South East Asia’s first lean luxury hotel, Cinnamon Red turns one

When Colombo city was painted ‘Red’ one year ago, it was undoubtedly the trailblazing of a new chapter in the country’s tourism industry. Cinnamon Red opened its portals to the world as the first lean luxury hotel in South East Asia, pioneering some industry firsts for Sri Lanka and a completely new lifestyle experience in city hospitality. 

Based on the ethos of empowering the contemporary traveller, Cinnamon Red’s lean luxury concept combined with a unique persona, ambience and product offerings was aimed at raising benchmarked aspirations of the new age traveller. 

Ecstatic at having completed an exciting first year, General Manager Terrence Fernando believes strongly that Cinnamon Red unequivocally transformed the quintessence of travel for today’s traveller whose needs are discerning, detailed and exact. 

Flashback – Deputy Chairman and President Leisure Sector of John Keells Holdings Ajit Gunewardene, Cinnamon Red General Manager Terrence Fernando and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Sector Head-City Hotels and Cinnamon Grand General Manager Rohan Karr at the flag hoisting ceremony during the Cinnamon Red launch for the hotel’s associates

“It really has been a fabulous year for Cinnamon Red and also for Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts as well, given that we introduced this unique concept of lean luxury to South East Asia. The success in just one year is well evidenced in the above average occupancy rates, (including 100% occupancy in just three months since inception)) and the impressive ratings we continued to garner in guest satisfaction,” Fernando noted. 

“The fact that we have very successfully bridged luxury and affordability with intuitive service, modern technology and a range of facilities is undoubtedly an experience that no other city hotel has imparted.” 

He adds that welcoming the very first guest to Cinnamon Red with not only smiles but a hospitable spread of traditional sweetmeats complete with a Cinnamon Red twist, was certainly an indelible memory. 

Collating a number of accolades within just one year in operation, Cinnamon Red proudly held aloft the award as the Best New Hotel of the Year in the mid-market segment at the 11th Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia held in New Delhi. The hotel was also conferred the laurels of being among the Top 10 properties on TripAdvisor and sitting proudly at the helm as ‘number one’ on the booking engines, Agoda and Booking.com. 

The creative F&B team too have been quite busy, showcasing creative prowess at the Culinary Art Exhibition, including winning a gold medal. 

Taking immense pride in his dynamic team who embraced the concept wholeheartedly and have taken it beyond unimaginable goals, Fernando says, “Associates at all levels have been open to multi-tasking, which is a feature we introduced from the very beginning. This is an absolutely crucial element in ouroperating model which has a staff to room ratio of 0.75.” 

Explaining that it wouldn’t be unusual to see a Housekeeping Attendant carrying luggage or Front Office Associate engaged in restaurant service, Fernando says, “None of them would hesitate to go beyond their call of duty in order to enhance customer experience and exceed customer expectations. One of our USPs, I believe, is our team, judging from guest reviews that repeatedly mention their warmth, hospitality and friendliness they exude. Although we imbue a lean concept, the service standards at Cinnamon Red are extremely high, which contributes to the overall success of the property.”

Reiterating its status as a trailblazer, Cinnamon Red has launched some conversation starters. In fact, the entire look and feel of the hotel’s architecture is about infusing modern creativity. The contemporary graffiti done by five Sri Lankan artists running across the multiple-story length of its car park is a good example. The magnificent panoramic views of the city are brilliantly portrayed through the extensive canvases of exterior glass walls, while living spaces are bold and avant-garde. 

From its infinity pool adjacent to Cloud Red right atop the city, to its Flavoured and Stirred restaurants, the hotel has pulled out all the stops when it comes to serving up some entertaining fare. The New Year’s Party is a case in point, as was the strong hues of red in Christmas festivities that seemed to swathe the city. 

“Our strengths are in our 3 Ps,” informs Fernando, “People, product, and price. We promised a 5-star sleeping experience and we delivered on that. Our technology is second to none. Therefore, everything a modern day traveller looks for is right here at Cinnamon Red at an affordable price. And we have the right people in the right place to deliver that service with a smile and true modern flair.”

Fernando recalls that the biggest challenge faced by Cinnamon Red initially was in introducing the lean luxury concept to customers. “Most expected us to be a regular five-star hotel with all the embellishments that are five-star hallmarks. While we fine-tuned our model in some areas which we felt was essential for overall guest satisfaction, we did not divert or lose sight of the heart and soul of lean luxury.” 

Although Cinnamon Red has etched benchmarks within the industry, Fernando believes strongly that the hotel must continue raising the bar. “Our biggest challenge as we look ahead will be in maintaining our position in the market, something that becomes difficult each day. Our product is unique and it is fabulous, but standards must keep improving and this must be ingrained in our team’s mind-set.” His fervent wish is to see similar properties being launched in other parts of the country.