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Galle Face Hotel
Colombo

After a meticulous 30-month restoration, completed in 2015, more than 150 years since its debut, the legendary Galle Face Hotel has re-emerged with romantic, faded elegance. Established in 1864, it’s one of Asia’s oldest hotels and a living icon in the heart of Colombo, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The daily flag-lowering ceremony at sunset, complete with bagpipes, is best witnessed from the checkerboard terrace with a Pimm’s or G&T in hand, providing an unforgettable welcome or farewell to Sri Lanka.

The hotel’s North Wing houses 72 rooms and suites with reimagined interiors; classic mahogany furnishings, marble en-suites and bespoke design details. Many offer sweeping ocean views, while others overlook the lively Galle Face Green, where street food and local energy come alive at dusk. Meanwhile, the South Wing’s 84 rooms overlook the saltwater pool and Indian Ocean, offering a serene retreat. We especially recommend the Premier Ocean Balcony Rooms and the Junior Suites for their comfort and character.

Dining is a highlight here, with a selection of refined restaurants and bars offering both Sri Lankan and international cuisine. The open-air verandah restaurant is our top pick, ideal for a breezy breakfast or elegant afternoon tea beneath the frangipani trees. The hotel also features a L’Occitane spa, a well-equipped fitness centre and a striking pool area that extends almost to the edge of the sea.

Adding to its vintage allure, the hotel has its own library, a resident historian and a small but fascinating museum showcasing colonial-era artefacts, including the 1935 Standard Nine that once belonged to the Duke of Edinburgh, and black-and-white portraits of past guests such as Mahatma Gandhi, Che Guevara, Pope John Paul II and D.H. Lawrence.

For over seven decades, the iconic doorman, Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan (affectionately known as Mr Kuttan), who began his career as a waiter aged 18 in 1938 and never formally retired, greeted guests at the hotel’s majestic entrance with folded palms and a warm smile. He embodied the hotel’s gracious hospitality, welcoming visitors from around the world; from dignitaries like Emperor Hirohito, Richard Nixon and Jawaharlal Nehru, to royalty such as Lord Mountbatten and the then Princess Elizabeth, and even Bond girl Ursula Andress. Mr Kuttan’s passing in 2014 at age 94 marked the end of an era, but his memory remains a cherished symbol of the hotel’s spirit and warmth.

In 2024 the Galle Face Hotel was named Best Hotel in Asia in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, alongside accolades such as Best Heritage Hotel, Best Chef of the Year (Chef Rukmal Samarasekera) and Best Contemporary Fine Dining for its 1864 Limited Edition restaurant at the Sri Lanka Tourism Awards 2024.

True to its character, service can be gently imperfect, occasionally languid or charmingly chaotic. Yet no other hotel in Colombo offers quite the same soul, sense of history or character as the Galle Face. Whether you’re here to bask in its storied legacy, savour oceanfront sunsets or simply feel the echoes of generations past, this Grande Dame stands unparalleled in its timeless allure.

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To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson

Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

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