The Grand Hotel has a 100 year old heritage and was the former residence of Sir Edward Barnes, Governor of Sri Lanka from 1830 to 1850. The hotel takes its place as one of the best hill station hotels in Asia. During his period, he became so enchanted with Nuwara Eliya, he build a bungalow at his own expense, which eventually became The Grand Hotel.

The Grand hotel has been the most sought after resort in Nuwara Eliya the resort town. Since the town is locates in the low intensity it always maintains a cool climate. Due to the colonial buildings and the look of the town it is often called the "Little England." Situated 170 KM east of Colombo in the central province hill country at a height of 6200 ft above sea level amidst mountain greenery and lush valleys.