Refurbishments at two city hotels
Two Colombo city hotels were in discussion for a refurbishment drive that would result in at least one closing for a full revamp.
Galadari Hotel, though not yet confirmed by owners was expected to go in for a full refurbishment most likely in the second half of next year, its General Manager Sampath Siriwardena told the Business Times. He noted that owners were yet to confirm this refurbishment drive but it was expected to carry out work in especially its lobby areas and would re-open in 2015. Since facing the 1997 bomb blast in Colombo the hotel has been refurbished including its ballroom in 2006 and most of the floors but nothing was carried out in its lobby areas, Mr. Siriwardena explained.
As to whether the hotel would be totally closed for the public or be carry out refurbishment work in a phased out manner was yet to be determined, the GM observed.
Meanwhile, the Hilton Colombo is also preparing for a refurbishment drive likely to commence in mid-December 2013 for a period of one year. Hilton Hotel Marketing Communications Manager Gigi de Silva when contacted stated they were unable to confirm anything at present but would make a public announcement shortly.
Industry sources said they believed the banquet section would be open for a few weeks due to certain orders already undertaken but the rooms and other areas of the hotel would remain closed.
The hotel’s first refurbishment in 25 years is expected to cost a total of US$25 million which includes a complete overhaul and an upgrade of all its rooms, the Business Times learns.
The hotel is also likely to give up its pool and the extended car park area in a property opposite the hotel and shift all these operations (including construction of a new pool) to the main property across the road.
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