Waves crash against the private beachfront as bagpipers perform sunset serenades by the saltwater pool. Inside, restaurants serve exquisite cuisine amid memorabilia of illustrious visitors. The spa offers fantastic massages, complementing days spent on the oceanfront veranda with its breathtaking views.
Located on the beach, Galle Face Hotel is in Kollupitiya, a neighborhood in Colombo. Sri Lanka National Museum and Dutch Period Museum are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Crescat Shopping Mall and Colombo City Centre. Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct and Gangaramaya Temple are two other places to visit that come recommended. Visit our Colombo travel guide
2 Galle Road, Colombo, 300
What's nearby
Galle Face Green
1 min walk - 0.1 km
One Galle Face
8 min walk - 0.7 km
Colombo City Centre
18 min walk - 1.6 km
High Commission of India
2 min walk - 0.2 km
Galle Face Beach
7 min walk - 0.6 km
Getting around
Colombo Fort Station
10 min drive
Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB)
44 min drive
Restaurants
Coffee Stop - Cinnamon Grand
8 min walk
Indian Ocean Pavilion
10 min walk
Navaratna Restaurant
3 min walk
Sugar Bistro & Wine Bar
7 min walk
The Islander
7 min walk
About this property
Galle Face Hotel
Luxury hotel near Galle Face Green
Located close to Crescat Shopping Mall and Colombo City Centre, Galle Face Hotel provides a poolside bar, a terrace, and a garden. With amenities like a beachfront location and beachfront dining, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up the sun. Take some time to relax at the onsite spa. At the 7 on-site restaurants, enjoy dinner, light fare, international cuisine, and ocean views. In addition to a library and dry cleaning/laundry services, guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.
Additional perks include:
An outdoor pool along with sun loungers and pool umbrellas
Free self parking and valet parking
Buffet breakfast (surcharge), a roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk
A computer station, a porter/bellhop, and luggage storage
Guest reviews speak highly of the helpful staff and location
Room features
All 156 rooms offer comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, as well as perks like laptop-friendly workspaces and air conditioning.
Other conveniences in all rooms include:
Bathrooms with shower/tub combinations and free toiletries
Flat-screen TVs with premium channels
Childcare services, coffee/tea makers, and ceiling fans
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired internet
Parking and transportation
24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
Free self parking on site
Free valet parking on site
Food and drink
Daily buffet breakfast available 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: USD 15 for adults and USD 7.50 for children
3 bars/lounges
7 restaurants
A poolside bar
Snack bar/deli
Restaurants on site
1864 Restaurant
In On the Green
King of the Mambo Cuban
The Poolside Bar
Travellers' Bar
Things to do
Full-service spa
Library
Outdoor pool
Family friendly
In-room babysitting (surcharge)
Laundry facilities
Outdoor pool
Snack bar/deli
Conveniences
24-hour front desk
Free newspapers in lobby
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Safe at front desk
Guest services
Concierge services
Dry cleaning/laundry service
Housekeeping (daily)
Multilingual staff
Porter/bellhop
Tour and ticket assistance
Turndown service
Wedding services
Business services
Business center
Computer station
Conference center
Meeting rooms
Outdoors
Garden
On the beach
On the boardwalk/promenade
Pool loungers
Pool umbrellas
Terrace
Full-service spa
Couples treatment rooms
Accessibility
Elevator
More
Ballroom
Banquet hall
Built in 1864
Designated smoking areas
Room amenities
Bedroom
Premium bedding
Bathroom
Bathrobes
Free toiletries
Hair dryer (on request)
Private bathroom
Shower/bathtub combination
Slippers
Towels provided
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV with premium cable channels
Food and drink
24-hour room service
Coffee/tea maker
Free bottled water
Minibar
More
Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
Ceiling fan
Desk
Free daily newspapers
Iron/ironing board on request
Laptop workspace
Phone
Safe
Policies
Check-in
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime
Early check-in subject to availability
Early check-in is available for a fee
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Special check-in instructions
This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 25.0 per day
Property payment types
Important information
Optional extras
Fee for buffet breakfast: approximately USD 15 for adults and USD 7.5 for children
Airport shuttle fee: USD 71 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 3)
Airport shuttle fee per child: USD 71 (one-way), (from 2 to 18 years old)
Early check-in is available for a fee (subject to availability)
Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
Rollaway bed fee: USD 25.0 per day
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, a first aid kit, and window guards
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
A fee for a mandatory New Year's Day gala dinner is included in the total price displayed for stays on January 1
Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms
Some facilities may have restricted access; guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Frequently asked questions
Does Galle Face Hotel have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at Galle Face Hotel?
As of Sept 18, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Galle Face Hotel on Sept 19, 2026 start from CA $114, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Galle Face Hotel pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking?
Self parking and valet parking are free at this property.
