Galle Face
Hotel Class: 
4.5 Stars - 14 Reviews and 170 Opinions
2 Galle Rd, Colombo, 3, Sri Lanka
of people enjoy staying here
184 Opinions
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Our Members Say
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ViajesdelMundo
- Reviews: 260
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"Established 1864. Dedicated to Yesterday's Charm"
The GALLE FACE HOTEL is the oldest hotel in the world east of the Suez!! The rest of the motto from above, is "Dedicated to Yesterday's Charm and Tomorrow's Comfort". This hotel was founded 46 years before Singapore's RAFFLES HOTEL (1910), predating the Imperial in Tokyo, the Taj Mahal in Bombay and the Manila Hotel, as well as the Hong Kong Peninsula. I have stayed in several of these hotels myself, or at least taken afternoon tea, and I can attest that most of them have succumbed to renovations of the type that render them unrecognizable to what they once were.............during the great days of Somerset Maugham's Orient!
They have also renovated, but retained their unique character. On my 2007 and 2008 trips, I stayed in their new 'REGENCY' wing, but the floors were still of the same wood as the original part of the hotel. (I believe it is Indonesian teak, but need to check that out.)Even the lower priced rooms are lovely; with wonderful beds and European bedding, beautiful bathrooms and plenty of toiletries, unlike many hotels these days.
During my trip Feb, 2011, I again stayed a few days, but the hotel was totally booked on the Regency Wing and so I was given an upgrade of a huge, 'Luxury' room in the Classic Wing, for the basic tarrif (see pic #5, which only shows part of the room; there was a sitting area also.)
Unique Quality: Firstly, they are the only hotel in Colombo located on the Indian Ocean, and they take full advantage, with views for most rooms and eating facilities facing the Ocean. There are many tables on the lawn, down to the sea wall, where you can sit during the day to write postcards, or have food and drinks in the evening.
High Tea is still served every day, and the selection of both savory and sweets is extensive, now in 2011, approximately US$9.50.
In the new wing is located an extensive SPA, as well as fabulous wine cellar.
The pool is comfortable, set right at the edge of the Ocean.
The best amenity is the very well trained, personable staff!
- Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
- Related to: Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Seniors, Women's Travel
Galle Face Photo: View from 3rd floor of Regency Wing
4 more images-
kingpoa
- Reviews: 2
User Rating
Helpfulness
Wi-Fi, cocktails, sea water pool & ambience galore
Stayed here a few times and it's got a great feel. The new Regency Wing has a lovely feel and the rooms (above he moist basic choice) are spacious and very tastefully done. Huge baths, deep beds, very helpful staff, etc. Spa is STILL not open, but it's not as though there are not other options in Colombo and beyond. Stayed as part busines, part pleasure, so the high speed Wi-Fi was a very welcome relief.
Price start at 125, but you really want to go for the Spa Delux, or Oceanic Suites. The Suites can be combined to sleep up to eight, which is great for families.
Unique Quality: Salt water pool before breakfast (which is basic) on the verandah of the traditional end of the hotel is a must - as are sunset cocktails out on the terrace.
Say 'hi' to the world's longest serving doorman, KC Kuttan, insatntly recognisable by his wonderful white moustache and endearing demenour.
Stroll along Galle Face green in the morning or evening a must, then head down ot Barefoot (not open every evening) for a relaxed vibe.
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SLilaRamachandran
- Reviews: 25
User Rating
Old world charm
Spent 3 wonderful days here. I'd recommed it to anyone visiting Colombo
Unique Quality: Great coffee bar, excellent view of the ocean.
- Opinion of Price: about average
Galle Face Photo: Galle Face Hotel
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Mooky2020
- Reviews: 15
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Helpfulness
Not for the average Joe
A good alternative to the boring cookie cutter hotels of the Hilton, Sheraton type. The Regency Wing at the Galle Face Hotel is the best option. It is wonderfully old world without coming off as musty and run down. I would stay away from the old wing, horribly maintained. Although the terrace, right up against the Indian Ocean, is great for tea and finger food post 5:30 PM. The ambiance is quite special, very much reminiscent of a high end country club anywhere on the north shore of the United States.
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watakeet
- Reviews: 16
User Rating
A bit worn down
Nice to have a taste of the colonnial atmosphere but the hotel definitely needs renovation.
We stayed in a deluxe room which is hugh!
Unique Quality: Classic colonnial style
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call_me_rhia
- Reviews: 4040
User Rating
Helpfulness
old world charm
We wanted some old world charm... we wanted a place that would feel warm and welcoming... with all its wood, the Galle Face Hotel has it all. This chamr does not extend to the staff: the hotel has the rudest and most unfriendly workers in Sri Lanka. The recpetionist looked suspiciously at our backpacks and informed us that they had no standard room: fair enough, we said... we were not planning in staying in a standard room anyway... we wanted something better. But, he muttered, there's only executive suites. We told him that it would be perfect for us. He was still not persuaded and asked us for a credit card... of which he did not simply make an imprint, he asked us to sign it straight away. Never were we asked how we would like to settle the bill, or if we wouldn't mind settling it beforehand.
