I was planning to stay a couple of days, but ended up spending 10 days here. It was perfect. It has all the trimmings of a boutique hotel but a really relaxed and informal atmosphere. The food is fresh and delicious and very imaginative. The staff friendly. The massages perfect. Karl was a great host and really good company. He has created a stunning hotel that I look forward to returning to.

The nicest possible stay. Bed linen to die for, exciting interiors, best food we had in Sri Lanka, excellent service and of course, that upgrade didn't hurt either ....

After reading reviews on this and other websites, i instructed our travel agent to include this hotel in our itinerary of Sri Lanka and it did not disappoint. What a place Karl and Chris were the two owners were fantastic and really helped in making our stay a memorable one. Whilst staying there we met a couple who had planned on staying there for 2 nights and ended up staying 12... i definitly would have if i had the time.
If you stay at this hotel allow at least 2 nights as it gives you a good chance to relax and really enjoy Galle, which is a great part of Sri Lanka. Karl and Chris will be more than happy to point you in the direction of whatever you feel like doing for the day and will give you some handy hints to avoid being ripped off.

The rooms were great, clean, beautiful decor and very comfortable. Staff were excellent and friendly. I would recommend an evening stroll around the ramparts especially on a Sunday evening - gorgeous.

The food too was great - if you have any dietry requirements Chris is more than happy to alter the menu and accomodate your needs. But the set menu dinner is excellent.

If you want to buy some english books, Galle is a great place to do so, as they are quite reasonable. i was able to purchase a novel for US$4. which was a great read!!

this is definitly a place i woudl like to go back to.

Having read all the previous praise for this hotel, I normally wouldn't pile on with more gushing praise. But I must agree that this is certainly one of the finest hotels in the world. In fact, I would go as far as to say that it is my absolute favorite place to stay anywhere.

Every single detail of this wonderful restoration is note-perfect. Over the top decadence is eschewed here in favor of pure comfort and class. Unlike larger and more expensive destination hotels, the focus here is on the guest and lovely historical surroundings. The hotel is truly eye-candy and perfectly in tune with its surroundings and history. The food, just like the hotel is chic, perfectly presented and delicious. The chef and co-owner Chris keeps watch over the dining room and ensures the guests are well looked after. Even a menu cliche like flourless chocolate cake went over perfectly with its freshness and deft execution.

The owners Chris and Karl were constantly in attendance, and while we were there a steady stream of guests and old friends were stopping by for meals, coffee or just a chat.

What else can I say? The whole experience from beginning to end is remarkable. They have somehow managed to merge modern minimalism with a historic restoration and make it seem effortless. We particularly loved the all-concrete bathrooms and floors. The library and pool are wonderful and done on a scale this is perfectly complementary. I really hope the city and the government have recognized the owners for what they have saved and their continuing efforts to revitalize the fort.