The legendary Tudor styled Grand Hotel NuwaraEliya received well deserved fitting crown when it was awarded the “Heritage Grand” classification from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority becoming the first hotel in Sri Lanka to receive this accolade which meets with the top most criteria in the heritage hotel classification. A heritage hotel is a piece of history and wondering what it is to be classified as a heritage hotel; it is running hotels in palaces/castles/forts built prior to 1950. The facade, architectural features and general construction have the distinctive qualities and ambience in keeping with the traditional way of life of the area.
Grand Hotel was the private residence of Sir Edward Barnes way back in 1828 and was converted into modern accommodation befitting royalty and today it is being owned and operated by Tangerine Group of Hotels, a member of the Mercantile Investments and Finance PLC. The 1990’s saw The Grand Hotel bestowed its title of a ‘National Heritage Property’, by The Archeology Department of Sri Lanka. This prestigious label represents the value placed on the decade Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya as both a historic building, as well as a place that holds a deep historic and cultural significance for Sri Lanka, worthy of preservation. “Our Victorian-era rooms have a distinct period look, with old world furnishings. So, if you are a fan of history and architectural heritage, look no further what’s more we are now accredited as a Heritage Hotel.” The newly appointed General Manager of the hotel Suresh Abbas said that this is a rear honor not only to the hotel but also to the local tourism industry as now it can boast of having a true “Heritage Grand” property in Sri Lanka.