Galle Face Hotel Colombo People photoGalle Face Hotel Colombo Restaurant photoGalle Face Hotel Colombo Room photo

Galle Face Hotel – Hotel near airport in Colombo

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From$76 /night
Check-in
10Sept
Check-out
11Sept
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

Hotel overview and key features

2, Galle Road, Colombo
-
Close to the beach
Great
8.6
9.2
/10
4.7
4.3
/5

5-star heritage beachfront hotel in Colombo

Location

The Galle Face Hotel stands prominently along the seafront, facing the famous Galle Face Green in Colombo. One of the oldest hotels east of the Suez, it is a historically rich landmark that connects past and present travelers. The hotel offers easy access to local attractions, including the bustling Colombo bazaar and cultural landmarks.

Rooms

The Galle Face Hotel features a variety of accommodations, including possibly the largest hotel suite in Sri Lanka with three bedrooms and a private terrace. Each room is designed to reflect the hotel's heritage charm, providing a unique blend of colonial and contemporary styles. Options range from city view and sea view rooms to Colonial Family Rooms for larger groups.

Dining

Guests can experience a culinary journey at various dining venues, including the 1864 Limited Edition fine dining restaurant, which showcases Sri Lankan art. Firebeach offers a casual beach club atmosphere, combining dining, lounging, and live music. The hotel also features In...On The Green, a pub-style setting with live music and sports viewings.

Events and Weddings

The Galle Face Hotel boasts iconic wedding venues, including the Grand Ballroom and Jubilee Ballroom, both steeped in history. The Chequerboard offers an ocean backdrop for picturesque outdoor ceremonies. These spaces can accommodate events ranging from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.

Wellness

The hotel features a saltwater swimming pool, recognized as the only one of its kind in Colombo, offering guests a refreshing escape. The Balinese Spa provides a range of rejuvenating treatments inspired by ancient wellness practices. These facilities enhance relaxation and wellness during each stay.

Highlights

Location: Facing the famous Galle Face Green

Rooms: Possibly the largest hotel suite in Sri Lanka

Dining: 1864 Limited Edition fine dining restaurant

Events: Iconic wedding venues including Grand Ballroom

Wellness: Only saltwater swimming pool in Colombo

“With its roots dating back to 1864, the hotel resonates with colonial-era charm and a rich history, especially appealing to business and solo travelers seeking a classic experience. The saltwater swimming pool offers a unique ocean-facing relaxation, complemented by diverse dining venues. In my opinion, the hotel stands as an iconic landmark, blending historical elegance with modern hospitality.”
Hotel logo
Amelia BrooksLead Hotel Editor at Hotelairport

Choose your ideal room style

Choose from family rooms, suites, flexible cancellation & more
  • Junior Suite Sea View Balcony
    2 persons
    45 sq. feet
    1 King-size bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
  • Junior Suite Sea View ith Cocktails daily from 530 PM to 730 PM
    2 persons
    45 sq. feet
    3 Single beds
    Air conditioning
    Shower
  • Balcony Sea View Room Cocktails daily from 530 PM to 730 PM
    2 persons
    36 sq. feet
    1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
    Air conditioning
    Balcony
Show all rooms

Prices and Availability

Check availability and prices for your travel dates right now!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Stay relaxed and refreshed just minutes from the airport
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

  • Public parking is possible on site for free.

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 onsite dining choices, from comforting colonial classics to vibrant culinary experiences that celebrate global cuisines. Each venue guarantees a warm ambiance, scenic views, and memorable dining moments, making every meal a special occasion.
  • Verandah Restaurant

    American, Chinese, Indian, Local
    Ambiance
    Family-friendly, Romantic
    Key Offerings
    An all-day à la carte menu featuring colonial classics and a buffet option, perfect for indulgent breakfasts, brunches, and dinners.
    Reservation
    no
    06:00 - 22:00 daily
  • King of the Mambo - Cuban Restaurant

    International with a Cuban flair
    Ambiance
    Modern, Romantic
    Key Offerings
    Enjoy a vibrant cocktail hour and enticing international dishes in a setting infused with Cuban charm, ideal for romantic evenings.
    Reservation
    no
    17:00 - 00:00 daily
  • The 1864

