7th December 1997

Travel

Take your pick, with old or new!

The colonial stylebuilding built by the then British governor Sir Thomas Maitland in 1806 by the side of the beach offers one of the most beautiful views of the city of Colombo. Now well known as the Mount Lavinia hotel, it still offers travellers a taste of the old world elegance of a bygone era.

Guests are greeted by the doorman in starched white colonial style uniform but as far as comforts and facilities are concerned the accent is all modern. The two hundred bed rooms, could satisfy the choice of any client. There are three main wings. The Governor's wing offers guests a chance to relive the colonial era with four poster beds and high roofs with fans only and furniture and facilities appropriate to the concept, while the Sea and Garden wing offers customers rather more modern comforts.

The Bay wing which is the most recently built comes complete with a mini bar, TV, and wall to wall carpeting. The air conditioned rooms in pleasing pastel shades are fitted with elegant canopied beds, 24 hour satellite T.V and a well stocked mini bar offering guests every possible modern amenity.

But it is the Governor's suite that stands above all. And what's more one need not ask about a room with a good view for all rooms have small balconies and a French window opening out to the inviting sea.

If it is good food that one is worried about, the hotel offers a wide cuisine. The "Governor's Cafe" which is open 24 hours a day presents western and oriental cuisine, while theme menus are presented nightly in the elegant atmosphere of the cafe. The "Regency Room" offers special nightly theme menus while the "Seafood Cave" offers seafood delights. The "Curry Clipper" is the authentic Oriental restaurant open for lunch and dinner offering Sri Lankan, Indian and Chinese delicacies.

In addition, there are other small restaurants that cater to the fastidious customer, like the "Mexican Hub", "Texas grill", and "El Sombrero" that comes to life at night by the beach.

On the seafood menu, at the seafood market, apart from the soups, the grilled items and the seafood platter, the Chef's special is another delicacy that many enjoy. This consists of three dishes namely, the mouth watering pan-fried red mullet with oyster mushroom, the spicy roulard of sole fillet with cardinal sauce, and crab cake with cammery mustard.

But if it is relaxation that is one's main concern, one is likely to have plenty of it. The terrace by the side of the beautiful pool, under the stars, with a splendid view of the beach and the city of Colombo, is the ideal place for a candle lit dinner or just relaxation. If that is not what one looks for, then there is always the beach and all the excitement of a horse ride in the early hours, playing a ball game with friends, or having an indoor game of chess or carrom, or even a stroll along the beach.

But if it is active night entertainment you seek, the "Little Hut" is open for all night owls. Soft music is also available at the restaurants where "The Steelers" and the "Dream Team" will cater to your needs.

The hotel also has three fairly large function rooms, the "Empire Ballroom", "La Fontaine", and "Regency". The staff can provide and plan the type of function you would like to have, especially when it comes to weddings. If it is the Kandyan or the North Indian or any other theme wedding you would like to celebrate, they could make your dream come true.

The "health centre" is another luxury that is on the list of facilities. Herbal massages or indigenous treatment is only a staircase away.

If leaving business is the problem, the hotel also has a business centre where you can continue your work while relaxing. One is entitled to a personal computer, telefax, e-mail, Internet and courier services. Apart from these, the hotel offers laundry services, travel counter, health club, shopping arcade, beauty salon, tennis courts, mini golf, pool table, and the Governor's stable for those who enjoy riding or wish to learn.

Charges vary at the hotel. A room on the Sea and Garden Wing with A/C will be US$ 70, Bay wing (A/C) US$ 90, Bay wing-executive floor US$100, Governor's wing (non A/C) US$ 35, Suite (sea and garden wing) US$125, Suite (Governor's wing US$125, Governor's suite US$200. (These are single room only rates. For all other rooms, except the suites, an extra US$ 10 will have to be added to make it a double).

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