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Galle Face, Colombo
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Galle Face

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Reviews: 10Photos: 9
2 Galle Rd
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Galle Face: "Established 1864. Dedicated to Yesterday's Charm"    Check Rates
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  • ViajesdelMundo
  • Updated By ViajesdelMundo on October 25, 2008
  • View from 3rd floor of Regency Wing - Colombo
    View from 3rd floor of Regency
    Wing
    by ViajesdelMundo, 4 more photos
    This 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. This most recent stay was 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 lowest priced rooms are lovely; with wonderful beds and European bedding, beautiful bathrooms and plenty of toiletries, unlike many hotels these days.

    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, for only approximately US$6.50.

    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!

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$40-80    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Phone: (94) 11 254-1010
  • Directions: top of Galle Road; it is the center of Colombo.
  • Website: www.gallefacehotel.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: Not for the average Joe    Check Rates
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  • Mooky2020
  • By Mooky2020 on March 20, 2005
  • 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.

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$120-180    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Directions: Down town Colombo
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: old world charm    Check Rates
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  • call_me_rhia
  • By call_me_rhia on December 15, 2004
  • galle face hotel - Colombo
    galle face hotel
    by call_me_rhia
    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.

    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.

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$40-80    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Phone: (941) 12541010/16
  • Directions: by the galle green
  • Website: http://www.gallefacehotel.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: Wi-Fi, cocktails, sea water pool & ambience galore    Check Rates
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  • By kingpoa on February 12, 2007
  • 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.

    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.

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$80-120    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Website: www.gallefacehotel.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: British Colonial Style Hotel    Check Rates
    Jordan300
  • Updated By Jordan300 on October 8, 2002
  • Theme: Hotel
  • Comparison: less expensive than average
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: A bit worn down    Check Rates
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  • By watakeet on February 2, 2005
  • Nice to have a taste of the colonnial atmosphere but the hotel definitely needs renovation.

    We stayed in a deluxe room which is hugh!

    Classic colonnial style

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$40-80    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Phone: (941) 12541010/16
  • Website: http://www.gallefacehotel.com/
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: 125 year old 5 Star    Check Rates
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  • ogb4619
  • By ogb4619 on September 27, 2003
  • 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.

    125 year old heritage from British colonial days.

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$80-120    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Phone: (941) 541010
  • Directions: 5 minutes taxi ride from city but on the way to the city from the airport.
  • Website: www.gallefacehotel.com
  • Other Contact: gfh@diamond.lanka.net
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: Old world charm    Check Rates
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  • By SLilaRamachandran on June 15, 2005
  • Galle Face Hotel - Colombo
    Galle Face Hotel
    by SLilaRamachandran
    Spent 3 wonderful days here. I'd recommed it to anyone visiting Colombo

    Great coffee bar, excellent view of the ocean.

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$40-80    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: about average
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: Colombo - Galle Face Hotel    Check Rates
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  • chris_11
  • By chris_11 on November 2, 2004
  • Galle Face - Colombo
    Galle Face
    by chris_11
    Situated in the heart of the city and right in the Galle Face Green .. its gives stunning mixture of modern and colonial experience ...

    You can see a beautiful Sunset ....

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$80-120    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: more expensive than average
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful
    Galle Face: Colombo Best Colonial Hotel    Check Rates
    daryll
  • By daryll on May 7, 2003
  • Galle Face Hotel - Colombo
    Galle Face Hotel
    by daryll
    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

    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.

  • Theme: Hotel
  • Price: US$20-40    » Currency Converter
  • Comparison: less expensive than average
  • Website: www.gallefacehotel.com
  • Not Helpful 1 2 3 4 5 Very Helpful

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