Galle Face Hotel Colombo, Colombo
About the Hotel
The Galle Face Hotel is Sri Lanka’s iconic oceanfront luxury heritage hotel, built in 1864. This distinguished hotel, renowned for its colonial architecture, offers both historical significance and contemporary comforts. It stands along the picturesque Galle Face Green, a prominent seaside promenade in Colombo. The hotel is the oldest establishment of its kind east of the Suez and serves as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history and elegance.
Location
Situated just 22.5 miles from Colombo International Airport, the Galle Face Hotel offers convenient access to various local attractions. The hotel is a brief drive from the bustling city's shopping districts and cultural landmarks, including several Buddhist temples. Its position adjacent to Galle Face Green enhances its appeal as a prime location for both relaxation and exploration in Colombo.
Rooms
The Galle Face Hotel features a variety of accommodation options with many rooms displaying views of the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green, or Colombo City. Spaciousness is a key characteristic, making each room a comfortable retreat for guests. The most luxurious options include the Presidential Suite and the Empress Suite, both designed for ultimate relaxation and entertainment. Each room is equipped with modern amenities while preserving the hotel's historic charm.
Eat & Drink
Dining at the Galle Face Hotel includes several establishments, with The 1864 being a standout for its fine dining experience overlooking the ocean. Casual dining options are available at The Verandah and In on the Green, known for their diverse menus drawing from local and international cuisines. The hotel also offers al fresco dining at Firebeach, adding a beach club atmosphere to the experience, complemented by live music and a vibrant nightlife.
Leisure & Business
Guests can unwind at the hotel’s saltwater pool, which offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean. The luxurious spa provides a range of wellness treatments, enhancing the overall guest experience. For business travelers, the hotel features fully equipped meeting and event spaces that cater to various occasions, ensuring functionality alongside the hotel's historic elegance. The hotel maintains a commitment to exceptional service with a dedicated concierge team.
Select your room type
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Getting around
A list of all available modes of transport
Facilities
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- Wi-Fi
- Free parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- No pets allowed
- 24-hour security
- Baggage storage
- Private beach
- Elevator
- Currency exchange
- Smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Key access
Sports & Fitness
- Fitness center
Guest Parking
- Electric kettle
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Valet parking
- Room service
- Housekeeping
- Car rental
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Welcome drink
Dining
- In-room breakfast
- Restaurant
- Poolside snack bar
- Snack bar
- Dinner
- Packed lunches
Business
- Business center
- Meeting/ Banquet facilities
- Fax/Photocopying
Children
- Cribs
- Children's buffet
Spa & Leisure
- Saltwater pool
- Beach access
- Beach umbrellas
- Sun loungers
- Live entertainment
- Sun terrace
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness center
- 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
Reviews and Ratings
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.