Travel Kuoni

 Galle Face Hotel 

Euphoric about the historic

Walk in the footsteps of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Mark Twain and Indira Gandhi at one of Asia's oldest heritage hotels. You’re in for a storied stay and plenty of Kodak moments.

There are brilliant things galore about staying in an historic hotel. Not only are they usually built in prime locations (this one’s right next to the promenade overlooking the Indian Ocean) but also have plenty of layers to unpeel, illustrious stories within their walls (these ones are over 160 years old) and unique character and design that modern resorts can’t replicate. Galle Face honours the past with grace; doormen in traditional Kuruppu uniforms, tea still from the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya, the flag lowering before sunset to bagpipes and Prince Philip’s 1935 Standard Nine displayed in the onsite museum. There’s plenty new to rave about too. Late night Cuban dancing at King of the Mambo, daiquiris and dazzling sunsets at Firebeach, coconut scrubs at the spa and a swimming pool surveying the sea.

Why we love Galle Face Hotel

  • This is a hotel with serious staying power. Built in 1864, there is over 160 years of history here.

  • Drink Pimms and play croquet on the hotel’s pristine lawns or decamp to the library for a game of backgammon.

  • Colombo city, the red mosque and Gangaramaya temple are all just a tuk tuk ride away.

  • You’re adjacent to Galle Face Green, the city’s favourite seaside promenade for seafood, sunsets and flying kites.

4 stars
Dec - Mar
Colombo
Colombo 10½ hours
Right on the sea front at the southern end of Galle Face Green
Approx. 60 minutes from Colombo International Airport
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Facilities

  • Restaurants & bars
  • Board
  • Spas & wellness

With four restaurants, two bars and a pub you can vary your dining each evening. Discover Med flavours, Cuban dancing and fine dining alongside high tea, classic cocktails and the hotel’s famous crab curry.

1864 Limited Edition
Fine art meets fine dining at this signature restaurant. Walls display local artists’ work and the wine cellar, which can be reserved for private celebrations, stocks the latest and the greatest finds. Your menu fuses Sri Lankan ingredients with modern concepts for an evening of haute cuisine.

Firebeach
Poolside feel-good vibes beach club style, next to the India Ocean. Firebeach is all about watching sunsets to a soundtrack of jazz whilst enjoying cocktails and sharing plates.

King of the Mambo
The Med meets Havana at King of the Mambo, a casual and rustic venue where the agenda is drinking, dancing and dining. Expect seafood skewers, paella, shucked oysters and Cuban music. Open for dinner and late night dancing.

The Verandah
Take high tea overlooking the sea on the grand old verandah. The menu celebrates Sri Lanka's rich culinary heritage with island-inspired specialties, freshly baked scones and premium Ceylon teas sourced from the misty hills of the country. Open for breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner.

Travellers’ Bar
Classic good looks and serving freshly brewed teas, spirits and cocktails.

In on the Green
A taste of home in the tropics. This is your local pub, complete with quiz nights, sports television and live music.

What's Included

Breakfast at The Verandah

Upgrade Options

Half Board • Breakfast and dinner at the Verandah
Full Board • Breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Verandah

Completing the lineup of facilities, a full service Balinese spa, fitness room and saltwater swimming pool.

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Award winning Kuoni

We’re the original pioneers of holiday magic. We’ve been wowing travellers and honeymooners for over 100 years. Driven by our passion for unforgettable holidays, we've earned over 200 awards and are proud to be a Which? Recommended provider.

2025 Conde Nast Traveller Readers  Choice Awards 2026 Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2025 Which? Recommended Provider - Tailormade Holidays 2025 Which? Recommended Provider - Tailormade Holidays