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Reviews of Galle Fort Hotel

5 out of 5
Galle Fort Hotel
No 28, Church Street,Galle Fort, Galle

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 53 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 18 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 78 reviews" "

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

9.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Suresh

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing location, staff, and service....don't miss!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from Claire on 11 Mar 2024
Good morning Suresh,Thank you so much for stopping by; we are thrilled that you loved it! Come back and see us again soon.

6/10 Okay

Ahmed

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Beautiful property, but mediocre service
This property is architecturally brilliant. It's a wonderful and thoughtful conversion of a historic building into comfortable hotel rooms. but the hotel service is quite poor. I think it's a government-run hotel and it shows. Many of the staff are not well-trained, and do not seem to have much of a hospitality background. As one example, I sat down for breakfast, ordered quickly, and immediately explained that we needed to catch a flight, so we were in the rush. We didn't get our main food after 35-40 minutes of waiting. And it wasn't just me asking: all the staff could clearly observe that I rushed to get my suitcases down AFTER ordering food. But it did not seem to matter to them. I explained to both front desk staff and restaurant staff that we were risking missing our flight, and that they could just give us everything in a takeaway box. They first agreed, but then came out and said that it would take another 15 minutes to get ready. So we just left not eating the breakfast we had paid for. The staff explained that because there was one other table (who sat down after us), they were overwhelmed. Two tables (6 people total) somehow overwhelmed their cooking capacity. The check-in process at this hotel was quite good. The service quality here is such that if you are paying around $100-$120, this is a fine hotel. If you are going above that, then Galle offers other better-run hotels.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2023
Response from Dasun Gunawardhana on 13 Jul 2023
Dear Mr.Ahmed,Warmest greetings from the Galle Fort Hotel. We are sorry for the bad experience you had at the end of your stay with us. It is unfortunate that this happened. However, had we known that you wished to check out early, we would have made arrangements for a full takeaway breakfast and sorted out your bills the previous night which would have made your departure seamless. Nevertheless, we have taken this as a learning experience and will put new processes in place to ensure that our guests will not be inconvenienced in any way.We hope that you will consider staying with us again in the future.Yours Sincerely,Dasun Gunawardhana,Resident Manager.

2/10 Terrible

Celine

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I got food poisoned from the food there. They were the last stop and restaurant i dined at. I have been at a hospital for two days with a stomach infection from the burger I had the last night at Galle Fort hotel. Terrible. I have been extremely sick since. Will not recommend whatsoever!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
Response from Chamara Dedduwage Resident Manager on 28 Jun 2022
Dear Celine, Warmest greetings from the Galle Fort Hotel. Thank you very much for your stay with us at Galle Fort Hotel. Especially grateful to you for having taken the time to send us your feedback. I feel really sorry for what you went through and at the same time, I would like to let you know that I can assure you that we do serve fresh food at our hotel at all times. Food quality and the standard is something that we focus and we make sure that we provide the best food experience for our guests at any given time. Moreover, We care so much about our guests who are dining in with us and their food preferences and requirements. As I conduct an investigation of your complaint I noticed that you have ordered 02 cheeseburgers at the same time and it is quite strange that one had food poisoning and the other did not. However, we will take your comment as a learning opportunity and look forward to serving you better when you are able to visit us next. Regards, Chamara Dedduwage

10/10 Excellent

Peter

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Anthony

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Two night stay
Positives: location, walkable to all that old Galle Fort has to offer. Interesting history of the hotel itself. Pool to cool off in . Room was large. Bed was comfortable. Breakfast was great (did not eat any other meals here) Negatives: pool has a dreadful old drain/sewerage smell at the far end (not in the pool itself- but could be from the drainage vents on the end/side?). Shower and sink in the room could do with a really good clean. Sink had a crack right across it. Mosquito net is looking really shabby. Feels rundown rather than heritage. Table in the Main lounge area was actively being eaten by insects while we were being checked in. requested transport to the train for early morning to be told no problem tuktuks here all the time . Did speak with a driver who did not turn up ( the only transport arrangement we had in 3 weeks of travelling that did not turn up). And no other vehicles in sight. Did send a staff member down the road to try to find something . Fortunately we had time to spare.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Graydon

