Small, chic Maniumpathy is the antithesis of a city hotel yet is located right in the heart of Colombo's trendy Colombo 7 district. Exceptionally private, oozing heritage style and promising personalised service, this exquisite 19th-century former home of a doctor from Jaffna is one of the island’s best-preserved ancestral abodes. Liberally adorned with antiques, artefacts, old family photographs and prints that evoke the past, rooms are named after family matriarchs, and radiate out from a leafy garden courtyard shaded by a yellow blossoming cassia tree.
Smiling butlers serve chilled freshly pressed juices and fusion meals on a pretty veranda overlooking the sun-kissed pool. Indoors you’ll find an air-conditioned cigar room, an open-plan hallway/lounge and a formal dining table for 16. The hotel is a delightful first or last stop on a busy touring itinerary, and just a few minutes from shops, art galleries, cafés and restaurants. Couples and small groups curious about Colombo will find this an inner-city oasis.
Highs
- The extremely welcoming staff are experts in making you feel at home
- We loved the carefully curated details – photographs, prints, claw-footed bathtubs, heritage antiques, parquet floors
- The food is delicious, with plenty of light, healthy options
- A real inner-city sanctuary – the perfect respite from buzzy Colombo
- All 7 rooms are stylish and luxurious, and a couple have hidden courtyards for additional privacy
Lows
- Despite being set back from the main road, you're in the city centre so daytime traffic noise and sirens are inevitable
- You might hear your fellow guests dining on the veranda if you’re staying in a ground-floor room and opt to sleep early
- No air conditioning in the spa treatment room
- The pool is small, though adequate
- No children under 7
Best time to go
The best/driest weather is from late December to April, though Colombo is very much a year-round destination given that the main attractions are shopping and eating out. Late May to June and October and November tend to be the rainiest months; not ideal if you’re looking to do a hosted heritage walk or a tuk-tuk safari. Colombo hosts a few local festivals such as the vibrant Buddhist Full Moon processions in January and February.
Our top tips
The hotel’s immediate area is great for exploring on foot. Wander up Horton Place to dip into PR, a super boutique selling fashion by talented local designers, and peep next door at the modern art in the Saskia Fernando Gallery. On your wander back, nip into vibey Kumbuk Café for a nutritious lunch or one of their refreshing juices.
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests