Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo set to become one of Asia’s top MICE destinations

• The hotel is taking reservations for stays from 17 November

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo is set to become the most extensive and versatile events venue in Sri Lanka when it opens its doors by mid-November. The hotel will boast over 3,500 sqm of events space including two ballrooms, several function rooms and a private outdoor lawn. 

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will be the second Shangri-La property in Sri Lanka – joining Shangri-La’s Hambantota Golf Resort & Spa, which opened in June 2016 – and is anticipated to be one of the most prominent hotel launches in Sri Lanka in nearly 30 years.

Intended to appeal to large conferences and events, the hotel will complement the island’s attraction as a global MICE hotspot, alongside Bangkok and Singapore. The property will also be the perfect host for weddings, social functions and gala dinners, while offering Shangri-La Events Collection expertise and benefits, to create memorable curated experiences and bespoke incentives. 

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will be home to the region’s largest pillar-less ballroom, at 1,580 sqm the Shangri-La ballroom will be capable of catering seated banquets for up to 1,500 guests and 2,100 theatre style. The property also offers the Lotus Ballroom (470 sqm) seating 400 guests for dinner and 600 for cocktails. 

Moreover, adjacent to the Lotus Ballroom are three flexible breakout rooms, thoughtfully named after different local spices: Ginger, Saffron and Tamarind. All of the conference and function rooms feature state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, including clip on or wireless microphones, built-in speakers and stands. 

For those wanting to take advantage of the cool sea breezes, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo also has an outdoor events space with an open bar, lawn and suspended pavilion – a striking spot for destination weddings, fashion shows and private events. In total, the outdoor events space seats 420 for dinner and 750 guests for cocktails. 

On the higher floors of the hotel, guests will find several boardrooms including the Horizon Club Executive Boardroom. The boardroom not only offers the best views in the city but also access to the Horizon Club Lounge. The Horizon Club provides further personalised service to make the business traveller’s stay all the more comfortable, including hotel limousine transfers, private in room check-in and check-out with the option of a late check-out as well as a dedicated Club Concierge.

Located at One Galle Face along the Galle Face Green promenade, which is the most exclusive address in Colombo, Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will offer uninterrupted Indian Ocean views in most of its 500 guestrooms and suites and 41 serviced apartments. The hotel sits on 10 acres of land that will also soon accommodate an office tower, two residential buildings and a high-end shopping mall, bringing a new level of luxury to the thriving, metropolitan city of Colombo. The hotel is a 40-minute drive from the Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport.

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo will unveil a new social and dining scene in the city with six restaurants and bars offering an extensive selection of local and international cuisine, al fresco dining, daily live entertainment and innovative menus. For those seeking serenity and the opportunity to unwind, CHI, The Spa will be a welcome addition with seven treatment rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a swimming pool and pool bar overlooking Galle Face Green and the Indian Ocean. 

Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo’s introductory MICE offer ‘Meet In Colombo’ includes: a dedicated group check-in counter at the lobby, a traditional Sri Lankan welcome experience, a welcome drink reception, a facilitator for icebreaker and energiser sessions, the exclusive use of brand new state-of-the-art function rooms with LCD projector screens, flip charts and stationary, a choice of themed lunches and tea/coffee breaks, a dedicated Events Concierge, and technical support. 

Additionally, the group can benefit from one complimentary room for every 25 rooms booked, and a complimentary suite upgrade for the organiser. Priced at $ 179 per room per night the package also includes accommodation in a room with ocean view, daily breakfast buffet and complimentary Wi-Fi. 

For more information or reservations, E-mail [email protected] or visit www.shangri-la.com/colombo. Room rates are applicable for stays from 17 November and are subject to 30.28% local taxes and service charges.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently operates over 95 hotels with a room inventory of over 40,000. Shangri-La hotels are five-star deluxe properties featuring extensive luxury facilities and services. Shangri-La hotels are located in Australia, Canada, mainland China, Fiji, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. 

The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Australia, mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. For more information, please visit www.shangri-la.com.

-Pix by Nirmala Dhananjaya