Where to Stay in Galle Fort: The Best Hotels & Homestays for Every Budget (2024 Guide)
Headed to Galle, Sri Lanka? Our best hotels in Galle guide, features the best luxury hotels, mid-range and boutique hotels, and homestays in this coastal gem.
Galle Fort is unlike any other place we’ve found in Sri Lanka; a vaguely European-feeling city plonked in the deliciously salty tropics, a melting pot of culture and religion bursting with colour, and where, thankfully, the taste of Ceylon tea and cinnamon is never far away.
Colonised thrice by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, their influences are vividly present in Galle, especially in the Galle Fort, which was initially constructed by the Portuguese and was later conquered by the Dutch.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 for its magnificent fortifications, this Dutch colonial ambience is also present in many hotels in the area.
As a result, Galle is blessed with some of the most beautiful, charming and unique accommodation options in Sri Lanka, ranging from meticulously restored luxury heritage hotels to budget hotels and homestays that provide the best of Sri Lanka hospitality. As a result, choosing where to stay in Galle can be a tough ask.
That’s where this guide comes in handy.
We’ve reviewed some of the best hotels, boutique hotels, and homestays in the city to help you find suitable accommodation based on budgets and travel styles (if you’re also travelling to Ella, read our accommodation guide here).
In short, our curated guide on the best hotels in Galle is everything you need to book the accommodation of your dreams, in the coastal city of dreams.
WHERE TO STAY IN GALLE
OUR TOP PICK | The Fort Printers
BEST VALUE | Mango House
BOUTIQUE BEAUTY | Thambili House by Edwards Collection
MOST AFFORDABLE | Southern Comforts, Galle Fort
GALLE FORT HOTELS | WHAT TO KNOW
WHERE IS GALLE FORT?
Beautiful Galle Fort is located in the city of Galle in the southwest corner of Sri Lanka, around 110km from the capital, Colombo, and just a short drive to some of Sri Lanka’s popular beachside enclaves, including Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mirissa.
Situated on a rocky peninsula, the sea surrounds Galle Fort from three sides, making it a wonderful location for a Fort.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN GALLE FORT?
Alluring, exotic, and totally loveable, Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on your Sri Lankan itinerary, and a place we could spend a week in if given the chance.
We’d recommend staying at least 2 - 3 nights in Galle Fort to get a good feel of the historic area and the daily life which still operates within it, before moving onto the southern beaches including Unawatuna – although however long you stay, you’ll have no trouble enjoying all the wonderful places to visit in Galle.
READ | Our complete guide to Galle Fort
STAYING IN GALLE FORT VS GALLE CITY
Before booking your Galle hotel, we recommend checking whether it’s based within the Fort walls, or within Galle city.
Hotels based within the Galle Fort are close to all the major Galle Fort attractions, including the Lighthouse, rampart, and Pedlar St. shops, as well as the myriad of exceptional restaurants. Also, hotels in this area are likely to be housed within former colonial mansions, providing an alluring stay.
Hotels based outside the Fort are likely to be more recently built hotels, or local homestays, and provide a different Galle experience altogether. It feels a little more local outside the Fort walls - life beats to a different drum, and you’re not stuck in the Galle Fort tourist cocoon, which means experiences might be a little more authentic, especially at local markets and restaurants (the best meal we had in Sri Lanka was in Galle City!).
Although not having the beauty of Galle Fort within a short walk is a big downside, so be prepared to take a tuk-tuk, or an organised tour.
It’s, for this reason, we suggest staying within Galle Fort.
BEST LUXURY HOTELS IN GALLE
THE FORT BAZAAR
The Fort Bazaar is one of the best hotels in Galle Fort that boasts the essence of a 17th-century townhouse.
Situated within the well-preserved Galle Fort, this exquisite space was once the home of a merchant, and now it has been redesigned into a boutique hotel with stylish and spacious guest rooms, the interiors in particular evoke a wonderful Middle Eastern vibe.
Modern conveniences and the highest quality service are only the beginning of the luxurious experience visitors to Fort Bazaar can expect.
THE DETAILS
Where | 26 Church Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Don't miss out on a hearty meal at the vibrant Church Street Social
BOOK | Fort Bazaar
THAMBILI HOUSE BY EDWARDS COLLECTION
The Thambili House was formerly a spice merchant's house, and this glorious villa's history dates back 300 years. The villa is now restored as a lavish space that offers a haven of comfort, privacy and refinement for discerning visitors.
This property is recognised as one of the best hotels in Galle Fort for its rare characteristics - visitors can take in the breathtaking views of the southern Indian Ocean while soaking in the outdoor pool, which is a major hotel win!
