Paul's Hotel Review for the
Sheraton Colombo
Hotel
Details:
Duration of stay: 7 nights / vacation
Food & Beverage:
Colombo Kitchen (Lunch/Dinner) :
Colombo Kitchen (Breakfast) :
Rooftop BAYU Lounge / Bar:
—-

= bad, a lot of work needs to be
done


=not good, you will be busy with
corrections

= Half a Point/sheep
—-
General Info:
When you're seeking the perfect mix of luxury, convenience, and contemporary comfort in Sri Lanka's bustling capital, the Sheraton Colombo Hotel should be at the top of your list.
Here is our full review for this amazing property.
Location of the Hotel:
The Sheraton Colombo is strategically located on Galle Road, one of the most important streets in the city. This prime location puts you right in the middle of Colombo’s vibrant business and
shopping districts, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers. It’s just a short walk from the iconic Galle Face Green, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Indian
Ocean, or explore the many restaurants, shops, and attractions that dot the area. For those looking to mix business with pleasure, the hotel's central position allows for easy access to both
the city’s financial hubs and tourist destinations.
How to Reach the Hotel:
Reaching the Sheraton Colombo is straightforward and convenient. The hotel is around 35 kilometers from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
We prefer UBER to get around in Srilanka as there are no discussions or scams with the drivers and UBER or Pickme are available from the airport. By car or taxi, it takes about 45 minutes to
an hour, depending on traffic. The hotel also offers private transfers, making your journey from the airport to your accommodation seamless and stress-free. Once you’re in Colombo, you can
easily reach the hotel by tuk-tuk, local bus, or even ride-sharing apps, as Galle Road is a major artery that connects much of the city.
There are no ATM machines available at the airport, only money exchange with a bad conversion rate. You can withdraw some cash at a bank right next to the hotel.
About the property :
The Sheraton Colombo Hotel stands tall with 320 rooms and suites in total, providing a perfect balance between luxury and comfort. The hotel has a total of 21 floors, offering stunning views
of the Indian Ocean or the bustling cityscape of Colombo. Out of these, there are multiple suites, each designed with extra space and additional amenities for those seeking a more premium
experience. The hotel's layout ensures that regardless of which floor you're on, the experience remains top-notch, with a focus on providing all guests with modern comfort and style
throughout their stay.
The
hotel was opened in December 2023 and so it is very new.
It’s the
perfect setup for business travelers, vacationers, or those just passing through Colombo!
Prior to our arrival I was in contact with the hotel and they always responded emails in a very timely manner and were super helpful in organizing everything.
I addition we got contacted from the reservation department as soon as we made the booking with an email asking if they can be of any assistance for our stay.
Check-in:
We arrived at the Hotel around 4:00PM and we had an amazing check-in experience. Staff was waiting and ready for our arrival.
We were greeted at the curb side by the bell boys/concierges who took care of our luggage and were escorted to the front office desk.
In the lobby the front office Manager as well as the Assistant Front Office were greeting us. It was a big pleasure for us seeing them all again. They escorted us to a couch in the lobby
where the check-in took place.
During the check-in process, the agenda was super friendly and helpful. The concierge brought us a welcome drink and cold towels as a welcome refreshment.
Once check-in was done, the Front Office Manager escorted us to the room and explained us everything.
Absolutely an amazing check-in, it felt like coming home and it was a great start for our stay.
Check-out:
Check-out was great too. The agent interacted with us and asked for feedback about our stay. He asked if everything was okay and talked us through the process.
The Rooms division Manager was also present and it felt rather having a nice chat / conversation instead of a check-out.
Staff at
the front desk was always super friendly and helpful and if they had the time they came over for a chat.
Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite Recognition:
Pre-Arrival:
The hotel did send out pee arrival emails asking about the arrival time and giving details about the property. The hotel also offered to arrange transportation from the airport to the
property. Emails were answered swiftly.
