Grand but decayed old place in front of the port. Somebody needs to buy it and spend tens of millions to make it into the Raffles of Colombo. Right now it is decent value at the rate they charge, you have what you need so long as you do not require a very clean or modern room. The wi-fi and air conditioning were OK. The food is a little expensive but pretty good. The area around the hotel is also decayed.

I booked the Grand Oriental for 3 nights for me and my family (partner, 1 year old toddler). I booked this place because I was intrigued by a 19th century hotel that was still/again running as a hotel, but as a kind of budget, 3 star accommodation. Honestly, it was like staying in the Titanic as it has so much old furniture, old grandeur feeling, fascinating twists and turns, and grittiness of a place that needs a good scrub 😬. If only the walls could talk! There were problems with the hot water, mini fridge and there was even a small flood in our room. But, honestly, because the staff were so lovely and our expectations were aligned with the 3-star stay, all of this was part of the charm. Because of the small inconveniences mentioned above, the staff also went above and beyond to make sure the problems were solved and we were comfortable. They did this all with a smile and high level of service. I would recommend my family and friends to stay here. Also, the location was good (near the train station, near the Dutch Hospital restaurants, not too far from Galle Face Green). Thank you, Grand Oriental staff and management for a charming stay!

It's one of the oldest hotels in Colombo. Well maintained, spacious rooms with all the necessary amenities. The entrance was grand resembling British architecture. The room service was very quick. The restaurant serves delicious food as per guests requirements. The hotel is located very close to many tourist attractions. The only con I had was they don't have a swimming pool on the premises.

First here is the good: The staff is very friendly.The location is good. The restaurants are okay. There is two lounges that stay open very late for drinks (they are very weak drinks) and music but the staff is very friendly. The bad: The hotel rooms are extremely old. Paint is chipping and their are stains all in the rooms. The rooms aren't cleaned to standard. My first room had a bathroom that was dirty, the shower had a slow drain in it so your would be standing in your own shower water while trying to wash. The TV had many channels that wouldn't come in clear. Maintenance came in to unclog the drain and destroyed all of my personal hygiene items. They ended up changing my room because they couldn't fix it. My second room had hair and dust all over the outlets. The air conditioner was dripping water all over the walls and floor. During breakfast I found a bug in the salt shaker. I would not recommend this hotel!

A well located hotel near the colombo harbour. Went to enjoy the lovely weather, high winds, dark clouds & mildly wild sea. The hotel has a nice view ofvthe sea and the harbour. But the ambiance, the seating arrangement and above all the lovely hospitality of the staff &especially the floor manager was just outs standing. She went out of way to accommodate us without reservation, when all their tableswere already booked.Overall it was simply awesome experience though food quantity versus price was pretty disproportionate yet the food & customised tea latte were tasty. A must go to place of u want to enjoy the rough sea without danger..

We recently had an event at the hotel. It has a great view of the ocean and the port City. Not very luxurious place. Pretty old infrastructure and furniture. Some reception halls are not very clean and well maintained. Washrooms of the reception halls were in very bad condition. Some of the doors of the washrooms were broken and had not repaired in a long time. I also have noticed water was leaking from the roof of some rooms. Buffet food was not delicious and can be rated as average.

The hotel was very dated . Toilets faucets need repair . tour group lunched here. Various curry dishes were authentic. I liked ghee rice and black peppers chicken. The dining room is bright . It can use some polish of wood floor. I gave it a three starts . It is a shame for a good location.

Food was nice. Even the service was really good. Harbour room is such a lovely place. Food is worth the price. Even the buffet is good and prices are also reasonable.

Value for money buffet but average taste . View is magnificent. Far cry from its glory days .

A hotel from the 1800's, has maintained its antiquity. Located next to the Colombo Port, one can have breakfast with a Harbor View. Service and Food are average. However the stay in such a legendary hotel makes it a memorable one.

We spent a very comfortable last night in SL at the GOH. Slightly faded grandeur, but very friendly and helpful staff.

😊I've visited the restaurant many times,but this was the first time i stayed in the hotel. Staff was good. Specially the antique appearance of the hotel was impressed me.,and i always love the location and the view around. But i missed the smooth fragrance in the elevator. 🙁no tissues. It would be better if there were toilet papers in the wash room. The floor was dusty.

