19 March 2021 12:02 am
This Hotel brings back fond memories since I know Pheroze Choksy, one of the architects who designed it on this beautiful property. I used to visit the site from the time they began building on this property. Ismeth Raheem and Pheroze designed, developed and created The Lodge, as it was then known, over 40 years ago. What is interesting is that most of the trees on this property were also planted at the time of the construction.
Most hotels in Sri Lanka, especially with the last two years being horrendous for tourism, are now run down or ‘look tired’. To our surprise Cinnamon Lodge was the opposite. Everything was spick and span. The rooms were crisp and clean and the bed linen and towels all fresh and fluffy. Keeping to the new rules owing to the pandemic the room was sterile with all the amenities packed in the proper order. The gardens were lush and I am sure there must be over 2000 trees in it. The grass and bushes were all trimmed and looking just wonderful.
Everything was spick and span. The rooms were crisp and clean and the bed linen and towels all fresh and fluffy. Keeping to the new rules owing to the pandemic the room was sterile with all the amenities packed in the proper order.
The service staff were exceptional, from the reception, baggage handlers, the housekeeping onward. They were happy to oblige in any way where service was concerned. The kitchen headed by Chef Senaka and his staff dished out delicious and tasty food. Holidays are generally all about indulging in good food and we really did. A special mention must be made of the pastry Chef whose in-house ice creams using local fruits was exceptional.
It was great to see a hotel of 40 years yet standing proud, well maintained and with high service standards. I would just love to go back to this gem of a property and spend more than two days as it met up to all the expectations I have.