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| Sunday, 22 September 2002 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Known as the 'Garden of Eden': Hotel Suisse - over 90 years of unrivalled charm by BEVERLEY JANSZ The ideal location of the Hotel Suisse Kandy is just one of the many factors that makes this hotel one of the finest attractions in Sri Lanka. Commanding a magnificent view of the Kandy lake and known as the 'Garden of Eden' this colonial hotel is only a few minutes walk from the Kandy town.
One of Kandy's first hotels, the 'Suisse' has an intriguing history behind it. In the 17th century, it was the residence of the Chief Minister of the Royal Granary. In 1818, this property was acquired by the British and occupied by an officer of the British Army who named it 'Haramby House'. Years later, 'Haramby House' was sold to a Swiss lady Madam Burdayron who ran it as a guest house. This then was the beginning of the present Hotel Suisse. Another interesting factor is that during the Second World War from 1943 to 1945, Hotel Suisse was used as the headquarters of the South East Asia Command, under the Command of Lord Louis Mountbatten, the Supreme Allied Commander. Steeped in history, situated in the quaint hill capital, the hotel has a distinct character and an old world charm of its own, rarely possessed by its more modern counterparts. Overlooking the majestic Kandy lake, Hotel Suisse has 100 well-appointed rooms with hot cold water, telephone and piped music, air conditioned suites, swimming pool, Poolside Bar, indoor games, Billiard Room, Floodlit Tennis Court, Lobby Bar, Araliya Club, Helipad, Shopping arcade, Beauty Salon, Barbeque Terrace, Beer Garden, Conference Hall and many more attractions. A massive refurbishment was done in 1999, Acting Manager, Hotel Suisse, Lester Cabraal said. The decor of the hotel, restaurant and bar have been tastefully designed, to retain the charm of the British Victorian era. The present restaurant of the hotel was once the Grand Ballroom of the one time British Governors. World renowned personalities and heads of state including prominent personalities in the world film industry have patronised Hotel Suisse, Cabraal said. The hotel offers its guests delicious Western, Eastern and Sri Lankan cuisine, prepared by Executive Chef, Kalyana Dissanayake, and a team of expert cooks. Special week-end packages are being offered to Sri Lankans and expatriates, Cabraal said. He said that during the world famous Kandy Perahera, Hotel Suisse takes on a carnival atmosphere.The owning company of Hotel Suisse is Kandy Hotels Co. (1938) Ltd. Shamil Peiris is the Chairman. The Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) holds almost 73 per cent shares of Kandy Hotels Co. (1938) Ltd. and therefore CHC Chairman, Bodhi Ranasinghe is the Managing Director. The Board of Directors of Hotel Suisse comprise prominent businessmen and leading personalities in the hospitality industry. Official hotel for international cricket : carnival atmosphere at Taj Samudra The Taj Samudra Hotel, which is the official hotel for International Cricket in Sri Lanka, has taken a carnival atmosphere since the arrival of cricket teams and officials from around the world for the ICC Champions Trophy. All teams and officials are resident at the Taj Samudra during the tournament. Many new features and attractions are being offered to guests at the Taj Samudra. A group of world renowned female dancers from Australia has been flown in by the Taj to entertain cricketers, officials and other guests during the 'Mini World Cup'. A red carpet welcome was accorded by General Manager, Taj Samudra Hotel, Praveen Nair to all teams and officials on their arrival at the hotel. 'The 'Mini World Cup' has put Sri Lanka on top of the world map, thereby giving Sri Lanka's tourist industry a massive International boost, Praveen said. He said that the Taj Samudra was proud to be the official hotel for all International cricket. 'We have taken all steps to make their stay at the Taj, a most memorable one' Praveen said.(BJ) At Culture Club - Dambulla : Buggy cart rides and 'raban-pada' for Miss Tourism Contestants Contestants from around the world who are taking part in the Miss Tourism International 2002, were accorded a traditional 'village type' welcome at the Culture Club Resort, Dambulla last week, by Assistant Manager, Srijith Gooneratne and his staff. The charming beauties were conducted in a colourful buggy cart procession from the main road to the hotel's 'Warichchi' complex (eco-lodges) where they were again welcomed by 'Raban-pada' played by village damsels. They were later treated to a traditional Sri Lankan lunch buffet, with a wide spread of typical Sri Lankan dishes.The event was sponsored by Connaissance Theme Resorts. by Beverley Jansz |
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