An amazing building that just needs a bit more love and TLC from the owners. Good location and the staff are very nice and helpful. It has so much potential! However, AC unit outside the window was very noisy, there was a yard nearby with someone hammering steel until 02:00am, some mosquitos in the room, bathroom wasn’t very clean. Neighbours in the hotel were playing music from the radio in their room + someone was pacing up and down the hallway on FaceTime very late, for hours. But for around 20$ per night in Colombo, it’s not bad for 1 night. Bring repellent and earplugs

This is a limited review because I have never stayed here. I am, however, touring the old colonial style hotels for lunch and I've enjoyed this one very much. My impression is of slightly faded glory but wonderful tranquility and service. The hotel is sited right beside the port and I am watching the scene from the huge window overlooking in their 4th floor restaurant. It's buffet lunch today and every course has been terrific. The staff are smartly attired and helpful and courteous. I used to stay in an old hotel in Bangkok, The Royal Rattanakosin, and it's that same vibe. Their beauty may be slightly diminished but you can't take away their class, like a stately grand old dame.

Dined Friday night buffet at the Harbour Room restaurant. Price 4800/- all inclusive pp. Food variety was really good for the price. Had chicken, fish, pork and even a hopper action station.

Their Christmas brunch buffet is top notch with a wide ranging variety of seasonal specials all at a comparatively reasonable price. The quality of their deserts is remarkable. The hotel serves the best Christmas Pudding in my opinion. The staff are very friendly and attentive and it was overall a great experience

The hotel stay was very pleasant and comfortable. The room was spacious and clean with all the facilities I needed. The food was great and portions were quite generous. The staff was very polite and helpful, the location was very convenient.

One of the oldest city hotels breath taking views of the ocean and the harbour,centrally located to the city. Has a traditional lunch and dinner buffets at most affordable prices.

We recently had an event at the hotel. It has a great view of the ocean and the port City. Not very luxurious place. Pretty old infrastructure and furniture. Some reception halls are not very clean and well maintained. Washrooms of the reception halls were in very bad condition. Some of the doors of the washrooms were broken and had not repaired in a long time.

One of the oldest city hotels breath taking views of the ocean and the harbour,centrally located to the city. Has a traditional lunch and dinner buffets at most affordable prices.

grand oriental hotel is the second most beautiful hotel I have seen in my life. I first went to Grand Oriental Hotel for a homecoming of my cousin sister. The food prepared by the chefs was very tasty. According to my view, this hotel will be the next British Governor style hotel after Mount Lavinia Hotel. The staff of this hotel is very friendly. And even the coffee served here is pure Ceylon coffee. The entire harbor can be seen only from this hotel. My favorite restaurant room is the harbor room. I will never forget this hotel with the clearest harbor views.

Lunch buffet is not an international menu. Main course have a little spread. It may depend with the crowd. So check with them on the meal before you go.

We've come here twice for dinner. It's a very calm place amidst the trees with a view of the river and buzzing bird life all around (there are some monkeys too, playing in the trees but they were not the usual ones, quite shy and didn't get close; and in the morning you can supposedly see a crocodile in the river sometimes). The food was excellent with good price for value. Attentive and friendly staff. So maybe one of the best places to go if you want to escape the noisy and dusty streets of the town.

The rooms at the Grand Oriental Hotel are well-appointed and feature classic furnishings, giving guests a sense of the hotel's history and charm. Guests can choose from a variety of room types, including standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites, all of which are designed to cater to the needs of different travelers. The hotel offers several dining options, including a rooftop restaurant that offers panoramic views of the city and harbor. The restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes, and the hotel's bar offers a range of cocktails and drinks.

This place is one of best place to stay it so quiet and romantic, very well sanitized and fantastic service by the staff. Food quality is also very delicious. The experience is delightful.

Is the kind of place I would have loved to see when it was brand new, modern and "hip". Just going up and down the stairs you can see it has plenty of history. But it's in big need of renovations. The staff that received us in the early morning was very friendly and helped us by changing the room due to the original room being completely filled the floor with water.

grand oriental hotel is the second most beautiful hotel I have seen in my life. I first went to Grand Oriental Hotel for a homecoming of my cousin sister. The food prepared by the chefs was very tasty. According to my view, this hotel will be the next British Governor style hotel after Mount Lavinia Hotel. The staff of this hotel is very friendly. And even the coffee served here is pure Ceylon coffee. The entire harbor can be seen only from this hotel. My favorite restaurant room is the harbor room. I will never forget this hotel with the clearest harbor views.

Was there for a workshop. The place may have been a good attraction earlier. But now the place is not well maintained. Had some snacks from the bar located at the lobby and food was not in good quality. Had lunch and the soup was awful and salty. Overall the quality of the food is average or below average. Not the best experience in a hotel. I didn't stay in a room though so can't comment on those.

