Location: Google maps
Hotel website: Galadari Hotel, Colombo
Tip: You can ask for the latest copy of Khaleej Times when staying at the hotel
First opened in 1984, the legendary Galadari Hotel quickly got known as the city’s most fashionable retreat and one of the best hotels in Colombo. The hotel underwent a major change when it changed its name from Galadari Meridien after 11 years of operations. Imbued with a sense of grandeur and elegance, the hotel now features 425 rooms and suites that flawlessly combine legacy with luxury. For generations, guests have indulged in Galadari Hotel’s charming ambience, remarkable service and landmark location.
Galadari Hotel features in my top 10 lists of the Colombo’s most stunning hotels.
The Good Parts
Conveniently located on the Galle Face overlooking the Indian Ocean shoreline, Galadari Hotel offers a central location near downtown Colombo that suits both business and leisure travellers. Spread over an area of 3.8 acres, with a plethora of easily accessible urban and outdoor activities, guests of the property are within walking distance of Galle Face Green, a wide expanse of green facing the Indian Ocean that is ideal for picnics and other outdoor activities. The hotel is also walking distance from another popular tourist destination, the Dutch Hospital – a dining and shopping precinct and considered to be the oldest building in the Colombo Fort area.
Following its grand debut in the mid ’80s, Galadari Hotel came to be known as a Colombo’s legend for bringing unheard-of luxuries to the young city and Sri Lanka’s capital. When it opened in 1984, the hotel was the very definition of innovation, from its all-electric kitchen to its extra-large beds for guests and the introduction of late-night room service.
The public areas retain an old world charm and transport guests back in time to the ’80s. This is especially true in the stylish Art Deco lobby, which features wood paneling, high ceilings, Italian marble floors, deep moldings, and impressive lobby art that showcases original remnants of 1984 when the hotel first opened. I specially liked the floral arrangements sitting atop a wooden art piece that welcomes you as soon as you enter the lobby. (See video)
The hotel’s 425 rooms and suites feature a contemporary decor with palettes of light browns, ivory and chocolate completed with sleek furnishings and spa-inspired bathrooms for ultimate luxury. During my visit, I stayed in a deluxe room, which featured a king sized bed draped in Pratesi linens, a separate seating area centered around a marble-topped coffee table, and a five-fixture bathroom, with a fully tiled walk-in rain forest shower, a large luxurious soaker tub, dual sink vanities and a separate toilet area.
The hotel’s premier accommodation includes the Presidential Suite, which features a private jacuzzi with stunning views of the Indian Ocean shoreline and the Colombo skyline, study room and even a private kitchen.
Guests can enjoy an invigorating splash or take a refereshing dip at the hotel’s large pool, located on the first floor of the hotel.
Just next to the pool area is a well-appointed fitness center, which features state-of-the-art equipment, including cardiovascular machines, weight machines, free weights and a treadmills. A separate mirrored area is dedicated to yoga and stretching.
Besides hosting the swimming pool and gym, the hotel’s pool deck also features an outdoor courtyard with a lounge area for guests to laze in the open air. Set amid open spaces and greenery, this rooftop space delivers a laid back vibe more reminiscent of Miami or Los Angeles.
The hotel is home to one of Colombo’s most celebrated fine dining venues, the multiple-award-winning California Grill. Using a range of culinary techniques drawn from the diverse heritage of Sri Lanka, local chefs transform the freshest ingredients into sumptuous dishes. Combined with the restaurant’s warm and exemplary service, the California Grill dining experience is one to savour when you visit the Galadari Hotel in Colombo.
Breakfast buffet is served at the Coffee Shop, although you can also have a grab&go breakfast (or lunch) at the more casual Cafe 64 next door, which offers a selection of freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, nourishing soups, salads, beautiful tarts, cakes and exquisite macaroons.
Service is impeccable, as you would expect from Galadari Group, one of the largest business conglomerates in Dubai renowned for its impeccable business ethics and excellence.
The Not-So-Good Parts
Galadari Hotel is one of the finest hotels in Colombo. It’s hard to beat its central location, stellar service, refined decor, and world-class facilities. Yet, it’s not perfect, and here’s why:
Although the decor is impressive, you need to know that the hotel is a historic property built in the early ’80s and the design will throw you back to the golden era of travel, with abundant use of wooden panels, grey marble, and gold moldings in the rather melancholy public areas. If you prefer a contemporary, airy design (and there are plenty of hotels offering that in Colombo), you’ll be disappointed here. However, I was told that the Galadari Hotel is going to launch a major refurbishing in the first quarter of 2020 which will transform the hotel’s overall look and feel to a more contemporary, modern design.
Room Tip: book or request a room on a higher floor since these rooms suffer less from street noise and come with slightly better views.
Best Time to Visit Colombo
Colombo is known for its abundance of rainfall, so try to visit between during the dry season between January and March for the most reliable and driest weather. However, desert-dwelling visitors from the Middle East will also enjoy the rainy season – for obvious reasons. Man, they say, relishes what he has less of!
Amenities
- Swimming Pool
- Tennis Courts
- Launderette
- Spa
- Gymnasium
- Massage
How To Get There
Bandaranaike International Airport is located 34 kilometres from the hotel and is served by many full-service and low cost carriers. It will take you around an hour to reach the hotel from the airport.
Editor's Review
Photos
The well-appointed rooms at the Galadari Hotel 
Large size beds at Galadari Hotel 
The Grand Ballroom: Glitz and glamour 
The lobby area 
The pool deck
