Sri Lanka's Citygrandella Hotel: Paradise Found? (You Won't Believe This!)
Citygrandella Hotel: Paradise Found? (You Won't Believe This! …Maybe?) - A Seriously Unfiltered Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I've just emerged alive from the Citygrandella Hotel in Sri Lanka, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Forget those perfectly curated Instagram posts (though, spoiler alert, the pool IS Insta-worthy), this is the real deal, warts and all. And I'm here to dish.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, Like a Box of Chocolate (You Never Know What You're Gonna Get)
Let's start with the nitty-gritty. Accessibility is… well, it’s a work in progress, bless their hearts. They say they have Facilities for disabled guests, and that's encouraging. The Elevator is a godsend, for sure, especially since I'm pretty sure my room (more on that later) was practically in the clouds. But honestly? Navigating some of the common areas felt a bit like an obstacle course. It's Sri Lanka, you know? Things are… different. I’d advise calling ahead to double-check specific needs. **Check-in/out [express] ** was a breeze though - good save Citygrandella!
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges - I'm not 100% sure. Some areas seemed more accessible than others. I'd recommend inquiring beforehand.
Wheelchair accessible aspects were debatable, depending on which part of the hotel you were aiming for.
Internet Access: Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Hallelujah!)
Okay, this one's a win! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (See? Hallelujah!) And it actually works! Seriously, I’ve stayed in hotels where the Wi-Fi is slower than a snail on tranquilizers. This was solid. Internet [LAN] - I didn't even try it, because, hello, wireless freedom! Internet services as a whole? A strong thumbs up. Good job Internet.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Day? Yes Please! (But…)
This is where Citygrandella really shines. Pool with view? Check. It's stunning. Seriously, the infinity pool overlooking… well, something beautiful (I can't remember exactly what now, too much poolside cocktail action) is worth the price of admission alone. Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor] - the whole shebang! Felt like a queen or a king.
Let me be painfully honest here. I went for the Body scrub and Body wrap and… it was incredible. I was practically molten from the travel, stress, and heat, and it was the perfect escape. I felt like a brand-new person, maybe a slightly exfoliated brand-new person, but a new person.
Fitness center? I have NO IDEA. I may or may not have seen it, and I may or may not have chosen to ignore it. My vacation mantra is "cardio is staring at the pool." Fitness/gym and Gym/fitness is a must for some, but I was mostly interested in eating, enjoying poolside drinks, and getting massages. Massage – DO IT. Just trust me. My masseuse was a wizard. Foot bath was a very nice touch.
Cleanliness and Safety: Covid-Era Considerations – They're Trying!
Okay, let's get real. This is 2024. Cleanliness and safety are paramount. And Citygrandella? They’re trying REALLY hard. They have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. They also have a whole slew of things designed to make you feel safe. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, and Doctor/nurse on call.
Breakfast takeaway service was a boon, especially when you are recovering from a night of drinking… too many cocktails (I'm not sure if they were well-made, but I drank them anyway!)
They also had this thing that I've only heard about in hotels, individually-wrapped food options. However the breakfast was not the best. It was, shall we say, a bit underwhelming - more on that later.
All in all, they're clearly making an effort. I felt pretty safe, though I opted out of the Room sanitization opt-out available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Rollercoaster (Mostly Upward!)
Alright, the food. This is where things get interesting. Restaurants on-site? Multiple! Bar? Absolutely. Poolside bar? Essential. Coffee shop? Yep. And the Asian cuisine in restaurant was phenomenal. I ate so much spicy food, my taste buds are still singing.
The Breakfast [buffet]… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly Michelin-star worthy. The Asian breakfast was a much better bet than the Western breakfast. Coffee/tea in restaurant, Breakfast service were pretty standard. A la carte in restaurant: I did not try but am going to be happy to next time.
What I REALLY Loved: The Poolside Bar! I have to come clean, the only thing I really loved about this hotel was it's poolside bar! This is something I'll never forget. I spent most of the day there. The Happy hour was a lifesaver. The Poolside bar cocktails were… well, they were strong. And the view from the infinity pool was breathtaking. This one experience really made my stay amazing.
Dining, drinking, and snacking was pretty spot on, for the most part!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Glitches… and the Graces
Air conditioning in public area? Thank God, yes. Daily housekeeping? They were on it, bless 'em. Air conditioning in the room was amazing. The Concierge was helpful, though sometimes a little… let's say, relaxed in their approach.
There was a Convenience store if you needed a snack. Currency exchange was available. The Elevator was a lifesaver.
