Grand Oriental Hotel

In 1837, a Dutch governor's home was converted to barracks for the British army, and the building eventually became the Grand Oriental Hotel in 1875. The hotel is currently owned by the government-owned Bank of Ceylon. While the facade features attractive colonial style, and some historic decor is on display inside, the widespread mismatched and dated furniture, visible wear and tear, and unpleasant odors make this property a poor value. However, the harbor views from the buffet restaurant are interesting and the lobby-level Sri Lankan eatery has gorgeous, colorful painted ceiling tiles and a bronze wall frieze. 

For those who want a historic property relatively nearby, the Galle Face Colombo Hotel is a more luxurious alternative. Travelers who want to stay in the Fort area of Colombo should consider The Kingsbury, which has quality features that include an infinity pool and rooftop bar.

The Grand Oriental Hotel sits in the Fort area of Colombo, which is the central business district. It's just opposite Colombo Harbour and Sri Lanka Port Authority, which isn't necessarily the most scenic, but provides interesting views of docked ships. Lots of government and bank offices are located in the area, and dining and shopping options are nearby. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, which houses the famed Ministry of Crab restaurant, is a seven-minute walk away, and Pettah World Market, where vendors sell spices, souvenirs, and clothes, is a 15-minute walk. Bally's Casino is also a 15-minute walk, and Colombo Lighthouse is 18 minutes on foot in the opposite direction. The popular Galle Face Beach and park is an eight-minute drive, and the National Museum is 10 minutes by car. The main Bandaranaike International Airport is a 36-minute drive from the hotel. 

The design varies between room categories, but guests can expect worn and dated colonial-style decor, such as carved wooden furniture, mismatched patterned linens, and tile floors. Although four-poster beds and vanities in some guest rooms are charming, units show their age and need a full renovation. On the upside, they're huge, and come with seating areas, wardrobes with safes, flat-screen TVs, minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and efficient AC. Two suites are named after former famous guests -- playwright Anton Chekhov and activist Jose Rizal -- and have antique details like rotary phones and historic photographs. Bathrooms have either brown or more attractive black-and-white tile, and either tiny stall showers or shower/tub combos with plastic curtains. Standard Rooms lack hairdryers, and toiletries are sparse across the board. 

Features here are sufficient for travelers who don't mind the lack of a pool, gym, and full spa. A massage room is available, but guests have reported services are mediocre. For dining options, the all-day buffet restaurant serves well-regarded food and offers harbor views from a wall of windows. The restaurant was redesigned by famed Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa in 1966, and it also houses a green back-lit bar and pool table. The ground-level Sri Lankan Restaurant is a more colorful space that serves buffet lunches and a la carte dinners. Another bar, plus a nightclub and pastry shop are also on-site. A business center and event spaces are available, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.