Wonderful hotel but be aware of tourist scams”

I loved everything about the hotel and would definitely choose Galle Face again should I return to Colombo. One thing I wished the hotel would inform us was how you, as an obvious tourist, get ATTACKED outside the hotel by friendly people asking you where your from, how long your staying and then telling you, you're in luck! This is your happy day! Just get in this tuktuk and he'll take you to a temple and then the yearly Gem sale (only today!). They guide you through the temple in such a hurry, telling you where to stand and pushing you around for photo ops then takes you shopping for gems (we didn't ask to) and then another store where they follow you inside making sure you shop. We had some other shopping plans but he never drove us there, told us our options were expensive and that he knew better ones. Don't buy anything you didn't set out to in the first place! We found ourselves in a gem shop not planning to buy anything but were persuaded after long negotiations to buy a saphire. The other day we read about these scams and rushed to the National Gem & Jewlellery Authority to get it tested, we were lucky but still felt a bit fooled. We turned down three offers to go shop for gems in the street in less than 20 mins but eventually fell for the fourth one presenting us a port ID, seemed trustworthy. What bothers me is that we spent a whole day in Colombo not doing the things we had planned, spending a lot more money than planned, on things we actually didn't want! Once you google Gem stone Racket Sri Lanka there are several posts about this in Trip advisor forums and apparently Galle Face is know for getting this kind of attention and we felt we lost a day in Colombo due to all this, leaving an ugly mark on the city for us. Galle Face Hotel - please include this info in your massive informations folder and for an extra plus - add ear plugs to the toiletries since the wonderful and old rooms are noisy. Feeling stupid is my worst feeling, I really hope no one readi

Memorable stay”

Colombo was the first stop on our honeymoon, so my wife and I wanted to stay somewhere special to kick off the trip. With its history and amazing location next to Galle Face Green, the Galle Face Hotel was exactly what we were looking for. Even though it's definitely out of our normal price range, I had no regrets staying here! While our room didn't seem especially fancy, it was spacious with great A/C, a powerful shower, and the best Internet connection we had in the country. The views on the grounds are fantastic and the breakfast buffet was plentiful and delicious. The location is simply amazing, and walking along Galle Face Green at sunset amongst local families was one of the best memories of the whole trip. The hotel staff were very kind and polite, and they certainly made us feel welcome. For travelers like me, the Galle Face Hotel is an expensive place though once all the high Colombo taxes are added (30%!), so I really wouldn't stay here again if I were passing through Colombo. That being said, for a once in a lifetime experience in a historic colonial hotel, it was perfect and memorable. I'd skip the fancy hotel restaurants though and get dinner at one of the places BBQ/roti places on Galle Face Green for delicious, cheap eats.

Awesome atmosphere and service”

We stayed two nights at the Galle Face Hotel and absolutely loved it. We had a huge room, which was a little musty, but very acceptable given the age and character of the building. It was spotlessly clean with terrific views over Galle Face Green and the Indian Ocean. The hotel staff were great, helpful and friendly. While, as other reviewers have noted, there were quite a few weddings in the function room downstairs, this added to the atmosphere (stunning brides and grooms posing for photos in the gorgeous foyer is no hardship) and we didn't hear a peep from our room which was on the 2nd floor, but right at the front of the hotel, overlooking Galle Face Green. We couldn't have asked for a better stay in Colombo, or a better introduction to Sri Lanka. Would definitely stay there again, and would recommend the 'classic' wing over the 'regency' in terms of character, maybe not Western luxury, though we were very happy to have stayed in the classic wing.

A faded but grand (post)colonial experience”

The Galle Face is an unusual experience. On the one hand it was once a grand hotel in Ceylon's colonial era and the classic wing today seems frozen in this past with furniture and fittings that speak of some past glorious time. It is in a very attractive sense past its time. Now the Galle Face is a place of imaginings - imagining its colonial glory, imagining what it must have been like when the British still ruled. So if you are into colonial fantasies and heritage experiences this is the hotel that is a Colombo attraction in itself. There's lots to like - the superb buffet meals ($16-$20 per head) on the Verandah, sitting on the lawn at sunset overlooking the ocean and drinking G&Ts, grand breakfasts also on the Verandah. The rooms are spacious with 'antique' furniture and the bathrooms take you straight back to the 1950s, but the bed is comfortable. Don't expect flat-screen TVs and do expect creaking doors and floor-boards. The large staff seem to be full of activity but don't expect it to be fast or efficient - but do expect the famous Sri Lankan warmth and smile. The pool is almost Olympic size. The location is simply superb - ocean crashing on the sea wall below the hotel's lawn and the hotel faces the Galle Face Green, a place that is Colombo's playground each evening with its carnivalesque atmosphere. So if you dream of being Joseph Conrad or Somerset Maugham then this is the place for you. Oh and expect to witness a multitude of Sri Lankan weddings - this place has them back-to-back on the weekends.

