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Galle Face Hotel

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Scenic beachside location
- Historic building with tours available
- Well located for exploring Colombo

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Overview

This grand and elegant hotel is situated on the Colombo seafront. It’s so-called because it lies opposite the Galle Face Green, an expansive oceanside public park and the city’s largest open green space. Built in 1864, the hotel prides itself on being one of the oldest east of the Suez Canal and retains many of its original features and fixings. It’s been lovingly maintained over the years and was last renovated in 2015, so it’s just as glorious now as it was back when it first opened. Though it’s very much an historic hotel, it’s been fitted with all the modern conveniences today’s travellers need for a relaxing and comfortable stay.

There are 156 guest rooms at the Galle Face Hotel, all of which have plenty of amenities and have been specially designed to showcase the hotel’s unique heritage. Some of the rooms offer views of the Indian Ocean, and some have their own private balcony. Amenities that are available in all types of guest room include air conditioning, a complimentary minibar, a selection of local teas, a flat-screen TV with a selection of pay-TV channels and Wi-Fi. Children are welcome, and a babysitting service is available for an extra charge.

There are plenty of on-site facilities to make use of. Galle Face is home to the only salt water pool in Colombo, which is open daily. The library houses a wide range of books, as well as some board games, while the croquet lawn is where many hotel guests enjoy playing croquet while sipping on Pimm's, one of the hotel’s many traditions. Visit the museum to see pieces of memorabilia from throughout the hotel’s history, and be sure to visit on Tuesdays or Thursdays for a guided tour by the hotel’s historian. The historian also conducts tours of the hotel, informing guests all about its rich history and fascinating architecture. Those wanting to explore Colombo and further afield can get in touch with the hotel’s expeditions team, who can arrange all sorts of bespoke tours, day trips and expeditions to many of Sri Lanka’s top tourist attractions.

At the hotel there are three restaurants, two bars and a gastropub. There’s a good variety of dining options available: the 1864 Restaurant offers contemporary Sri Lankan cuisine with locally sourced ingredients, while seafood is on the menu at the European-style Seaspray restaurant, and over at The Verandah, guests can enjoy a range of international cuisine in an al fresco setting. Both the Pool Bar and The Travellers’ Bar offer refreshing drinks and wonderful views of the ocean.

Suggested Itineraries for Galle Face Hotel

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I would like to say a massive thank you for organising our Vietnam trip. The itinerary and execution were superb, as was the attention to detail. I would also like to thank the agent who was on the end of my whats app chat (I have no idea who they were!) – always available, always quick to respond, and kept me updated regarding times etc. Also, the guides Dan (north) and Tien (mid) were just excellent, and we really enjoyed their company. The lady (whose name I have forgotten) who was our additional guide for the DMZ day was exceedingly good and made that day very special.

    Missingfiona g reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families on 15 April 2024

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

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