- Colombo’s newest four-star hotel
The Granbell Hotel Colombo recently opened its doors, welcoming all to experience a fusion of Japanese and Sri Lankan hospitality. The property, owned and managed by the leading Japanese company Belluna Co. Ltd, a listed company on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, adds to a growing portfolio of properties around the world owned and managed by Belluna Co. Ltd.
The chief guest at the opening was Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Mizukoshi Hideaki, and together with several invitees including, Belluna Co. Ltd. President Kiyoshi Yasuno, graced the launch event for the hotel.
Belluna Co. Ltd. President Kiyoshi Yasuno, addressing the event shared that “the Granbell Hotel Colombo is not only looking to become Sri Lanka’s newest city escape, but also to revitalise the overall hospitality industry of the nation. The hotel purports significant investment opportunities in Sri Lanka which in turn will also explore opportunities in the hospitality job market”.
The construction of the property, carried out by the Hazama Ando Corporation, commenced in 2016 with a projection for its opening set for 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic proved to be too great of a challenge and after having suffered a near two-year delay, Granbell was able to have a soft launch in mid-April 2022. Granbell Hotel General Manager Toshiyuki Hatanaka, shared that they have been experiencing moderate success with bookings, especially from their target market of Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern travellers.
It was noted that the launch of the hotel is in line with the long standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan, which dates back over 70 years, adding that while the heads of departments and staff at the hotel will be Sri Lankan, the hotel also brings forth Japanese expertise in terms of general manager and head chef to offer an authentic combination of the two cultures.
The hotel chain includes 17 properties in Japan, one in Hawaii, one in the Maldives, and two in Sri Lanka.
Also speaking at the launch was Granbell Hotel Manager – Sales and Marketing Roshaine De Silva who stated that the hotel provides a large number of employment opportunities for the local communities, in a post-pandemic era, further strengthening the economic revival of the nation.
He also noted that, considering the current situation in the country they have had to make some adjustments when it comes to pricing and staying competitive, especially in the online market. He shared that many of their bookings are reliant on online booking agents and so they have significantly scaled down their rates.
“The hotel ensures high quality Japanese service standards, and operations will be carried out with the strictest attention to detail and efficiency,” he added.
With a sustainable design concept with open air corridors, the Granbell Hotel Colombo is located in proximity to the Colpetty Railway Station in the heart of Colombo and provides a host of exciting facilities and services. This includes a rooftop infinity pool and bar, gymnasium, spa, yoga, dance studio, and an all-day dining restaurant. The hotel features a mix of Sri Lankan and Japanese design, and elegant interiors that match the coastal surroundings and vistas, promising an ideal island getaway. De Silva said that often, when it comes to the local market what they would get are walk-ins, especially owing to the fact that they are a new property on the scene.
“Many simply wish to try the place out, because we are new, and they want to experience something new,” he said. He added that for local guests they are welcome to access any number of services, they can opt to have a meal and use the pool and they may even book a single night’s stay at discounted rates. If you wish to have a drink at the bar, that too comes with certain discounted offers for local customers.
De Silva also shared that the hotel offers a banquet space which can hold 80 packs in cluster form and about 120 theatre style, therefore they can comfortably accommodate small to medium conferences at the property, adding that they are also able to accommodate smaller weddings as well.
He noted that while their main restaurant currently does not offer a buffet, they have numerous promotions running consistently, including the Mother’s Day high tea. De Silva shared that their key highlight is their rooftop Japanese restaurant which offers an extensive array of authentic Japanese cuisine.
While the Heads of Departments and staff being Sri Lankan, the hotel also brings forth Japanese expertise in terms of the General Manager and the Head Chef to offer an authentic combination of the two cultures.
The Granbell Hotel Colombo has forged strong relationships with corporate clientele, travel agents, tour operators and online tour operators to promote the property across key markets such as European, Indian, and Middle Eastern markets. While the Chinese and Far Eastern market is an upcoming focus, the Global Distribution System (GDS) connects the property with a plethora of travel agencies across the world.
