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Galle Face Hotel

Colombo, Sri Lanka
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Iconic and historic, Galle Face Hotel overlooking Galle Face Green was originally constructed in 1894 and it is rich in history, with many famous actors, academics and explorers having stayed in the property over the years.

The hotel blends traditional Victorian features with modern hotel design; it combines old and new really beautifully but it's important to note, it is neither lavish or luxurious - more characterful and comfortable.

We feel it's an attractive alternative to Colombo’s modern business hotels: the colonial architecture stately wooden panelling are resonant of a bygone age and it's unlike any other property in the city.

Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image

What we love

    • Galle Face Hotel is well located and looks out to the Indian Ocean
    • It feels special staying somewhere so historic and always has a really warm and welcoming atmosphere
    • It's wonderful staying so close to the sea
    • Many of the staff have been there for decades and we love this personal approach

There can be a little outside noise from some of the rooms, but that's common with central hotels and we haven't found it a huge issue

Do not expect restored luxury like Raffles or The Imperial in Delhi. It's clean and comfortable but not spoiling

The breakfast buffet is outside - we like this but some might find it a little warm at certain times of year

Families are very welcome at Galle Face Hotel with different room categories to suit.
You are in the heart of Colombo, opposite Galle Face Green.

What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.
Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.
Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace
Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!
Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.
Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference
Sandra Nicholson  (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.
Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.
Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
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