Mount Lavinia Hotel

Introduction

The Mount Lavinia Hotel has a prized place in Sri Lankan history. It was originally the grand residence of Sir Thomas Maitland, Governor General of Ceylon in the early 1800s and later famed as the leading beach resort for Colombo's colonial-age elite. The hotel preserves the old world charm, lightened a little these days with more informality and a touch of romance, but you may still be treated to a doorman’s salute. Weddings at sunset on the beach and intimate dinners on the terrace under the stars are always special here. A visitor wedded to the demanding pace of modern life may find Mount Lavinia’s service a little slow and stilted, but those who can settle to a more relaxed pace of life will lap up the atmosphere. Mount Lavinia makes sterling efforts with entertainment, and you may be lucky enough to be there when the hotel’s private beach comes alive. The surrounding township of Mount Lavinia, with its maze of narrow by lanes, small beachside restaurants and wayside boutiques, will also appeal to an adventurous spirit.

Accommodation

275 ensuite rooms and suites are situated in the Governor’s Wing, Bay Wing, and Sea & Garden Wings. All rooms have a/c, satellite TV, mini bar, 24-hour room service, laundry and valet service.

Governor’s Wing Rooms and Suites: These rooms have magnificent views of the Indian Ocean and maintain an ambience of old world charm with hardwood floors and antique furniture. The ensuite bathrooms have h/w showers. The three luxurious and spacious Governor’s Wing Suites consists of a living and dining area, double bedroom and ensuite bathroom with bathtub.

Governor’s Suite: This special luxurious suite reminiscent of the life here in the Governor’s mansion during Colonial times, provides a memorable experience. Furnished with antique four poster beds, this suite has a large sitting and dining area with satellite TV, VCD and CD player, and mini bar.

Bay Wing Rooms & suites: Rooms in this wing consists of more modern interiors and has wall to wall carpeting. The special feature here is the private balcony that opens out to spectacular views of the Indian Ocean. The ensuite bathrooms have bathtubs and showers. The spacious Bay Wing Suites have sitting area with satellite TV and a private dining area.

Sea & Garden Wing Rooms: With tiled floors and soft pastel interiors, the rooms and suites in this wing also have private balconies with sea views. The Suites with living and private dining areas have parquet floors. The ensuite bathrooms are fitted with bathtubs.

Facilities

Mount Lavinia Hotel takes pride in their cuisine with international and local chefs providing a range of menus that are offered at different dining venues. There are three main dining venues - Sea Food Cove on the beach; the poolside terrace where guests are treated to the Governor’s High Tea at sunset and romantic dining under the stars; and the Governor’s restaurant that serves up a mix of Sri Lankan and international cuisine. There are several indoor and outdoor bars, the Little Hut nightclub - often with live music - the Coconut Spa, Yoga classes, a gym, mini-golf, pool, beach volleyball and table tennis. The Swimming pool with a kid's pool is located on the terrace overlooking the bay. Often movies are screened by the poolside at night. There is also a well-equipped business centre and shopping arcade with several jewellery and souvenir shops.

Why we like it

Undiluted old-world charm right down to the white uniformed doorman transport you to a different time.

Location

This sprawling hotel hugs the coastline of Mount Lavinia, Colombo's beach resort, with magnificent views of the Indian Ocean and a long stretch of private beach. On Colombo's southern fringes, it is en route to the beaches beyond. The journey from Colombo’s International Airport will take about one-and-a-quarter hours.