For the Kids: Babysitting Service – Worth Investigating
Didn’t use it, but they had it. So, I’d say if you’re traveling with kids, it’s worth checking out. Family/child friendly is what is most important.
Rooms: Up in the Clouds (Literally)
My room was…interesting. The High floor was fantastic, the view was incredible. The Window that opens was crucial for that Sri Lankan breeze.
Non-smoking rooms which was good (as much as I love a good smoke, I do not enjoy it in the hotel). **Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Blackout curtains, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, and Wake-up service, all with *Wi-Fi [free]* were absolutely awesome!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
Airport transfer? Yep, they arrange it. Car park [free of charge]? Bonus! Taxi service? Available.
Overall Vibe: Laid-Back Paradise… with a Few Quirks
Citygrandella is a gem, imperfections and all. It's not flawless, but that's part of its charm. It’s got a relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding. The staff are friendly and helpful, even if communication isn’t always perfect. The food is hit or miss, but the hits are delicious. The pool is heaven.
My Honest Rating: 4 out of 5 coconuts! (Minus one for the slightly iffy breakfast).
The Offer: Escape the Ordinary – Book Your Citygrandella Getaway!
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Crave a little adventure with a dose of relaxation? Then Sri Lanka’s Citygrandella Hotel is calling your name!
Here’s what you get:
- Sizzling savings on your stay! (Message for a special discount!)
- Access to our heavenly infinity pool with stunning views! (Perfect for those Instagram moments… and your inner peace!)
- Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments! (Body scrub and wrap, oh my!)
- Feast on delicious Asian cuisine! (I still dream about the curry!)
- Reliable Wi-Fi! (So you can brag about your trip in real-time!)
- Safe and clean environment! (Because you deserve peace of mind!)
- 24-hour room service! (For those late-night cravings!)
Book now and receive:
- A welcome cocktail (Because, hello, vacation!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my (slightly chaotic, undeniably opinionated) travel diary from the Citygrandella Hotel in Sri Lanka. Consider this less a polished itinerary and more a stream-of-consciousness babble of a sleep-deprived traveler fuelled by questionable decisions and strong (but delicious) black tea.
Day 1: Arrival & Instant Regret (Kidding! Mostly.)
- Morning (5:00 AM - Because jet lag hates you): Landed in Colombo. Ugh. The humidity hits you like a warm, wet blanket. You immediately question your life choices. Did I pack enough sunscreen? Do I even know how to say "toilet paper" in Sinhalese? (Spoiler alert: I didn't. Learned the hard way). Found a ridiculously cute tuk-tuk driver who negotiated the price down using a series of exaggerated hand gestures and charmingly bad English. I swear, Sri Lankan people are inherently good at bartering.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Arrived at the Citygrandella. Oh. My. Goodness. The lobby? Instagram gold. Think colonial charm meets vibrant tropical foliage. The welcome drink? Some weird, delicious concoction of passionfruit and ginger that instantly made me feel better about the near-death experience that was the airport taxi.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The inevitable wardrobe malfunction. Decided to "embrace the culture" and wear a flowing linen dress. Turns out, linen is not friendly with humidity. Resembled a crumpled napkin by lunchtime. Spent the afternoon trying (and failing) to master the art of elegantly eating a plate of fiery kottu roti without making a mess. The waiter, bless his heart, kept bringing me extra napkins with a knowing smile.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening (4:00 PM - onwards): This is where things get interesting (and slightly embarrassing). The hotel pool. It looked divine. Jumped in without a second thought. Realized, a bit too late, that I forgot to reapply sunscreen. Became a lobster. Spent the next few hours desperately trying to cool down, hiding under a ridiculously oversized straw hat, and feeling deeply, profoundly sunburned. The sunset, however, was breathtaking. Absolutely worth the suffering. The hotel bar made a surprisingly good (and strong) Mai Tai, which helped.
Day 2: Culture Shock & Coconut Dreams
- Morning (7:00 AM -ish): Woke up feeling like a boiled tomato. But hey! Breakfast buffet! The sheer variety of food at the Citygrandella's breakfast buffet is astounding. From spicy curries that set my mouth on fire (but were SO good!) to fluffy pancakes with fresh mango, it was heaven on a plate. Also, discovered a love for string hoppers, which basically look like a pile of noodles but taste amazing.
