Galle Face Hotel, Colombo ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2024

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About the Hotel

2 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Galle Face Hotel is an iconic heritage hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka, built in 1864. It is celebrated as the first hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp and has hosted numerous historical figures. The hotel's colonial architecture and coastal setting provide a picturesque backdrop that reflects Sri Lanka's rich history and traditions. Situated along the famous Galle Face Green, this waterfront hotel combines luxury with engaging experiences for travelers.

Location

Conveniently located, The Galle Face Hotel is just a 15-minute drive from Odel Shopping Mall and approximately 36 km from Colombo International Airport. The prime seafront position offers easy access to local attractions, including several Buddhist temples and the scenic promenade of Galle Face Green. The surrounding area is accessible via tuk-tuks and public transport, enhancing the hotel's connectivity to Colombo's vibrant culture.

Rooms

Various accommodations at The Galle Face Hotel are designed to offer distinct comforts with subtle embellishments. Most rooms feature stunning views of the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green, or Colombo City. The Regency Junior Suites are particularly notable for their spaciousness and balcony sea views. The hotel's signature suites, including the Empress Suite and King Emperor Suite, provide luxurious settings for extensive entertaining.

Eat & Drink

The hotel's fine dining restaurant, The 1864, is recognized for its contemporary European cuisine and exquisite ocean views. Casual dining can be experienced at The Verandah and various themed outlets, promoting both Sri Lankan and international flavors. Guests can enjoy a culinary journey through the buffet offerings as well as an a la carte menu featuring colonial classics, ensuring a memorable dining experience.

Leisure & Business

The Galle Face Hotel boasts a saltwater pool and wellness spa, allowing for relaxation amid the bustling city. The hotel's event spaces cater to meetings and weddings, supported by professional services and modern amenities. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the hotel’s museum and participate in regular historical tours, enriching their stay with the venue's storied past.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Heritage Balcony Sea View

Max:

3 persons

45 m²

Bed options:

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Sea view

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Regency Junior Suite Balcony Sea View

Max:

3 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

1 King-size bed

Sea view

Shower

Balcony

room details

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Heritage Junior Suite

Max:

3 persons

60 m²

Bed options:

1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed

Shower

Air conditioning

room details

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Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Centre

Colombo 2.2 km

Airports

Diyawanna Oya Seaplane Base (DWO) 9.0 km

Kelaniya (KEZ) 13.5 km

Train

Slave Island Railway Station500 m

Maradana Railway Station 2.4 km

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Relaxing Spa Experience

The head and neck massage I received at the spa was the best I've ever had, leaving me feeling completely rejuvenated.view full review

Delicious Breakfast Buffet

The breakfast buffet was varied and substantial, catering to every taste and making each morning enjoyable.view full review

Spacious & Comfortable

My sea-facing room was incredibly spacious and cool, with a lovely double balcony that offered stunning views.view full review

Incredible Pool Area

The large, filtered-seawater swimming pool was perfect for relaxation, providing a refreshing escape during hot days.view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Private beach
Lift
Currency exchange
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Valet parking
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

In-room breakfast
Restaurant
Poolside snack bar
Snack bar
Dinner
Packed lunches

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

Saltwater pool
Beach access
Beach umbrellas
Sun loungers
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Pool with view

Room features

Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Terrace
Garden furniture
Tea and coffee facilities
Dining table
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Location