About 2 days prior to arrival the hotel pre upgraded us to a junior suite. Seeing that Executive Suites would be available for the entire stay and having enough Nightly Upgrade Awards / NUA
(former Suite Nights) I made a NUA request for the Executive Suite and it cleared the same afternoon.
Recognition at Check-in:
During check-in, the agent acknowledged our status. As we had made a NUA request, no upgrade had to be made by the property. The hotel offered us breakfast as well as the 1000 points as a
welcome gift.
The room was prepared absolutely spotless and with a VIP treatment.
There was a huge cheese plate, a bottle of red wine as well as a very very realistic and detailed marzipan figure from Paul.
On top there was a handwritten welcome card from the GM and in the bedroom there was a printed welcome card with pictures and a bouquet of flowers.
An absolutely top recognition and an amazing welcome by the property.
Eligible nights and points:
The nights, revenue as well as the points posted correctly 24 hours after our stay on our Bonvoy account.
Concierge:
The concierge team was super friendly and helpful. They gave us tips where to go and what to do and they were always there when we left the property and/or one of the first ones greeting us
coming back.
Room / Suite:
The Executive Suite we got thanks to the Nightly Upgrade Awards was absolutely stunning and thanks to the corner location it had absolutely phenomenal views over the city as well as over the
Indian ocean.
Waking up to such a beautiful view is priceless and a privilege.
The suite was big in size (88sqm) and had a great atmosphere. The colors and furniture used as well as the decorated reflect fully the new Sheraton style.
The suite consists of a guest bathroom on the right hand side when you get into the room and then there is the living room with a big couch, an armchair and a flat screen.
Next to the living room through a huge sliding door there is the bedroom.
On the left of the bedroom you have the entrance to a walk in closet as well as the entrance to the massive bathroom. There is also a cosy lounge chair. In the middle of the room there is the
massive bed and I think it is even bigger than a king size bed. It is huge.
Behind the head wall of the bed, which serves as a sort of room divider, there is the working area with a desk and chair and of course there is another flat screen tv.
The walk in closet is huge and it has enough space to keep two suitcases open on the racks.
Every
room (living room, bedroom as well as the master bathroom) have massive floor to ceiling windows with a stunning view of the city as well as the ocean.
The air condition worked perfectly fine in all rooms during day. Somehow we had the issue that the system automatically switched off during night and around after breakfast to ventilation
only. Once set back to cooling it worked again until the next day.
The living room was easier to cool down compared to the bedroom but that is most probably because of the different sizes of the rooms.
The bed itself was pure heaven. The mattress was top, the bedding phenomenal. The duvet was super comfy and fluffy the pillows were perfect.
One of the better beds and bedding we have seen in all our trips.
WiFi
worked completely fine throughout the entire property. We could work at the pool or in the lounge with the same speed and reliable connection.
Bathrooms:
The guest bathroom by the entrance of the suite is in decent size and very modern.
The main bathroom is no big but absolutely huge in size. It is one of the biggest bathroom we have ever had in a hotel.
When you enter the bathroom through a huge sliding door you have a big rain forest shower in an embayment on the right. In the middle of the bathroom there is a beautiful modern free standing
bathtub. On the left, in an other embayment there is the toilet with a separate door and next to it there are two modern washbasins with a huge mirror.
Also the main bathroom has huge floor to ceiling windows overlooking the ocean.
Housekeeping:
Housekeeping is amazing and they are real towel artists. Every day we had a different animal or flower awaiting us on the bed.
The room was cleaned spotless and the bed was done astonishing perfect and impeccable.
Also all public areas were always super spotless clean. Housekeeping is on the ball at this property.
F&B outlets/ Lounge:
Colombo Kitchen (Lunch/Dinner) :
The Colombo Kitchen is the main restaurant of this property. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can choose from a buffet for dinner or a la carte.
