Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonizers ruled Sri Lanka for several centuries leaving a rich colonial heritage on the island. Influenced by European architecture, they set up marvelous colonial buildings as their homes. Among them, the British architectural marvels are still remaining in the country. These red-bricked buildings and fairy tale cottages with rose gardens are a common sight in the hill country areas. Most of these ancient British buildings are now serving as major guest houses and hotels in Sri Lanka.
You’ll feel like going back to the past looking at these country cottages and bungalows around. These epic colonial hotels are still well maintained and offer modern facilities to the guests. Although these hotels are centuries of years old, they have premium amenities with everything needed for a cozy, comfortable stay. Thus, don’t forget to visit one of these epic colonial hotels to witness the grandeur of the past.
Here we are going to show you the most impressive colonial hotels to stay in Sri Lanka. Remember to have a look at the wonderful architecture of these beautiful buildings when you are visiting them.
1. Tintagel Colombo
Tintagel Colombo is one of the oldest colonial hotels in Colombo, locates in Rosemead Place in Cinnamon Gardens. This building was originally built in 1929 as a private residence and later it was occupied by the British military during World War II. Then the Bandaranaike family lived in this house until 2000. In 2005, Paradise Road Hotels took over the house and converted it into an elegant boutique hotel.
This hotel consists of 10 suites and two restaurants, a huge library, a courtyard, and a bar. Certainly, this is one of the top colonial hotels with exceptional features in Colombo. Even British royals including King Charles and Queen Camilla stayed at the hotel during their Sri Lankan visit in 2013. With its close proximity to the Colombo metropolitan area, Tintagel is a popular choice of accommodation for many visitors.
2. Galle Face Hotel
Originally built in 1864 and recently restored back to its former glory, this is one of the top colonial hotels in Colombo. It has great architectural value and considers a top iconic landmark. The hotel is located along the seafront in the famous Galle Face Green. Without a doubt, staying at this majestic hotel will bring you an everlasting memory.
This colonial-style hotel boasts a saltwater pool with sun loungers that face the vast Indian Ocean. Most rooms at Galle Face Hotel offer views of the Indian Ocean and Galle Face Green. Local and international dining options are available at the hotel’s 2 on-site restaurants. Certainly, this is among the top colonial hotels not to miss in Sri Lanka.
3. Nuwara Eliya Grand Hotel
Nuwara Eliya Garand Hotel is an epic colonial building founded as early as 1891. When you are visiting Nuwara Eliya, stepping into this luxurious hotel for afternoon High Tea is a must-do activity. It is located in the center of the city and is made completely in British architecture with an elegant appearance. Definitely, Nuwara Eliya Grand Hotel is among the most beautiful colonial hotels in Sri Lanka.
The Grand Hotel offers excellent facilities and a beautiful garden. The hotel looks like a fairytale cottage with this beautifully landscaped garden. It has a big green lawn and flower beds with roses. The walkways and garden make a relaxing environment for the guests. During the spring season, it becomes a heavenly paradise filled with colorful blooms.
4. Mountbatten Bungalow
Mountbatten Bungalow is one of the leading holiday resorts in Kandy. This bungalow was a creation by Lord Louis Mountbatten during World War II as his hillside getaway with vistas of lush green mountains and valleys. This hotel is beautifully structured and styled in a manner that showcases the brilliance of the Victorian era.
This 100-year-old bungalow has peaceful surroundings with incredible views. It is one of the most sought-after bungalows in Kandy just 15 minutes away from the city. Mountbatten Bungalow is merged with colonial charm with an air of modernity. Above all, the infinity pool in the hotel is famous as an epic photogenic spot.
5. Queens Hotel
Queens Hotel is one of the top historical and iconic hotels in Kandy, situated in the heart of the city facing the splendid surroundings of Kandy Lake and the Sacred Temple of Tooth Relic. It served as the Governor’s residence in the British period. In 1869, its name was changed to the Queens Hotel. Extensive enlargements and improvements in 1895 made it into a first-class hotel in Sri Lanka.
