Grand Oriental Hotel Colombo

Grand Oriental Hotel Colombo

Located opposite the Port of Colombo, this landmark was originally built in 1837 as an army barracks before being converted into the Grand Oriental Hotel in 1875. It was once one of the finest hotels in the city, and accommodated passengers who arrived in Sri Lanka by ocean liner. Anton Chekhov was a guest at the hotel in 1890. According to some sources, his short story Gusev was penned during his stay here. Although no longer attracting film stars or royalty and lacking most of its former colonial elegance, the hotel retains its imposing façade. Don’t miss the view of the port from windows of the fourth floor Harbor Room restaurant.