    International fine dining
    Ambiance
    Romantic
    Key Offerings
    An exclusive dining experience with a stunning ocean view, perfect for intimate dinners or special celebrations.
    Reservation
    yes
    18:00 - 00:00 daily

Location

2, Galle Road, Colombo
Explore Colombo
Local Experience
  • Top Attractions
  • Activities
  • Dining
  • Entertainment
Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green
14 minutes' walk
An iconic oceanfront park, perfect for picnics, kite-flying, and sunset views, with local vendors and a vibrant atmosphere.
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
20 minutes' walk
A stunning temple showcasing Sri Lankan architecture and Buddhist art, with a serene ambiance and vibrant cultural significance.
National Museum of Colombo
National Museum of Colombo
25 minutes' walk
Home to historical and cultural artifacts, the museum offers insights into Sri Lanka's rich heritage and art, with guided tours available.
Viharamahadevi Park
Viharamahadevi Park
35 minutes' walk
A lush green park featuring walking trails, scenic ponds, and playgrounds, ideal for family outings and relaxing strolls.
Wellawatte Beach
13 minutes' drive
A lively beach offering water sports and seaside dining, perfect for thrill-seekers and sunbathers alike. Rentals available.
Yoga Classes at Talangama Wetland
6 minutes' drive
Relaxing yoga sessions in a serene wetland setting, ideal for rejuvenation and mindfulness. Classes are bookable in advance.
Pettah Floating Market Tour
6 minutes' drive
Immersive experience at a vibrant market, showcasing local crafts and foods. Perfect for cultural enthusiasts and souvenir hunters.
King of the Mambo
1 minute walking
A vibrant fusion restaurant with a stylish ambiance, offering innovative cocktails and a diverse menu featuring local favorites.
The Verandah
1 minute walking
A charming restaurant featuring a mix of Sri Lankan and international cuisine, known for its lovely outdoor seating and scrumptious brunch.
Breeze Barracuda
1 minute walking
Casual dining with a focus on fresh seafood and local dishes, set in a relaxed environment ideal for families and casual gatherings.
Excel World Entertainment Park
Excel World Entertainment Park
30 minutes' drive
A family-friendly amusement park featuring rides, games, and dining options, offering fun for all ages with regular events and performances.
Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre
Nelum Pokuna Performing Arts Theatre
25 minutes' walk
A modern cultural venue hosting theatrical performances, concerts, and events. A great spot for those seeking artistic experiences.
Getting around
  • 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
Looking for early discounts?
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Check Rates
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 USD 15.0 per person.
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

Guest scores and detailed hotel feedback

Past guest experiences and opinions
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
Galle Face Hotel is known for its impressive and varied breakfast buffet, with a highlight on the fresh fruit selection. Guests also enjoy dining at the Verandah restaurant, which offers sea views. The hotel's architecture provides magnificent photoshoot locations, and many found their rooms spacious and well-appointed with necessary amenities and a great sea view; however, some rooms facing the street experienced noise. One can also unwind in the saltwater pool.
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Review score
Based on 3614 verified reviews
8.9 /10
Great
88 %
Recommend
Location
9.5/10
Staff
9.1/10
Breakfast
8.4/10
Value for money
8.4/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Spacious room
Ocean view
Breakfast buffet
Cons
Pool bar noise
Uncomfortable dining area
Non-soundproof windows
Guest reviews
based on 3614 reviews
8.9/10
based on 1703 reviews
8.6/10
Hannah L from United Kingdom
Couple
Sea View Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 28, 2026
9.0/10