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stylish historic hotel in the middle of Galle Fort, great amenities, fantastic food, large accommodating room, and incredible and personable service.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

8/10 Good

Denzil, Boston MA, USA

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Old needs renovation and the rooms are a bit small. Also bathroom facilities are out dated and in dysfunction.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Thomas

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Everythikng
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful building and very comfortable room. Felt like we were getting a very unique and authentic Galle Fort experience.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Historical building in a perfect location
Very nice boutique hotel in a historical building and perfect location in Galle. Fantastic breakfast and friendly staff. Very nice restaurant and perfect gin tonic
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Charming Hotel in perfect location!
Highly recommend Galle Fort Hotel! So beautiful in a perfect location and the staff (especially Kusal - I hope I am spelling that right - who was at reception). My only comment is that they tried to charge us an egregious amount - the cost of an additional room - to add an additional guest into our Library Suite room. I booked the largest room specifically because I knew it could accommodate more than 2 people and was happy to pay an upcharge but not a whole room's worth! They were very pleasant and the pool area, the room, all of the small details were so wonderful. Breakfast in the morning was quite tasty and large - I wish I could spend a few more days there!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lee

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was really well designed, with dining tables facing the pool. In fact, with all the rooms facing the lovely, exquisite pool. We were most appreciative of the fact that our room was literally 5 steps away from the pool! For someone who loves to swim, this was truly appreciated. The entre service was wonderful. Thank you so much.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This restored property remains a stand in Galle for the setting and service.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

8/10 Good

RaneeK, Hong Kong

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
nice dinner by the pool but the gin tonic is comparatively expensive . Love the rooms facing pool. Staff super friendly
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019
Response from Dennam on 4 May 2019
Dear Raneek Thank you for your review and feedback on your experience at Galle Fort Hotel , I am pleased you enjoyed our menus, choices of dishes and dining location Thank you for your feedback and recommendation about the service, staff and food. Your comments are most encouraging and I will filter them down to the various department Thank You Dennam Spittel Resident Manager

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Naomi

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Fabulous place, great staff, great food & beautiful surroundings. Highly recommend this hotel.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2019
Response from Dennam on 4 May 2019
Dear Naomi Thank you so much for your generous and candid review , I am very pleased you enjoyed your stay at Galle Fort Hotel , It is most encouraging that the staff were very attentive and professional and I appreciate your feedback and comments that we have served you great food ,Thank you for your recommendation on the Hotel We would look forward to welcome you back to have more lovely memories Kind regards Dennam Spittel Resident manager

10/10 Excellent

Rajan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 8 nights in Mar 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
All was great but the service, particularly at breakfast was erratic and slow.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019
Response from Dennam on 4 May 2019
Dear Sir / Madam Dear Holiday maker Many thanks for your review and feedback I thank you for letting us know how much you enjoyed everything , Indeed the timing of service will be taken care and fixed thank you for your comment on the food service and its disappointing that you found the breakfast service slow .we are in the process of having staff training's to get over these situations in future Thank you for your generous feed back on your stay with us Regards Dennam Spittel Resident Manager

10/10 Excellent

Robyn

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Interesting proprty. Felt like taking a step back in time. Bonus to have a pool inside the fort .
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Loved the colonial aspects food and staff. Great place to base yourself for a few days in Galle and surrounds
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Susan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Richard

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Galle's Finest
This was the best hotel we stayed in Sri Lanka. Excellent service, food and room. The staff were professional and friendly.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Botique hotel in fantastic area.
Great botique hotel in a UNESCO heritage site. Comfort and service above par. Historic building in the middle of the fort. Great for a day or two. Good breakfast. Turndown too.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

6/10 Okay

Vimal

Very Central nice hospitality. A small boutique hotel. BUT THE BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT WAS WE WERE ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND COULD HEAR FOOTSTEPS OF GUESTS IN THE ROOM ABOVE US FOR ALL THE 24 HOURS. VERY DISTURBING
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul, Harpenden

