The Kingsbury Colombo review: Five-star hotel in Sri Lanka for the best sleep. Insomniacs take note!

So luxurious and comfortable we slept soundly through the alarm clock and almost missed our breakfast. We would book this hotel again in a heartbeat! 

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – If you are a light sleeper who tosses and turns in hotel beds, this one’s for you. At Kingsbury Colombo, we did something we have never done before – we overslept. And it was glorious.

I had always regarded Sleep as something elusive during travel. One hotel changed it all for me during my recent trip to Sri Lanka. The bed was so comfortable that even early birds like us slept through the alarm clock, and we almost missed their sumptuous hotel breakfast! 

Welcome to The Kingsbury Colombo Sri Lanka, a five-star hotel, centrally located in the heart of the city between Galle Face Green and the World Trade Centre. 

At a glance

How we got to know The Kingsbury

The Kingsbury Colombo was not in our original plans – we wanted to stay in Negombo, nearer to the airport. But fate had other ideas.

At the start of our trip, while exploring the Dutch Hospital area after feasting on the freshest crab at the world-famous Ministry of Crab, we chanced upon this grand hotel a mere six-minute walk away. It’s colonial walls was an immediate stand-out drawing hordes of tourists. 

Driven by curiosity, we did an online check that very night. The hotel had all the trappings of a 5-star hotel, yet it was available at a reasonable price point. We lucked out. There and then, we decided to make a loop back on our tuktuk, staying at the Kingsbury Colombo, instead of Negombo as per our original plan. We were not disappointed.

First impressions

Upon arrival, we were ushered in after a quick bag check through the scanner. Additional safety check, we thought, not bad for a peace of mind! As we stepped in, we were greeted with dark wood furnishings accompanied by chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling. It was a vast space despite guests milling around, gathering in groups big and small. 

Surprisingly, the check-in process was much faster than we thought. The friendly bellboy brought us to our room with our baggage. 

The 1.81m King-sized bed that changed everything

Let’s begin our exploration with the biggie! The biggest draw in the room was the 1.81 metres wide King-sized bed. I was excited to discover that they use the luxury Italian brand Frette linen known for their luxurious comfort. The mattress, made of organic cotton, was soft and comforting, yet provided just the right amount of support for the back. Four feather pillows provided just the perfect head and shoulder support, lulling us into dreamland.

In all our travels, only Hilton Fukuoka, came close to the bedding comfort we experienced at Kingsbury Colombo. 

The room: Understated luxury

The room included a dedicated luggage area, chair and table, a dressing table, Samsung television, a mini bar and fridge. Elsewhere, there’s a safe, and an iron with an ironing board. 

Upon entering the room, the black and white marble tiles caught my eye immediately – elegant and timeless. Apart from the stylish marble tiling, there was a separate cubicle complete with a shower head and a rain shower. 

We were happy to see that shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and body lotion were provided. I can’t emphasize how much I appreciate hotels which provide body lotions, and the Kingsbury Colombo is one of the few that do. They smell great too!

Lo and behold, at the bottom of the sink, I spied a weighing machine. How often do hotel rooms come with that? During our travels around Sri Lanka, we saw weighing machines for rental in the bazaar. Locals probably do not own weighing machines and to monitor their weight means paying a nominal fee at the marketplace. 

Breakfast worth waking up for 

Despite waking up late, we made it just in time for breakfast. And were we glad because that was one of the highlights of our stay. From Danish pastries, cook-to-order pratas to curry-drenched rice and sambal-spiced dishes, the buffet spread spans continents. Western food ranges from cold cuts, salad, cereals and nuts, extensive beverage selection to pastries.

We were extremely pleased with the local offerings, this being our final day to try the local food. The hot food and live stations were where we hovered around most of the time. 

Rice and curry, a mainstay in Sri Lankan diet, are available with many choices. At the live stations, we tasted some of the most delicious food in the country from thosai, naan, curry and sambals.

Plush chairs, warm wooden tables and attentive staff added to the welcoming dining space. There’s ample seating and you can choose to either dine by the windows with natural lighting or not. 

We were surprised there were a couple of service staff who were not conversant in English, considering the main clientele of the hotel being English-speaking tourists. We struggled to order a Flat White with one of the staff. But all’s good when we approached another friendly service personnel. 

I cannot recommend the hotel breakfast enough if you are staying in Kingsbury Colombo. 

Pool, gym and bar: Facilities and other services

What I truly appreciate in terms of amenities was the availability of bathrobes and bedroom slippers. Our pool view overlooked an Olympic-sized pool glistening in light blue.

Many hotels do not provide bathrobes even when they have a pool. While pool towels are provided, they are not supposed to be brought out of the pool area. 

This set me thinking: Do hotels expect guests to walk into the lift and lobby to the swimming pool in our skin-revealing swimsuits and walk about the lobby and corridors dripping wet with no coverage for modesty and the cold airconditioning? 

So, here’s a nod to Kingsbury’s thick and fluffy bathrobe.

Rectangular-shaped, the outdoor swimming pool allows for lap swimming. Strategically-positioned beside the bar and lounge chairs and big umbrellas for shade, it is the perfect place for people-watching, and of course, to be seen.

We were delighted that the poolside bar serves 10 unique draft beers. We spotted interesting beer concoctions such as Ambalavi Mango,  Pure Ceylon Tea Beer (Cham, anyone?), Cucumber Lime, as well as Coffee Stout (using 100% Vietnamese-grown Coffee), and also ale, wheat beer, lager. Such mind-boggling selections available to last an entire day and night at the bar, perhaps? 

Well-equipped gym

For a five-star hotel boasting rooms for business travellers, romantic getaways and families, the fully-equipped fitness centre did not disappoint. Opens from 6am to 9pm, there’s no excuse not to squeeze in a workout any time of the day. 

Spa and wellness centre

If indulgence is what you are after, be sure to check out the hotel’s apa and wellness centre. The Senses Spa houses experienced therapists from Bali and Thailand, known for their top-notch treatment and service.

From ayurvedic, hot stone to Oriental massages to facial treatments and hydrotherapy baths, you are promised only the best.

Endless selection of food and drinks

If you fancy remaining in the hotel during your stay, there’s plenty of food options – a total of nine eateries to be exact. Fancy Japanese, Chinese, Western, Spanish dining or drinking with a view, Kingsbury’s got them all! Or if you prefer, food delivery service right to your doorstep. 

24-hour butler service and laundry

What’s more, should you require any after hours services, their 24/7 butler is at your service. There’s also laundry service with a 48 hour turnaround. 

Unexpected hiccups 

Despite the long walk outdoors in the sun from the carpark to the lobby, we were extremely pleased with the location of the hotel. The staff was pleasant, efficient and eager to please. Except for the breakfast staff who did not get back to us on our coffee order – an unexpected communication barrier at a five-star hotel. 

Do prepare a dollar or two for tips. We were stumped when the bellboy brought our bags and refused to leave without a decent tip. Something we should have taken into consideration coming to a country like Sri Lanka in which tips probably make up a sizeable portion of their salary.  

Would we stay here again? 

The Kingsbury Colombo is definitely a great choice if you are looking for luxury. The supremely comfortable Frette bedlinen was a bonus, on top of its bedding that lulls one to sleep. Despite a few unexpected hiccups, we were very pleased with our stay and would recommend the hotel in a heartbeat!

Address

The Kingsbury Colombo is located at 48, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 01, Sri Lanka. 

Book your stay at Kingsbury Colombo.