Asian brand Next to open hotel with 164 rooms and suites in Colombo in November

Asian brand Next Hotel will open its first property with 164 guest rooms and suites in Colombo in November.  

The Next Story Group currently owns, manages and franchises 37 hotels and resorts in Australia, Laos and Thailand and manages five Kafnu spaces in Taipei, Hong Kong, Sydney, Ho Chi Minh City and Bengaluru. Next has identified Sri Lanka as a fast-growing tourist and business destination and says the hotel is the perfect launch pad to explore the rich culture and natural beauty of Sri Lanka and it is also among the best venues in Colombo for corporate meetings.

Next Hotel Colombo which features Kafnu Colombo, will be located in the iconic Colombo City Centre, a premier lifestyle destination in Sri Lanka. Colombo City Centre is a mixed-use development which consists of a Next Hotel, luxury apartments and the first international shopping mall in the country. 

The hotel provides direct access to this upscale mall which has more than 50 international brands, 20 food and beverage outlets, a six-screen cineplex and a virtual reality world.

Next Hotel Colombo will occupy the eighth to the 17th floor of the iconic 47-storey building within Colombo City Centre. The hotel will showcase the hallmarks of the upper upscale Next Hotels brand, which offers modern, innovative hospitality and focuses on empathetic and efficient service to deliver a uniquely stimulating experience with every visit.

Next Hotel Colombo will feature the first Kafnu within a Next Hotel. Conceptualised as an urban village for the new generation of creators, Kafnu is a physical, intellectual and social launch pad for today’s trailblazers. It is designed for its members to co-create, co-explore and collaborate in an open and supportive environment that elevates their individual and collective potential. 

Kafnu members enjoy access to strategic partnerships, premium services and private events. A members-only club, Kafnu Colombo will join the Kafnu network which includes Hong Kong, Taipei, Bengaluru, Ho Chi Minh City and Sydney.

Next Hotel Colombo captures the essence of contemporary Sri Lanka. The hotel features the radiant colours of the country as it incorporates design inspirations from local crafts and reimagining them with international flair. In addition, the hotel will have art corridors, displaying local artwork. The overall design concept of the hotel is edgy yet practical. Public areas and the Kafnu space within the hotel will be designed to be engaging and will provide the right ambience to encourage guests to share experiences and ideas.

Next Hotel Colombo will have 164 guest rooms and suites, with stunning views of the city skyline and the India Ocean. The hotel will have unique sleep pods that provide restful moments for guests who arrive early or require a late checkout. Guests will enjoy the outdoor pool on the ninth floor and have access to the gym and yoga room. 

Located on the ninth floor terrace, the specialty restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine will feature a show kitchen and offer views of the city, Beira Lake and the Indian Ocean. Guests will be treated to an exceptional dining experience at this restaurant with its offering of innovative gastronomical delights centred on local produce. The hotel is also the ideal venue for corporate meetings and social functions for up to 100 guests.

Colombo is known as the world’s No.1 “must photograph” destination. It has also been ranked top place to travel to in the world in 2019 by Lonely Planet. Guests will appreciate that the hotel is within walking distance to major sights including Beira Lake, Gangaramaya Temple and Park, Viharamahadevi Park, the National Art Gallery, the National Museum, the Town Hall and Galle Face Green ocean-side park. It is a 10-minute drive to visit the Fort and Old Town. The hotel is 45 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport Colombo and 35 minutes from Colombo Ratmalana Airport.