I had a great experience here. The staff are by far some of the most helpful and accommodating. Our flight was delayed and they were very helpful in checking me into my room at absurd hours. The rooms are large and spacious and the location is very convenient. The rooms could be a tad cleaner, but everything else was fantastic. Will for sure return.

Not completely satisfied with the room as the bathroom did not meet the standard. Also discovered a couple of mosquitoes inside and the hotel's WiFi was not functioning properly, with a speed of around 1-1.5Mbps when I checked. However, other facilities are all good. Also, the staff was friendly and helpful.

An old historic building right by the port. It’s in need of renovation; the air conditioning leaked in my room, there isn’t AC in the hallways, lamps were flickering and I didn’t feel safe to use all the electrical items. Room was huge and a very comfy bed and the breakfast is fine, with a cool harbour view although becoming blocked by a motorway being built. It’s close to Fort railway station and the Dutch Hospital area and walkable, although as a woman alone I was hassled a lot on the streets nearby and found using the Pick Me app to travel about much easier and meant I was not overcharged. If coming from the railway do not pay more than 400 rupees! Or use the app to ensure you’re getting local prices :) Staff helpful and friendly.

Went here for the takeaway lunch they have on weekdays. Rice was a massive portion and a good variety of curries. It sells out fast so going by about 11.30/12 is recommended

Horrible , food expensive and the worst we had in sri lanka also they included fee of 1000rupies , rooms horrible for sure not 4 star at all , I don't recommend

I went for week end lunch and it was really good. Service was really good as usual and thanks to Mr. Palitha. Food was tasty and appreciation for the kitchen department. I went with my family and really had a good time with the excellent ambience, delicious food and with the saxophone music. Thanks to team GoH.

grand oriental hotel is the second most beautiful hotel I have seen in my life. I first went to Grand Oriental Hotel for a homecoming of my cousin sister. The food prepared by the chefs was very tasty. According to my view, this hotel will be the next British Governor style hotel after Mount Lavinia Hotel.

A proper colonial building that screams "heritage". Inside is kind of packed but the experience is somehoe vintage-like. There are wooden trims everywhere, walls, old doors, even the elevator. Didn't stay in a room but had a glimpse. They are okay. Periodically accurate maybe the right observation. Kashyapa hall was okay for a seminar hall. (3/5) Only restaurant is packed, but offers a great view of the dockyard which makes you think dang why didn't I visit in 1800s. Service is good. Somehow it feels like the hotel is lagging behind. Yes, you can see the once great features are holding up, but think of this as an old Morris, rather than an old Rolls-Royce.

Today we had office lunch buffet here at Grand Oriental Hotel. Crappiest food ever had. Too much spicy, and even my pets will have better food than this.

Its a very very old hotel, around 200 years, but still maintained well, you get the old legacy heritage vibes. Service is good, one restaurant cafe is near reception, the other one at top floor, food is very good, love the Sri Lankan Spices. Huge hotel, so if you get the room not near the lift, you hv to walk long way.

The hotel felt very dingy, it seems to have a history attached to it which is why it has been maintained the way it was since it was built. But the rooms could use more lights. The surrounding area didn’t feel safe at night. The size of room was very big, but everything inside seemed old. It was smelling very bad when I checked in but they fixed the issue when I complained. Definitely wouldn’t recommend a female solo traveller to stay here.

Old hotel with excellent service and great staff. The rooms are a bit old, dusty and not very well cleaned and equipment are old. The lobby is luxurious just not the rooms. However, the staff are very very friendly and nice so it compensates.

Old and rustic Slightly neglected Disadvantages is that it's right next to the Sri Lanka police office hence high security zone .. so taking photos is limited Very busy area .. walking distance from the old Bazar at main Street Many banks and but not many street food outlets.. some fine dining options are available at walking distance

Lovely view of the harbour gives you an added ambience. Overall nice dining experience .

Very helpful and obliging staff and reasonably good food. Hotel has been upgraded recently and has lost the tired appearance it was acquiring lately. Could of small things; need to somehow label the food clearly with veg/ non veg (maybe beef/pork if possible) matter of getting a set of labels and using the right ones on the days for the dishes. The harbour room; as always; excellent view, cozy clean and welcoming; yet music was way too loud, so much so that you keep missing what the person next to and in front of you says; need to focus on the the finer points now that the large scale upgrades are done.

Everything was good except the dust smell in the room and because the hotel it old it kinda looks creepy but friendly working staff and food was also not bad

One of the oldest hotel in Colombo. They have refurbished recently. Friendly staff very helpful and the food was delicious. Excellent service 👏

Very comfortable, their food was great and had very cozy quiet stay

Try Lunch during weekdays it's Only Rs 350. also you can dine in in the ground floor with wonderful service 👍

One of the oldest hotel in sri lanka. Great view of colombo Port

Heritage hotel, awesome breakfast, friendly staff, competitive prices.

