The Golden Crown to open shortly in Kandy

The Golden Crown Hotel, a super luxury 5 star property located on two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in Kandy and designed by renowned architect Dr. Upendra Rajapakse, will open shortly for the festive season.

Owned by The Golden Crown Hotel Ltd - which is a subsidiary of Serene Holdings, which already operates Serene Grand Hotel in Kandy, Serene Grand Villa in Kandy, Serene Kings Villa in Nuwara Eliya, Serene Villa in Nuwara Eliya and the Tea Village in Nuwara Eliya, which is currently under construction - The Golden Crown indeed promises to be the jewel in Kandy’s crown. 

The Golden Crown Hotel Ltd. Chairman Sriyananda Wijekoon said: “The Golden Crown Hotel differentiates from other hotels in Kandy as we offer an extensive range of deluxe accommodation as well as banqueting facilities that can cater to over 2,000 persons. We have a helipad facility as well, so it is evident that The Golden Crown effortlessly combines traditional comfort with modern facilities and our own hallmark attention to detail, while a striking feature on entering the hotel is the spectacle of a fully automated, colour changing dancing water fountain which greets you.” 

The Golden Crown Hotel is set amidst verdant paddy fields, surrounded by lush greenery and is a sanctuary for those seeking peace and luxury. Ninety rooms, including 72 Deluxe Rooms, 10 Junior Suites, six Premium Suites, a Crown Suite and a Presidential Suite complete with a private elevator for both the Presidential and Crown suites, comprise the hotel’s accommodation.

Veteran hospitality industry expert Roshan Fernando, who has been appointed the hotel’s General Manager, will head the team at The Golden Crown. 

With almost 40 years in the hospitality sector under his belt, Fernando will incorporate his strong leadership skills and prowess as a manager to ensure that The Golden Crown stays true to its name. The veteran hotelier has made his mark in South East Asia and proved his mettle as one of the finest hospitality industry personnel produced by Sri Lanka.

Addressing a media briefing, The Golden Crown Managing Director Chanuka Wijekoon explained the theme behind the name. 

“The Golden Crown is a marvel of a structure capturing the proud unique Kandyan history in a modern contemporary setting. Every feature of the hotel has been well thought through and tastefully designed to provide the guest with a memorable experience.” 

The Golden Crown Hotel is a special project for Chanuka as it is designed and constructed according to his wishes and under his watchful eye.  

Director Finance and Administration, Hansani Wijekoon, said that investment in The Golden Crown exceeded $ 15 million and that their Board of Directors felt the investment was more than worth it as they foresaw tremendous potential for tourism in Sri Lanka. 

Diners are spoiled for choice with the array of restaurants and bars that The Golden Crown has on offer. The Brix (175-seater) serves an array of local, South Asian and international cuisines, while a combination of local, South Asian and international breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are also available. 

The Long Bar in an Irish pub atmosphere serves snacks, salads, soups, grilled items and tasty titbits, as well as desserts, while Treats, the coffee shop, offers a fusion of Continental and Asian influenced ‘grab-n-go’ foods and a variety of freshly brewed coffees.  

The infinity pool swim-up bar serves informal poolside lunch menus with salads, sandwiches, pizzas and refreshing cold desserts, and the Lavo (175 pax capacity) situated on the topmost floor, is an upscale and chic night time venue.  Lavo is also available for group dining, parties, cocktails, corporate functions, etc. 

“Our three banquet halls with a combined capacity of over 2,000 persons and 36,000 different shades of fully animated lighting systems to match any theme/color, is unmatched,” said Managing Director Chanuka. The  Windsor Ballroom (500 persons), Crown Court (500 persons) and Grand Ballroom (1,200 persons), which is one of the largest pillar-less halls in Sri Lanka, are guaranteed to cater to the most exacting of wedding or conference organisers.” 

The hotel’s fitness centre, sauna and spa are state-of-the-art, while an infinity swimming pool is set on the second floor with a picturesque view where guests can relax and bask in the tropical sun.

All rooms are tastefully designed and include flat screen TVs with an IPTV facility, while all categories of suites have Jacuzzis, rain showers and panoramic views. The Presidential and Crown suites both have their private elevators and are so luxurious as to befit royalty. 

The Golden Crown, living up to its name, promises a memorable experience, while its banqueting facilities are guaranteed to raise the bar for conferences and weddings.

The Golden Crown Board of Directors - Chairman Sriyananda Wijekoon, Managing Director Chanuka Wijekoon, Director Chamali Wijekoon and Director Finance and Administration Hansani Wijekoon.

Veteran hotelier Roshan appointed GM of 5 star Golden Crown in Kandy

Veteran hospitality industry professional Roshan Fernando, who counts over 40 years in the hospitality sector, has been appointed General Manager of the deluxe 5 star Golden Crown Hotel, the latest addition to Kandy’s hotel portfolio. 

The Golden Crown Hotel boasts a banquet facility that can cater to over 2,000 persons, while a helipad, private elevators for the Crown and penthouse suites are guaranteed to establish it as the jewel in Kandy’s crown.

Nestled in the quiet city of Ampitiya, Kandy, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, The Golden Crown Hotel is a 5 Star property equipped with all modern amenities, set amidst lush paddy fields and surrounded by verdant greenery.  

The retreat is the newest addition to properties by Serene Holdings Ltd. and Fernando will leverage his strong leadership skills and prowess as a manager to ensure that the hotel lives up to its name. 

During his career, Fernando has worked in managerial positions in Sri Lanka including the Taj Samudra Colombo/India, Heritance Ahungalla, Tea Factory Kandapola and Earl’s Regency Kandy. He was appointed Director Operations of Aitken Spence Hotels for nine hotels in Sri Lanka prior to his international managerial postings in Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia. 

Fernando is a graduate of the Ceylon Hotel School (CHS) and a Past President of the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association (CHSGA), specialising in Food and Beverage operations from the Ceylon Hotel School and School of Tourism.  

He was the General Manager of five star luxury boutique properties such as Hotel Tugu Lombok, Bali in Indonesia, Amara Sanctuary Resort in Singapore and VPD hotels in Vietnam looking after four hotels, including the Sofitel Dalat Palace hotel.

This veteran hotelier has made his mark in South East Asia and proved his mettle as one of the finest hospitality industry personnel produced by Sri Lanka.

His popularity, efficient management and excellent public relations have paved the way for many other Sri Lankan hoteliers to gain employment in many leading hotels around the world.