Hotel Sigiriya now under LOLC Group’s leisure sector investments clustered under Browns Investments has invested over Rs. 150 million to refurbish and reopen the hotel giving a new look while also meeting post-pandemic travellers’ modern-day demands.
The refurbishment mainly focused on increasing amenities in the rooms and bathrooms and over 60% of investment was focused on this aspect to give the guest a touch of modern-day living.
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| GM Suresh Athukorala |
Another key aspect was to redo the hotel’s 7 .5-acre garden area and around and also upscale the reception and dining areas. The much sought after Ayurveda spa was upgraded at a cost of around Rs. 10 million.
The total renovation was completed in 2021 December despite changing conditions in the country. The total hotel has 77 standard rooms, 3 family rooms, and a suite. The staff was increased from 74 to 100 during this time
Ayurveda spa has five rooms with a couple of sauna steam rooms. An Ayurvedic doctor is on call and the centre and is open to non-resident guests as well. “We hope to market the Ayurveda spa as a package to foreign guests soon,” said Hotel Sigiriya and Club Dolphin Waikkal General Manager Suresh Athukorala.
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| Assistant Hotel Manager Thilanka Chandimal |
In a bid to increase entertainment a ‘special family gathering area’ would be introduced for kids and parents to relax and enjoy. For senior citizens, a ‘virtual Sigiriya visit’ will be created as well. For the first time in the region, an outdoor gym with a gym instructor would be added. A tree hut is to be opened soon.
The hotel also offers MICE facilities that could accommodate around 100 pax. “The hotel arranges excursions to nearby attractions such as Sigiriya, Pidurangala Temple, and Thalkote Lake. The temple is famous for viewing the sunrise and sunset. The hotel also offers Habarana Railway station pick-up.
There are excursions on offer. The group provides transport arrangements for an airport pick up and drop off alongside hotel transfers. “The hotel offers flexible check-in/outs on room availability,” said Assistant Hotel Manager Thilanka Chandimal.
Chandimal said that their main market is from the UK, German, Dutch, Australia and Europe. They also have a good mix of locals, especially during weekends.
Hotel Sigiriya has over 35% of its booking from booking engines and this is the highest for any hotel in the region. “This is because of our high rating of 9.0 out of 10.0 ratings. We have many positive reviews from guests in the Cultural Triangle. We have maintained superior service and provide dining options.”
“Hotel Sigiriya is also classified/ certified as a Bird-friendly hotel and we also have a resident naturalist and our nature walks are popular.”
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