The Kingsbury Hotel

The Kingsbury was formerly an InterContinental, and underwent a major refurbishment after being purchased by a growing British hospitality group. Thanks to the striking ivory-colored covered driveway, large pillars, and a pretty fountain, the hotel feels elegant from the moment of arrival. Porters and doormen dressed in spiffy uniforms greet guests and assist with luggage. Red roses are the brand's signature flower, and an enormous bouquet can be seen as soon as guests are led through black-arched doorways -- a striking contrast against white walls -- where they are welcomed with a juice cocktail. The majority of travelers are in town on business, due to the hotel's financial district location, but there are also leisure couples and even families with little ones (great babysitting services are offered!). This is a hotel for all ages, and there are daily events, including local weddings, that give the property an urban air of importance and activity. Add to this just the right dose of British charm and guests will be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about.  A black, white and red color palette is a theme of the hotel. The sleek marble floor of the lobby has a black and white design, for instance, and there are extra-tall black chairs against white walls. Chairs are separated and do not have tables, so the lobby is not cozy (it's more of a people-watching spot), but there are other communal spaces for relaxing, like the patisserie, which guests are likely to become familiar with on the first day. This lounge has plush red chairs and serves all-day espresso drinks, pastries, and high tea in the afternoon. Kings Bar is located next door -- check out the bar that originated in Ireland -- and other restaurants like the buffet and two a la carte options are also on this first level. Doors next to the patisserie lead to the pretty pool area, which receives the biggest crowds on the weekends. Drinks and lunch items are served on the terrace, but views are marred by the construction site across the street -- a luxury port development project. The hotel makes up for this unfortunate construction zone as best as it can, though, and the rooftop Sky Lounge has beautiful city and ocean views. This is a great place for younger guests looking for a bit of nightlife, as the bar serves drinks and plays music well into the night; it also attracts stylish locals. 

The Kingsbury is located in Sri Lanka's bustling capital about a 45-minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport. It is one of the few luxury hotels located so close to the Indian Ocean (there's also Hilton). Ocean views can be seen from most rooms and the infinity pool, though nearby construction sites may be an eyesore. Guests -- many who are here on business -- are right in Fort, the city's business hub, and a quick drive to corporate offices, embassies, and banks. It's a three-minute drive to the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Center, a 10-minute drive to Colombo Harbour, and a 20-minute drive to the World Trade Centre. Leisure guests will find that they are within a 10-minute drive of shopping malls, the railway station, and the Galle Face Green -- a historic waterfront park that offers plenty of sports and activities, and green picnic space.  Guests can ask the doorman to retrieve a taxi for them from the hotel's entrance, though prices are usually inflated for tourists. This is still a convenient way to go for longer trips to coastal areas, or for trips to the airport. To save money for shorter rides in the city, simply walk toward the street where tuk-tuks are usually waiting. If they are not present, they can quickly be flagged down from the main road, and a rate typically much cheaper than that of a taxi can be arranged.  

This nine-floor hotel has 229 rooms in six categories, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and many with views of the ocean or infinity pool (though some construction across the street is also visible). Decor is clean and elegant, and plush beds are dressed in quality Italian Frette linens. There are framed TVs on the walls (with satellite channels), nice work desks, free bottled water, tea and instant coffee, and chargeable minibars stocked with wine, beer, soda, Red Bull, and liquor. Bathrooms are tasteful with contrasting black and white marble tiles, generous Bulgari toiletries, loofahs, bathrobes, and slippers. Walk-in glass showers have rain showerheads and hand-held nozzles, and there is a built-in mirror for shaving.Superior Rooms, the smallest in size, are located on the second to fourth floor with views of the Galle Face Green or the harbor (some of these have less-than-stellar views of the ballroom rooftop). Located on the fifth to eighth floors are the Deluxe Rooms, which are slightly bigger. Both categories have kind-size or two twin beds. Premium Rooms are on the second to seventh floors, and Executive rooms are on the ninth floor; these rooms have king-size beds only.Suites offer two sides of windows for more light, and a partially separate living room decorated in cheerful turquoise hues. The Presidential Suite is the highest category room and comes with 24-hour butler service. Free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service is available to all. 

The long, narrow sleek swimming pool here is a key feature, and has an infinity edge overlooking the Indian Ocean across the street. Sadly, though, views that were guaranteed when the hotel first opened have been compromised by a construction project. Regardless, the pool is still popular, with sun loungers, umbrellas, and tables and chairs on the terrace for enjoying food and drink. There is a small section of sand called “the beach” with a few chairs here, too, though most stay away as the sand can get hot in the midday sun. Sun loungers on the weekends tend to get snagged early in the morning.The spa has an impressive menu of massages as well as facials and skin treatments -- all with reasonable prices. Treatment rooms are available for either singles or couples, and water and tea are offered in the relaxation area at no extra charge. For romantics, there is a VIP suite that has a private plunge pool, two rain showerheads, a steam room, minibar, and private music. The modern fitness center near the spa is free to use for guests. This bright and cheerful room has ocean views from floor-to-ceiling windows and a range of equipment such as treadmills, cross trainers, bikes, and dumbbells. Trainers are also available for a fee. The many business travelers here will likely appreciate that the business center has printing and scanning capabilities, and that there is a large Victorian ballroom for major corporate events (and weddings). The Winchester ballroom offers a smaller space for medium-size events, and there are also smaller boardrooms. Bridal parties should be aware that there is a hair salon on-site. Families have access to babysitting services that need to be arranged 24 hours in advance.  

Most of the dining occurs on the first floor near the lobby. The main restaurant is called Harbour Court and provides buffet service for breakfast, lunch and dinner; the quality cuisine changes daily with specialities from around the world. The spacious dining room is quite elegant and bright, with big windows that allow in natural light. Keep an eye out for live cooking stations.Directly beyond the buffet is another restaurant -- an a la carte option called The Ocean in a beautiful space with neutral tones and white tablecloths. Guests can dine in AC comfort, or on the outdoor terrace (though again, views may be marred by construction). Fresh-caught seafood is on display and can be handpicked and made-to-order, and there is an impressive list of wines.A cheerful and classy lounge next to the lobby is recognizable for its signature plush red chairs. This area is the hotel's own patisserie for all-day espresso, tea, chocolates, and pastries. High tea is served from here in the afternoons. The restaurant by the pool serves casual afternoon and early evening fare on the terrace such as tapas, pizzas, and sandwiches. The Sky Lounge also serves similar casual fare as well as cocktails. Yue Chuan is a beautiful indoor Chinese restaurant near the entrance with chic decor. The dining room offers private areas for business meetings. The menu is authentic Cantonese and Szechuan and reservations are required. In-room dining is available 24 hours a day. 

The lobby has a chic spot for cocktails called the Kings, which features a beautiful bar that was shipped all the way from Ireland. This lounge is open for cocktails until midnight. Drinks are served even later at the Sky Lounge. This is a cool spot for locals and guests -- especially popular during sunset -- with outdoor seating overlooking the city and ocean. Guests can also order drinks at the pool.