Courtyard by Marriott Colombo — Hotel in Colombo

For reference I am a Titanium level status member (previously Ambassador level for many years) and Lifetime Gold, as well as a regular global traveler, including across South Asia. This was our first trip to Sri Lanka and Colombo specifically and was a personal leisure trip with my spouse and 1.5yo child. So, of course, this was our first time at this hotel.

Courtyard Colombo (as of this writing) is currently the only Marriott property in Colombo (there are a Ritz and Sheraton being constructed but supposedly a lot of delays, especially with the latter). The property is connected to a mall complex, with also the higher floors (above 17) being condominium like residences with an adjacent entrance. It is 4 months old, so a lot of the signage isn't as obvious just yet and looks like you are going to the mall side entrance. Don't be fooled this is a well service hotel entrance, with the lobby on the 9th floor, and concierge on the ground floor.

Overall this was a great stay from beginning to end. We stayed here in 2 parts, for a total of 3 nights. As of this writing, the suite rooms (of which we were told there will be 3), weren't available and still being constructed. At our request for the second portion of our stay they 'upgraded' us further to the corner room which is larger, and gave us more room for the baby crib, and our child to move around. They had already upgraded us to the ocean (and pool) view, which is spectacular, and has great sunset views.

The service (as it was across Sri Lanka) was beyond exemplary, across all types and levels of staff, from check in to concierge to restaurant staff to housekeeping to management. They were constantly checking in on us and doting on our child at every opportunity, and doing their best to cater to our needs. The communication via both email and in person, gave you full confidence they were taking care of things, including a late evening accident on the bed sheets being replaced quickly. I really liked the fact that all staff, regardless of where they worked would come and check on you (i.e. front desk staff welcoming people at their breakfast tables)

The crib was already in our room both times, as were some welcome treats from management for both stays, as well as additional garbage bags and towels for our baby as requested. They honored both the free breakfast buffet and welcome food/drink choices (our choice from list) for both stays which was good as Titanium status members.

They have no lounge but give you benefits of the buffet breakfast, an afternoon tea happy hour and buffet, 50% discounts to select items at their downstairs partner bakery, and other mini perks. The (infinity) lap pool is great and the gym looked good to with great views of the pool area. The bar and outdoor lounge here was a hit with a lot of guests.

The breakfast buffet was spectacularly good with fresh food, Sri Lankan favorites inc. Hoppers/Pooris/Dosas made on demand, western options for those more boring, amazing fresh fruit like Passion Fruit. Even when they had to set it up in a different area because of replaced flooring for a couple of days, you felt no loss in options, service, or vibe, other than losing the pool view.

The afternoon tea buffet was also a highlight being part British style afternoon / high tea options mixed with Sri Lankan favorites and snacks. Only shame as due to time of day and sightseeing, we couldn't take advantage every day.

Our room had a bathroom with one of those opening doors out into the bedroom area. It was a standing shower but the bathroom area had luggage space which was a nice, handy touch. The corner room was great with extra space, especially with a stroller (and the crib).

The staff were able to hold some luggage for us and they even were willing to go well past 4pm for our last day late check out, which we did not need, but grateful they were so willing to offer, especially given we had a premium room for the property.

Overall I highly and strongly recommend the hotel and all...

