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Galle Face Hotel Colombo, Colombo

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From95US$ /night
Check-in
04Dec2024Select date
Check-out
05Dec2024Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guest, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

2 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka

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.

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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 King Room
Max:
2 persons
30 m² 
Bed options:
1 Single bed
Shower
Air conditioning
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Regency Junior Suite
Max:
3 persons
60 m² 
Bed options:
3 Single beds
Sea view
Shower
Air conditioning
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Regency Junior Suite
Max:
3 persons
60 m² 
Bed options:
1 King Size Bed
Sea view
Shower
Balcony
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Getting around

A list of all available modes of transport

City Center
Colombo 1.4 mi
Airports
Diyawanna Oya Seaplane Base (DWO) 5.6 mi
Kelaniya (KEZ) 8.4 mi
Train
Slave Island Railway Station1700 ft
Maradana Railway Station 1.5 mi

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

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
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Location

2 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Map view
2 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nearby
Galle Face Terrace
600 ft
Restaurants
King of the Mambo
200 ft
Galle Face Hotel
The Verandah
200 ft
3 2 Galle Road
The Poolside Bar and Terrace
200 ft
2 Galle Road Galle Face Hotel
Fatty Patty
4100 ft
03 662
The Pool Bar
4100 ft
2 Galle Road
Breeze Barracuda
100 ft
10 Galle Face Drive
Alhambra
600 ft
30 Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha Ramada Colombo
Crab Factory
600 ft
25
Baked
600 ft
30 Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha Ramada Colombo
Echo
3300 ft
77

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
Guest reviews
7.8/10
based on 11 review
8.5
8.5/10based on 1055 review
Dean
United States of America, 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 of America, 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 of America, 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.
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Rooms and Guests2 Guest, 1 Room