Galle Face Hotel Colombo * Saltwater Pool, Ocean Views

Name: Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Address: 2, Galle Road, Colombo, Colombo District
Price range: US$76+
Rating: 8.6

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Key details

Hotel Overview

2, Galle Road, Colombo

Close to Galle Face Beach

Great

8.6

9.2

/10

4.7

4.3

Loved by Galle Face Hotel guests

Colonial era hotel

Amazing views

Really good service

Delicious breakfast

"One of the highlights of my stay was experiencing the sunset and lowering of the Sri Lankan flag from the outdoor area."

Anoushka from United Kingdom

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"The hotel's location is also perfect for photoshoots and portrait sessions, offering breathtaking backdrops that truly enhanced our memories."

Amr A

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"Happy Hour cocktails on the hotel green to watch the sun go down while the flag is lowered and the bagpipes play - perfect start to the evening."

Russell

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5-star heritage hotel facing Galle Face Green

Location & History

The Galle Face Hotel is located along the seafront in Colombo, directly facing Galle Face Green. As one of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, it has a rich history dating back to 1864. The hotel serves as a piece of Sri Lanka's colonial heritage, attracting both domestic and international travelers.

Accommodations

The hotel boasts the King Emperor Suite, one of the largest hotel suites in Sri Lanka, featuring three bedrooms, a generous sitting room, and a private terrace. Colonial Family Rooms are available, offering spacious accommodations with views of the city or sea. City view rooms provide a cozy environment for travelers seeking convenience and charm.

Dining

Galle Face Hotel offers a variety of dining options that showcase rich culinary traditions. The 1864 Limited Edition restaurant combines fine dining with an art gallery experience. Additionally, Firebeach provides a unique beach club atmosphere featuring casual dining options amidst lounging and music.

Event Spaces

The hotel is home to iconic wedding venues, including the Grand Ballroom and Jubilee Ballroom, suitable for large celebrations. The Grand Ballroom is notable for its spacious design, accommodating up to 280 guests. Outdoor weddings can be conducted at The Chequerboard with the Indian Ocean serving as a picturesque backdrop.

Wellness & Leisure

Guests can relax in the only saltwater swimming pool in Colombo, providing a refreshing retreat from city life. The Balinese Spa offers a variety of treatments inspired by traditional practices, focusing on rejuvenation and relaxation. For leisure activities, the hotel also boasts a museum featuring artifacts and stories from its long-standing history.

Highlights

Location: beachfront along Galle Face Green

Accommodations: King Emperor Suite, Colonial Family Rooms

Dining: 1864 Limited Edition, Firebeach

Event Spaces: Grand Ballroom, The Chequerboard

Must-do experiences

Visit the vibrant Pettah Market for a bustling local shopping experience.
Enjoy Kottu Roti at a local eatery for a must-try Sri Lankan dish.
Take a sunset stroll along Galle Face Green for stunning ocean views.
Explore the serene Gangaramaya Temple for its unique architecture.
Discover the Colombo National Museum to delve into Sri Lanka's history.

Location: Perfect

9.5/10Review score

Find the Hotel Location on the Map

Highlights from guests

DiningBreakfast Paradise

The breakfast buffet boasts a huge variety, with Sri Lankan specialties alongside Western favorites. Freshly made hoppers are a must-try!

Rajesh from India

Review on

Room FeaturesSeaview Suites

The junior suite offered stunning panoramic views, with full windows on two sides. Nets block sunlight and street noise.

Harriet from England

Review on

Spa & LeisureSaltwater Bliss

The cool, deep saltwater pool is divine. Enjoy the outdoor eating area for sunset cocktails.

Olivia from Canada

Review on

BedroomPillow Perfection

The beds are very comfortable. The pillows are outstanding: fluffy and soft, ensuring a great night's sleep.

