Hilton Colombo

BACKGROUND Hilton Colombo has been operating in Sri Lanka's capital since 1987. Given its long-standing status and rather dated design, renovations of its guest rooms are underway, with all 345 set to be complete by the time of going to press. Hilton has three more properties in Sri Lanka, including Hilton Yala Resort (see page 44).

- Hannah Brandler

WHERE IS IT? The hotel is located in Colombo's central business district and helpfully connected to the World Trade Center by a walkway bridge. The Dutch Hospital shopping centre is five minutes away while Gangaramaya Temple is a ten-minute walk. The hotel can organise a car transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport, which is about 45 minutes away.

WHAT'S IT LIKE? It's a vast 19-storey property with an energetic atmosphere evident as soon as you enter - wedding parties cross paths with corporate types, while families gather in the spacious openplan lobby.

As with many establishments in Colombo, presumably due to the terrorist attacks on the city in 2019, the entrance has a security scanner for bags and individuals. Once you're through, staff wheel your bag to reception. Check-in is from 3pm and check-out at 12pm. I headed to my room within minutes, greeted by welcoming staff at the lifts.

The lobby is adorned in wood panelling and high, carved ceilings, with plenty of seating. The tropical grounds are expansive and include a beautiful lotus pond and events lawn, while a footbridge takes guests over the road to the resort-style part of the hotel, with a pool and sun loungers.