Hotel Suisse, Kandy Keeping its traditions alive

While attractions and places of interest in the travel industry may change with time, the essence of tradition and heritage remains constant, and nowhere is this more evident than in Sri Lanka’s hill capital, Kandy. Steeped in history and spirituality, Kandy continues to enchant travellers from around the world year-round, offering a rich tapestry of enduring customs and evolving charm.

Among its many treasures, Hotel Suisse stands as a testament to colonial grace and timeless elegance, an oasis of old-world charm nestled beside the serene waters of the historic ‘Kiri Muhuda’ popularly known as Kandy Lake.

Set within three acres of landscaped greenery, this 165-year-old colonial structure is more than just a hotel-it’s a living chapter of history. Originally the stately residence of ‘Pilimatala Gabada Nilame’, Chief Minister of the Royal Granary under the last Kandyan King, making it a symbolic link to the final stronghold of the ancient Sinhala monarchy. The building later served British colonial purposes, including as a garrison for British soldiers during World War II. Today, Hotel Suisse stands as a beautifully preserved relic of the past, offering a rare blend of heritage, hospitality and modern luxury.

Recently, the hotel completed a comprehensive two-year refurbishment project—an effort that has thoughtfully enhanced its facilities while preserving its historical identity.

Designed with the holidaymaker and leisure traveller in mind, Hotel Suisse now features 88 spacious, smoke-free rooms, each thoughtfully styled to reflect its colonial heritage while seamlessly incorporating modern comforts. These include 42 Heritage Rooms, 25 Colonial Rooms, five Vintage Rooms with private balconies, five Garden Studio Rooms with lush private gardens, and 11 elegant Suites. Each room is tastefully appointed to reflect the hotel’s storied past, yet equipped with the amenities modern travellers expect. All room categories are fitted with a flat-screen LCD TV, mini-fridges, safe, tea/coffee making facilities, king size spacious double beds, en-suite bathroom fitted with all luxury amenities and free Wi-Fi throughout the property. 

‘We have just finished a two year-long, full-scale refurbishment project, uplifting all areas including the restaurants, F & B outlets, public spaces, shopping arcade, the latest addition ‘Mountbatten Courtyard’ and most importantly, all 88 guest rooms’ explained Ranjan Peiris’ the Vice President of Kandy Hotels Company, the owning company of Hotel Suisse and Queens Hotel, Kandy.

In a thoughtful nod to its royal past, Hotel Suisse has revived the traditional granary setting once found in its now-transformed backyard. Since January last year, the hotel has recreated this historic space as the ‘Mountbatten Courtyard’, an open-air venue inspired by the ancient ‘Kamatha’ and granary traditions. Here, guests can savour authentic organic village cuisine, served in a rustic yet refined atmosphere that echoes the heritage of the Kandyan Kingdom. 

What was once an abandoned old armoury has now been transformed into a modern winery and cellar, nestled amidst thriving organic vegetable and fruit gardens, creating a farm-to-table experience that blends culture, sustainability and culinary delight.

Hotel Suisse is also renowned for its cuisine, lovingly prepared by a team of experienced chefs headed by Executive Chef Wasantha. Drawing inspiration from both local and international flavours, the hotel’s culinary offerings are consistently praised by guests from around the globe. 

‘We serve traditional Kandyan cuisine, freshly prepared in our courtyard kitchen and presented in a relaxed, al fresco dining setting. Our new addition is pizzeria by the poolside’ said Roshanlal Perera, General Manager of Hotel Suisse.

Open daily from breakfast through dinner, the courtyard and the traditional English style main restaurant offers guests a truly immersive culinary experience. In the evenings, the atmosphere transforms with barbecue-style service and a campfire-inspired ambience, bringing to life the warmth and authenticity of age-old Kandyan dining traditions.

Staying true to its heritage, the culinary experience at Hotel Suisse is as authentic as its architecture. Whether it’s Sri Lankan, English, Swiss or Italian cuisine, the Suisse Hotel Team of Chefs ensure that every dish reflects the traditional roots of its origin.

‘We also host a variety of theme nights to cater to our guests’ changing tastes and expectations’ GM added.

From Indian and Mongolian nights to Italian, Chinese, BBQ, Hopper Night and International buffets, these themed evenings add a vibrant twist to the dining experience, keeping things exciting while preserving culinary traditions.

Hotel Suisse is the ideal base to visit many adventurous and historical sites such as centuries old Buddhist Temples and devalas (Degaldoruwa, Gadaladeniya Viharaya, Embekka Devalaya and Lankathilaka Viharaya, Dodanwala Natha Devalaya etc), the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, Victoria, Randenigala reservoirs and historic Mahiyangana. 

‘We arrange excursions for all adventure lovers on request. Even Udawatta Kele is more adventurous than some known places’ said Ranjan. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, scenic trails like the famed Pekoe Trail offer the perfect escape, whether on foot or by mountain bike. Winding through misty hills and lush tea plantations, these trails provide a rejuvenating experience for both body and mind.

Apart from adventure treks, traditional tours to Knuckles, Meemure and Hunnasgiriya, Kandy city round up, Tea Museum in Hantane and tours to Victoria Golf are quite popular with Sri Lankan clientele. Hotel Suisse operates under the management of Galle Face Hotel Management (GFHMC)

‘Hotel Suisse is considered as one of the best properties under the GFHM Company and the Chairman Sanjeewa Gardiner is taking keen interest in this property. He always guides and encourages in doing things with this hotel’ Ranjan said.

Hotel Suisse has a special discounted seasonal package for Sri Lankan holiday makers ranging from Rs 30,000/- to 55,000/-. 

For more details log onto 
www.hotelsuisse.lk 

Pix by Shan Bandu Weerasinghe