The opening of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams in mid-October added a new dimension to Colombo’s hospitality and business scene, while supporting the reinvigoration of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector
Rooms
Guestrooms are from the 10th to 21st stories, with just two categories – premier room and suite. Rooms are either king or twin, and ocean- or city-facing.
My spacious 30m2 room had a king-size bed with huge pillows ensuring a good night’s sleep.
The long table skirting the side wall provided ample space for the complimentary fruit platter, plate and cutlery and served as a worktop.
All expected five-star hotel amenities were there: free Wi-Fi, bar fridge, slippers, safe, ironing board and iron, sufficient power points and drinking water. Glass bottles replaced disposable plastics, and the generous supply of four bottles was replenished daily.
The frosted glass-walled bathroom had a spacious shower cubicle. Surprisingly, there was no shower cap, and disposable-tube toiletries were still in use.
MICE facilities
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams is the first integrated resort in Sri Lanka. As of early November, the meeting facilities were only partially completed. The shopping mall, Nuwa hotel and casino are scheduled to open by mid-2025.
The completed ballrooms impressed in design and ambience. Lumina on Level 7 holds up to 1,800 pax in theatre seating and 1,040 banquet-style. It divides into three and has a large foyer.
Suspended 100m on Level 22 are the cantilevered ballrooms, Cumulus and Celestine, with natural daylight and stunning ocean views. Cumulus seats 718 pax (theatre) and 410 (banquet), while Celestine takes 364 and 220 pax respectively.
The colourful-cloud lighting and branch-like side pillars are artistically pleasing, though these pillars impinge on usable space. Nonetheless, the ballrooms are well booked into 2026!
Upcoming spaces on Level 8 are the 1,000m2 Forum, divisible into two; 576m2 Studio, which splits into four smaller rooms; and elongated-space Boardrooms that turn into six breakout rooms.
On Level 7, the 2,395m2 Podium doubles up for big banquets or exhibitions – think car shows, given the direct ramp access.
Other facilities
The hotel offers a stunning selection of F&B outlets on Levels 9, 23 and 24. The main all-day dining Quizine restaurant had a long spread of local and international cuisine interspersed with ‘live’ cooking stations.
The French, American, Indian and Japanese restaurants each have distinct attributes. More restaurants will open by January 2025. While Cloud Wine looked classy, the stunner was Gatz Bar, spread between Levels 23 and 24 in the cantilevered block, offering splendid ocean views.
The infinity pool on Level 10 was an obvious draw, and will be complemented by a bar-lounge, plus Sky Lounge on Level 24.
Service
Staff are stationed at the ground floor to welcome guests, but check-in is on Level 24. Interestingly, in a far corner is the Sales office where tables are set up to show event planners the various options.
The number of staff on hand was surprising. Perhaps this was also to guide confused guests trying to exit the building – most lifts go to Level 2, whereas another two serve Level 1 and the carpark.
Customer service was tops. When I inquired from Guest Relations about dry cleaning my wine-stained jacket, three laundry staff came to inspect it and explain the treatment. The next evening, it was delivered to my room well-restored.
One inconvenience was having to go through security scanners and baggage checks to enter the hotel, but this was probably due to heightened security concerns at that time.
Verdict
Overall, the hotel and event facilities were impressive, and comparable to those in leading business cities.
Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams positions itself as the largest entertainment complex in South Asia and “all-in-one destination”. When fully operational, it has the potential to garner more international business events and boost Sri Lanka’s standing.
No. of rooms 687
Contact details www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamon-life-city-of-dreams-sri-lanka
