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Dutch national, Koumendakos holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Hotel school The Hague, the Netherlands, specialising in Marketing, Sales and International Hotels. He started his career as a trainee in 1986, at the Amsterdam Hilton, after which he worked for hotel companies such as Hilton, Marriott, Banyan Tree and IHG where he remained for around 20 years, and been in many senior positions throughout North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa and Asia. The years saw the experienced Koumendakos travel widely across Canada, England, the Philippines, Northern Ireland, the Netherlands, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates before his most recent move to Sri Lanka.
This will be Koumendakos’ first appointment in Sri Lanka, as he joins the award-winning property from InterContinental Hotels Group, having successfully managed the 300 room Crowne Plaza Dubai-Deira in the UAE, while overlooking two other properties in the area for nearly four years. With over three decades in the hospitality industry, Koumendakos brings a wealth of knowledge with a focus on rebranding, strategic management, leadership and marketing.
“I am delighted to join a unique and award-winning property that has already gained a strong position in the market,” said Koumendakos on his latest appointment. He further added that “Continuing on this success, I hope to bring in more exciting new guest experiences together with the hotel’s dedicated team. It is a fantastic time to be based in Colombo with many things to look forward to as the property has not only introduced a unique hospitality concept in Sri Lanka, but also brought in a touch of attitude and altitude to the city of Colombo, reflecting the country’s energy and optimism.”
With 219 rooms and suites offering panoramic views of the city or the Indian Ocean, this new urban hotel offers unparalleled charm and beautiful spaces. Furnished in contemporary style, the Executive Rooms are generous in space, with comfortable king-sized beds. With fast and free WiFi, travellers opting to stay in an Executive Room can take advantage of the hotel’s Executive Lounge on the third floor offering private check-ins, complimentary snacks and selected drinks along with a private meeting room.
Located ideally in the heart of Colombo, the hotel offers business travellers easy access to and from the area’s main attractions. The hotel offers a dedicated Meeting and Events space with two venues ideal for banquets and conferences hosting up to 180 guests. Both event spaces boast lovely views of Sri Lanka’s capital city. The hotel also offers five meeting rooms bathed in daylight and the latest technology along with one board room overlooking the stunning city skyline.