Cinnamon Red expands to Kandy

JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra, Indra Hotels & Resorts Kandy Chairman Indra Kumara Silva, JKH Leisure Group President Jit Gunaratne, Indra Hotels & Resorts Kandy Directors Rushanka Silva and Hashindra Silva, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts (CHR) Executive Vice President Hishan Singhawansa, JKH Leisure Group Executive Vice President and Head of Finance Changa Gunawardane, CHR Vice President and Head of Brand Marketing Dileep Mudadeniya and Vice President and Head of Business Expansion Druvi Sirisena at the ceremony

• Work begins on 210 room hotel with Rs. 6.5 b investment by JKH-Indra Traders joint venture

Introduced in 2014, the lean luxury segment of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Cinnamon Red is set to expand to the hill capital Kandy. 

A ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of the project’s construction which is scheduled for completion in two years. Cinnamon Red Kandy will be the first and only Leed Gold certified hotel in Kandy, developed at an investment of Rs. 6.5 billion. 

With a portfolio of over 2,400 rooms in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts joins hands with reputed investor Indra Traders in a joint venture to introduce the new breed of hotel to the city of Kandy. 

This development is a timely initiative by both parties and underlines the confidence in tourism arrivals and the growing needs of visitors to the hill capital, which will be further augmented with access to the highway.  

Indra Traders’ investment of 60% includes a 130-perch plot of land on the Katugastota Road, Kandy. A long-term management contract has been executed between the parties with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as the hotel managing partner.

Cinnamon Red is a pioneering brand of hotel under the Cinnamon wing. It combines economy with elegance in a trendy and vibrant product embodying the concept of ‘lean luxury’. With its state-of-the-art design and technology, Cinnamon Red is an expression of modernity in hospitality in Sri Lanka.

Commenting on the opening of the property, JKH Chairman Krishan Balendra stated: “Kandy is a popular leisure destination attracting a majority who arrive in Sri Lanka. 

The hotel will be strategically located in proximity to the Kandy-Colombo highway and is well-positioned to cater to the demands of the new age traveller and millennials. Its unique selling proposition will add variety and diversity to the room classifications in Kandy delivering an outstanding lean-luxury experience to its guests. 

“The travellers of today seek the assurance of a hotel that understands and anticipates their needs, while providing the perfect blend of comfort, efficiency, quality and convenience – the very essence of the lean luxury concept that Cinnamon Red has pioneered. By adapting to the growing needs of this segment and expanding its reach to Kandy, Cinnamon Red is well poised to meet the requirements to deliver an inspiring stay in the hill country that combines the best of innovation with affordability. We are happy to take this next step in partnership with Indra Traders.”

Also commenting on the project, Indra Hotels and Resorts Kandy Ltd. Chairman Indra Kumara Silva stated: “We are extremely pleased to join hands with the country’s foremost contemporary travel and lifestyle brand, and we look forward to working together with the Cinnamon team to establish Cinnamon Red as the City’s ultimate lean luxury hotel. 

“Kandy is a destination with a growing leisure segment. It is also the pivotal point of all round-trips in Sri Lanka. It is the most opportune time to introduce this fresh and innovative concept to the city. The entire structure has been designed to showcase the charm and character of the locality, while highlighting its rich natural surroundings. The rooftop pool deck and lounge will be a signature location for entertainment, offering panoramic views of striking landscapes, and lush mountains. The entire building will feature ample natural lighting, smart ventilation and will run in an energy efficient manner to ensure that it is as eco-friendly as possible.”

Cinnamon Red has already become a popular base for travellers to Colombo and has won recognition on multiple platforms and booking channels. Among its accolades was its win at the National Tourism Awards for the Best Hotel in its Category, and the Best New Entrant win at the SLIM Brand Excellence Awards. Most recently the hotel secured an award from Booking.com for delivering exceptional levels of guest satisfaction. The hotel’s opening in Kandy is scheduled to take place alongside the opening of the Kandy-Colombo expressway which is expected to boost traffic and accessibility to the city.

Cinnamon Red Kandy will feature 210 modern and elegant rooms and public spaces that will have a distinct cotemporary flair and will reflect the rich heritage and culture of Kandy. The hotel will have a signature self-check-in service and a host of facilities including an expansive rooftop bar, 20 interconnecting rooms that will be ideal for business groups and families, wheelchair access throughout, a large swimming pool and restaurant that will serve all meals on a buffet and á la carte basis. Cinnamon Red will serve as the ideal location for travellers to explore the city of Kandy while on holiday or business trip.