Poised along an elevation peering across the enchanting landscapes of Kandy, Hotel Topaz pulls all the stops to indulge guests. Since last year the Hotel has progressively embraced novel concepts and finer touches to invariably assure a memorable stay.
Words Prasadini Nanayakkara Photographs Damith Wickramasinghe
Hotel Topaz is no stranger to hospitality, with a history dating back to 1976. Its latest refurbishment measures venture to outdo itself with special touches that extend from arrival to all 72 rooms that it accommodates. In doing so the Hotel stands to upgrade to a four star status while promising a five star service and experience.
At the lobby the guests are revitalised with a drink of iced tea prepared from a selection of flavours on offer. They can then retreat to their respective rooms, and admittedly, accommodation is taken seriously as made evident through the hotel’s latest approach. “With the new changes introduced, it has become very interesting as we have much to offer. We wished to have something different to offer to our guests instead of the same comforts they find elsewhere,” states Anura P Basnayake, Jt Managing Director – McLarens Hotels.
The concept for the rooms is such that each floor is categorised to adopt a unique identity. The rooms have been completely revamped to acquire a contemporary style while maintaining a range of five star facilities and amenities. Cement wall finishes complement timber touches enhanced with vivid décor within spacious interiors. Another step away from convention is the use of tempered glass panels for the bathrooms that adds a touch of chic. Incidentally the rooms of each floor present four colour themes and guests can pick whichever takes their whim.
At the first floor is the Water Lily floor. This is easily apparent as the corridor that runs across is furnished with small lily ponds that align the walls. This feature extends to the rooms as well, where a water lily container is also home to a few guppies and serves as an added ornamental touch. While all rooms of the hotel are upgraded to offer plush comforts, the Water Lily floor offers only twin bed rooms with each bathroom accommodating a bathtub —features that are unique only to the Water Lily rooms. Guests may also step out to a garden area of the Water Lily rooms where high-tea can be served.
At the second and third levels are the Green floors where each room enjoys the expansive greenery of the Hill Capital. Rooms on these two floors are thus offered with either a ‘city view’ or ‘mountain view’. Guests at the city view rooms can set their sights on the Sri Dalada Maligawa, and the Hantana Mountain Range in the distance. The view becomes particularly picturesque as the twinkling lights of the city emerge by dusk. If not guests can unwind with their gazes cast on the mountainous backdrop of the hill capital. Among the six suites housed across the floors the Royal Suite and the Presidential Suite occupy the Green floors.
At the fourth level is the Rose floor, furnished with the honeymooners in mind. Roses are evidently the theme here. The six super deluxe rooms enjoy views of the surroundings and at times the sounds of cool gusts of wind that fan the building. Moreover, honeymooners who arrive at the Hotel are at once upgraded to a Rose room with no additional charge. The new concept of the Hotel reaches the finer details as well with stationery, registration card and even the good night card designed to bear the three different themes – Rose, Water Lily or Green.
While the themes themselves offer much to choose from in terms of ambience and personal taste and style, guests can also avail of the choicest selections in cuisine. “We are a round trip hotel and often we find guests arriving here from Sigiriya or en route to Nuwara Eliya. No doubt they already have had a taste of Sri Lankan food,” explains Anura P Basnayake. Consequently Hotel Topaz serves up not just Eastern food that includes a Chinese corner but mixed buffets with spreads of Western as well. In recent times the hotel has also included a Chinese corner to cater to popular preferences. The breakfast buffet too includes local cuisine such as pittu and hoppers made on the spot, while an Indian chef makes thosai. All this can be enjoyed at the restaurant at the ground floor or the roof top restaurant that is also awaiting a fresh new contemporary look and feel. Dining at the rooftop restaurant and terrace promises to be an experience unto itself, with a 360 degree panoramic view of the hill capital fit to enthrall. For the Rose floor honeymooners, dining is a special affair at the Hotel Topaz. A marquee is arranged at the rooftop terrace or the poolside for private dining and meals are prepared in full view of the couple and served on the spot.
The Hotel’s new offerings take hospitality to a new level—a novel gesture so that guests may indulge in the very best it has to offer.
Anniewatte, Kandy
Tel: (+94 81) 738 9000