You'll feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore this villa's elegant interior, which has been carefully furnished with antiques from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
THE DETAILS
Where | 70 Lighthouse Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Grab a free bicycle available at the property and explore the area
THE FORT PRINTERS
The Fort Printers is an elegant 18th-century mansion that has been restored into one of the best boutique hotels in Galle Fort.
The hotel's minimalistic design is a treat for the eyes (seriously, this is our dream interior design aesthetic!), with soothing warm shades and handcrafted details. The Fort Printers is distinguished by its subtle elegance as well as its unmatched level of service within a cosy setting.
Guests will be treated to an impressive display of modern design combined with colonial characteristics and heritage antiques.
This is our pick of the best hotels in Galle and a place we suggest to book stat.
THE DETAILS
Where | 39 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Savour a delectable Sri Lankan seafood platter at 39 Bistro & Wine Bar. Yum!
BOOK | The Fort Printers
THE CHARLESTON HOTEL GALLE FORT
A new opening for 2023, The Charleston Hotel is artfully curated for the modern traveler seeking an authentic, yet luxuriously refined, cultural immersion.
Set in a 15th-century building in the historic heart of mesmerising Galle Fort, the boutique Charleston Hotel feels like a cosy retreat, blending classic design with contemporary amenities.
There are a range of rooms to choose from, each uniquely designed in a minimal, modernist design. Each features bespoke furniture, exquisite linen and custom blended toiletries. The Terrace Rooms feature a spacious terrace that opens out to tropical gardens, perfect for lazy mornings in the Sri Lankan sun.
The Courtyard Rooms are slightly larger, and offer beautiful views over the Fort ramparts - if you can afford the slightly higher price point, we’d book one of these rooms.
The standout feature though, is the rooftop terrace, offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean - a perfect spot for watching those stunning Sri Lankan sunsets.
The Charleston is an ideal choice for those of you who appreciate the attention to detail and a blend of tradition and comfort.
THE DETAILS
Where | 78 Lighthouse Street Fort, Galle
Amenities | Prime location, covered pool, sun lounges, rooftop terrace and bar, on-site restaurant (Charlie’s Bar & Bistro)
BOOK | The Charleston Hotel
TARU VILLAS RAMPART STREET
The Taru Villas Rampart Street is a wonderful boutique hotel that will ensure that your stay in Galle is one that you’ll remember while allowing you to take in the city's charming colonial atmosphere.
For those who like to meander through the ancient alleyways, discovering museums and gift shops (ie. us!), Galle Fort is right at your doorstep. There’s also a private pool and a plush lounge for you to unwind in.
Guests can de-stress and admire the views of the Indian Ocean or the lush garden from the privacy of their room at Taru Villas while also taking in the grandiose, eclectic style of the building's original colonial design.
THE DETAILS
Where | 25 Rampart Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Take advantage of the tailor-made excursions offered by the hotel
BOOK | Taru Villas Rampart Street
LE GRAND GALLE BY ASIA LEISURE
Le Grand Galle by Asia Leisure is an oceanfront luxury hotel nestled in Galle, just outside the Fort walls. This majestic hotel offers unrivalled grandeur and a picture-perfect setting overlooking the Indian Ocean.
At this five-star hotel, the luxury rooms have been thoughtfully designed to relax your senses, and you'll be pampered with beautiful views of the waves lapping on the shore.
When you enter this luxurious hotel, not only will your eyes widen, but so will your lungs, thanks to the heady tropical bouquets wafting through the air.
If the exquisite interior is not enough, the hotel's spa will allow you to pamper yourself with a fantastic therapeutic treatment, providing a holistic recovery from all that delicious food you’ll eat.
THE DETAILS
Where | 30 Park Road, Kaluwalla
Tips | Experience the exotic, Balinese-inspired treatments at the Le Grand Galle Hotel Spa
TAMARIND HILL BY ASIA LEISURE
An oasis of tranquillity and sophisticated elegance that draws from storied colonial history, Tamarind Hill is a five-star boutique hotel Galle where you will be treated as royalty throughout your stay.
The sophisticated elegance of Tamarind Hill's interiors, the old-world beauty of antique furniture, and the cosy lighting all combine to provide a really unforgettable colonial experience.
From here, you can easily navigate through the area's significant landmarks, such as Galle Fort, Galle Harbour, Galle Lighthouse, and the National Maritime Museum.
The luxurious hotel's old-world hospitality will undoubtedly set a high bar for the remainder of your trip to Sri Lanka.
