Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
naturalist who leads excellent guided nature walks in and around the hotel grounds. Talk-
ing of which, the gardens, with their terraced lawns and white cast-iron furniture, seem
custom-designed for an afternoon cup of tea.
Grand Hotel
HERITAGE HOTEL
from US$201/214; )
Right by the golf course, this vast mock-Tudor edifice has immaculate lawns, a reading
lounge and a wood-panelled billiards room. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, but
if it all feels a bit plastic and forced. That's because much of it is - the original building
was considerably smaller than the current one.
Book online for frequent big discounts.
Hill Club
HERITAGE HOTEL
US$160-180; )
The stone-clad Hill Club is the most profound evidence of Nuwara Eliya's colonial past.
The rooms look as if they've had nothing done to them since the last of the stiff-upper-
lipped British colonial types checked out. While some people find the time-warp atmo-
sphere enchanting, others just see slightly shabby and overpriced rooms.
Up until 1970 the club was reserved for British males, and one of its bars remained res-
olutely 'men only' until a few years ago. It's now open to Sri Lankans and, golly gosh old
chap, even ladies are allowed in. Tennis courts are available to guests and nonguests, and
the lawns and gardens are immaculate. Dinner at the Hill Club is a thoroughly retro and
unique experience. Temporary members pay Rs 100 per day.
Teabush Hotel
HISTORIC HOTEL
US$110/120; )
Lots of antique furniture pepper this 140-year-old tea planter's bungalow. The heritage
charm of the shared, public areas is tempered by slightly more prosaic rooms, but the res-