2 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Map view

2 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka

City landmarks

Park

Galle Face Green

1.1 km

Pagoda

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

1.8 km

Park

Viharamahadevi Park

2.9 km

cnr 2nd Cross & Bankshall Sts

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque

2.1 km

Museum

National Museum of Colombo

2.8 km

Pagoda

Gangaramaya Temple

2.0 km

Market

Pettah Floating Market

4.6 km

1 Bank of Ceylon Mawatha

World Trade Center

6.0 km

Gallery

National Art Gallery

2.0 km

Shopping Area

Crescat Boulevard

1.4 km

Church

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

1.4 km

Church

Church of St. Michael & All Angels

1.0 km

Pagoda

Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil

1.2 km

Zoo

National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka

1.7 km

Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha

Traditional Puppet Art Museum

1.1 km

Mall

Independence Square

3.0 km

Theatre

Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre

2.2 km

Viharamahadevi Park

Cenotaph War Memorial

1.6 km

Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha

Green Path

1.4 km

Japan Sri Lanka Friendship Rd Battaramulla

Ape Gama

1.3 km

Pagoda

Seema Malaka

1.6 km

338 T. B. Jayah Mawatha

Excel World Entertainment Park

2.4 km

02 Colombo

Beira Lake

3.4 km

Museum

Colombo Dutch Museum

4.3 km

Casino

Bally's Casino

4.0 km

Janadhipathi Mawatha

Khan Clock Tower

5.7 km

Mall

Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct

6.0 km

Lighthouse

Colombo Lighthouse

6.0 km

Public Building

Old Parliament Building

6.0 km

Nearby

Galle Face Terrace

180 m

Restaurants

King of the Mambo

40 m

Galle Face Hotel

The Verandah

40 m

3 2 Galle Road

The Poolside Bar and Terrace

40 m

2 Galle Road Galle Face Hotel

Fatty Patty

1.2 km

03 662

The Pool Bar

1.2 km

2 Galle Road

Breeze Barracuda

30 m

10 Galle Face Drive

Alhambra

160 m

30 Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha Ramada Colombo

Crab Factory

180 m

Baked

160 m

30 Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha Ramada Colombo

Echo

1.0 km

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

78%

liked the hotel and would stay again

stunning views

varied dining options

rude staff

room rate issues

7.8/10

Very good

Rooms

7.6

Location

8.4

Service

8.1

Dining

8.1

Dean

United States, May 2024

8.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at the hotel. The rooms were spacious and had everything we could possibly need, emanating a charming colonial style. Despite some noise from a connecting door, the overall experience was fantastic and truly captured the colonial essence of the hotel.

Rooms

8.0

The rooms were in an old colonial style, fitting perfectly with the hotel's ambiance.

Service

9.0

The service was exceptional. The staff went above and beyond to assist us and even shared local recipes with us. Their constant helpfulness and warm smiles made our stay truly memorable.

Location

9.0

The hotel overlooks a picturesque lawn and the mesmerizing ocean, creating a perfect backdrop. Its proximity to Galle Face Green allowed us to enjoy local life and scenic ocean views effortlessly.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was delightful, with a lovely variety and quality of dishes. However, the efficiency was lacking in made-to-order items like eggs. Overall, it was a pleasure dining at the hotel.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel offers a wide range of facilities that cater to every guest's need, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Henry

United Kingdom, April 2024

8.2/10

My stay at the hotel was delightful. The sea-facing room offered a wonderful view, and the sound of the waves was a calming touch. The breakfasts were excellent, and the room was equipped with the most modern amenities. However, room service staff could improve on recommending how to get to places.

Rooms

9.0

The room was sea-facing and had a great view. It was wonderful and the breakfasts were excellent, furnished with the most modern amenities.

Service

9.0

The service was excellent, with very kind and helpful staff, particularly Bandu Dhamasik, Suranga Sanjeewa, Imasha Madumali, and Princely Dissa Bandaran from the Veranda Restaurant, all super professional and efficient.

Location

8.0

The location was excellent, with a great view and one of the biggest private terraces I have ever had. Right by Galle Face Green, the walk offered a slice of local life, though some construction work was ongoing, which was a bit inconvenient.

Dining

7.0

The dining experience was a mixed bag. While the variety and quality were amazing, the consistency over three weeks had some hiccups, like food left uncovered attracting flies. The gym and dining areas were not holding the same high standard as other facilities.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel facilities were good, with a superb pool to enjoy while waiting for your flight and perfect for shopping and sightseeing in Columbo.

Ronald

United States, March 2024

7.4/10

Staying at the hotel gave me a mix of great and not-so-great experiences. The rooms were comfortable, though the view was of rooftops; however, being able to hear the waves was delightful. The service was impeccable, with friendly and helpful staff. The location was superb with a stunning view and ideal surroundings, but could benefit from some updates. The dining experience had its highs and lows. Overall, a memorable stay with both pros and cons.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were old-fashioned but comfortable, and you could hear the waves when you opened the windows.

Service

9.0

The service at the hotel was exceptional, with the staff always ready to assist with a smile.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location was excellent, overlooking the bay and providing a serene ambiance.