THE DETAILS
Where | 288 Dadella, Galle
Tips | Sip some of the finest Ceylon tea in the lounge
BEST MID-RANGE HOTELS IN GALLE
GALLE FORT HOTEL
Galle Fort Hotel is a grand mansion, formerly the house of a gem merchant, located inside the Galle Fort. After undergoing extensive renovations, this 11-suite boutique hotel earned a stellar reputation for paying tribute to Galle's cultural and artistic values in a way that was both tasteful and respectful.
The centrepiece of the property, though, is the enchanting pool, which all rooms overlook.
Visitors to Galle who are interested in history and culture will find that this mansion is a gorgeous, diverse, and quirky jewel that is intriguing to many of them. This hotel provides an ideal base from which to explore the grandeur of the city.
THE DETAILS
Where | 28 Church Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Sample freshly produced delectable seafood
BOOK | Galle Fort Hotel
THE BARTIZAN
The Bartizan is a mid-range hotel found within the Galle Fort, housed in an ancient Dutch structure from the colonial era that dates back to the early 17th century.
This hotel has undergone many renovations throughout time, adding contemporary modifications to its former glory, so you can experience the striking balance between the old-world ambience and modern luxury at this property.,
One of its best features, though, is the view and courtyard, which overlooks the Galle Fort's perimeter and the beautiful ocean.
THE DETAILS
Where | 77 Pedlar Street, Galle Fort
BOOK | The Bartizan Galle Fort
YARA GALLE FORT
Located in the heart of Galle Fort, Yara Galle Fort is another exclusive hotel that allows you to have a seamless experience throughout your stay.
Every nook and cranny of the Yara Galle Fort property exudes a sense of homey comfort and beautiful style, thanks to the property's meticulously preserved colonial architecture. The rooms exude typical colonial charm, while the bathrooms are delightfully bright and warm.
During your time at Yara Galle Fort, you can count on receiving the warm and welcoming service that has been synonymous with Sri Lanka.
THE DETAILS
Where | 40 Middle Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Enjoy a rooftop dinner while admiring the dazzling night sky
BOOK | Yara Galle Fort
MANGO HOUSE
Mango House is a bright and spacious home designed in the Dutch colonial style, found in the middle of the historic Galle Fort. It combines the best of old-world grandeur with a modern and hip vibe.
The beautiful rooms look out into a private courtyard decorated in a tropical theme, providing a pleasant and relaxing setting for guests.
The interiors of the Mango House have been meticulously designed to showcase a style that is a fusion of modern European and Asian motifs with elements reminiscent of Dutch colonial design.
THE DETAILS
Where | 3 Leyn Baan Cross Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Enjoy a complimentary continental, western, or Sri Lankan-style breakfast
BOOK | Mango House
BEST BUDGET HOTELS IN GALLE
ARCHES FORT
The Arches Fort is an impressive villa that can be found in Galle Fort.
This spacious villa, which has a one-of-a-kind design, oozes elegance throughout, and it is equipped with contemporary conveniences providing the level of luxury you want at an affordable price.
The nine bedrooms at the Arch Fort are tastefully decorated and provide the highest level of comfort and convenience, with features like hardwood flooring, king-sized beds, AC or non-AC, and en suite bathrooms.
THE DETAILS
Where | 35 Lighthouse Street, Galle Fort
Tips | This is a family-run business, and the hosts offer a variety of Sri Lankan breakfasts free of charge
BOOK | Arches Fort
SHOBA TRAVELLER'S TREE
Shoba Traveller's Tree is a homestay facility located in Galle Fort that is cosy and peaceful.
This homestay will provide you with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the welcoming nature of Sri Lankan hosts (probably the most welcoming people on the planet!), who will go out of their way to assist you in any way possible to ensure that your time spent in Sri Lanka is a pleasant one, despite the absence of the opulent amenities typically found in five-star hotels.
The rooms might not be the most beautiful, but the common area is a great place to meet fellow travellers and is perfect for budget-conscious travellers.
THE DETAILS
Where | 67 Pedler Street, Galle Fort
Tips | Experience the true local culture inside a Sri Lankan house
BOOK | Shoba Traveller's Tree
IFFA HOUSE GALLE
Iffa House Galle is another great place to stay without breaking the bank.
The location of this establishment in Galle is ideal, as it provides accessible access to a number of points of interest in the area, including the well-known Galle Fort and the Historical Mansion Museum.
The resort has AC rooms (super important!) with free WiFi access and a shared lounge, in addition to units that provide views of the property's terrace.
