“Colombo's grand dame, this imposing heritage hotel has been open since 1864. Boasting uninterrupted Indian Ocean views from classic guest rooms & suites as well as hip bars & a refreshing infinity pool, it has been a city icon ever since. Splendid, beautifully located & indulgent.”

Hotel review

Once reputedly the best hotel East of the Suez, the landmark Galle Face Hotel — founded in 1864 — is the grand dame of Colombo, a striking colonnaded edifice set right on the edge of the sea. Opulent rooms and suites brim with the charm of a bygone era, whilst the ballroom frequently plays host to stunning society weddings and The Traveller’s Bar boasts an impressive list of celebrity guests. Relax with afternoon tea on the verandah, explore nearby Fort and Pettah, districts full of culture and history, and nibble spicy prawn wade on nearby Galle Face Green, where families amble and impromptu cricket matches begin under the kites which fill the sky. Savour delicious dishes at the 1864 Restaurant or get your toes tapping at trendy King of Mambo. Don’t miss the lowering of the national flag at sunset, accompanied by a kilt-clad bagpiper.

Saskia Walker
Saskia Walker Review published: 2024-09-11

Recommended for

  • Families

    • Family suites, a swimming pool & giant chess are ideal for trips with little ones or teens, who will love the restaurants, too
  • Museums

    • Colombo's National Museum houses an extensive collection, whilst the MMCA has brilliantly curated, ever-changing exhibits
  • Great walks

    • Stroll along Galle Face Green as families gather for sunset and the national flag is lowered ceremoniously each evening
  • Romantic Break

    • Sumptuous suites with four posters and ocean views will appeal to fans of classic opulence
  • Local markets

    • The lively markets of Pettah are within easy reach, with huge bags of spices, street food snacks, jewellery & souvenirs
  • Restaurant

    • Enjoy fine dining at The 1864, Cuban fare & sharing plates at King of the Mambo, or pub favourites at In on the Green
  • Conference facilities

    • Multiple event spaces are brilliant for conferences, weddings and celebrations
  • Historic

    • Open since 1864, the hotel has been a Colombo icon for more than 150 years
  • Other Activities

    • Tours of the city in the hotel's classic car are a real treat
  • Golf

    • Play a round or two at the Royal Colombo Golf Course
  • Sea Views

    • Overlooking the Indian Ocean in Colombo
  • Designer

  • Family Suites

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Learning

  • Lively

  • Yoga

  • Croquet

  • Colonial

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Opulent

  • Antiques

  • Sights nearby

  • Business Hotel

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Child friendly

  • Spa breaks

  • Disabled access

  • Gym

  • Artworks

  • Grand Hotel

  • Spa

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Romantic

  • Views

  • Cooking classes

  • Gourmet

Facilities

  • Rooms

    156 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    Enjoy fine dining at The 1864, Cuban fare & sharing plates at King of the Mambo, or pub favourites at In on the Green
  • Bar

    Buzzy bars include the classic Traveller's Bar, Cuban-inspired King of the Mambo & late-night hotpost Fire Beach
  • Conference facilities

    Multiple event spaces are brilliant for conferences, weddings and celebrations
  • Walking distance restaurants

    Head towards Fort for excellent sone restaurants and bars
  • Swimming Pool

    A large infinity pool
  • Airport transfer

    Surcharge.
  • No pets

  • Cots available

  • Meeting Room

  • Massage

  • Parking

  • Outdoor dining

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Family Suites

  • Shops

  • Business Centre

  • Library

  • Private dining room

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Laundry

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Room service

  • Sitting Room

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Gym

  • Garden

  • Spa

  • Safe

  • Air conditioning

  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Four poster beds

  • Bath robes

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Concierge

  • Suites

Activities

  • Museums

    • Colombo's National Museum houses an extensive collection, whilst the MMCA has brilliantly curated, ever-changing exhibits
  • Great walks

    • Stroll along Galle Face Green as families gather for sunset and the national flag is lowered ceremoniously each evening
  • Local markets

    • The lively markets of Pettah are within easy reach, with huge bags of spices, street food snacks, jewellery & souvenirs
  • Other Activities

    • Tours of the city in the hotel's classic car are a real treat
  • Golf

    • Play a round or two at the Royal Colombo Golf Course
  • Yoga

  • Learning

  • Croquet

  • Theatre

  • Sights nearby

  • Cooking classes

Map & Location

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