Dining

6.0

The dining experience offered a mix of traditional tastes, but with some limitations and unexpected shortages.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities at the hotel were adequate for a comfortable stay.

Antony

United Kingdom, February 2024

8.0/10

The hotel has a great location overlooking the Indian Ocean, ideal for a relaxing stay. The rooms are old and could use upgrades but offer balcony views with access to the Long Bar for free Happy Hour drinks and snacks. The service is friendly and helpful, although there were some hiccups with room allocation. Dining options are excellent, especially the buffet selection. Overall, a comfortable stay with some room for improvement in certain areas.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms, while lacking lighting and showing signs of age, provide balcony views and access to the Long Bar for complimentary drinks and snacks.

Service

8.0

The staff, especially Asha at reception, are friendly and accommodating, although there were some issues with room allocation.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location at the southern end of Galle Face is excellent, overlooking the Indian Ocean, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience, particularly the buffet selection with a variety of local and international dishes, was sensational.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel facilities are in need of an update but are satisfactory for a comfortable stay.

John

United Kingdom, January 2024

7.8/10

My stay at the hotel was truly memorable. The luxurious room with views over the water and special treats for our wedding anniversary made it unforgettable! However, there was a bit of dampness in the room, and some staff seemed unconcerned about resolving issues promptly.

Rooms

8.0

The room was truly luxurious with views over the water, and the complimentary chocolates for our anniversary were a sweet touch. The upgrade to access pre-dinner champagne and canapes in the Long Room while watching the sunset was magical. However, there was a bit of damp, and it seemed like the staff could have been more proactive in addressing concerns.

Service

9.0

The staff were exceptional during my stay. They were helpful and caring, with individuals like Bandu Dhamasik, Suranga Sanjeewa, Imasha Madumali, and Princely Dissa Bandaran standing out for their kindness and assistance. Even the Chef, Prebath, prepared some amazing Masala Dosa.

Location

7.0

The location was wonderful with a lovely view of the ocean and unforgettable sunsets. However, it was a bit noisy at night due to loud music from the hall below. Despite this, the historical charm and courteous staff made up for it.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was very good and varied, as expected from a 5-star hotel. The cinnamon rolls were particularly delicious.

Facilities

7.0

The facilities were top-notch, offering everything you'd expect from a luxury hotel. However, there could have been more attention to detail in resolving noise issues and taking care of dampness in the rooms.

Ann

United Kingdom, December 2023

8.6/10

The hotel offers spacious rooms, though they can be noisy due to the busy adjacent road. The service is attentive and friendly, catering well to vegetarian guests. The location is ideal for exploring Colombo, close to major attractions. Dining here is a delightful mix of local and international cuisine. However, some construction noise was noticeable at times.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms were spacious but noisy due to the adjacent busy road. Some minor issues indicated lack of recent use.

Service

9.0

The service was excellent, with attentive and friendly staff offering various convenient amenities.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location is prime in Colombo, providing easy access to major attractions and offering stunning seafront views.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was superb, featuring a diverse range of local and international dishes in a pleasant setting.

Facilities

Clive

United Kingdom, October 2023

7.8/10

The hotel offers spacious rooms with a touch of greenery, facing the main road, which might give off a slightly dated vibe. The service is a mix of lovely and friendly interactions for most needs, although there were moments of unhelpfulness. The location is a historical gem with a breathtaking view, though some areas may not reflect the luxurious price tag. The dining options, while having highlights, may lack variety for longer stays. Overall, a mix of positives and negatives to consider.

Rooms

7.0

The rooms, while massive, are not very modern and can feel a bit dated.

Service

7.0

The service was generally helpful in arranging various needs, but there were occasional lapses in professionalism.

Location

9.0

The location is truly spectacular, especially considering its historical significance during colonial times.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience, albeit outstanding in some aspects like the Cuban themed restaurant, could use more variety for longer stays.

Facilities

The undercovered dining area with a great buffet selection is a highlight, complemented by excellent facilities.