Angus from Scotland

Review on

Pick the Room That Suits Your Travel Needs

Rooms for singles, families, or groups—many with breakfast, free cancellation, and exclusive airport packages

Junior Suite Sea View Balcony
2 persons
45 sq. feet
1 King-size bed
Sea view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details
Junior Suite Sea View ith Cocktails daily from 530 PM to 730 PM
2 persons
45 sq. feet
3 Single beds
Sea view
Air conditioning
Shower
room details
Balcony Sea View Room Cocktails daily from 530 PM to 730 PM
2 persons
36 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Sea view
Air conditioning
Balcony
room details

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View Room Rates & Availability by Date

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Comfortable Rooms and Convenient Services to Enhance Your Layover

Facilities: Great

8.6/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Wi-Fi
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

Dining Onsite

At Galle Face Hotel, a delightful array of dining options awaits, featuring local and international flavors that cater to both casual family gatherings and romantic evenings. Each venue-a blend of unique atmospheres and culinary delights-promises to create memorable moments against stunning backdrops.

Verandah Restaurant
American, Chinese, Indian, Local
Ambiance
Family-friendly, Romantic
Key Offerings
An all-day à la carte menu with colonial classics and a lavish buffet, perfect for basking in the cascading ocean views.
Reservation
No
06:00 - 22:00 daily
King of the Mambo - Cuban Restaurant
International
Ambiance
Modern, Romantic
Key Offerings
An enticing menu of international dishes complemented by vibrant cocktails, offering a lively atmosphere ideal for evening escapades.
Reservation
No
17:00 - 00:00 daily
The 1864
International fine dining
Ambiance
Romantic
Key Offerings
A refined dining experience with a breathtaking ocean view, elegantly presenting a selection of gourmet dishes, perfect for special evenings.
Reservation
Recommended
18:00 - 00:00 daily

Location

2, Galle Road, Colombo

Explore Colombo

Galle Face Green

14 minutes' walk

A spacious oceanfront park, ideal for sunset strolls, picnics, and local street food vendors offering unique treats.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

20 minutes' walk

A significant cultural site featuring intricate architecture, a museum, and serene surroundings. Guided tours available.

National Museum of Colombo

25 minutes' walk

Sri Lanka's largest museum showcasing the nation's history, including royal artifacts and exquisite art pieces.

Viharamahadevi Park

35 minutes' walk

A picturesque park located nearby with lush gardens, a children's play area, and a peaceful ambiance for relaxation.

Wellawatte Beach

12 minutes' drive

Popular for water sports and sunbathing, this beach offers thrilling activities like jet skiing and surfboarding.

Talangama Wetland

22 minutes' drive

A soothing nature reserve perfect for bird watching and peaceful walks. Ideal for relaxation in a serene setting.

The Verandah

1 minute' walk

An elegant venue offering a diverse menu featuring Sri Lankan and international cuisine. Ideal for families and couples.

King of the Mambo

1 minute' walk

A lively spot known for its vibrant atmosphere and a wide variety of seafood dishes. Reservations recommended.

Breeze Barracuda

1 minute' walk

A casual beachfront restaurant specializing in fresh seafood with outdoor seating and lovely ocean views.

The Poolside Bar and Terrace

1 minute' walk

A relaxed bar offering snacks and refreshing beverages in a scenic terrace setting. Perfect for sunset cocktails.

Excel World Entertainment Park

30 minutes' drive

A family-friendly amusement park with arcade games, bowling, and a cinema, along with vibrant events weeknights.

Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre

25 minutes' walk

A cultural hub showcasing various performances. Check the schedule for concerts and theatrical productions throughout the week.

How to Navigate the City

City Centre
Colombo 28 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 Station 6 min · 1700 ft
Maradana Railway Station 29 min · 1.5 mi

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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 the entire hotel 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

Real Guest Reviews & Ratings

What Previous Guests Had to Say

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Galle Face Hotel is known for its distinctive history and colonial charm, offering guests an experience that is often described as 'wowing'. Many appreciate the spacious, clean rooms, some featuring sea views, modern bathrooms, and historical touches, like the Royal Dutch Suite with its separate living room and lush green lawns. The King of Mambo restaurant's meat platter made by chef Sangeeth is popular, but some guests have noted that weddings can sometimes cause disruptive noise. Overall, the hotel is considered a good value given its character and prime location.