A Right Regal Dame”

the galle face hotel is right in the middle of colombo opposite galle green ( a wonderful park bordered by the indian ocean.) where families fly kites every afternoon and where late afternoon (especially weekends) people gather.the galle face is one of the finest hotels in sri lanka and no holiday would be complete without at least one night there the history of the hotel lies within every wall and since 1864 this hotel has played host to royalty from every nation. the hotel is grand and in parts totally untouched from old. the setting is wonderful and the standard of service is high. each guest is made to feel special and the hotel itself grabs you on arrival with open arms. i love this place.

Timeless Grandeur”

The Galle Face Hotel, Sri Lanka’s iconic landmark, is situated in the heart of Colombo, along the seafront and facing the famous Galle Face Green. One of the oldest Hotels east of the Suez, the Galle Face Hotel embraces its rich history and legendary traditions, utilizing them to create engaging, immense experiences that resonate with old and new generations of travelers alike. No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without staying at this majestic hotel, built in 1864 and recently restored back to its former glory. Value for money - A must if visiting Sri Lanka.

A hotel that made a business trip into a holiday”

I chose the Galle Face because I was bringing my husband along on my business trip and wanted a nice place. Galle Face was the perfect choice. I had been hesitant based on reviews renovations: well THEY ARE OVER. It's fully open, fully restored and resplendent. We loved it. The ambiance of a bygone era seeps through every inch of the place and you just feel relaxed by being there. But it's got all the mod-cons necessary for a luxury hotel whether for business or pleasure. Plenty of plugs & good wifi for work. A myriad of public spaces incl. the library; the two lobbies; other small sitting rooms; the bar down by the seafront - fabulous for watching the sunset or enjoying a drink in the evening. The pool is large and clean. The main restaurant is a fabulous semi-open space next to the famous and beautiful tiled verandah - the meals there are all buffets. Good quality food; selection could be better. One negative - the "egg man" at breakfast really could do with a personality implant as he's pretty sour! But he was the only unfriendly member of staff we came across - most others were delightful. At breakfast you can watch the groundsman with the catapult scaring off the crows and watch the squirrels running around. There is a small (uneven) croquet lawn for a fun game (made more exciting by the lumps and bumps!). There is an average hotel gym; a spa; a business centre. The rooms are all different - I would recommend going for an ocean view more because the non-ocean views are closer to the busy Galle Face Road and the whole hotel is low rise so noise is more of an issue.

Historic atmosphere & great lsea front ocation”

our room exceeded expectations - occupying the end of the building in the classic wing we had fabulous three way views (room 208) facing the sea and overlooking galle face green and the hotel garden (excellent viweing point for all the colourful weddings taking place!)massive bedroom and living room. all slightly faded, but for us this added to the charm. downside is the ancient plumbing, but all functional if not luxurious. for those wanting more luxury it sounds as if the regency wing would do the trick, but obviously at a higher price. common areas all very grand too and the main bar/dining area open onto the garden with sea view. friendly and helpful staff, for us this was an ideal last night in colombo before returning home. we'd definitely go back.

colonial hotel”

The Galle Face is the best known ex-colonial hotel in the city and the hotel has a modern section as well as the old section. Best view is from the old rooms looking over Galle Face Green and the coast to the north and these rooms are bigger thn those in the new wing. Their is plenty of old world charm about the Galle Face including elderly factotums in exotic costumes but the hotel also has all modern conveniences and is an excellent place to stay. Very good buffet lunches & drinks by the sea in the evening plus a choice of restaurants. The hotel has its own pub Inn on the Green in the new wing. Location is close to the business centre of Fort which is a bracing sea walk of 20 minutes away and you can get a tuktuk down the Galle road to other places you may wish to visit like Barefoot or Gallery Cafe. Prices are reasonable compared to other 4 or 5 star hotels in the city.

Oasis of calm and elegance in colombo ”

We loved the Galle Face Hotel. From the moment we walked in, to checking out, it was a first class experience. We were shown to our room and informed by te hotel that the television wasn't working so we're upgraded to a suite. It was an incredible experience and the rooms were so well appointed and luxurious that we didnt want to leave. Our flight didn't leave until midnight and the hotel kindly allowed us 1pm checkout, and then use of the hotel facilities until we departed from the airport- the pool, restaurant and shower facilities available to us made a long day very comfortable and enjoyable ahead of our flight. Great location with brilliant sunset views, easy access to the Dutch hospital area and colombo city. Highly recommend this hotel for your fort night as you get used to colombo, or as a treat on the way home.

Great Character Hotel”

Great hotel staff wonderfull food excellent Rooms in the Classic wing do need updating especially the bathrooms but for the staff food and character of the hotel this can be overlooked. Hotel situated by the sea at the Galle Face Green end of the Galle road so very easy to get into the museums, shopping malls and heart of Colombo. Always haggle if using tuk tuks especially returning to the hotel as the drivers think you have money to burn once you ask for the Galle Face.

Iconic Sri Lankan Hotel”

I have stayed at this majestic hotel many times over the past 6 or 7 years. Frankly I would not stay anywhere else in Colombo. there are a lot of new hotels being built in Colombo,but because of their design,you could be anywhere in the world. If you are in Colombo,why not stay in a truly Sri Lankan Hotel ! Built, I think in about 1864, it has the charm of that era,but all the facilities of a modern hotel. Quite amazing ! And the service !!! Absolutely first class.! Not overpriced for what you are getting,Do yourself a favour, book into the Galle Face Hotel and get absolutely the best service you could possibly imagine !

