“Galle's top address. Cast your worries aside as you are taken care of by the world renowned Aman group. Located in a handsome, white colonial building you'll find chic interiors and suites crammed with period pieces and beautiful bathrooms. Elegant dining and a sumptuous spa complete the picture.”

Hotel review

Built in 1684, and formerly an Officers' Mess this handsome property became the Oriental and then the New Oriental Hotel before its current incarnation. Located within the ramparts of Galle’s historic fort, it’s full of character with triangular stairwells, wonky tiles, and Portuguese terracotta tiles. The Zaal (great hall) has become the dining room and boasts the original polished teak floors and grand piano with a stunning display of red heliconia flowers offering the only colour. The walls are traditional teak and white and it is furnished with rattan chairs and sofas. The menu is a daily changing treat - the chef will pick the best from the day's market and devise the dishes accordingly (you can always accompany him and then come back for a cookery lesson with the spoils). The library is museum-like with old prints of ‘Ceylon’ and back-broken atlases, a backgammon set and symbolically a folded United Jack. The pool is reached via cloistered passageways and is lined with cabanas whose walls are covered subtly in foliage and the spa is everything you'd expect from an Aman property (relaxing treatment rooms, ayurvedic therapies and much more). The thirty rooms and suites have been cleverly converted from the original military accommodation and all offer a fresh colonial style feel with antique furnishings, polished teak floorboards, high ceilings and large windows. Bathrooms are large and sumptuous with freestanding tubs. Come here for a truly luxurious stay!

Adam Jacot de Boinod
Adam Jacot de Boinod Review published: 04/11/2018

Recommended for

  • Romantic Break

    • Charming heritage suites, an indulgent spa and delicious dining make this a great couples' break
  • Yoga

    • Private yoga classes are a wonderful way to start the day in a beautiful part of Sri Lanka
  • Spa breaks

    • Aman's sensational spa, The Baths, promises rejuvenating treatments in a striking setting
  • Cooking classes

    • Fabuous cooking classes are a brilliant way to hone your Sri Lankan culinary skills
  • Grand Hotel

    • Opened in 2004, Amangalla was previously the New Oriental Hotel, a local landmark
  • Birdwatching

    • Day trips to Sinharaja Forest, a nature reserve, will delight keen birdwatchers
  • Restaurant

    • The terrace restaurant serves delicious cuisine and superb afternoon teas
  • Cycling

    • Hop aboard the hotel's bicycles to explore the town on two wheels
  • Museums

    • The Maritime Museum details Galle Fort's intriguing history
  • Child friendly

    • Children under 12 stay free!
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Snorkelling

  • Designer

  • Other Activities

  • Family Suites

  • Eco

  • Organic food

  • Learning

  • Colonial

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Lively area

  • Local markets

  • Opulent

  • 5* Luxury

  • Spa

  • Great walks

  • Artworks

  • Boutique

  • Landmark

  • Historic

  • Chic

  • Surfing

  • Antiques

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Sights nearby

  • Disabled access

  • Diving

  • Traditional

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Free wifi

  • Gourmet

Facilities

  • Rooms

    30 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    The terrace restaurant serves delicious cuisine and superb afternoon teas
  • Child friendly

    Children under 12 stay free!
  • Swimming Pool

    Outdoor pool
  • Airport transfer

    Surcharge
  • Parking

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Outdoor dining

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Bicycles available

  • Bar

  • Massage

  • Family Suites

  • No pets

  • Library

  • Private dining room

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Good wine list

  • Laundry

  • Spa

  • Garden

  • Sitting Room

  • Room service

  • 24 Hour room service

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Four poster beds

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Free wifi

  • Safe

Activities

  • Yoga

    • Private yoga classes are a wonderful way to start the day in a beautiful part of Sri Lanka
  • Cooking classes

    • Fabuous cooking classes are a brilliant way to hone your Sri Lankan culinary skills
  • Birdwatching

    • Day trips to Sinharaja Forest, a nature reserve, will delight keen birdwatchers
  • Cycling

    • Hop aboard the hotel's bicycles to explore the town on two wheels
  • Museums

    • The Maritime Museum details Galle Fort's intriguing history
  • Snorkelling

  • Learning

  • Other Activities

  • Local markets

  • Great walks

  • Surfing

  • Sights nearby

  • Diving

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Amangalla is the stately grand dame of Galle Fort with all the period charm of a bygone era. There is a long verandah extending the length of the hotel from where one can see the comings and goings of the Fort, while dining, enjoying a traditional afternoon tea or sipping an evening drink. What is there to do in the area? Amangalla is an integral part of the 400-year old Galle Fort with its ancient ramparts and maze of narrow streets, which offers guests a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s past. The fort is filled with boutiques, cafes and restaurants or guests can get a tuk tuk to one of the beach clubs along the coast. What kind of breakfast do you offer? Amangalla offers a choice of continental and cooked breakfasts including the traditional Sri Lanka egg hoppers. Do you offer other meals? And can you recommend good places to eat out locally? In the dining room guests can eat lunch and dinner, which includes a choice of Sri Lankan curries and home-cooked dishes. Which are your most popular room types, and why? Due to the age and nature of the colonial building all the rooms are slightly different, but all have a four poster king size bed, planters chair and pettagama chest with a spacious bathroom with a free standing tub. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Amangalla can fit in extra beds for children and go out of their way to look after their younger guests.

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