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Great location and amazing colonial property but didn’t like the fact the terrace suite had the breakfast and dinner area a few feet outside the door.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Damian, Bruxelles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel in the historic part of Galle. Knowledgable and friendly staff
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautifully restored colonial hotel located in the middle of a Galle Fort. A sense of restrained luxury in the beautiful garden and provided by attentive, yet never overbearing staff.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2018

6/10 Okay

Lina, London

Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Friendly service, but not a 5 star hotel
We stayed in Portuguese Barracks. + Good, friendly service + Nice breakfast and drinks + Comfortable bed + Nice (although small) pool - Bathroom: Our bathroom was small and you could smell the drain - Room: Our room (Portuguese Barracks) was fairly dark and you could hear every footstep in the room above. - Bathtub: The room has a really beautiful, large bathtub. When I ran the bath, the water went cold after 5 minutes. After calling guest services, we find out that there is only 20 litres of warm water in the room, which means that you cannot use the bathtub for a hot bath
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2018

8/10 Good

Kat, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful colonial hotel in Galle
Very elegant hotel offering great stay in comfort. Breakfast is delicious but unfortunately dinner was disappointing for the price we paid. The rooms are excellent: clean and very comfortable.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kevin, London, UK

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
very beautiful hotel full of character
Probably one of the most beautiful hotels I ever stayed in. Can only recommend this place. Only downside is that the staff is a bit slow and all over the place (breakfast took a good 90 minutes and they forgot a drinks order at the bar) We were on holidays so didn’t mind too much, but it should be better for a hotel at this level.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
AMAZING!
The Galle Fort Hotel is just amazing! The staff were extremely friendly and service minded. They made me feel right at home. I loved every minute of the stay!
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Safiblue, New York, NY

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic Hotel and right on the Ocean!
Amazing views, great food and lovely staff. You can't go wrong!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017

8/10 Good

Ando, Sydney, AU

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Short luxury stop in Galle
The hotel is in a very good location in Galle Fort. It has all the style and charm imaginable from its original era and offers a very unique experience. Highly recommended to experience the colonial style and enjoy the pool in the central courtyard - which surprisingly gets sun at most times during the day. What you would expect from an award winning luxury hotel.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great location
Friendly staff, classic old big rooms. Very clean and central to all must see sights.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017

8/10 Good

Greg

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A wonderful place to stay
Was a fantastic place to stay and location in the middle of Galle Fort precinct was perfect. The level of service was excellent. And the architecture was wonderfully colonial. If I was to be nit picky......the WiFi was poor (was advised this was being upgraded soon) and pillows were too soft. In all - the best place to stay in Galle Fort!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Katie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gret Stay!
Staff were very attentive to our needs. When I arrived, I asked if we could be switched into a different room and I was immediately accommodated. Everyone was very friendly and helpful, the location was ideal, and the food was great. I would absolutely recommend this hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Jorge Eduardo

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic place!
Amazing place! Food fantastic and bed very comfortable.

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Old world perfection! Excellent value for money
Excellent service. In particular the concierge Emanuel went out of his way to help us.

10/10 Excellent

John

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Charming Hotel
What a charming hotel. Full of character and old world style. The room was great as were the staff, the food and the location. I would definitely stay here again.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Classy joint!
Old world charm + elegance in the middle of Galle Fort.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
LOST ITS SHINE, Needs to be spruced up
1. Bathroom lighting of the Library Suite was not adequate. - oo dark 2. WC cubicle is comparatively too cramped. 3. Entire property needs a makeover, to enjoy its glory days again.

10/10 Excellent

Paul

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Every staff person pleasant and helpful. One weird thing on my part. I was surprised no concierge. So have to visit office. The office is behind closed doors. I felt I was going to principals office(headmaster, mother superior?). Probably just me.

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Disappointed
The hotel itself has a great history, but we were horribly disappointed in our day! We booked a terrace suite, and they gave us a loft suite instead (and no refund for the difference). The room was dingy and needed a lot of work. It was so dark, we could barely see. The toilet/showers were horrible - dirty and very little hot water. The poor staff was working so hard, but management was horrible. You could easily tell they had no direction. Took over 45 minutes to get a bill for 2 beers. On top of that, they actually snapped our credit card in front of us (on accident) while checking out - and they told us they had no way to type in numbers, that we needed to find alternative payment!