What time is check-in at Galle Face Hotel?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: anytime. A fee applies for early check-in (subject to availability).
What time is check-out at Galle Face Hotel?
Check-out is at noon. Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability).
Does Galle Face Hotel provide a shuttle to the airport?
Yes, there's an airport shuttle. A fee of USD 71 per vehicle applies.
Where is Galle Face Hotel located?
Located in Kollupitiya, this beachfront hotel is in the city center and within a 10-minute walk of Galle Face Green and Crescat Shopping Mall. Colombo City Centre and Gangaramaya Temple are also within 1 mi (2 km). Colombo Fort Station is 29 minutes by foot.
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Reviews
Galle Face Hotel Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
The service was excellent and the property has beautiful historical and colonial charm to it. All the staff we met were very helpful and friendly. The food was amazing and I would highly recommend this hotel.
Staff and the property were very nice and enjoyed the stay. This is our second time and we will continue to stay here. Food was one of the highlight of this hotel.
A lovely old hotel with spacious rooms, a great pool area and plenty of options for dining. The hotel is next to the Galle Green which has a real vibe in the evening. A special thanks to Devatha who looked after us and also ran the historic hotel tour which we loved.
I was recommended to stay here and I'm very glad that I did. The hotel dates from the colonial era, and since then had been the choice of many dignitaries, sports and movie stars, yet it is still priced well within reach of a Western salary. The food is excellent (I sampled only the dinner and breakfast buffets). The staff are particularly attentive - Ivoni, the customer relations manager, gets special mention because she went above and beyond to ensure that my stay was as good as it could be.
This is a magnificent building with a great history. The location is amazing overlooking the ocean and adjacent to Galle Face Green where you can observe the sunset and watch the locals flying their kites. The facilities are very good especially the saltwater pool, ideal for lap swimming. The breakfast and other dining options are of the highest quality.
I honestly couldn’t find anything to fault during my stay at the Galle Face Hotel. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it, from the beautiful historic setting to the excellent service and attention to detail by all.
All of the staff were extremely courteous, helpful and professional, and they made me feel very welcome throughout my stay.
I particularly appreciated the heritage tour conducted by Belinda. She was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the hotel to life. I learned so much about the building and its fascinating heritage, and it was a real highlight of my stay.
Overall, I had a wonderful experience and will be looking forward to my next visit. Highly recommended!
Love the old colonial hotel with a history. Love that it was oceanfront so the outside areas always felt cool with a breeze as Colombo was HOT! Staff always excellent. Always easy to get a taxi or tuktuk to wherever you want.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Dushan
Apr 15, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Great hotel with a rich history and a sunset that best in the world
Lovely old colonial hotel with a past! Saltwater pool. Ocean breezes keep you cool in a hot Colombo. Room was very comfortable. Very easy to get a taxi or tuktuk anywhere.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
Sharon
May 20, 2026
Stay here if you cherish Traditions! Colonialism at its best. Staff is very proud of this regal establishment.
Old world elegance and charm!
This is a wonderful hotel which my family and I enjoyed very much. The room was great, the staff excellent and the food was superb. We would gladly stay there again.
This is the best place to stay in Colombo. It is the oldest hotel, and retains its grandeur. Clean, spacious rooms, photos of all the luminaries who have stayed here. Wonderful attentive staff. Great good and drinks in multiple venues.
In the last 2 years we have stayed at this hotel 6 times with no regrets.
There’s not a better hotel staff in Colombo—- from the general managers to the front desk to the concierge team to room care even the restaurant and bar staff all deliver 6 star service and care. Property facades needs a little upkeep attention but no lack of ambience or cleanliness. We feel like we’re returning home to family each visit. Looking forward to more stays soon.
The hotel is a masterclass in shabby chic - old world charm that’s perhaps a little frayed at the edges but wonderful staff and great service make up for all of that. Oceanside pool with a great poolside bar and restaurant, breakfast on the veranda - you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Wonderful stay
Staff very friendly and helpful. Meals on veranda facing the ocean—marvelous!! Beautifully maintained grounds and hotel. Wonderful experience
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
Francesca
Nov 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Great buffet breakfast in the morning.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Diane
Feb 4, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Great old colonial era hotel, all the staff are really good, super view from the room and all spotlessly clean. Dining in The Veranda restaurant offers a great choice for both breakfast and dinner.
Galle Face Hotel is a grand old dame. Even though it is showing it's age, to us it was part of the charm of the place.
we loved our three night stay there and wouldn't hesitate to stay again if we were in Colombo.
The buffet breakfast was amazing, the swimming pool massive and the staff were incredibly pleasant.
Great value for money.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026
Verified review
8/10 Good
William
Feb 3, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Old world charm with great friendly and attentive staff. Lovely location right on the sea. Food very good.