At one extremity of York Street, Colombo Fort, where Banks and business houses indicate the high level of commercial activity, stands a hostelry with a history of over one hundred and twenty five years - the GOH, which has as renowned a reputation as the Raffles of Singapore and the Taj Mahal of Mumbai.


Here on the waterfront, within sight and sound of Colombo Harbour, just a stone's throw from the Hotel, hospitality was dispensed to travellers who stepped ashore from all parts of the globe. The building had been constructed in 1837 during the reign of King William for the British Soldiers and, when it had served it's purpose, it was handed to the Government to be utilised as required. It was converted into a hostelry in August 1875.

The GOH was most popular not only with ships' passengers but also with the Colombo City Residents, as the Hotel had acquired a reputation for ballroom dancing, while it's crockery and furniture was adopted for fashionable use as GOH plates and GOH chairs.


The Hotel was completely re-furbished and re-opened for business in 1991 under it's original name of Grand Oriental Hotel (GOH) and continues to offer traditional charm and superb service for which the GOH was always famous throughout its 125-year history.