Hilton Colombo PROVIDING MAGICAL CALM AND UNUSUAL SERENITY

By Jai Sunthush Abeyewardene

Strange as it may sound, this rectangular shaped space provides magical calm and unusual serenity that makes getting married here a kind of a fond memory with a deep bonding dimension. A wedding at Hilton Colombo is thought of as one such.

This heavenly abode invites you to welcome undying love for each other and blessings to help and guide your marriage for life by a being known to make simple affairs turn to magical moments.

We happened to bump on to Arosha Perera, Hilton Colombo’s, Director Sales, Conferences and Events, when he stepped out of the elevator. Standing still for a fraction of time, we saw sheer surprise written all over his face when he realized that we were actually after him to know about his sensational performances and the never ending possibilities of daring wedding magic he crafts day in and day out. Beckoning us to make ourselves comfortable with his usual good cheer, he readied for a lengthy dialogue.

Q. We are meeting you after many years but strange as it may seem, you haven’t changed one bit even after such a long spell that divided us for so long. By this I mean your defining characteristic of lighting rooms and vacant spaces as you walk in or if I may put it in another way, your magnetic personality providing a certain mysterious aura, calm and wise.  How do you put your assets to good use?

A. The number of couples I’ve helped tie the knot and take their vows in style is a thing I cannot remember, for it may be more than the hairs on my head. Your mention about the never ending possibilities I create for weddings, cherished for generations doesn’t just happen but comes to pass through innovative ideas we put to practice.

Our newly refurbished ballroom opens a new chapter as the backdrop for Colombo’s most talked about weddings and events. Choose The Grand Ballroom and discover how it blends the old world and the new to create something truly timeless with fine carpeting and wallpaper.

It has romantic crystal chandeliers adding elegance and style. The classic shape mimics an umbrella turned upside down, the curved candelabra extending out in tiers, each arm embellished with cut crystal teardrops.

Q. What’s so unique about your ballroom?

A. The ballroom is totally soundproof and fun and frolic flowing through from dusk to dawn wouldn’t disturb resident guests at all. It has turned out to be the ideal venue for dinner dances, social events, dinners, birthday parties, award ceremonies, the list is virtually endless. It’s located in a secluded area with an exclusive entrance, allowing not only bridal parties but even photographers, makeup artists to list a few, enter straight to the ballroom.

Q. Your cuisine is still the reigning champion amongst a plethora of hotels springing up from every nook and cranny in the city. How do you retain the crown?

A. Our menus taste different. Our Chinese cuisine is endless and one such is the world famous Peking Roast Duck, reserved only for the Emperor’s table in times of yore. The Peking roast duck is renowned for its bright color, crispy skin and the tender and juicy meat. Our Indian cuisine is tongue teasing, Recheado Masala Fish - A spicy paste made of chilies, tamarind, and garlic (amongst other spices) is rubbed onto whole fish which are then fried. Perfect for satisfying your seafood and spice cravings all at once.

Our Turkish cuisine like the ?i? Kebap is simply an out of this world taste sensation - meat on a stick originated in Turkey, Sis Kebap is typically lamb, chicken or fish served on a wooden or metal rod, often with bread. Dip it in yogurt or eat it on its own; it's always tender, savory and delicious. Our expatriate chefs are from China, India, Japan, Turkey, Thailand, Vietnam and Italy. Our Sri Lankan Chefs are frequently sent overseas for cross exposure to gain more knowledge.

Q. An oft heard characterization “exceptional service by expert staff” is it true?

A. Our guests and service are what stand out above the rest and we’ve created a reputation for exceptional service as we have an emotionally intelligent and dedicated staff that is intuitive, empathic and dedicated. The very reason our guests feel pampered is our attention to detail and ability to deliver the experience of our team while meeting the international Hilton standards.

Q. Why is Hilton photo shoot spots thought of as hidden gems?

A. We’ve got places of dizzying diversity scattered around the hotel. It is impossible not to fall in love with our beautifully landscaped gardens the moment you lay eyes on it. Explore the landscaped wonders and marvel at the stunning views around and immerse yourself in the enchanting city’s unique culture close by as you make memories of a lifetime with your loved one.

Q. Why does Sri Lanka’s hotel industrialists think of you as benchmark for outside catering?

A. Well the reason is that outside catering requires dedicated expertise and flawless planning. By carrying out site surveys and building long term relationships with our venue providers, we guarantee the planning of every function to its finest detail, as if it were at the Hilton in Colombo though most of the time the events take place in locations out of Colombo as far as Kandy. Furthermore we are often the caterers for events at Kovils, temples, homes the list is virtually endless.

Q. Why does the corporate world seek your expertise to organize conferences and events?

A. The world’s best businesses need events to impress, engage and inspire delegates to take action. Hilton Conferences & Events has the experience and creativity to understand your objectives and deliver engaging events that make a difference. Our services include: on-site experienced staff; audio visual and digital communications; design and branding; delegate management and planning and logistics.

Every inspirational event starts with a creative conversation. Understanding what you are looking to achieve is at the heart of every client relationship. Perhaps that’s why so many customers have been working in partnership with Hilton Conferences & Events for years.

Q. Can you briefly sum up what Hilton Colombo is all about?

A. We are a chain of over 5200 hotels in over 100 countries worldwide with Hilton Colombo, an iconic luxury, renowned for its elegant accommodation, exceptional service and diverse culinary experience is located in the heart of the metropolis, embracing the old world and the new with a roaring history and modern comforts.

Since its inauguration Hilton Colombo has been the venue of choice for some of Colombo’s most spectacular and unique weddings and events that have delighted thousands of discerning clients.

Our team and signature caterers leverage versatile spaces that transform your wedding into an unforgettable moment in time.