With new management revisions hotel is improved compared to last years

The new look is lovely. Food was great.

Came to harbor on 4th floor for dinner buffet .The service was thoroughly disappointing.table arrangements was untidy.

Great service at the restaurant. The lunch buffet was delicious and the staff was very polite and attentive. The managers on duty were on Point as well! We were there for the lunch buffet on Sunday the January 23 2022 around 1.30 pm. It was a quite atmosphere with lovely live music . Hope you continue the great service and the quality of the food.

I visited last Saturday 18th. Must be visited this place by Public Health Officer for COVID safety guidelines. Worst place in handling the guest at buffet at Harbor Room restaurant. No COVID safety measures taken. No space. Full crowd. Worst food.

Grate view of the harbour from the restaurant. Really you can enjoy a meal or a beer overlooking the bissy harbour.

A simple way to relive the past! One of Sri Lanka's iconic hotels with a history going back to the 19th century and the era of sea voyages during colonial times .

Had lunch with few friends on 25th of March, 2022 in Harbor Room which has an iconic view of the port. At this time cost for one was Rs. 2250.00 and the buffet was worth for that price. Environment was calm and the staff was very helpful and kind.

Very attractive place to have a drink with your friends or family. Main restaurant hosts daily Buffet and also you can have a drink while enjoying the Buffet. Mr Kapila, the Restaurant Manager was giving us wonderful service during our stay and was a nice gentlemen who knows the hospitality very well . Can recommended to all to visit the place and to enjoy the panoramic view of the Colombo Harbour while having your Drinks/Meals.

Had a 2day stay recently. Best view ever. Food is amazingly good. Desserts are superb. About the room, I had a triple room. But given a double room. Asked for an extra bed. With that extra bed room wasn’t spacious enough. But everything else was so hood. Even the customer service must be appreciated . Pool area is so quiet and nice. Best place in the hotel. Had a morning snack at cafe of the hotel. They has top quality food. Love it. Overall I would visit this place again. Best hotel in Colombo.

One of oldest hotel in Colombo and also consider as an archaeological monument. They have a balcony facing the Colombo harbour which gives a amazing view dawn, dusk and night.

In the old days it was called Taprobane Hotel. This is a hotel rich with history. It has a beautiful colonial ambience. If you are interested in history and like old buildings like I do, you will enjoy this place.

Was invited for a Waleema function. Event was planned well. Grand Oriental is a colonial period hotel showing a barricaded Colombo port. Anyway the event was celebrated well..

Situated in the heart of Colombo, colonial architecture, friendly service and decent food for the price! Very much budget friendly

Vast elegant lobby hall and entrance. Friendly staff neat old conference rooms for small meetings. Antique paintings and lamps hanging over the walls and ceilings. Balcony 180 view glass windows over the SL port and sea best view in the dining hall. Food is okay. BBQ pork and lemon fish was delicate. Walls could use a little colour and food could improve

We stayed there for one "night" and the staff was really cooperative because we checked in around 3 am. and checked out at 7 pm. You can see the hotel´s best years are over, but still it was a great experience. The room was huge and clean, but it smelled a little musty. The a.c. helped. The restaurant has great food, a great view and live music!

It was a wonderful evening spent listening to soothing music and a delicious buffet. The ambience was welcoming and the staff were pleasant and helpful. Thanks to the management and staff!

Old spacious colonial hotel. Very view of the harbor at night times. Friendly staff. Situated in a relatively calm area in the middle of the city at the edge of the sea. No parking inside the hotel premises but adequate parking in the wider road outside the hotel.

Discounted so worth it. Bar license is open from 9:00 am. Restaurant overlooks the harbour, so did my superior room. Check in and out as 12:00 noon. It is possibly a 3 star hotel. Floors were not cleaned in the room. Staff need their jobs but no tourists in Sri Lanka now.

I am staying here since 13th December. This is the third night. I hoped to stay till Saturday 17th. But room services ate terrible. Day by day facilities are deteriorating. Intercom telephone is out of order and I had to go down to front office to make a complaint. This evening I found the towels were removed and after complaint now 20 minutes gone but no response. Staff is totally useless. I would never come here again.i am frustrated.

I was there for the IAS congress. Breathing was difficult when AC was on and speakers started to cough. Food is a dissapointment 😂 rooms are really bad and smelly. Water drain is really bad and layer of water inside the bathroom. Not recommended at all.