President declares open Movenpick Hotel Colombo

President Maithripala Sirisena declares open Movenpick Hotel Colombo by unveiling a plaque in the presence of Softlogic Group Chairman Ashok Pathirage, Senior Movenpick officials and government ministers. 
Pic by Waruna Wanniarachchi

Movenpick Hotel Colombo, the capital city’s first new international five-star property in 25 years, was inaugurated by President Maithripala Sirisena on Saturday amid many distinguished guests attending the event. 
The strikingly-modern 24-floor property owned by Softlogic group, which officially opens its doors to guests on16th  January, will see Swiss management firm Movenpick Hotels & Resorts introducing a unique hospitality concept that brings attitude and altitude to the Sri Lankan capital.
It’s also the destination’s first urban hotel and introduces a vertical experience’ like no other, with every floor, from the ground to the roof, offering a different themed concept, taking guests on a journey of discovery.
Set to become a Colombo icon, this edgy, but sophisticated property is characterized by its modern architecture. The epitome of style, the diamond-shaped exterior blends well with the organic hanging gardens, boasting some 14,310 plants.
All 219 rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, the Rooftop Bar boasts the best city and ocean views in town, and the property’s inventive culinary offering promises fun and theatre with a unique design edge.

“We are offering guests a vertical experience like no other, giving them the opportunity to view the beauty of Colombo from a new perspective and across many exciting concepts,” said Andreas Mattmuller, Chief Operating Officer, Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East and South Asia.
“Moavenpick Hotel Colombo is an inspirational modern landmark that introduces exciting new hospitality concepts to the city; this signifies a new era of prosperity for an island nation reenergized and undergoing rapid development.”
Located in the heart of Colombo’s thriving business, commercial, and political district, close to the city’s famous ‘Pola’- the bustling local market - and several historical sites, the property’s open- plan design with oversized windows gives a sense of space.
The 219 guest rooms including Junior Suites, Executive Suites and a Presidential Suite are all luxuriously furnished and offer access to the rooftop infinity pool and Jacuzzi.
With the fast-growing corporate and incentive markets in mind, the property offers the largest executive lounge and rooms in the city, as well as a dedicated business traveller reception, while Banquet facilities include five meeting rooms and a boardroom.
True to the hospitality brand’s gastronomic roots, the dining experience is the heart and soul of the hotel, with seven creative bar and restaurant concepts from which to choose, all promising unique themes, theatre and cuisine created with passion.
They include the Brasserie - Colombo’s first in-hotel classic French restaurant, as well as: Robata Grill & Lounge serving Japanese cuisine and sushi; all-day-dining venue AYU; Vistas Rooftop Bar & Lounge; the exclusive Mansion bar and night lounge; the chic Lobby Lounge; and the Pool Bar where drinks and light meals can be enjoyed while savouring the city vistas.
Guests can also enjoy a workout with a view at the fully-equipped gym, located 100 meters high, or relax at the Spa Ceylon, where signature treatments use natural oils and herbs.
Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, an international upscale hotel management company with over 16,000 staff members, is represented in 23 countries with 83 hotels, resorts and Nile cruisers currently in operation. 
Around 20 properties are planned or under construction, including those in Chiang Mai (Thailand), Bali (Indonesia) and Nairobi (Kenya). Focusing on expanding within its core markets of Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia, Mavenpick Hotels & Resorts specialises in business and conference hotels, as well as holiday resorts, all reflecting a sense of place and respect for their local communities.
The hotel company is owned by Movenpick Holding (66.7 percent) and the Kingdom Group (33.3 percent).