The newly opened Wonder Hotel on Galle Road, Colombo 3, would be reinvesting over Rs. 200 million to add a Spa and more entertainment options.
The hotel which was acquired by diversified entrepreneur Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe from Ampara, had already invested over Rs.1 billion with a Chinese partner to complete the half built hotel to four star status and open it.
Weerasinghe said that the hotel is in a prime location facing Galle Road and he is now looking to add a night club and Spa to its inventory.
The 92 roomed Wonder Hotel, consists of 92 rooms with two suites and is positioned as a City luxury hotel, sold on a bed and breakfast basis. “We saw a dip in guests after the Easter Sunday blasts, but have now picked up.” The main clients are Europeans, Australians and Chinese and the hotel maintains an average 75% occupancy.
The 7 storied Wonder Hotel now consists of a roof top Swimming Pool, Pool Bar and modern Fitness Centre, Restaurant, designated Smoking area, Elevator, Gift shop, Large Car Park, facilities for disabled guests and many other features. All rooms in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Featuring a private bathroom with a bidet and free toiletries while some rooms have a sea view. All guest rooms would provide guests with a fridge. Wonder Hotel also has a large conference area that could accommodate around 100 guests and a second roof top area as well.
Weerasinghe has also acquired the Palm Beach Hotel in Mount Lavinia and had completed and refurbished it. The hotel would be rebranded as the Wonder Hotel, Mount Lavinia soon.
“With the two hotels, I am now looking at opening an international Hotel with a Chinese partner.”
He said that Chinese tourists are among the top three in the ‘arrival list’ and there is a high demand for authentic Chinese food. “A Chinese Chef takes around Rs. 350,000 salary in addition to other incentives and if we could train local youth as Chinese Chefs, they could earn high wages.”
“What I wish to do is train local students at this proposed Hotel school and offer them job training at both my hotels.” He said that they hope to open this school in August 2020 and affiliate it to a Chinese University, so that successful students could receive an international certificate. He plans to invest Rs. 200 million for this venture.”
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