Why stay here
It suits travellers who enjoy history and old world style. A morning on the lawn, high tea in the afternoon and an evening by the fire capture the spirit of colonial Nuwara Eliya, and the town's post office, golf club and racecourse are all close by.
Planning your stay
Nuwara Eliya is in the hill country, about two and a half hours from Kandy and five to six hours from Colombo. At around 1,900 metres it is cool all year, and nights can be cold, so bring warm clothes. Nuwara Eliya is known as Little England for its colonial buildings, golf course and racecourse, and April is the busy holiday season for Sri Lankan visitors.
Things to do nearby
Visit a tea plantation and factory, walk around Lake Gregory and Victoria Park, see the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, or hike to World’s End.
For more ideas, see things to do in Nuwara Eliya, or compare all hotels in Nuwara Eliya.
- Check-in1400 hrs
- Check-out1200 hrs
Accommodation
Accommodation is in Deluxe Suites, Junior Suites and Presidential Suites.
Deluxe Suites
These suites look over the hotel's well-kept garden. They have a king size bed, a minibar, a safe, an electric fireplace and satellite TV, and the bathroom has a shower and a bathtub.
Image Credit: The Grand Hotel
Junior Suites
These suites look over the gardens and the misty hills. They have a king size bed, a minibar, a safe, satellite TV and an electric fireplace, and the bathroom has both a bathtub and a shower.
Image Credit: The Grand Hotel
Presidential Suites
The Presidential Suite covers about 127 sqm, with two bedrooms, a pantry, a living area and a dining area, overlooking the garden and the misty hills. It has two TVs, electric fireplaces and two bathrooms.
Image Credit: The Grand Hotel
Facilities
- Tea lounge serving Victorian style high tea on tiered stands.
- Air rifle shooting on the lawn.
- Log fire for cool evenings.
- Wine cellar.
- Indoor pool
- Excursion desk
- Wi-Fi
- Games room
- Spa
- Free parking
- Garden
- Scenic inland setting
- Private check-in and check-out
- Heated pool
- Gym and fitness centre
Food and drink
The main restaurant serves large buffets. Morning tea can be taken overlooking the lawn, and high tea is served in the afternoon in the tea lounge.
- Main buffet restaurant
- A la carte dining
- Room service, 24 hours
- Sri Lankan
- Asian
- Continental
- Bar
- Tea lounge or cafe
- Banqueting facilities
- Meeting rooms
- Local and international cuisine
How to Get There
You will find The Grand Hotel in the centre of Nuwara Eliya, beside the golf course. The drive from Bandaranaike International Airport covers roughly 165 km and takes 4 hours 45 minutes or so, travelling either through Kandy and Ramboda or through Avissawella and Hatton, both climbing through tea estates for the last part.
From central Colombo the journey is about 160 km and takes about 4 and a half hours.
As of October 2026 the hill country line is closed between Kandy and Nanu Oya after Cyclone Ditwah, so the trip from Colombo is by road. Trains do run between Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla if you are coming from elsewhere in the hills.
We can book a private air conditioned transfer from the airport or anywhere in Colombo, and the driver can stay with you for the rest of your holiday if you wish.