“A tranquil hideaway in the heart of Galle Fort, this centuries-old property has heaps of heritage charm, and a great restaurant. Loft suites are by far the best. The sun-dappled pool is the perfect place to unwind!”

Hotel review

A brilliantly restored Dutch mansion and warehouse, Galle Fort Hotel is one of the finest heritage properties in the Fort. Twelve decadent guest rooms reflect the history of the Fort itself: from antique four-poster beds to nineteenth-century blue and white porcelain plates, to Dutch wooden shutters and glass-fronted cabinets. Suites boast high ceilings, generous bathrooms and inner courtyards filled with sunlight — a welcome retreat from the world. Float around in the courtyard pool, taste aromatic dishes inspired by the Spice Route or sip an evening cocktail on the colonnaded terrace overlooking the cobbled street. With the marvels of Galle Fort on your doorstep, step back in time and soak up the magic of a quiet property suffused with old-world charm.

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

Recommended for

  • Local exploring

    • Perfectly placed for exploring historic Galle Fort's boutiques, cafes, restaurants and heritage landmarks on foot
  • Designer Shopping

    • The Fort has a long gem trading history, and you'll find beautiful jewellery and stones at family-run boutiques
  • Hideaway

    • A tranquil oasis in the heart of Galle Fort, ideal for romantic breaks and refreshing dips after sunlit strolls
  • Sights nearby

    • Admire Galle Fort's lighthouse, clock tower, mosques, temples and churches
  • Historic

    • One of the first heritage hotels in the Fort, the property has a fascinating history - ask to see the restoration photo album
  • Surfing

    • Head along the coast for fantastic surfing at Dewata, Kabalana, Ahangama or further afield
  • Local markets

    • Galle town's bustling fruit and vegetable markets are great fun for a wander
  • Great walks

    • Take a guided walking tours around Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Restaurant

    • Dine on Sri Lankan and Asian fusion flavours at the terrace restaurant
  • Yoga

    • Speak to the team about organising yoga classes
  • Restrictions on children

    • All children above the age of three are welcome
  • Colonial

  • Less £

  • Family Suites

  • Snorkelling

  • Learning

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Good wine list

  • Opulent

  • Museums

  • On an island

  • Townhouse

  • Spa

  • Sea Views

  • Boutique

  • Landmark

  • Chic

  • Antiques

  • Child friendly

  • Retro/Vintage

  • Disabled access

  • Diving

  • Traditional

  • Charming

  • Luxury

  • Four poster beds

  • Intimate

  • Romantic

  • Gourmet

Facilities

  • Rooms

    12 rooms in this hotel
  • Private dining room

    Private dining can be arranged by booking one of the rooms in the restaurant
  • Restaurant

    Dine on Sri Lankan and Asian fusion flavours at the terrace restaurant
  • Bar

    Sip speciality arrack cocktails at the Ropewalk bar
  • Swimming Pool

    The frangipani-framed swimming pool is stunning
  • Restrictions on children

    All children above the age of three are welcome
  • No pets

  • Airport transfer

  • Massage

  • Outdoor dining

  • Walking distance restaurants

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Communal Dining

  • Family Suites

  • Wifi

  • Good wine list

  • Laundry

  • Disabled access

  • Spa

  • Garden

  • Child friendly

  • Sitting Room

  • Room service

  • Parking

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Four poster beds

  • Air conditioning

  • Safe

Activities

  • Designer Shopping

    • The Fort has a long gem trading history, and you'll find beautiful jewellery and stones at family-run boutiques
  • Sights nearby

    • Admire Galle Fort's lighthouse, clock tower, mosques, temples and churches
  • Surfing

    • Head along the coast for fantastic surfing at Dewata, Kabalana, Ahangama or further afield
  • Local markets

    • Galle town's bustling fruit and vegetable markets are great fun for a wander
  • Great walks

    • Take a guided walking tours around Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Yoga

    • Speak to the team about organising yoga classes
  • Snorkelling

  • Learning

  • Museums

  • Diving

Map & Location

See what they say

Why do people love staying in your hotel? Our unique history, colonial setting, imaginative and delicious food, high service standards are integral components of guest experience. What is there to do in the area? If you enjoy ancient history there are Archaeology museums that focus on the of Galle Fort. If you like Portuguese, Dutch and English Architecture, Galle Fort has a fascinating collection. If you like dining out, there are over 100 restaurants to choose from. Sri Lankans love to fly Kites. On weekends the skies are full of them. Walk around Galle Fort and discover the Dutch prison and ammunition house with a concrete roof. Learn how to surf, just 10 minutes from Galle Fort Hotel. What kind of breakfast do you offer? Full English breakfast with plenty of choices, many Sri Lankan dishes like buffalo curd and treacle; string hoppers and Dhal. Do you offer other meals? Yes many Sri Lankan dishes like Buffalo Curd, String Hoppers, Chicken Butter Marsala, Grilled Mahi Mahi (fish) with Thai curry sauce, Lychee sorbet. And can you recommend good places to eat out locally Yes - Mamas Restaurant, Fortaleza Restaurant, Amangalla Hotel, Lighthouse Hotel. Which are your most popular room types, and why? Grand Apartment. Because the suite is very large and its 17 Century antique furniture gives you a great sense of history and grandeur. Loft Suite. Because the room is cosy and romantic. What facilities do you have for children and can you fit extra beds in your rooms ? Swimming pool. We turn the sofa bed in rooms to make up extra beds. What message would you like to give Hotel Guru readers? Galle Fort is a spellbinding mixture of Dutch, British and Sri Lankan history and architecture, with fewer than 200 homes inside its 17th-century ramparts. One of these is the Galle Fort Hotel and if a sense of romanticism, tranquility and heritage stirs your imagination and if the idea of staying in a former gem merchants mansion evokes a way of life 400 years ago, you will experience it here.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.