“Recently renovated, this bijou hotel has had some high profile guests. Behind the traditional façade, it's all double height ceilings and modern chic style. Lunch and dinner are tailored to your preference, but with Galle town on your doorstep you have plenty of options. A design dream! ”
“Recently renovated, this bijou hotel has had some high profile guests. Behind the traditional façade, it's all double height ceilings and modern chic style. Lunch and dinner are tailored to your preference, but with Galle town on your doorstep you have plenty of options. A design dream! ”
Hotel Review
In the centre of Galle Fort sits this 18th century mansion, recently converted to a small elegant hotel with five suites and a separate ‘mansion’ with a further eight rooms. Furnishings are lush with silk curtains, velvet bedspreads, crisp white linen, antique bath tubs and local jackwood polished floors. The feel is chic and contemporary. The ‘mansion’ features a drawing room, dining room, a library and a lap pool in its interior courtyard. It's also possible to book this separate area on an exclusive use basis, so it's ideal for a large family or group. The Fort Printers is located at the centre of the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has 17th century Dutch origins, with later additions under the British period of rule post 1796. The Restaurant serves a fresh and vibrant menu, using predominantly local seafood and organic local produce, with Mediterranean influence and local rice and curry dishes. The Fort Printers is the perfect base from which to explore the Galle Fort, local beaches and countryside.
Written by Malcolm Orr-Ewing
Recommended For
- Great walks
- Join Galle Fort locals for a sunrise or sunset stroll around the 2.5km of sea-facing ramparts which surround the Fort
- Sights nearby
- The Portuguese-era Black Fort is fascinating and well-worth visiting, with ocean views & a striking tunnel
- Foodies
- Foodies will adore the gourmet fare at 39th Bistro & Wine Bar, as well as the cracking cocktails
- Romantic Break
- A romantic boutique hotel with heritage charm and a swish sense of style, with a chic restaurant
- Museums
- Visit the Maritime Museum for a sense of the Fort's history, including reflections on the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami
- Snorkelling
- Head across to Unawatuna or Dalawella beaches for swimming and snorkelling - and the chance of spotting turtles
- Designer Shopping
- Galle Fort has a wonderful choice of boutiques for clothing, accessories & sourvenirs
- Learning
- Admire delicate paintings & statues at the famous Buddhist Temple on Rampart Street
- Local markets
- Wine tasting
- Restaurant
- 39 Bistro & Wine Bar specialises in superb seafood cusine and fresh, seasonal flavours
- Historic
- Once a print house, the property was also a boys' school before becoming a hotel
- Designer
- Family Suites
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Wedding license
- Romantic
- Organic food
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Good wine list
- Beach nearby
- Townhouse
- Artworks
- Boutique
- Chic
- Antiques
- Child friendly
- Retro/Vintage
- On an island
- Traditional
- Contemporary
- Charming
- Luxury
- Four poster beds
- Intimate
- Gourmet
Facilities
- Restaurant
- 39 Bistro & Wine Bar specialises in superb seafood cusine and fresh, seasonal flavours
- Walking distance restaurants
- Massage
- Cots available
- Outdoor dining
- Family Suites
- Airport transfer
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Wedding license
- Bar
- Wifi
- No pets
- Library
- Sit-out Terrace
- Good wine list
- Babysitting
- Laundry
- Swimming Pool
- Child friendly
- Sitting Room
- Room service
- Safe
- Suites
- Four poster beds
- Air conditioning
Activities
- Great walks
- Join Galle Fort locals for a sunrise or sunset stroll around the 2.5km of sea-facing ramparts which surround the Fort
- Sights nearby
- The Portuguese-era Black Fort is fascinating and well-worth visiting, with ocean views & a striking tunnel
- Museums
- Visit the Maritime Museum for a sense of the Fort's history, including reflections on the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami
- Snorkelling
- Head across to Unawatuna or Dalawella beaches for swimming and snorkelling - and the chance of spotting turtles
- Designer Shopping
- Galle Fort has a wonderful choice of boutiques for clothing, accessories & sourvenirs
- Learning
- Admire delicate paintings & statues at the famous Buddhist Temple on Rampart Street
- Local markets
- Wine tasting
Map & Location
What's Nearby
Other Reviews
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First it was an 18th-century mansion house in Galle’s imposing Dutch fort, then a printer’s and its latest incarnation is a luxury hotel..
Originally published by The Times (view article)
