John Keells Group will be embarking on building two additional star class hotels in Nuwara Eliya and Yala next year. This is in addition to the ongoing Water Front project in Colombo 2. A senior official of John Keells Leisure said that their hotels have being strategically placed in most of the key tourist attraction areas in Sri Lanka.

“However we lack our foot print in Yala and Nuwara Eliya and this is the reason we opted to build hotels in these two locations,” he said. The official said they have already acquired the land in Nuwara Eliya and the group is planning to build a three star hotel.

“This will be a 90 roomed hotel.” He also disclosed that they are looking at having 70 luxuriant tent accommodations in Yala. “This will be to meet the conditions of the area since a towering building will not go with the mindset of the visitors.” Construction of both these projects will start next year.

Recently, the country’s very first lean luxury hotel, ‘Cinnamon Red’ was opened at an investment of Rs. 3.5 bn under the banner of the Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts chain.

Introducing some firsts into the city hotel’s blueprint, Cinnamon Red’s unique features include ultra modern amenities including self-check in and check out kiosks, e-concierge services, vending machines, with the rooms equipped with Wi-fi and IPTV systems. Cinnamon Red embraces the demands of the new age traveller who is in constant pursuit of unique experiences, combining innovation and affordability for a relaxed uncomplicated stay. He also disclosed that John Keells Leisure will be doing away with the brand Chaaya very soon. “We would introduce the tag ‘By Cinnamon’ for these properties,” he said.