Like the entire hotel the interior is modern and stylish. The main theme is "Gathering at Sheraton" and that is expressed by the design, with furniture in Form of a massive table to gather
together as well as the items on the menu and buffet which gathers Sri Lankan, Asian and international dishes together
We had several dinners at the Colombo Kitchen (buffet & a la carte) and the food was super delicious and tasty. Everything was freshly prepared and there was not a single convenience item
we found on the buffet. Everything is handmade, with love and with passion.
Staff is phenomenal from all the chefs, chef de restaurant to every single server. They are fresh, vibrant and super friendly. Their knowledge, customer service and professionalism is on a
high level.
The kitchen crew is absolutely going the extra mile and is even offering other dishes not on the buffet.
We found a mistake in the menu and it was immediately corrected and the new version was shown the next day. They really soak up all the inputs from guests and try to implement and improve it
immediately.
We loved every bite and second at the Colombo kitchen restaurant.
Colombo Kitchen (Breakfast):
Breakfast was also served at the Colombo Kitchen.
Wowww, what an amazing breakfast buffet. It is one of the bigger ones I have seen in a Sheraton Hotel.
Also at breakfast the buffet is simply set up with love, passion, care and class and with pride in what the kitchen does.
They have different areas of the buffet. In one area you can find a very big selection of homemade bread and Danish as well as typical breakfast dishes like porridge and a big cereal section.
On the next section you have hot Asian and international dishes, a salad bar, cold cuts and cheese, Yogurt, fresh fruits and fresh juices.
There is a massive live cooking station where you can get fresh waffles, a grill station with different sausages, ham, bacon etc.
There is a soup station, a live cooking station with typical Sri Lankan breakfast items and of course a live egg cooking station where you can order your eggs your style.
As it is the same staff like in the evening, they go above and beyond in customer service and offer an impeccable but yet warm and hearted service.
Everyone from the chefs, waiting staff to the restaurant manager goes the extra mile which makes a huge difference. They are always smiling and interact with the customers.
Colpetty Lounge / Bar:
The colpetty lounge is the lobby bar / lounge of the hotel.
The outlet is still hidden and it can not be seen or found, if you stand in the lobby. If you stand in the middle of the lobby you think that this is a waiting area in the lobby with couches
and chairs as well as computer stations. You would never think that this would be a bar.
Would the bar be at the entrance of the colpetty lounge on the left hand side, everyone in the lobby and from the elevators would see that there is a bar. The computer work stations could
easily be hidden around the corner where the bar is currently.
We had a drink at colpetty bar.
Also here the staff did a good job, the server was super friendly and proficient.
The Pool Bar:
The pool and pool bar are located on the sixt floor.
We were at the pool almost every afternoon after exploring the city to relax and to unwind. The mojitos and drinks were great and the staff always took the time to chat with us and connect.
The menu is the typical pool menu and we tried some nibbles from it.
You can either choose to sit at the bar/restaurant or the team serves you everything at the pool site.
Ceylon Bake Shop:
Unfortunately we were not able to try the bake shop itself except the bakery and pastries items they served in the restaurant and the lounge.
Quality and taste of the cakes were amazing and everything was handmade. The decorations on the cakes were made with passion and attention to details.
Unfortunately also this outlet is hidden in the other corner on the ground floor and can not be seen when standing in the lobby and this outlet is simply forgotten.
BAYU rooftop Bar/Lounge:
This outlet was closed during our last stay but we knew from social media, that they have opened.
Wowwww, what a bar with a stunning rooftop terrace over Colombo.
All drinks and the entire drinks menu is especially crafted for this outlet. They have two pages of drinks, cocktails and mocktails simply created for the BAYU bar/lounge.
Drinks were amazing, the atmosphere was great and the view when sitting outside simply phenomenal.
Definitely a place to looking forward to return to.
The view from Bayu at sunset and at night is simply stunning.
BAYU rooftop restaurant:
Unfortunately something completely different to the bar/lounge.
This outlet has a massive identity crisis and especially the menu does not match the venue.
We were really much looking forward to have dinner at this outlet. We tried 3 starters and two mains. Unfortunately it was rather a disappointment than anything else. One of the dishes was
great the rest was mediocre and one main was not eatable as it was not recognizable that it was a fish. It looked like a steak as it was cooked to death. Nothing to repeat.
