. Regular guests like us were treated like an afterthought.

From day one, we asked to be moved to better rooms and were constantly told nothing was available. But on our last night, when we were trying to sleep, we were suddenly hit with a blaring music concert. They didn’t have the decency to inform us in advance — instead, they just slid a piece of paper under our door a few hours before, like it was some casual house party. The music was so loud, our room doors were literally vibrating on the seventh floor. At that point, when we went to complain, they magically did have another room to give us — how convenient.

The truth is: Cinnamon Grand Colombo is not a luxury hotel. It is poorly run, outdated, disorganized, and doesn’t care about its guests unless they’re celebrities or athletes. This was one of the worst hotel experiences I’ve ever had in my life. If you’re considering staying here — DON’T. Save your money, your sanity, and your time.

This is not a 5-star hotel. It’s barely 2. And they should be ashamed of how they treat...

Hotel: Cinnamon Grand Colombo Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka Reviewer: A Truly Happy Family Guest Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)

Review:

From the moment we stepped through the doors of the Cinnamon Grand Colombo, we knew this wasn't just another hotel stay – it was coming home. And this feeling persisted throughout our entire, wonderful visit. We are absolutely thrilled with the exceptional standard and, most importantly, the unparalleled service offered by every single member of the staff.

The phrase "second home" gets used often, but at Cinnamon Grand, it feels profoundly true. There's a warmth and genuine hospitality here that permeates every corner. The staff are the true stars. Without fail, every interaction, whether at reception, in the restaurants, by the pool, or simply passing in the corridor, was met with a sincere, welcoming smile. It wasn't just polite; it felt heartfelt and set the tone for the entire stay.

What truly elevates this hotel is the first-class service. It's attentive without being intrusive, efficient yet always personal. The staff anticipate needs effortlessly and go the extra mile with a grace that feels natural. Whether it was remembering our coffee preferences at breakfast, offering thoughtful recommendations, or simply ensuring our family (including the little ones) felt completely comfortable and cared for, the level of dedication was remarkable. We felt genuinely valued and pampered.

The facilities are superb – spacious, well-appointed rooms, a fantastic pool area, diverse and delicious dining options offering a real culinary journey, and beautiful, welcoming public spaces. But honestly? It's the people that make the Cinnamon Grand truly grand. Their consistent kindness, professionalism, and warm smiles transformed our holiday into something truly special.

For our family, the Cinnamon Grand Colombo has set a new benchmark for hospitality. It's more than just luxury; it's about feeling welcomed, respected, and genuinely happy. We left feeling not just satisfied, but deeply appreciative and already dreaming of our return.

To the entire Cinnamon Grand Team: Thank you! You don't just run a hotel; you create a haven. You made us feel like cherished family, and for that, we are incredibly grateful. We cannot recommend you highly enough and will absolutely be back to our "second...

I recently visited the Cinnamon Grand Bakery Shop at Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, and I must say it was a delightful experience from the moment I stepped in.

Ambiance & Interior

The bakery exudes a luxurious yet cozy atmosphere, with elegant décor, warm lighting, and a sophisticated layout that instantly makes you feel welcomed. The seating arrangements are well-placed, offering both comfort and a touch of privacy. The display counters were beautifully arranged, showcasing a variety of mouthwatering pastries, cakes, and baked goods. The attention to detail in the interior design truly enhances the experience, making it a perfect spot for a relaxed tea-time or a quick indulgence.

Food & Quality

I tried their cheesecake, and it was simply exceptional. The texture was silky smooth, with the perfect balance of richness and lightness. The base had a wonderful buttery crunch, complementing the creamy filling perfectly. The flavor was on point, with just the right level of sweetness—not overpowering, but rather a delightful treat to the taste buds. It was clear that high-quality ingredients were used, and the craftsmanship was evident in every bite.

Service & Staff

The service was top-notch. The staff were friendly, polite, and well-trained, ensuring a smooth and pleasant experience. They were attentive but not intrusive, ready to assist with recommendations and inquiries. The ordering process was efficient, and my cheesecake was served fresh and beautifully plated.

Value for Money

Considering the quality of the food, ambiance, and service, I would say this bakery offers great value for money. While it might be slightly on the higher-end pricing, it is justified by the premium experience. It’s definitely a place worth visiting, whether you're looking for a quick coffee break, a sweet indulgence, or even takeaway treats.

Overall Impression

Cinnamon Grand Bakery Shop is a must-visit for dessert lovers and those who appreciate a refined café experience. From its gorgeous interior to its delectable offerings, it stands out as one of the best spots for baked goods in Colombo. I will definitely be returning to try more of their selections!

Highly...