Formerly a Gem Merchant's Mansion, the Galle Fort Hotel has eleven rooms all beautifully and authentically renovated and is enviably located in the heart of the town
With one exception all rooms look towards the central courtyard with it's romantic columns, arches and swimming pool forming the focal point of the hotel. The accommodation is arranged over three levels.
All rooms have been elegantly decorated to an extremely high standard with air-conditioning, ceiling fans, crisp white linen and mosquito nets.
The three Garden Rooms have modern king-size four poster beds and gallery bathrooms having shower and Italian fittings. French doors open onto a poolside verandah which has a small private garden, water fountain and comfortable daybed.
There are four Loft Suites built on two levels. The bedroom is located on the upper level and benefits from a wide shared verandah furnished with colonial style seating and overlooking the swimming pool. Downstairs is the comfortable living area and bathroom. (There is space for an additional bed in the living area).
The Porcelain Suite has impressive twenty foot ceilings and Chinese blue and white porcelain decorations, a large four poster bed and Sri Lankan antique cabinets. The suite has an en-suite dressing room/bathroom.
Cheng Ho Pavilion. This large two storey suite has been designed to commemorate a visit by Admiral Cheng Ho to Galle in 1406. On the upper floor is an intricately carved Chinese opium bed, privacy from the downstairs area is accomplished by the use of antique columns. The generous living area has been furnished with oriental furniture and a daybed. In the open-air bathroom is a waterfall shower.
The stunning Library Suite has two king-size beds and two large day beds. This suite can facilitate three adults or two adults and two children. The sitting area opens out onto a balcony and there is a generous bathroom with open shower. A plethora of traditional artefacts decorate the suite including a collection of Kandyan hat pins and ebony and satinwood chests.
The Grand Apartment du Comte de Mauny is a majestic suite named after a former Edwardian resident and friend of Oscar Wilde. The suite covers the entire top floor of the old wing and has views out across Galle's rooftops. There are two very large bedrooms with Dutch four-poster beds and spacious en-suite bathrooms. A large private balcony is furnished with comfortable seating. Lime-washed ceilings, wide teak floorboards, original artworks and period furniture adorn the suite.
The Mews Suite is a two storey building set in its own private courtyard and lends itself to family occupation. There is a large king-size bed downstairs suitable for adults and a large daybed on a mezzanine floor. The en-suite is open air with shower.
The hotel also has a vibrant cafe which serves real coffee, a rarity in Sri Lanka, a great Chinese/Thai style restaurant which is also open to non-residents. The swimming pool is very well proportioned for a hotel within the fort and the guest lounge has a small library. Yoga classes are given every morning and in-room massage treatments can be arranged. The hotel are also happy to arrange guided tours of Galle Fort.
Children (not small babies) are welcome at the hotel, though the owners limit the total number of children staying at any one time, in order to retain its "grown-up" feel. However, the separate Mews Suite is ideally suited to older children, and all the rooms besides Garden Rooms can take an extra bed. Baby sitting within your room is available.