As we were the only guests also service wasn't really top. Staff was friendly and welcoming but you had to call them all the time as they were not really present in the restaurant.
The venue is super bling bling, gold, posh and fancy and it simply does not match the Asian style menu.
Sheraton Club Lounge:
The Executive lounge is located on the 21st floor of the hotel and has an absolutely stunning view over the city and the ocean.
It is still one of the top Lounges we have visited. It is divided in a few parts. When you enter the lounge, there is the reception, left of the reception is the food area and on the right
there are working stations as well as a meeting room.
Behind the reception is the bar area and left of it is the dining area with normal tables and chairs and right of it is the lounge area.
The lounge offers free drinks all day long and then there are special times such as afternoon tea or the happy hour.
During the happy hour they serve alcoholic drinks as well as cocktails. The property has a very extensive buffet which changes every day. The buffet consists of hot items which are mostly
local food so you can try the Sri Lankan kitchen, some other appetizers, salad, cold cuts with some freshly baked bread as well as a dessert buffet.
Also here the buffet is set up with care and class. It is simply beautiful to look at it with how much pride it is done.
This lounge shows once more what hospitality in Asia means and every hotel in the US would and should be ashamed of what they serve.
The staff in the lounge is friendly and helpful and interacts with the customers. The lounge attendant is chatting with all the guests and the chefs like to explain what can be found on the
buffet.
Pool:
The pool is located on the 6th floor of the Hotel.
It is of decent size and has sun beds and chairs available. The water temperature is on the nicer warm side.
Staff from the pool bar/restaurant are always there to help with the umbrellas or towels and serve drinks and snacks by the pool side.
Spa:
The Shine Spa is located on the 3rd floor of the hotel together with the gym.
We had massages almost every day. Treatments as well as therapist are very professional and relaxing.
Prices are in a decent range and not overpriced like at other hotels.
Spa reception staff was always friendly and welcoming.
Gym:
The hotel has one of the biggest hotel gyms without external guests I have ever seen. It consists basically of three rooms where in one room you have the cardio machines, in the other you
have the weights and weight lifting machines and then there is the stretch area.
There is always staff present which is super friendly and helpful.
Social Media:
Social media at this property is still a very weak link.
You can definitely feel and recognize that social media is handled from an agency and not directly from the hotel.
They post lots of advertisements and staff alike, but....
If you write them a direct message or a message on a specific post, if you tag them or if you write a comment under a post, there will be no answer at all.
Simply no interaction at all and it puts the property in a perspective that they are not interested.
I started to look around at other properties from Colombo and we found two other hotels which have the exact same agency as postings were simply copied and just changed the logo.
Such postings are social media like it was 10 years ago. No interaction, no feelings no nothing.
The hotel should take social media in house so they are able to interact with its direct customers or potential customers. If you don't get answers to your questions then why should you visit
the property.
Summary:
All in all another fantastic stay at the Sheraton Colombo Hotel.
It still ranks in our top 5 stays at all times.
9 months after our last stay at this property it is with great pleasure to see and feel, that the hotel could keep up the fantastic service level and even increase it at some places.
From the outside the hotel doesn't look promising but from the inside the hotel is a gem, beautiful, modern and vibrant with a fantastic atmosphere. We can not do more than highly highly
recommended this property for a stay in Colombo.
The biggest treasure of this property is their staff. They are all well trained, offer a phenomenal customer service but are still very open and approachable. They like to interact with
customers and with that they create a intimacy and a family atmosphere.
Simply wowwww.
Everyone went above and beyond for their customers.
We will definitely go back again and are already now looking forward to our return.
Notes:
- Paul the Sheep does not get any benefits from the Hotels/Airlines etc.
- Paul will always pay for the services in order to be able to rate freely and truly about the experiences.
- If you are interested in more details, please send us a private message and I will be happy to share more information and pictures.