Galle Face Hotel Colombo Exterior photo The photo captures a beautiful beachfront resort at dusk or dawn. A large, elegant hotel dominates the frame, featuring multiple wings with warmly lit windows and ornate, reddish-brown tiled roofs. The architecture has a distinctive style with pillarGalle Face Hotel Colombo Exterior photo The photo shows a long, elegant hallway bathed in natural light. The hallway has a striking checkered floor in alternating black and beige tiles that create a dynamic pattern. Along the left side of the hallway, there are several tall, arched windowsGalle Face Hotel Colombo Exterior photo The photo shows a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking a beach and ocean. The terrace has a reddish-brown tiled floor and a cream-colored railing with ornate details. 

There are several lounge chairs with white cushions, and a dark wicker patio set
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From76US$ /night
Check-in
04May2026Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

2, Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
-
Next to Galle Face Beach
Great
8.6
9.2
/10
4.6
4.2
/5

Galle Face Hotel - A colonial-style heritage hotel with ocean views, fine dining, and a saltwater pool

Built in 1864, Galle Face Hotel is a 5-star colonial-style heritage hotel located along Galle Road, facing the Indian Ocean and Galle Face Green. Most rooms offer views of the ocean, Galle Face Green, or Colombo city, with amenities including air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features six restaurants, including The 1864, a fine dining venue with an ocean view and wine cellar, and In...On The Green, a casual pub with live music. Leisure facilities include a saltwater pool, Balinese-inspired spa, fitness center, and library. Galle Face Hotel is a 15-minute drive from Odel Shopping Mall and five minutes from Gangaramaya Temple. A buffet breakfast is served each morning at The Verandah.

Pros

The historic colonial architecture and oceanfront location provide a unique ambiance.

The saltwater pool is one of Colombo's most picturesque, exclusive to hotel guests.

Multiple dining options, including The 1864, which features a wine cellar and ocean views.

Proximity to landmarks like Galle Face Green and Gangaramaya Temple.

The Balinese Spa offers rejuvenating treatments, including massages and facials.

Cons

Some rooms may face the city rather than the ocean.

The historic building's layout can result in narrow corridors and smaller elevators.

Must-do experiences

  • Stroll through Galle Face Green at sunset for stunning ocean views.
  • Savor the hopper breakfast at A Chang for a local treat.
  • Explore the vibrant Pettah Market for unique souvenirs and spices.
  • Visit the Colombo National Museum to discover Sri Lankan history.
  • Enjoy tea at the historic Ceylon Tea House for a cultural experience.
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Select your room type

Find detailed information on rooms, amenities, and exclusive deals for your ideal beach holiday
Junior Suite Sea View Balcony
2 persons
485 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Sea view
Shower
Balcony
Junior Suite Sea View ith Cocktails daily from 530 PM to 730 PM
2 persons
485 sq. feet 
3 Single beds
Sea view
Shower
Air conditioning
Balcony Sea View Room Cocktails daily from 530 PM to 730 PM
2 persons
390 sq. feet 
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Sea view
Shower
Balcony
Garden View Room
2 persons
280 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Garden view
Shower
Air conditioning
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Prices and availability

View real-time room availability and secure the best rate for your travel dates

Facilities

Enjoy modern comforts, from ocean-view suites to family-friendly options with breakfast included
Facilities: Great
8.6/10Review score

General

  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Wi-Fi
  • Free parking
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Private beach
  • Lift
  • Currency exchange
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key access

Sports & Fitness

  • Fitness centre

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Valet parking
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • In-room breakfast
  • Restaurant
  • Poolside snack bar
  • Snack bar
  • Dinner
  • Packed lunches

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Children's buffet

Spa & Leisure

  • Saltwater pool
  • Beach access
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Sun loungers
  • Live entertainment
  • Sun terrace
  • Garden area
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Back massage
  • Head massage
  • Full body massage
  • Foot massage
  • Pool with view

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Mini-bar
  • Sitting area
  • Terrace
  • Garden furniture
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Dining table
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Carpeted floor
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Dining Onsite

Galle Face Hotel offers a delightful array of dining options that highlight diverse cuisines and enchanting atmospheres. From family-friendly retreats to intimate evenings overlooking the ocean, each venue presents a distinctive culinary experience that invites guests to savor the richness of flavors and cultures.
Galle Face Hotel Colombo Restaurant photo The photo shows a formal dining room with a long wooden table set for a meal. The room is well-lit with a chandelier hanging above the table and wall sconces on either side. The walls are painted a neutral white, and the floor is covered with a dark

Verandah Restaurant

American, Chinese, Indian, Local
Ambiance
Family-friendly, Romantic
Key Offerings
A warm and inviting setting for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or high tea, featuring a selection of colonial classics and an à la carte menu to satisfy various tastes.
Reservation
Not needed
06:00 - 22:00 daily