A Nice Stay by the Sea

saltwater pool breakfast buffet sea view helpful staff
My stay included access to the saltwater pool, it has refreshing qualities. I enjoyed the extensive breakfast buffet (the fresh fruit selection was a highlight!). The Verandah restaurant offers sea views. This adds to the dining experience. Staff were very helpful. They promptly addressed all requests.
The service at the Traveller's bar was slow. I waited an extended time for a simple order.
Dining
9/10
The breakfast buffet offers various options, from local Sri Lankan dishes to international favorites. The Verandah provides a beautiful setting. It makes every meal special as you listen to the sounds of the ocean.
Location
9/10
The hotel's location allows easy access to the Galle Face Green. This is perfect for evening strolls. The proximity to the sea is a notable advantage. Guests can enjoy ocean views from multiple points.
0 Helpful
|
Show less
Richard from United Kingdom
Couple
Sea View Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 11, 2026
9/10
soothing atmosphere fine panorama tropical fruit
I adored the sea view room. the crashing waves created such a soothing atmosphere. The balcony provided a fine panorama. the room featured two separate sinks, a wonderful touch for convenience, the rainfall shower was fantastic! i was so impressed by the variety at the breakfast buffet. fresh tropical fruits were available, and the staff was attentive. the pool's location is lovely.
The music from a nearby wedding was rather loud one evening. It stopped close to midnight though.
0 Helpful
Jessica from United Kingdom
Single
City View Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 27, 2025
6/10

minor hiccups at a venerable hotel

small room broken windows
the location proved convenient for accessing key attractions.
my room felt surprisingly cramped. the windows seemed incapable of fully closing, a detail i noticed immediately. this resulted in unwelcome mosquito visitors as no mosquito net existed.
0 Helpful
Juliet from United Kingdom
Single
sea view room
4 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 15, 2025
6/10
stale smoke smell unanswered calls
the breakfast buffet offered many options.
my room smelled strongly of stale smoke. the air conditioning struggled to cool the space. the promised turndown service never materialized and my calls to reception about it went unanswered.
0 Helpful
Harper from United States
Sea View Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 02, 2025
9/10
delicious breakfast clean pool polite staff
The breakfast buffet provided many options, and i found them delicious. I liked that the 30m pool was perfect for swimming laps. It was clean. The staff impressed me with their polite, kind service .
The outside hotel bars played music late, and getting to sleep before midnight WAS IMPOSSIBLE.
0 Helpful
david from united kingdom
Single
sea view room
3 nights in August 2025
|
Reviewed: September 01, 2025
9.0/10

historic charm near the sea

colonial style multiple restaurants excellent service
the hotel boasts a colonial style with multiple restaurants. i sat at the waterfront enjoying a gin and tonic. the large swimming pool offered a refreshing dip. customer service was excellent from the doorman to the duty manager.
the tv did not work well sometimes it turned off by itself after a while.
Facilities
9/10
the hotel features a large swimming pool great for relaxation. multiple restaurants and bars provide diverse dining options. guests can enjoy sitting right at the waterfront for drinks.
Location
9/10
the hotel is directly at the waterfront offering nice view. it offers a great setting with ocean views. this provides an oasis of tranquility.
Service
10/10
customer service was good from the doorman to the duty manager. the staff members were attentive. this created a very cute atmosphere .
Rooms
8/10
my sea view room gave enjoyable views. the distinct colonial style of the hotel rooms felt amazing. the rooms include all required facilities and everyday required commodities.
0 Helpful
|
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FAQs
About Galle Face Hotel
What is the check-in and check-out policy at Galle Face Hotel?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
What type of swimming pool does Galle Face Hotel feature?
The hotel features the only saltwater swimming pool in Colombo, which is exclusive to hotel guests.
What are the dining options available at Galle Face Hotel?
Dining options include two on-site restaurants, the Verandah and 1864, which offer a varied menu with local and international cuisine.
How far is Galle Face Hotel from Colombo International Airport?
The hotel is 36 km, which is approximately a 15-minute drive, from Colombo International Airport.
Which nearby attractions can guests visit from Galle Face Hotel?
Nearby attractions include Galle Face Green (0.5 km), Gangaramaya Temple (4 km), and Colombo Lighthouse (2 km).
Does Galle Face Hotel provide airport transfer services?
The hotel offers paid airport shuttle services for guests.
Are there any wellness facilities at Galle Face Hotel?
Guests can enjoy a spa and wellness center that offers a variety of treatments, including massages.
What amenities are included in the rooms at Galle Face Hotel?
Rooms are equipped with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom with toiletries.
What is included in the breakfast option at Galle Face Hotel?
Breakfast is available for an additional charge of 15 USD, featuring a selection of dishes.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Galle Face Hotel?
The staff at the hotel speaks multiple languages to assist international guests.
Is Galle Face Hotel suitable for families?
Yes, the hotel offers family rooms and amenities suitable for guests traveling with children.

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