THE DETAILS
Where | 1 Parawa Street, Galle Fort
BOOK | Iffa House Galle Fort
SECRET GARDEN GALLE FORT
The 3-star Secret Garden Fort hotel is situated in a prime position in the very centre of Galle and provides guests with easy access to the Galle Fort.
This hotel provides a quiet haven where you can spend some quality time during your trip and get away from it all.
The restaurant at Secret Garden Fort is where guests may enjoy the daily buffet breakfast that is provided for them by the hotel.
Drinks are available in the lounge bar, which also has a sizeable patio and a couch area.
THE DETAILS
Where | Pedlar Street 66A, Galle
BOOK | Secret Garden Galle Fort
SOUTHERN COMFORTS, GALLE FORT
The Southern Comforts Galle Fort is a three-star guest house in the heart of Galle, ideally located close to several of the most popular tourist destinations in the surrounding region.
This accommodation includes a shared lounge, free private parking, a garden, and a terrace in addition to the standard amenities.
There are allergy-friendly accommodations available, as well as rooms with soundproof windows and amenities such as ironing facilities and air conditioning.
THE DETAILS
Where | 62A/2 Light House Street, Galle Fort
Tips | The accommodation offers guests a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange
ESSENTIAL GALLE FORT TRAVEL INFORMATION
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT GALLE FORT?
Anytime from October - April is a good time to visit Galle, as the monsoon rains have passed and the temperatures are fairly stable.
That being said, the absolute BEST time to visit is between February - April, when low rainfall and calmer seas provide the perfect weather to explore.
We’ve been told to avoid visiting during early January when Sri Lankan holidays occur and Galle is teeming with local tourists.
HOW TO GET TO GALLE FORT
TRAIN
The most scenic way to get from Colombo to Galle is via train, which runs along the palm-fringed coast the majority of the journey.
The Colombo Fort to Galle train departs 10 times a day, with the earliest departure at 6:55 am and the final departure at 19:30. It takes around 2.5 - 3.5 hours. We recommend travelling outside of peak hours to avoid packed trains and an uncomfortable journey (we’ve taken the 10:30 am train many times without issue).
THE DETAILS
Cost | 180 LKR per person for 2nd class, 100 LKR per person for 3rd class
Departure Times | From Colombo Fort only: 0655, 0835, 1030, 1425, 1550, 1646, 1730, 1735, 1805, 1930
BUS
If you prefer your creature comforts (air-conditioning), there’s a direct bus from Maharagama bus station (in the suburbs of Colombo) to Galle, which follows the newly completed inland highway. You’re guaranteed a seat, and the air-conditioning is a welcome relief in Sri Lanka.
THE DETAILS
Cost | 360 LKR - 400 LKR per person
Departure Times | Every 20 minutes from 5am - 16:45pm
If you’re on a very tight budget, it’s also possible to take the local bus from Colombo to Galle, however, we don’t recommend this option due to the exceedingly long and tedious journey.
The local bus will leave from Colombo Fort bus station, and cost 100 LKR per person.
SRI LANKA BACKPACKING ESSENTIALS
Travelling through Sri Lanka comes with a unique set of needs. To help you have a comfortable, happy journey, we recommend bringing the following items with you:
Reusable water bottle | THE BEST INVESTMENT WE’VE EVER MADE! We use the Grayl water purification bottles, which allows us to fill up from any water source, anywhere in the world (including train taps!).
Biodegradable Wet Wipes | Keep clean without destroying the planet!
Hand sanitiser | not something we’d actually recommend normally, but in Sri Lanka, it can be a bloody great investment.
A spork | to cut down on unnecessary plastic usage at meal times
Power bank | don’t get caught out without power for your devices
READ | check out our eco-friendly packing guide to travel through Sri Lanka consciously and comfortably
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
For all travellers | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
For digital nomads | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
READ THESE ESSENTIAL SRI LANKA POSTS
We’ve got a wealth of information on Sri Lanka, so if you’re planning on visiting, read the below guides and plan the ultimate adventure!
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka, Our essential 3-week Sri Lanka Itinerary, Our 7-day Sri Lanka Itinerary, Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!), Where to stay in Galle
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, Hiriketiya, Mirissa Beach
CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS | Our essential guides to both Sigiriya and Pidurangala, A guide to Polonnaruwa, How to visit Yala National Park, and Udawalawe National Park
TRANSPORT GUIDES | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train, how to get from Colombo to Kandy, how to get from Colombo to Galle
ELLA, SRI LANKA | Our complete guide to Ella, a guide to the Nine Arch Bridge, How to see Diyaluma Falls, Ella accommodation options for every budget (+ our recommendations)
PHOTOGRAPHY | Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF SRI LANKA WITH OUR GUIDES
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