- Morning/Midday (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Took a trip to the local temple. Absolutely awe-inspiring. The vibrant colours, the intricate carvings, the scent of incense… it's a sensory overload in the best possible way. I wandered around, feeling incredibly small and humbled. Accidentally walked in on a prayer session. Hid in the corner feeling mortified at my intrusion, and then immediately felt completely humbled to have witnessed it. It was a beautifully moving moment. The energy in that place was just unreal.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The Great Coconut Hunt. Decided I needed a fresh coconut. Walked for what felt like miles in the sweltering heat, searching for a vendor. Finally found a guy by the beach, sweating profusely but smiling like he'd won the lottery. Best. Coconut. Ever. Pure, refreshing, coconutty goodness. Sat on the sand, watching the waves, and felt a profound sense of peace. This is the moment I understood why people fall in love with Sri Lanka.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - onwards) : Dinner at the hotel restaurant, which, by the way, had the most romantic lighting I've ever seen. Ordered a seafood curry. This time, I (mostly) managed to eat it without looking like a complete fool. Afterwards, took a walk on the beach under the stars, feeling both incredibly full and incredibly content. The kind of night you wish would never end. Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to get the hang of this whole "traveling thing."
Day 3: Spices, Spices, Everywhere and a Little Bit of Melodrama
- Morning (8:00 AM - The lie of "morning" is already broken): A spicy sleep in. Breakfast buffet beckoned again. Tried a different curry. Immediate regret. My nose was running, my eyes were watering, but darn it, it tasted so good!!
- Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM): Spice Garden Tour. Fascinating! I thought I liked cinnamon but it turns out, the smell of fresh cinnamon is a whole other experience. Learned way more about spices than I ever thought I would. Also, got talked in to (very enthusiastically) buying a bottle of "miracle oil" that promised to solve all my skin problems. We'll see about that.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) : Cooking class! This was supposed to be the highlight, you guys. Learned how to make a chicken curry, and I had all the ingredients. But I was so overwhelmed by the heat, the smells, the instructions… It was a disaster. I was sweating like I had run a marathon. My curry? Pretty sure it was more of a watery, vaguely spicy soup. The chef, bless his heart, just smiled and kept fixing my mistakes. The end result wasn't pretty, but it was honest. And it tasted amazing.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - Onwards): Melodrama strikes… The "miracle oil" I purchased earlier? Totally gave me a rash. Spent a solid hour in the hotel room, feeling itchy, miserable, and convinced I was allergic to the entire country. Ate a pizza and watched bad TV. Felt sorry for myself. Then, eventually, the rash calmed down. Sat on my balcony watching the sunset. Decided that, even with the rash and the bad curry, Sri Lanka was still pretty darn amazing.
Day 4: (Stream of consciousness)
- Morning (6:00 AM -ish.): Early wake-up for the safari! Saw all the animals. Was amazing. Elephants are majestic. Monkeys, less so.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The beach. The waves. The sun. The sheer perfection of it. It's a cliché, but the sand here is like powdered sugar. Sat in the sun. Tried to read. Failed. Napped.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Spa time. Seriously, the spa at the Citygrandella is a must-do. Got a massage that melted away all the stress and the lingering feeling of sunburn.
- Late Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM-onwards): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food is so good, seriously. The service is impeccable. Met a nice couple, shared a bottle of wine. Discussed everything from politics to the best brand of sunscreen. Said goodbye to the ocean.
Day 5: Departure & The Aftermath
- Morning (7:00 AM) : A final breakfast. One last plate of pancakes. One last sip of black tea.
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Packing. Curse you, souvenir shopping!
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Checked out. Said goodbye to the amazing hotel staff. Promised myself I’d be back sooner than later. Said goodbye to the sun.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - Onwards): Got stuck in traffic. The airport was crowded. Said goodbye to Sri Lanka from my plane window. Land back.
Final Thoughts:
Sri Lanka is magic. It's messy, it's chaotic, it's occasionally overwhelming, and it's absolutely beautiful. The Citygrandella Hotel was a perfect home base. I made mistakes. I got sunburned. I ate too much curry. And I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. Go. Just go. And bring extra sunscreen. And maybe learn a few basic Sinhalese phrases. You won't regret it.
Escape to Paradise: Once Upon A Time Boutique Home, Thailand
Okay, so Citygrandella Hotel… Paradise Found, or Paradise… Questionable?
What's the *actual* vibe? Is it all Instagrammable sunsets?
Tell me about the rooms. Are they actually *nice*? Because the pictures always lie…
What's the food situation? Because a bad meal can ruin a whole trip…
Is it a good place to relax, or is it a party place?
The Beach! Spill the tea… Is it as good as the photos look?
What's the service like? Are they helpful?
Is it family-friendly? Or more for couples/solo travelers?
Are there any hidden costs or unexpected surprises?
Would you go back? The ultimate question!
