Free
Children allowed

Facilities

Offsite parking discounted rates available
Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Parking
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Terrace
Family rooms
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Friendly staff
Great location
Good breakfast
Cons:
Noise from main road
Room cleanliness issues

Categories

Cleanliness
8.33
Occasional complaints such as room smell and noise suggest room condition could be improved.
Service
9.8
Staff were consistently described as friendly and attentive, enhancing the overall experience.
Location
9.34
Centrally located with great accessibility to local attractions, enhancing guest convenience.
Room Quality
8.79
Rooms noted as beautiful and spacious but with some minor cleanliness issues.
Amenities
8.82
Generally good with some suggestions for improvement, particularly in bars.
Value for Money
8.28
Some guests felt the price was on the higher side for the quality received.
Food and Beverage
9.33
Breakfast and dining options received positive feedback, though cocktails noted as somewhat watery.
Overall Experience
9.3
Guests expressed high satisfaction overall with their stays despite minor issues.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-16 03:33

Property Description

Historic Charm and Modern Luxury

Ocean Views and Comfortable Amenities
The rooms at Galle Face Hotel offer stunning views of the Indian Ocean, Galle Face Green, or Colombo City. With wooden flooring, each room is equipped with a TV, private bathroom, minibar, and personal safe for a comfortable stay.

Relaxation and Convenience
Guests can unwind with a massage at the spa, take a dip in the saltwater pool, or stay active at the gym. The hotel also features a business centre for those mixing business with pleasure.

Experience the perfect blend of history and luxury at Galle Face Hotel. Book now to enjoy ocean views, top-notch amenities, and an unforgettable stay in Colombo City.

Important information:

A mandatory tax of SSCL 2.5% will be charged. if payments are made in Local currency (LKR) for all guests.Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.
Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.
Guests under the age of 18 can only check in with a parent or official guardian.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Airport code: CMB

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 3 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Parking

    Free public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

  • Pets

    Pets are not allowed.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    Children up to and including 2 years old stay for free when using an available cot.
    Children up to and including 5 years old stay for free when using an existing bed.
    Children from 6 years old to 12 years old stay for US$8 per person per night when using an existing bed.
    Children from 3 years old to 11 years old stay for US$20 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    People 12 years old and over stay for US$25 per person per night when using an available extra bed.
    Any type of extra bed or child's cot/crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
    Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Location

Guest Reviews

9
Based on 2310 reviews
Cleanliness: 8.33
Service: 9.8
Location: 9.34
Room Quality: 8.79
Amenities: 8.82
Value for Money: 8.28
Food and Beverage: 9.33
Overall Experience: 9.3
S
Sean • couple • gb
10
The classiest hotel in Colombo
Pros:

There are a great many top quality hotels in Colombo all of which you would have a fabulous stay at. Many of these hotels are brand new and will offer luxury at the highest level however none of these other hotels can get even close to the Galle Face hotel in terms of charm and uniqueness. Basically none of the other hotels have anything like the history of the hotel which feels like a step back in time in a very positive way. Like many good hotels in Sri- Lanka the staff are excellent but it would be remiss of me not to mention Iresha who is front of house at reception and also the outstanding service provided by Rifshaz Refai who is front of house manger who facilitated a slightly later checkout due to our late flight time totally seamlessly. We will be returning to Sri-Lanka and I would not even contemplate staying anywhere else 😎

Cons:

nothing. It was all good

2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
L
Layomi • solo_traveller • at
9
2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
U
Urmila • extended_group • in
10
2026-05-09 • via Nuitee
J
Jean • solo_traveller • fr
10
Pros:

everything

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
A
Ajitha • solo_traveller • au
8
Pros:

Old world charm.
Meal at 1864 was amazing value for the money.

Cons:

Cocktails were average.