Love this grand old hotel”

The hotel is undergoing a massive restoration so the old colonial wing is closed (probably until 2015). Nevertheless I really do love staying here. It is my 3rd and 4th stay (before and after a conference outside of Colombo). The regency wing is still open so the great swimming pool and terrace bar are available. There's nothing quite like drinking or eating on the terrace with the Indian Ocean pounding away just metres away. The hotel staff are excellent. The breakfasts are exceptional. I also love being so close to Galle Face Green and being able to wander there each evening. So even with the disruption of the restoration and a bit of noise it was still a worthwhile stay. The faded grandeur is quite appealing.

Could have stayed forever”

we were upgraded to the newly refurbished regency residence wing room 4015 on the forth floor. refurbished not renovated out of touch with it's original intent and design. the bar service, room service and restaurants are on another level. it is a hotel in the true sense of the word. it is not a hilton or a sheraton. there could never be a chain of galle face hotels. it is truly unique in a world where the term is over used. my wife and i intend to fly into colombo, take a car to the hotel and just stay there, relax, be pampered and go nowhere else. after you experience the galle face you can well believe this is why "heaven can wait".

Amazing hotel steeped in history”

Our stay at the Galle Face Hotel was a real treat. From the time we arrived until the time we left, we were treated very well. Our room was in the classic wing and it did not disappoint. It is true that the rooms in this wing are older, but if you are a history buff this is definitely where you want to be. We were given a huge room (the biggest I believe that I have ever stayed in) that had a great view of the coastline and the Galle Face Green. Even though there were high winds and torrential rain for most of our stay, there was plenty to see and do in and around the hotel. You can spend quite a bit of time just touring around the hallways checking out the historic pictures and plaques. We had a fun and enjoyable dinner at the Sea Spray restaurant on our first evening (the high winds and rain added drama to the meal) and finished off our night with a cocktail in the colonial flavored “Veranda” bar. Absolutely no complaints. My wife and I would love to stay here again!

Galle Face Hotel”

The Galle Face is one of the world's great hotels, a landmark in Colombo. We enjoyed every minute of our stay in the Classic wing which is the real old face of the hotel. The Regency block, the new wing is much more geared to the modern traveller but the Classic has amazing appeal for old Asia hands. A hugely pleasant surprise was the quality of the food. We had been warned that the food was not great but actually found it to be super and probably the best we had during our visit to Sri Lanka. Either there is a new chef here or the Galle Face has listened to the recommendations of guide books. All in all a fabulous stay that we would recommend to anyone.

A great hotel experience, as always”

we have stayed at the galle face before and, as we found ourselves in colombo again, there was no other choice. the hotel itself if beautiful, the setting superb and the service first class. we spent the first night of our stay in the classic wing: unrenovated and not as nice as the regency wing (i would recommend the regency - the extra outlay is worth it). unfortunately, that was the night that cyclone nilam hit colombo. the floor above us was being renovated and, at about 10pm, there was an almighty crash from above and water started trickling down our wall. we called downstairs, but the man who came to check just told us that it was because of the weather and not to worry. we thought that the roof of the floor above (the top floor) might have blown off, but we were told this was not the case. it was the case, however, and at 2am we were woken by water pouring through the ceiling. this time, we were rapidly moved to the room in the regency wing that we had booked for the following night. this aside, we had another wonderful stay: high tea was delicious, as always and we had two good nights at the in (sic) on the green pub. also, the hotel is currently undergoing renovations, so many of the facilities are unavailable: my wife had been looking forward to spa treatments, but the spa was shut. as were all the shops.

Iconic colonial grande Dame of Columbo, ”

We enjoyed one night in the classic wing, but the rooms in the regency wing were better and overlooked the hotel garden. All staff were helpful and checked us in early after a long journey to Colombo. This hotel central and by the sea and has fantastic views and character unrivalled by other Colombo hotels. Kite flying on the galle face green was memorable and fun! Would love to go there again.

Always delightful ”

We love this hotel. The location is perfect - right next to the water and close to the action in Colombo. The rooms are lovely and very comfortable. The staff are highly professional and always friendly and helpful. The food and drinks are excellent. We really enjoyed sitting by the pool, drink in hand, watching the rosy sunsets, then later digging into a delicious buffet dinner. The hotel has a salt water pool that is wonderful to swim in. The spa at the hotel is also great. We didn’t get a chance to use the gym-but it looked well equipped. Wish we had more time to spend in Colombo- our stay in the Galle Face was a highlight of our SL trip.

Fantastic place to stay in Colombo”

The Galle Face Hotel is a fantastic place to stay in Colombo! The location allows you to move around Colombo and get know the main places in town. It is an old hotel, but it is well preserved and represents the style of old times. Being in front of the Ocean is a plus, where sundown is always a natural show to see. Food is so good, especially the breakfast where they offer a great variety of options, local and international. Egg hoppers are great! Definitely a hotel to go back.