A chic and charming property, Gall Fort Hotel is a 13 suite boutique hotel in the heart of Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most sought-after locations in Sri Lanka. In 2003 is was painstakingly refurbished in a traditional manner, paying deep homage to Galle’s rich cultural and aesthetic values, without compromising modern comforts and luxuries.
This iconic building is one of the grand mansions of Galle Fort and is a hit for culture and history buffs with a fascinating past behind it. Over 300 years old, it has quite a story to tell and the property was originally a Dutch mansion and warehouse, and the 18th century doors and windows on the building’s façade remain to this day. After its restoration, in 2007 UNESCO awarded the hotel the Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction, calling it “a masterpiece of cultural heritage and conservation”.
Being a heritage building, all of the rooms are slightly different from one another in size, views and layout. There are seven room types starting with the Garden Rooms lining the courtyard, and all higher room categories are unique suites each named and designed around a historical theme. The highest room category is the presidential penthouse suite, named The Grand Apartment, which has two en suite bedrooms and a separate living and dining room.
The style of the hotel is dedicated to the property’s heritage with traditional colonial interiors. Polished teak wood floors run throughout the building, with grand columned white washed walkways, lofty rooms with ceilings fan, painted wooden shutters on all windows, looming wooden four poster beds, and antiques and art pieces decorate the walls and dot the dark wood cabinets and side tables. It feels like you have stepped back in time. For rooms with soft furnishings and a more decadent feel, opt for the higher category suites, our favourite rooms are the Grand Apartment Suites.
The restaurant offers fantastic Asian cuisine and the menus are inspired by the famous Spice Route – the route taken by merchants from Europe in search of exotic spices. Produce is all sourced locally and the fresh lobster and jumbo prawns here are a must try. The restaurant has exceptional standards of service, and guests can enjoy meals overlooking the pool or in the elegant dining room.
The contemporary palm-fringed outdoor swimming pool gives this intimate colonial gem a unique and laid-back atmosphere and is a lovely place to while away an afternoon with a good book.