King of the Mambo - Cuban Restaurant

International
Ambiance
Modern, Romantic
Key Offerings
Enjoy a vibrant dinner experience paired with cocktails, offering a unique taste of Cuban cuisine in a lively atmosphere that invites romance and connection.
Reservation
Recommended
17:00 - 00:00 daily

The 1864

International
Ambiance
Romantic
Key Offerings
This fine dining venue features stunning ocean views and an exquisite menu for dinner, perfect for a captivating dining experience that enhances an evening of romance and elegance.
Reservation
Recommended
18:00 - 00:00 daily

Galle Face Hotel Location

2, Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Map view
2, Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka
Nearby
Galle Face Terrace
600 ft
Restaurants
King of the Mambo
200 ft
Galle Face Hotel
Breeze Barracuda
100 ft
10 Galle Face Drive
The Verandah
200 ft
3 2 Galle Road
The Poolside Bar and Terrace
200 ft
2 Galle Road Galle Face Hotel
Fatty Patty
4100 ft
03 662
The Pool Bar
4100 ft
2 Galle Road
The Gardenia Coffeeshop
600 ft
30 Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha Ramada Colombo
Explore Colombo
Explore Colombo
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Galle Face Green
14 minutes' walk
A vibrant urban park along the coast, perfect for a sunset stroll or picnics, offering beautiful ocean views and local vendors.
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
4-minute drive
An iconic temple complex showcasing intricate architecture, a museum, and a serene ambiance ideal for cultural immersion.
National Museum of Colombo
25 minutes' walk
Sri Lanka's largest museum features rich exhibits on history and culture, including the famous Elephant Kumara skeleton.
Independence Square
35 minutes' walk
A historic landmark surrounded by lush gardens, notable for its impressive architecture and as a site for national celebrations.
Wellawatte Beach
15-minute drive
A popular beach for sunbathing and swimming, with water sports rentals nearby, great for both relaxation and adventure.
Traditional Puppet Art Museum
15 minutes' walk
An engaging cultural experience showcasing Sri Lankan puppet artistry with performances and hands-on workshops available.
Excel World Entertainment Park
30 minutes' walk
A family-friendly venue featuring amusement rides, a bowling alley, and a gaming arcade for fun-filled days.
King of the Mambo
1 minute' walk
A lively venue known for its tapas and vibrant atmosphere, ideal for casual dining with friends or family.
The Verandah
1 minute' walk
Offers a charming setting with international cuisine and signature dishes like seafood curry, catering to various diets.
Breeze Barracuda
1 minute' walk
Gourmet seafood with ocean views, perfect for a romantic evening; reservations recommended for prime seating.
Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre
25 minutes' walk
A modern theatre featuring various performing arts, ideal for catching local shows or international productions.
Excel World
30 minutes' walk
An entertainment hub with arcade games, bowling, and a movie theatre, perfect for family-friendly outings.
How to get around?
City Centre
Colombo28 min  ·  1.4 mi
Airports
Diyawanna Oya Seaplane Base (DWO)14 min  ·  5.6 mi
Kelaniya (KEZ)22 min  ·  8.8 mi
Train
Slave Island Railway Station6 min  ·  1700 ft
Maradana Railway Station29 min  ·  1.5 mi
Want to get the best booking rate?
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible on site for free.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a full breakfast at the price of US$15 per person per day. 
Children & extra beds
There are no cots provided in a room. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Arabic
Number of rooms:
157

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Galle Face Hotel from previous guests about their experience.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Galle Face Hotel offers a memorable stay with its beautiful colonial architecture and prime location directly on the 'Green', perfect for experiencing Sri Lanka's heritage. Guests frequently enjoy the spacious rooms, some offering lovely sea views, and appreciate the large 30m pool for lap swimming. The breakfast buffet at the Verandah restaurant is a highlight for many, offering enormous variety. Some guests have noted that certain rooms in the older wing can feel a bit dated and involve a longer walk from the lift.
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Review score
Based on 2491 verified reviews
9.0/10
Perfect
90%
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.1/10
Breakfast
8.3/10
Value for money
8.3/10
Pros
Oceanfront location
Spacious rooms
Comfortable beds
Excellent staff
Historic features
Cons
Noisy bar
Water issues
Poor service
Guest reviews
based on 2491 reviews
9.0/10
based on 1596 reviews
8.6/10
David from United Kingdom
Single
Sea View Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:February 09, 2026
9.5/10

