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.
A deposit may be required at the property.

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 2364 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
J
Jo • couple • au
10
Lovely old style stay
Pros:

Gorgeous old style property right in the heart of the bustling Galle Face green area.

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
S
Sophie • extended_group • gb
7
Pros:

Beautiful historical building and brilliant hotel buffet and restaurant facilities

Cons:

Took 20mins to check in despite it being 5pm and past peak period.

2026-05-30 • via Nuitee
A
aarushi • couple • gb
9
It was an amazing worth the money stay, we enjoyed every bit of it and the food is amazing.
Pros:

We really enjoyed our stay, the property is huge, has all the facilities and the staff is amazing.

Cons:

There was a mouldy smell in the room all the time when air con turned on, thats possibly because of high humidity in the area and the monsoon season -that gave me and my partner some allergies breathing. Buy everything else was perfect.

2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
P
Penny • couple • au
8
Lovely but lacking atmosphere in eating areas
Pros:

Location

Cons:

Breakfast ambience

2026-05-29 • via Nuitee
S
SAYANI • extended_group • in
6
Overall, good location and value for money but at night it’s a bit weird since no staffs are to be found anywhere nearby
Pros:

Location, staff’s behaviour and the whole Dutch bungalow vibe

Cons:

Extremely poor wifi, non working most of the times and the fact that at night, no one is to be found for any help.

2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
G
Gabriele • family_with_children • gb
10
2026-05-28 • via Nuitee
B
Brian • couple • au
9
2026-05-27 • via Nuitee
P
Patrick Milburn • family_with_children • hk
9
Beautiful colonial property
Pros:

- Beautiful colonial building, steeped in British & Ceylonese history
- Lovely setting for breakfast
- Interesting saltwater pool - even though it's insanely deep (not ideal for kids)

Cons:

- We wanted to upgrade our room, and we were quoted one price by the night manager, then we were told it was free by one of the hotel staff, and then in the morning when we want to move we were quoted another quote by the day manager, which was even more expensive than the original price! Not a major thing, but somewhat confusing and was a bit sub-optimal

2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
M
Mohommed Arshath • family_with_children • gb
8
2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
K
Kamilla Granova • extended_group • ru
1
Континентальный отель...
Pros:

Только то, что отель исторический

Cons:

I will add a little more to my review and describe the situation you may encounter when staying at this hotel. The hotel staff is not friendly towards guests. Their goal is to extract as much money as possible from tourists. I cannot explain to others why my card was charged a \$700 deposit, which was not mentioned in the description on the booking.com website, before I paid for my room. However, the room rate was significantly lower. The young man whose name is on the badge in the attached photo claimed that this was the hotel's policy. He attempted to charge my card for \$700 three times, although the first payment was successful. Naturally, the second time, my card ran out of funds. He shrugged his shoulders and said that my card was damaged. When I asked why I was charged a deposit before I paid for my room, no one could explain the situation. My bank had blocked the \$700 deposit. Later, the same employee assured me that they would contact the bank and resolve the issue. However, four days later, when I was leaving, it became clear that no one would return my deposit. This was the first problem. Additionally, after my luggage was delivered as a single suitcase, three large men from the hotel staff were waiting for me in the hallway, hinting at a tip. They saw that I was upset about the incident at the front desk, but they continued to demand money. I do not recommend this hotel. If you are interested in history, you can visit it on a tour. There are other five-star hotels in Colombo that are worth considering. However, this is a topic for a separate review.

2026-05-26 • via Nuitee
H
Heather • solo_traveller • au
8
Comfortable stay at a hotel with character.
Pros:

The very attentive and helpful staff.
The beautiful pool.
Delicious breakfast and high tea.
Comfortable beds.

Cons:

Poor soundproofing between rooms.

2026-05-25 • via Nuitee
S
Sazzad2176 • solo_traveller • bd
10
Pros:

Hospitality

2026-05-24 • via Nuitee
L
Leoni • couple • gb
5
It was a pleasant and comfortable stay. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Food was bit of a disappointment. Curries
Pros:

It’s a beautiful colonial era hotel. However, amenities also that much old. Should spend bit of money updating bathrooms and toilets systems, and proper refrigeration for the hotel main restaurant.

Cons:

Like the location and the surrounding of the hotel.

2026-05-21 • via Nuitee
J
Jami • solo_traveller • us
9
Great place to stay.
Pros:

Location is unbeatable and the staff are wonderful.

Cons:

I stayed for 2 weeks and food is always pretty much the same at the buffet. Maybe alternate a few new dishes, fruit etc.?

2026-05-20 • via Nuitee
A
Anne • solo_traveller • lk
8
Home from home
Pros:

Breakfast buffet was excellent.

Cons:

Evening buffet (on Monday) was average. Cocktails were average in the Travellers Bar.

2026-05-20 • via Nuitee
D
Dinath • solo_traveller • lk
10
2026-05-19 • via Nuitee
R
Riddell • couple • nz
6
Grand old hotel but experience with a few staff ruined our stay.
Pros:

Encountered too many Staff while friendly often forgot our orders/requests and Reception (one gentleman wearing a face mask) was less than helpful with. requests

Cons:

Location fantastic. It is a Combo treasure and while old it has charm and character. Restaurant setting perfect

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
M
Michael • solo_traveller • au
10
It was one of my last nights in Sri Lanka so I splurged on staying here. Got the full package. Balcony room with full bu
Pros:

Everything that I expected from the Galle Face Hotel that I expected was even better. From the room to the view from the balcony to the staff to the buffet dinner and breakfast that was put on.
One thing I was very impressed with was the night I was there. The hotel had put on a function for the local Hindu staff as it was the final days of the New Year’s festival. They were having a fantastic time with family as well. Big tick on that.
The history was one reason i wanted to stay there seeing the celebrities and sport people photos and the small museum they have.
Thank you.

Cons:

Can’t fault anything

2026-05-18 • via Nuitee
S
Saar • solo_traveller • il
10
Excellent and recommended hotel
Pros:

Excellent hotel. Beautiful hotel, located in an ancient building and operating as hotel since 1864. Looks like a museum. Excellent service from all the hotel employees. Very unique place. Many famous people stayed there and you can see there photos in the hotel. The hotel is located in a nice area and you can see the Indian Ocean from your room window and hear the waves.

2026-05-17 • via Nuitee
P
Prue • extended_group • au
8
2026-05-17 • via Nuitee