Fleewinter

Fort Printers Galle Fort, Sri Lanka - SLG029

A renovated 18th century mansion in the heart of Unesco-listed Galle Fort that oozes 'private residence' charm.

8 Bedrooms, Sleeps 16

A/C Ensuite Bedrooms
Swimmingpool
Wifi
Restaurant
Library

"Just spent 4 nights at the Fort Printers, lovely small boutique hotel with fascinating history. The Headmasters rooms was spacious and very comfortable with lovely seating area. The local Sri Lankan breakfast dish of 'hoppers' with prawn curry and coconut sambal was amazing! The managers Woijeck and Justina are doing a wonderful job, they are so welcoming, even getting up to meet us at 4.30am!" PJ - 2013

"What a wonderful time we had in Galle staying at the Fort Printers. We had a room across from the main hotel in an annexe where it was quiet and comfortable with a marvelous bathroom where we enjoyed a relaxing bath. Wojcek and Justina were the perfect hosts and all meals were delicious. we would recommend without hesitation to other travelers." NS - 2013

This elegant house in the Galle Fort is the perfect Sri Lankan colonial retreat-from-the-heat. Behind its teak doors are spacious and airy interiors, with high ceilings, large boho bedrooms and some with beautiful vistas across the roof tops of Galle.


Most buildings within the Galle Fort have a story to tell, and this is no exception. Dating back to the 18th century, it was first a college and later the home of a traditional printing company (you can see the original press in the grand hallway). After a renovation by husband and wife Dorine and Shahzad, it's now a gorgeous hotel that can be rented by the room or in its entirety as a private retreat.

The hotel has been extended and today is comprised of the the old, historic wing in the original building and the new wing, which is over the road. 


In the historic wing, there are five double bedrooms all named after academic subjects to echo the building's former incarnation. Four of the rooms (Headmaster's, History, Geography and Art) are on the first floor encased by a beautiful shuttered wooden veranda and the fifth (Prefect's) is on the ground floor directly next to the pool.



We stayed in Prefect's which was lovely and the only suite that comes with a roll top bath. However, the upstairs rooms have a definite charm thanks to their uneven wooden floor boards and old fashioned sash windows.

The New Wing arrived in 2013, its 3 bedrooms are much more modern in style, with polished concrete floors, and neutral d?cor. The bathrooms are particularly luxurious with walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs. The wing also has a communal living and dining space, plus a well-equipped kitchen. All rooms have air-conditioning and a ceiling fan, and broadband WiFi can be used throughout the entire property if you bring your own laptop (although a PC is available for use in the office downstairs if you need it).



The communal living spaces in the Old Wing can also be used by those in the New Wing. They are also delightful, well appointed with deep sofas and alcove seating, high ceilings and original teak windows which look out onto white frangipani trees in the internal courtyard. The windows to the front of the property look out onto a private gallery over the top of which you can just about make out passing cars. This really adds to the unique and wonderful cosmopolitan flavour of the Fort.



In the centre of the internal courtyard in the Old Wing there is a small pool and an alfresco dinning area. What this area lacks in space it certainly makes up for in charm. The Fort's Moorish influences really shine through in this section of the hotel, to the point where one could easily mistake it for a Moroccan Riad.



Fort Printers offers an imaginative menu that uses fresh seafood and organic, local produce. Two dedicated chefs plan the menu for the day based on guests' preferences and produce outstanding Sri Lankan curries, grilled fresh seafood and Mediterranean inspired specialties. We can honestly say that the food we tasted at Fort Printers was among the best on the island.



The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a beautiful and peaceful place to explore. Start with a sunset walk around the fort walls - 2.5km in all - greeting the jogging Sri Lankans as you go. Later, wander around the cobbled labyrinth-like streets for a real insight into life here, then explore the Fort's great array of boutique gift shops and antique dealers.



Alternatively, head to the nearby beaches, where the marine life is said to rival that of the Great Barrier Reef. Travel inland for a look at a traditional Sri Lankan village, local crafts and beautiful temples. Trips to Yala National Park for a Leopard & Elephant safari are also possible as well as excursions to the Rainforest, Gem Mines and Low Lying Tea Plantations.