colonial charm by the sea

colonial stylemultiple restaurantslarge swimming pool
i had a sea view room the view was very nice the room had distinct colonial style. the hotel has multiple restaurants and bars i sat right at the waterfront and enjoyed a gin and tonic. i also took a dip in the large swimming pool
the tv did not work well it would turn off by itself after a while
Facilities
9/10
the hotel provides a large swimming pool that allows guests to cool off and relax and it includes various restaurants and bars that offer different dining and entertainment options for all visitors to explore .
Location
10/10
the hotel is right at the waterfront this offers unobstructed views and easy access to the beach the location enables convenient sunset viewing and allows guests to enjoy a sea breeze from many vantage points throughout the premises.
0 Helpful
|
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Jessica from United Kingdom
Family with children
Sea View Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 12, 2025
8/10
separate sinksrainfall showertasty choices
i stayed in a sea view room. the room featured two separate sinks. a rainfall shower was also available. breakfast included plentiful options and tasty choices..
the check-in process was somewhat slow.
0 Helpful
Olivia from United Kingdom
Single
sea view room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed:December 09, 2025
7/10

adequate stay at a historical site

sea viewsea gardenbritish colonialwood floorstale sconemosquito net
the hotel is directly on the beach it features a full sea view. the sea garden and sea salt swimming pool were highlights for me. the building has a british colonial design and feels historical. the floors are wood it has a lot of character.
the food was terrible at high tea the staff however were good. the sandwiches and little burgers were dry the scones were stale. i also noticed mosquitoes there was no mosquito net.
0 Helpful
david from united states
Family with children
city view room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 05, 2025
7/10

a satisfactory stay

poolside areaindian oceanhotel museumolder winglong walkmissing toiletries
the poolside area was beautiful. it overlooked the indian ocean. the location felt so relaxing and calm. the hotel's museum had interesting exhibits.
the rooms felt dated. there were no toothbrushes or cotton buds in the bathroom. the king bed in room 4004 had a noticeable sink in the middle.
0 Helpful
Harper from United States
Single
Sea View Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:December 01, 2025
9/10
helpful staffbreakfast buffetwork desk
The breakfast buffet offered many options. I especially liked the spacious room, it included a separate living area and work desk. The thirty-meter pool allowed easy lap swimming. The staff was polite AND helpful.
The bar music was loud long after bedtime. The hotel offered wine instead of lowering the volume.
0 Helpful
Jennifer L from Canada
Family with children
sea view room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed:November 24, 2025
8.7/10

charming heritage stay

attentive staffhelpful teamdelicious dishesnon-functional lights
The staff were attentive. Ivoni and her team were helpful whenever we needed assistance. we were traveling with my elderly mother, and the hotel catered to all her needs. the breakfast buffet had a wide array of healthy options and delicious local rice and curry dishes. the pool provided ample space for both exercise and relaxation! though there was not a lifeguard
The room lights were not working upon arrival, and despite requesting assistance, no one came to fix them. This was inconvenient after a long travel day.
Dining
9/10
the breakfast buffet included diverse choices with local rice and curry. a staff member promptly assisted me with a high chair for my child. i think it was great! but there were only two coffee machines available.
Facilities
8/10
the pool area featured a long pool suitable for swimming laps and plenty of space for relaxation. the gym included three treadmills and two stationary bikes. these were sufficient for a quick workout. however, the equipment looked a bit dated.
Location
9/10
the hotel is near galle face green, providing easy access to the beach. a nearby mall is within walking distance, it offers convenient shopping options. the location was perfect! though the parking was expensive.
0 Helpful
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Questions of the users
About Galle Face Hotel
Can early check-in be arranged, and are there any fees involved?
25 November 2024
Early check-in is complimentary between 12 pm and 2 pm, subject to availability. A fee of 50% of the room rate applies for check-ins from 6 am to 12 pm, while a full night's charge is required for arrivals before 6 am.
Is there a complimentary shuttle service to the airport available for guests?
10 December 2024
Airport transfers are available at an additional cost: Standard car at US$55, Premium/AUDI at US$75, Luxury at US$85, and Van at US$115. Shuttle services are not complimentary.
Are there family rooms that connect within the hotel for added convenience?
15 January 2025
Yes, interconnecting rooms are available in the Landmark category, perfect for families traveling together.
Can guests swim at the beach adjacent to the hotel?
02 February 2025
The beach area near the hotel is not suitable for swimming; however, guests can swim in the designated area adjacent to the hotel.
Is there a high tea service that includes pork dishes?
20 March 2025
The high tea service currently does not include any pork items.
How does the hotel assist in arranging transportation for guests continuing their travels?
15 April 2025
The hotel offers taxi arrangements to your next destination, and the concierge team is available to assist with bookings.
What are the operating hours for the gym and pool facilities?
30 May 2025
The gym and pool are open for all in-house guests, with the pool operating from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
Is it possible to have special dietary requirements catered to during mealtimes?
12 June 2025
The hotel is happy to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring that meals meet guests' needs.
Are there notable cultural attractions or shopping options within walking distance from the hotel?
05 July 2025
Yes, the hotel is centrally located with easy access to shopping malls, bars, and restaurants, all within a short walk.
What unique historical experiences does the hotel offer to its guests?
25 August 2025
The hotel historian conducts tours highlighting the architectural features and rich stories behind the Galle Face Hotel's legacy.

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