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Review score

Based on 3192 verified reviews

8.9 /10

Great

88 %

Recommend

Location

9.5/10

Comfort

9.0/10

Value for money

8.3/10

Breakfast

8.4/10

Pros

Historic character

Spacious bedroom

Outstanding breakfast

Considerate service

Cons

Bad smell

Salty pool

Allen from United Kingdom

Single

City View Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 28, 2026

6/10

underwhelming stay, needs improvement

loud noise slow service

the weddings were quite disruptive. the noise traveled into my room, a city view room. i found it hard to relax. also, the service at the beach bar was slow, and i waited a long time for my order. it wasn't a terrible stay. but not great.

0 Helpful

Gilbert from United Kingdom

Single

Sea View Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 21, 2026

8.7/10

Iconic Stay

traditional hotel fabulous pool easy access great shower

I enjoyed the traditional hotel design. The pool was a plus. The location allowed easy access to the area. I found the room equipped well. The shower's water pressure was great.

The room windows are old. They did not seal correctly. I heard music at night.

Location

9/10

The hotel's location proved convenient. Exploring nearby attractions was easy. Its proximity to key landmarks offered opportunities for sightseeing. The hotel's setting allows quick access to many activities.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel features a large swimming pool . It has multiple restaurants. Bars are present offering diverse dining. A pub located within the hotel provides drinks and meals. The grounds include maintained gardens.

Rooms

9/10

My room included a sea view. It had period furniture. The room offered a comfortable rest. A well-stocked minibar offered drinks. The room was quite clean when I arrived.

0 Helpful

Juliet from United Kingdom

Couple

Sea View Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: December 02, 2025

8.5/10

Charming Stay in a Historical Landmark

saltwater pool fresh option historical site

The saltwater pool was refreshing (I love the sea view!). Breakfast offered many fresh options. I especially liked the variety of Sri Lankan dishes. The staff was polite and helpful . I found the location excellent for exploring nearby historical sites. I also liked having the Galle Face Green available for a safe and pleasant stroll.

Service

9/10

The staff provided great service. One staff member, Chrishma, was very lovely and friendly during the breakfast buffet and ensured I had everything I needed. Other staff provided excellent support during the conference and were flexible with urgent matters.

Facilities

8/10

The hotel features a 30-meter saltwater pool. The breakfast area faces the ocean, and there is a Cuban bar offering good food and lively music with great sunset views. The hotel conducts a history tour led by well trained staff.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Galle Face Hotel

Is it possible to arrange for early check-in at Galle Face Hotel, and what are the associated fees if applicable?

15 February 2024

Early check-in is complimentary between 12 PM and 2 PM, subject to availability. A 50% charge of the room night rate applies for check-in between 6 AM and 12 PM, while a full charge applies for check-in before 6 AM.

Are there transportation options available for getting to and from the airport, and do they come at a cost?

24 March 2024

Airport transfers are available at the following rates: Standard car - US$55, Premium/AUDI - US$75, Luxury - US$85, and Van - US$115, all per vehicle one way.

Are there family accommodations with interconnecting rooms available at Galle Face Hotel?

10 April 2024

Yes, interconnecting rooms are available in the Landmark category, ideal for families traveling together.

Can guests swim at the beach area near Galle Face Hotel?

18 January 2024

The beach area adjacent to the hotel is not suitable for swimming. However, guests can enjoy swimming at designated locations nearby.

Is food that includes pork served during high tea at the hotel?

07 May 2024

No, there are no pork items available during high tea at Galle Face Hotel.

Does the hotel provide services for booking transportation to other destinations within Sri Lanka?

11 June 2024

Yes, Galle Face Hotel can assist in arranging taxis, tuk-tuks, or private drivers for travel to your next destination, with support from the concierge team.

Are both gym and pool facilities accessible for guests to use during their stay?

22 July 2024

Yes, the gym and pool facilities are open for all in-house guests.

Does Galle Face Hotel have options for twin rooms if requested?

30 August 2024

Yes, twin rooms are available for guests needing separate beds.

Is there a shop or local facilities for purchasing items and souvenirs near the hotel?

05 September 2024

Galle Face Hotel Arcade offers a curated selection of luxury boutiques and local craftsmanship, providing guests with an elegant shopping experience just steps from the sea.

Can guests enjoy various cable or satellite TV channels during their stay?

27 October 2024

Yes, the hotel offers satellite TV channels, including BBC News. However, Sky News is not available.