2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
L
Lijoy • couple • qa
10
2026-05-08 • via Nuitee
P
Priyani • couple • au
10
2026-05-07 • via Nuitee
A
Angela • solo_traveller • au
9
Pros:

Beautiful heritage hotel and beautifully appointed.
Location is in the heart of the city

2026-05-06 • via Nuitee
G
Glenys • couple • au
8
A Hotel with years of history.
Pros:

Historical property, enjoyed their museum room. The pool was lovely HUGE. Great view out to sea. Breakfast was an amazing buffet that literally had everything. We had a garden room that was very spacious with a large bathroom. Very enjoyable for our last night in Sri Lanka.

Cons:

The cafe menu states the service & Tax charges but fail to mention the %. Which the TAX is 24%. So be prepared for about 34% more.

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
V
vicky • couple • gb
10
Fabulous hotel
Pros:

Beautiful building
Fabulous views
Nice pool
Lovely staff

Cons:

Nothing

2026-05-05 • via Nuitee
P
Paula • couple • nl
7
A beautiful hotel which has seen better days
Pros:

The traditional colonial architecture and the long history of the hotel.

Cons:

Bedrooms in desperate need of a full refurbishment. Hit and miss service in restaurant and bars. Staff ranged from excellent to disrespectful.

2026-05-04 • via Nuitee
D
DANIEL • family_with_children • fr
8
Situation au bord de mer très relaxante
Pros:

La proposition de buffet était très bonne, le service très bien, avec un choix important. L'emplacement était très bien situé au bord de la mer, et pas très loin des activités touristiques.

Cons:

Je pense que la réception pourrait être plus généreuse sur le débordement de la remise des clefs, surtout avec les visiteurs venant de très loin. Ce serait faire-play !

2026-05-04 • via Nuitee
M
Mark • couple • sg
5
Pros:

breakfast by the sea.

Cons:

a very loud function with music going on until 1am then cars coming and going until 2am. we had asked for a quiet room and got the complete opposite. no one mentioned the function that was happening.

2026-05-04 • via Nuitee
N
Navneeth • extended_group • au
10
Pros:

The staff were great, especially the service provided by Darshi, Guest Relations. They went out of their way to make our stay memorable.

The food was great especially the breakfast.

The location was very convenient.

Cons:

The rooms are are but dated but that is part of the charm.

2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
M
Matt • solo_traveller • au
9
2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
A
Anjala • solo_traveller • lk
9
Pros:

After a hectic schedule across the region, I came to Galle Face Hotel for a short three-day break and ended up staying six. It truly is the perfect oasis in the heart of the city.

With direct access to the sea, a saltwater pool, and some of the most beautiful sunsets you can imagine, it’s an ideal place to unwind and reset. The breakfast spread is excellent, and cocktail hour at 1864 offers a fantastic selection in a great atmosphere.

A special mention to Dharshi, the Guest Relations Officer, who was exceptionally helpful and responsive in assisting us with extending our stay. She handled everything quickly and efficiently, making the experience seamless.

All the staff were incredibly welcoming, attentive, and always smiling, which made the stay even more enjoyable.

We will definitely be back.

2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
C
couple2around • family_with_children • ch
7
2026-05-03 • via Nuitee
T
Tennakoon • solo_traveller • lk
10
2026-05-02 • via Nuitee
J
Jagath • couple • lk
10
Amazing stay at an amazing place
Pros:

Had an amazing experience in one of the oldest hotels in Asia. We booked a garden view room, but got a sea-view room as a free upgrade. The staff really made us feel welcome and even gave a special treat when they heard about our aniversary celebration. Madhuka, Dinusha, Darshi, Belinda, Chandana and Iresha were all wonderfully attentive and helpful. Breakfast buffet was out of this world. Highly recommend the hoppers if you haven't had it. Don't forget to see the historic artifacts spanning over 150 years.

2026-05-02 • via Nuitee
E
Emma Louise • family_with_children • gb
8
Great hotel for a couple of nights in Colombo
Pros:

Spent our 1st 2 nights in Colombo at Galle Face & it was great.
We had 4th floor rooms which were great. Very comfy beds , the pool area was great - large seawater pool.
Perfect location for exploring Colombo.
The buffet restaurant has a nice colonial feel to it & good food.
The staff were super friendly & helpful.

Cons:

A little tired in places & could do with a little maintenance.

2026-05-02 • via Nuitee