Peter

United Kingdom, October 2023

8.8/10

The hotel is a wonderful blend of character and charm, offering large, clean rooms with beautiful wooden floors and modern amenities. The service is efficient and friendly, making guests feel welcome and valued. The location is excellent, providing a peaceful oasis in the heart of Colombo with easy access to local attractions. Dining options are varied and delicious, although slightly on the pricey side. Overall, a delightful stay with great value for money.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were just beautiful, large, spacious, and tastefully decorated, offering a lovely mix of old-world charm and modern comforts.

Service

9.0

The service was amazing, with the staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay.

Location

9.0

The hotel's location is excellent, providing a tranquil retreat in the bustling city center of Colombo, near the iconic Galle Face Green.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was exceptional, offering delicious and varied options with a stunning view of the crashing waves beyond the verdant lawn.

Facilities

9.0

The facilities were top-notch, providing everything needed for a comfortable and convenient stay.

Alf

United Kingdom, August 2023

7.4/10

I had a wonderful stay at the hotel with spacious and comfortable rooms overlooking the pool and ocean, making it the perfect spot to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks over Colombo. The room had terrific views of the sea, although the surf noise kept my husband awake. The location was stunning and offered a clean saltwater pool and a bar with a great sea breeze.

Rooms

9.0

The rooms were spacious, well-equipped, and offered fantastic views of the sea. Although the surf noise was a bit bothersome for my husband, the overall experience was delightful.

Service

5.0

The service was a bit disappointing as the staff was rude and dismissive. They refused to honor the rate indicated clearly in the email from Booking. However, the hotel did offer various services like room service, car hire, and laundry.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location was breathtaking, close to the sea with a lovely pool area. It was, however, always wet due to the sea vapor. The proximity to the port was convenient for guests potentially embarking or disembarking from a cruise.

Dining

8.0

The dining experience was varied and delightful, with buffet style options from many nations to please every palate. The pool bar and Travellers' Bar were great spots to enjoy a meal or a drink.

Facilities

8.0

The hotel's facilities were well-maintained and offered a range of services like room service, car hire, and laundry. The pool area was clean and enjoyable.

stunning views

rude staff

Rod

United States, July 2023

7.4/10

My stay at the hotel was a mix of comfort and disappointment. The rooms, although spacious and cozy, were plagued by a musty smell that triggered my allergies and made it hard to sleep. The upgraded junior suite alleviated some of these issues, but the view of the back of the hotel filled with a/c units was a big letdown. The service was a tale of two sides - while most staff members were incredibly attentive and accommodating, the front desk manager's dismissive attitude marred an otherwise pleasant experience. The location, overlooking the Indian Ocean, was stunning and central to my destinations, but there were hints of undesirability that couldn't be overlooked. The dining experience stood out positively, offering a delightful array of Sri Lankan and international dishes that made my mornings memorable.

Rooms

6.0

The rooms, although old, were spacious and very comfortable. The musty smell and humidity caused some discomfort, affecting my sleep. The upgrade to a junior suite with a double and sofa bed was appreciated.

Service

7.0

The majority of the staff were very attentive and accommodating, creating a pleasant atmosphere. However, the encounter with the front desk manager at check-out was marred by rudeness and a lack of customer service.

Location

8.0

The hotel's location was stunning, offering superb views of the Indian Ocean and placing me at the heart of historic Colombo. However, there were hints of undesirability that detracted from the overall experience.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was exceptional, with a diverse selection of Sri Lankan and international cuisine. The breakfast spread was delightful, offering a range of options to satisfy every craving.

Facilities

7.0

Tony

United Kingdom, July 2023

8.4/10

The hotel offers rooms with easily accessible light switches, overlooking the crashing sea. However, the rooms are smaller and more basic than expected, lacking the seating area as advertised on the website.

Rooms

7.0

The room's light switches were convenient, and the sea view was mesmerizing.

Service

9.0

The staff was incredibly helpful and friendly, always ensuring a relaxing stay with their professional service.

Location

8.0

The hotel is ideally situated at the southern end of Galle Face, overlooking the Indian Ocean. Despite some outside pollution, the location offers a vibrant atmosphere and stunning views.

Dining

9.0

The dining experience was fantastic, with a diverse buffet selection that catered to various tastes. Breakfast, at around £20 for two, offers great value for money.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel features a first-class sea water swimming pool and excellent dining options, providing a luxurious experience for guests.