 In 1837 it was converted into barracks for the British Army.In 1873 it was converted into a hostelry, with reconstruction commencing on 23 February and completing 27 October, the same year.The task of converting the Army hostel into a hotel was undertaken by the then Governor Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, engaging the architect of Public Works Department, J. G. Smither, who was also responsible for the National Museum of Colombo, Colombo General Hospital and the old Colombo Town Hall.