Sri Lanka’s first lean luxury hotel Cinnamon Red opens for business

Tuesday, 2 September 2014 02:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Rs. 3.5 b investment under Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Cinnamon Red, Sri Lanka’s first lean luxury hotel, was unveiled yesterday under the aegis of Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, who hoisted the Cinnamon Red flag to mark the ceremonial launch of this Rs. 3.5 b investment coming under the banner of the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts chain. Prior to the hoisting, the Cinnamon Red flag was ceremonially handed over to Cinnamon Red General Manager Terrence Fernando by John Keells Holdings PLC Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunewardene. Gathered at the launch were John Keells Holdings PLC Chairman Susantha Ratnayake, John Keells Holdings Deputy Chairman Ajit Gunewardene, Sancity Hotels and Properties Ltd. Chairman Mahen Weerasekera, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Sector Head – City Hotels Rohan Karr and Cinnamon Red General Manager Terrence Fernando in the presence of the media who were invited to cover the event. Located in the hub of Colombo at Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 3, which was formerly Green Path, Cinnamon Red, which has its pulse firmly on the buzzing metropolis of Colombo city, is billed to pioneer a completely new lifestyle experience. The newest addition to Colombo’s transforming cityscape, Cinnamon Red’s lean luxury concept is collated within 243 rooms, a distinctively designed eighth floor restaurant and a reception cum tea and coffee bar on the seventh floor. A striking focal point is the infinity pool, rooftop bar and fitness centre located on the 26th floor, giving guests a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of Colombo and the seascape of the Indian Ocean.

Introducing some firsts into the city hotel blueprint, Cinnamon Red’s unique features include ultra modern amenities such as self-check in and checkout kiosks, e-concierge services, vending machines and rooms equipped with Wi-Fi and IPTV systems. Cinnamon Red embraces the demands of the new age traveller who is in constant pursuit of unique experiences, combining innovation and affordability for a relaxed uncomplicated stay. The launch also gave those gathered a prelude to the hotel’s offerings, where guests walked through the entirety of the hotel to gain a look and feel of this new concept of lean luxury and the offerings that Cinnamon Red will give to its clientele. One of the distinctive features of Cinnamon Red is the collection of contemporary artworks adorning the wall spaces including the graffiti wall which incidentally was the culmination of an art competition conducted earlier this year by Cinnamon Red to showcase local talent. According to Karr: “The new, emerging breed of discerning travellers seek the assurance of a hotel that understands and anticipates their needs, while providing the right amalgamation of comfort, efficiency and convenience. This is the concept of lean luxury which Cinnamon Red is pioneering. By adapting to the growing needs of this segment of travellers, Cinnamon Red promises an ambience and environment for the modern traveller to simultaneously thrive and feel at ease, while being immersed in the city life that surrounds them.”

Well-aligned to Sri Lanka’s national narrative for the tourism industry and the perceptible changes being experienced, Gunewardene said: “As much as Cinnamon Red signifies the creation of a new tier within the Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Brand, it has also created an impetus for a brand new tier in Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. “Thus far, city properties in Sri Lanka have been positioned within the traditional framework of a star rating or as budget hotels, competing on price. The concept of ‘lean luxury’ being introduced by Cinnamon Red echoes the global hospitality curve and will fill a much-needed void between these two broad niches that the current hospitality industry subscribes to. It boldly breaks traditional norms, offering guests a uniquely different experience with affordability, efficient service and comfort. This will not just help Cinnamon Hotels compete better within the market, but will add value to Sri Lanka in terms of tourism.” Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is a part of Sri Lankan blue chip conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC comprising a portfolio of 13 hotels, including two Colombo city hotels, eight resorts in Sri Lanka and three island resorts in the Maldives. Being Sri Lanka’s first lean luxury hotel, Cinnamon Red heralds a new benchmark both for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and the lean luxury category in the country, being poised to become a game-changer in Sri Lanka’s evolving tourism industry. For more information, please visit: www.cinnamonhotels.com. For more property specific information, please visit: www.cinnamonredcolombo.com. Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera and Upul Abayasekara