Situated within the walls of Galle Fort, a 17th century UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fort Bazaar is a striking boutique hotel centred around a traditional courtyard. This is a creation of Teardrop hotels, the team behind the acclaimed Wallawwa, and this property has a fresh and current feel.
The 18 light and airy rooms and suites are sleek in style and come with comfortable four-poster beds, white-tiled en-suites and modern amenities, from air conditioning to speedy Wi-Fi. Each manage to strike the perfect balance between contemporary and classically cool, making sure Galle’s heritage remains a feature. This amalgamation of the city’s cultural influences is also reflected in the hotel’s overall architecture and interior design; the building has been beautifully renovated back to its glorious 17th century self and furnished with tasteful and understated Middle Eastern touches, reflecting the fort’s Moorish history.
The buzzy restaurant and bar, Church Street Social, offers a tempting range of dishes that blend together traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and Middle Eastern flavours, staying true to Galle’s past as an important spice trading hub. It is a popular spot with guests, locals and day-trippers alike so you can expect a lively atmosphere here. At night, the candlelit interior courtyard is reminiscent of a scene from Arabian Nights. We highly recommend unwinding after a day’s sightseeing with a drink (or two!) in hand here, or indulging in a treatment from the hotel’s on-site Z Spa, if you are in need of deeper relaxation.
All in all, we believe Fort Bazaar is an exciting addition to the hotel and restaurant scene in Galle; not only does it respect the coastal city’s melting pot legacy, but it also holds up against the high calibre competition at a very reasonable price. Thanks to its prime position on Church Street, many of the key city sites are on your doorstep; among our favourites are the renowned lighthouse and Dutch Fort – a mere 10 minute walk away. Not forgetting its close proximity to the beaches in the area, no more than 10 minutes drive. The hotel staff are kind and attentive and are able to provide transfers to and from sites on request, making your sightseeing here as seamless as possible.