The hotel has 80 rooms, including five suites, two restaurants, a coffee shop, a beauty salon, and a souvenir shop. It also has an outdoor swimming pool and BBQ facilities. The specialty of Queen’s Hotel is it is located on the route of the world-famous “Kandy Esala Perahera Pageant“. This pageant proceeds alongside the Queen’s Hotel’s East & West wings, providing the most magnificent viewing facilities for the guests who patronize the hotel.
6. Jetwing st. Andrews
St. Andrew’s Hotel has a history dating back to 1875. It is a luxurious colonial-type hotel in Nuwara Eliya located adjacent to the famous golf course. This building was first called the ‘Scots Club’ and then the club became a hotel called St. Andrew’s in 1891. This Scottish connection and its proximity to the Nuwara Eliya golf course made it a popular hotel in the colonial era.
Later, Jetwing Hotels group acquired the St Andrews Hotel in 1987 and named the hotel as Jetwing St. Andrew’s. New additions included a new kitchen, accommodation wing, executive, and staff wings. In 1992, a further 24 new rooms were added to the hotel. Currently, this is one of the most popular colonial hotels among the visitors of Nuwara Eliya city.
7. Amangalla
Amangalla is one of the oldest colonial hotels in Galle Fort dating back to 1684. The complex was completed in 1715. Its name was the New Oriental Hotel from 1865 for 140 years. It catered to European passengers traveling between Europe and Galle port in the 19th century. In 2005, the international hotel group Aman Resorts acquired the hotel. Currently, it calls as Amangalla and it is a 5-star franchise hotel belonging to Aman Resorts.
This is one of the best colonial hotels with prime facilities in Galle. The Lonely Planet describes the Amangalla as an “ultra-posh hotel” catering to first-class airline passengers. Offering views of the resort’s 200-year-old gardens, Dutch Fort, and harbor beyond, Amangalla provides a wonderful oasis in this historic trading port.
Amangalla is world-famous as an excellent place.
8. Galle Fort Hotel
The transformation of a 300-year-old former gem merchant’s mansion into a modern luxury boutique hotel in 1999 was a complete miracle. This 12-room hotel impressed even UNESCO, who declared it “a masterpiece of cultural heritage and conservation”. Thus, it won the 2007 UNESCO Award of Distinction for heritage conservation. When you are visiting Galle, this is among the top colonial hotels not to miss in Sri Lanka.
You can get an up-close look at the original 18th-century woodwork and Sri Lankan antiques that make this such a great place to stay. It is a perfect base for the best beaches and cultural attractions in southern Sri Lanka. Moreover, it is famous for its delicious food prepared from fresh local seafood and market produce.
9. Uga Residence
Uga Residence is an exceptional colonial hotel in Colombo, built in the Victorian style in the 19th century. This historical hotel is located on Park Road just beside the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple. Currently, this hotel with eleven luxurious suites owned by Uga Escapes. Despite its central location in the heart of Colombo, the house is a calm and serene oasis.
All the suites in the hotel are specially designed for entertaining guests and for large-scale receptions. The modern and comfortable furnishings correspond to the elegance of the property and have their own reference to its history. The spacious garden, the private courtyards, the restaurant and bar, the event hall, the pool, and the fitness room offer plenty of space for various occasions and celebrations.
10. Ceylon Tea Trails
The Ceylon Tea Trails comprises 5 bungalows and they are located around the Castlereagh Reservoir in Hatton, Maskeliya area. These bungalows are former British colonial tea planters’ houses, named Dunkeld, Castlereagh, Summerville, Norwood, and Tientsin. They are carefully restored in a distinctive style that combines the old charm and modern facilities. Authentic furnishings, timbered ceilings, paneled libraries, and bay windows call to the colonial history of the place.