I recently visited the high tea buffet on the 22nd of February, and unfortunately, it did not meet the standards of other Colombo hotels. Although they offered a 20% discount, the food selection was limited, and the buffet price, after the discount, was 3440 LKR. Even with the discount, I didn’t feel the experience was worth the cost. The staff were friendly. However, the food variety was far below expectations. The only meat item available was chicken winglets, which later changed into tiny baby drumsticks. The idly masala seemed like an attempt to add a budget item, and the fish cutlets were disappointingly small. The mini mutton rolls, pizza squares, and mini sausage buns were decent, but there were only six savory items to choose from, and I would even count the idly as a joke. I’d rate the savory section a 4.5/10. For sandwiches and mini burgers, there were five types available, though they were repeated twice—both in the sandwich area and on a standing rack, which just filled up space. Most of the sandwiches were very dry, with cheap fillings. Even the mini croissants had half a slice of cheese and a tomato as the filling. The grilled sandwich station prepared dry sandwich slices. Overall, I’d rate the sandwich section a 4/10. The pancake station, on the other hand, was a highlight. The pancakes were good, served with a variety of toppings. However, the dessert section was similarly limited. Only three types of desserts were offered, and the raspberry cheesecake tasted like a cheap imitation, probably made with yogurt or curd instead of cream cheese. There was also granola yogurt and mango panna cotta, but I don’t think many people come to a high tea for granola yogurt. The scones were raw for my taste, and there were just random items like marshmallows, kisses, cookies, and Sri Lankan traditional sweets to fill up the racks. There were six types of cakes while repeating twice. The mini profiteroles were tasty, but overall, I’d rate the dessert section a 4/10. As for drinks, they served iced coffee, passion fruit juice, iced tea, and falooda. While the taste was okay, the balance of flavors was off, with the main ingredient overpowering the rest. The falooda toppings (vermicelli, basil seeds, chocolate chips) were served separately, but the glass jars in the icebox were not sufficient to serve a group of 10, and refills were slow. The drinks section would get a 4.5/10 from me. Regarding the service and ambiance, I’d give it a 5/10. There were several issues that affected the experience, such as missing dessert spoons. When I asked for one, a stewardess suggested I take a tea spoon from the tea preparation area, which was an odd response. Plates were insufficient, and we had to ask for them multiple times. The falooda toppings weren’t served with spoons either, and the person ahead of me had to ask for them. The surroundings were also chaotic as preparations for the dinner buffet were ongoing, which disrupted the atmosphere for high tea guests. In conclusion, while the 20% discount might seem attractive, it didn’t justify the limited food options and the overall underwhelming experience. The original price of 4300 LKR, or even the discounted price of 3440 LKR, isn’t worth it. Other 4-star hotels in Colombo offer better high tea buffets at a lower price with a wider variety of items. Based on this experience, I would rate the overall experience 4/10 and would not recommend...

16 Dec 2024 Lunch buffet

Dear Marriot Hotel

Today I had joined lunch buffet since I was very hungry. I first with to the hostess table and I said I want to have Ala carte and I informed her that I am going to the terrace (next to the pool) I was waiting with my Fiancee and waited for few minutes for the menu since I did not get the menu I decided to go to the lunch buffet.

After joining the buffet I was not escorted to a table which is not a problem at all...but it's basic of hospitality. And then I went all around the buffet to check the buffet which was not refilled and I thought they will do it promptly but when I started to go to salad section it was not filled and also the others. And then I came to the table with a action counter salad and a deep fried items and the manager approached and asked me if I want anything and I told I want some warm water and he brought it. Best thing is he did not even check the water jug which had a pice of tomato and I showed him and he did not even replace my water but still I kept calm and to him that I need a sparling water since I did not feel comfortable drinking that water. He brought me a bottle of water and since he did not open the bottle I open its and it spilled on the table in front of him and I said sorry the I spilt water on the table and he smiled and he left, I thought he would at least clean the table for me but he did not. Still I kept silent and we went to bring us some mains and which we was not surprised to see the table was not cleared for our mains. And still we kept calm and we ate and then we went for our deserts and the when came back to and again not surprised the table with our starter plates,soups and mains were still on the table, since I did not have space to keep my deserts on the table I had to do my our table clearance and took it to the manager and gave him because all managers are busy in their phones and busy talk to each other with staff.

I very politely asked a service team member that I wanted to talk to the manager and he was there in front me and he informed the service team guy that he will be back in 5 mins and he walked away first and then he decided to come and speck to me. I explained to him about all his mistakes in a very polite manner and then told him to bring my bill and that was correctly done with out any problem since it was money. As a courtesy did not even offer the water on the house. I am not asking anything free here would have at least be happy that they tried to do something. Which here by I state that the poor training to managers and staff and also I was very unsatisfied of the service. Next is food it's is totally waste of money. There was 2 chicken curry's and they call it a buffet spread. This hotel need so serious consultation. I know I would have looked like a very poor looking guys because of my clothes but I always join like this. Service should be same regardless what appearance is.

Please do good training for the staff. The place is very beautiful and please make use of the property and the ambience.

Overall I will not recommend to anyone and I and very disappointed and feel very disrespected. I will come back just to check if these things have changed and improved....