Unique Quality: The executive suite was really nice... olf wooden furniture and floors, with a lovely distinctive old wood smell. Our room had a wonderful view over the ocean - we enjoyed a great sunset in the comfort of a soft armchair. A perfect ending of a perfect honeymoon.
- Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Galle Face Photo: galle face hotel
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chris_11
- Reviews: 6
User Rating
Colombo - Galle Face Hotel
Situated in the heart of the city and right in the Galle Face Green .. its gives stunning mixture of modern and colonial experience ...
Unique Quality: You can see a beautiful Sunset ....
- Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Galle Face Photo: Galle Face
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ogb4619
- Reviews: 98
User Rating
125 year old 5 Star
This old colonial building has been regularly refurbished and is now almost Concours D'Elegence.!!
The rooms could house a family of 6.
The bathrooms are as big as most Sri Lanakan houses.
TThe buffet each night and the free cultural shows are very professional.
It has its own "beach" but you can't swim as the water is up to the rock wall.
Next to the hotel is a 10 acre or more park where people hang-out at night time, fly kites, chat, have picnics and enjoy music.
This place is alive.!!
the hotel has a well organised disco and most other facilities that you'd expect of a 4 star Asian hotel.
Unique Quality: 125 year old heritage from British colonial days.
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Jarin
- Reviews: 172
Helpfulness
Galle Face Hotel
From this stylish, old colonial hotel you have wonderful view on the sunset.
This hotel seems to have large rooms, and celebrities like Gregory Peck and Lawrence Olivier stayed here.
We had just soft drinks on the back of the hotel on a terrace (see picture), and had magnificent view on the Indian Ocean.
- Opinion of Price: N/A
- Related to: Arts and Culture
Galle Face
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daryll
- Reviews: 505
Colombo Best Colonial Hotel
The Galle Face Hotel is situated in the heart of the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. An oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city by the side of the Indian Ocean. A feature unique among hotels in Colombo. Established in 1864 it soon became and continues to be one of the most exquisite hotels East of the Suez
Unique Quality: Sea water swimming pool located between the
South Wing and the Indian Ocean.
The guests can take a dip in the king size
swimming pool, have afternoon tea on the terrace
overlooking the sea or sip a cocktail from the bar.
Other Facilities
Billiard room with standard English table.
Business Centre with Fax, Computer, Internet and Telephone with IDD.
Shopping Village where you could purchase gems and jewellery, tailoring, handicrafts and airline tickets.
Travel Counter (by. Licensee) - 24 hour travel service.
- Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
- Related to: Backpacking, Castles and Palaces, Budget Travel
Galle Face Photo: Galle Face Hotel
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Galle Face Hotel
Can someone tell me if the old part of this hotel is ok?
What is the new section called..the one over the pool?
Thanks
Re: Galle Face Hotel
Hi there,
Yes and no. For our standards still acceptable 2-star, partly due to the magnificent hall, restaurants etc. Rooms are a bit outdated.
New wing, Regency, is 4/5-star. Loved it!
All the best,
Erik + Sandya
Re: Galle Face Hotel
Hi
Old wing well maintain room with wooden floor . TV , mini bar facilities there and all the room air conditioned .You get still colonial atmosphere.
New wing modern type 4/5 star level rooms .
Best regard,
micy
Re: Galle Face Hotel
thats the best colonial hotel one can think of if you are in colombo
cheers
tariq
Re: Galle Face Hotel
its one of colonial style hotel which is found in the capital of our country, its still with its smart lookin, recently i went for an educational introduction programme by the American National College, the new buildin also smart.
u will love it
Re: Galle Face Hotel
The old wing is just about ok. They have old rooms with sometimes creaky beds and bad pillows. It all depends on what you want. if you are looking for a colonial hotel then such things can add some charm.
the new wing is called the Regency and has some nice over priced rooms.
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Our Members Say
Sea water swimming pool located between the
South Wing and the Indian Ocean.
The guests can take a dip in the king size
swimming pool, have afternoon tea on the terrace
overlooking the sea or sip a cocktail from the bar.
Other Facilities
Billiard room with standard English table.
Business Centre with Fax, Computer, Internet and Telephone with IDD.
Shopping Village where you could purchase gems and jewellery, tailoring, handicrafts and airline tickets.
Travel Counter (by. Licensee) - 24 hour travel service.
387 members live in Colombo
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