“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.”
“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.
Written by Saskia Walker
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
- 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
- Learning
- Yoga
- Croquet
- Sights nearby
- Spa breaks
- Cooking classes
- 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
- Sea Views
- Overlooking the Indian Ocean in Colombo
- Designer
- Family Suites
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Lively
- Colonial
- Sit-out Terrace
- Full of character
- Good wine list
- Opulent
- Antiques
- Business Hotel
- Retro/Vintage
- Child friendly
- Disabled access
- Gym
- Artworks
- Grand Hotel
- Spa
- Wellbeing
- Traditional
- Charming
- Luxury
- Four poster beds
- Romantic
- Views
- Gourmet
Facilities
- 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.
- Garden
- Good wine list
- Massage
- Parking
- Views
- Suites
- Child friendly
- Spa
- Library
- Outdoor dining
- Family Suites
- Satellite / Cable TV
- Room service
- Sit-out Terrace
- Cots available
- Rooms with balcony/terrace
- Bath robes
- Wifi
- Disabled access
- Laundry
- Gym
- Air conditioning
- No pets
- Shops
- Business Centre
- Concierge
- Sitting Room
- Private dining room
- Meeting Room
- Safe
- Four poster beds
- 24 Hour room service
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
- Sights nearby
- Yoga
- Croquet
- Cooking classes
- Theatre
- Learning
Map & Location