There is a spectacular outdoor infinity swimming pool, fed by mountain spring water. Moreover, refreshing and uplifting spa treatments and aromatherapy baths are available. The 5 bungalows locate over a wide area between 2 and 15 km from each other. Surrounded by lush green tea plantations, hiking and trekking between these bungalows is a famous activity among the guests of Ceylon Tea Trails.
11. The Hill Club
Nuwara Eliya Hill Club was established in 1876, as a golf club with only a billiard room and a bar. Later, the building was modified in the 1930s featuring two-storey grey stone building. This is one of the few remaining old clubs that remind you of the colonial architecture in Sri Lanka. It has typical English structures including wooden staircases, high roofs, hardwood floors, fireplaces, and antique furniture.
The Hill Club is one of the most popular hotels in Nuwara Eliya. It is currently operating as a club and hotel, with luxury rooms and all modern facilities. It sits on 26 acres of the area adjoining the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club and the country home of Sri Lanka’s President. Although it is over a century old, it still gives premium facilities to the members. It boasts 40 rooms including two suites, together with three family chalets.
12. Bandarawela Hotel
Bandarawela Hotel has a rich history starting from 1893. This building was originally used as a rehabilitation center for British soldiers who fought in World War I & II. Since this hotel building is an archaeologically protected monument, there aren’t any new modifications. If you are visiting the tourist paradise Ella, this is among the top colonial hotels to visit in Sri Lanka.
The surrounding of Bandarawela Hotel is breathtaking with the limitless mountain vista adorned by a green carpet of tea plants. The hotel has 33 colonial rooms with great views of the Hill Country. Since this area is cold, all the bathrooms come with bathtubs and hot water. Moreover, you can enjoy in the lovely garden full of colorful blooms.
13. The Bartizan
Located in the Galle Fort world heritage site, The Bartizan’s original structure was built in the early 17th century Dutch colonial period. The building has undergone careful renovations to restore the structure to its former glory. It locates in Peddler Street, just across the fort walls and right in the heart of local shops and restaurants.
It is one of the top-rated colonial hotels in Galle where guests can enjoy ocean and fort views right from the hotel. This boutique hotel has modern, stylish facilities while keeping the original architectural elements intact. It has a variety of suites from spacious rooms with private balconies and ocean views to intimate courtyard rooms and unique tower rooms.
14. Tamarind Hill
Built over 250 years ago, Tamarind Hill is a magnificent colonial manor house in Galle. Today it is a luxury boutique hotel attracting visitors from all over the World. It has ten spacious rooms & two grand suites, elegantly decorated with modern interiors including a great selection of antiques. Every suite offers a private balcony and exclusive butler service.
This hotel sets amidst beautiful green gardens surrounding the hotel. The secluded infinity pool beside the Gin Ganga River is one of the unique features of the hotel. Covered by lush greenery, this long swimming pool is a perfect place to enjoy a long swim and relax on the sun beds. Then you can dine in style with fresh seafood and grilled delicacies at the restaurant.
15. Grand Oriental
Grand Oriental Hotel or GOH is a colonial hotel located at the heart of Colombo overlooking the busy harbor. Its previous name was Taprobane Hotel. This iconic building is an exceptional place where comfort blends with affordability. The fine architecture speaks about the country’s historical colonial past.
The 80 rooms and two suites are splendidly decorated, and fully air-conditioned. The two suites are named after two famous personalities who stayed here, Anton Chekhov and Joze Rizal. Certainly, these luxury suites offer a fantastic view to the guests. The hotel has two restaurants, a nightclub, a bar, and a café. It is more than just a hotel; you’ll feel this is a home away from home.
To sum up, this list shows our collection of epic colonial hotels belonging to old Ceylon. These grand old cottages and mansions have been reborn as amazingly beautiful luxury escapes that you want to book now. Surely, spending a night in these colonial hotels will give you a memorable experience. Hope you’ll find the best place from this list and have a wonderful stay in Sri Lanka.
Disclosure: Images from Booking.com. If you book your accommodation through our links, we earn some revenue, at no additional cost to you. Thank you very much!
