The Spirit and Charm of Galle Face Hotel
Posted by Unknown on Monday, June 30, 2014 | 0 comments
The Bard of Avon once wrote that “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”. The Galle Face Hotel for almost a century and a half has been known by many names. Asia’s Emerald on the Green, the Grande Dame of Serendip and the Beautiful Duchess are but a few that are reminiscent of the grandeur and history of perhaps the oldest hotel East of the Suez. Among its quaint stone pillars the GFH has quite a collection of stories and memories from the years gone by.
GFH possesses a prestigious heritage. Built in 1864, embedding the colonial style architecture which has been preserved to this day, the hotel echoes the bespoke and nostalgic feel throughout the property. In the years since, the hotel earned its place as a landmark that gracefully lent romance and grandeur to Colombo. The tales of the GFH and the Galle Face Green that it overlooks have been captured by writers, artists and even scientists who favoured the hotel as their retreat of choice.
In many ways the GFH mirrors what Ceylon once was. Under British colonial rule, Ceylon thrived and was often known as the empire’s favourite colony. In another sense the GFH also embodies the true Sri Lankan spirit of strength. It is said that the area adjoining the hotel was used as a practicing ground for the British Royal Artillery Company and on one bright and sunny day a young Ceylon lascar ignited a 30-pound cannonball that went off course and ended up in the hotel dining room where it rolled and came to rest beneath a chair but fortunately did not explode. The governor at that time Sir Collin Campbell on hearing of the incident arrived to view “the incredible cannonball” and the mischief done. Over the years the hotel has marked this event with the annual Cannonball Run.
The hotel has also stood its ground through two world wars, 30 years of civil strife, the ever-changing tropical weather in Sri Lanka and a rollercoaster economy, even while others around it have risen and fallen. Today the GFH is undergoing extensive restoration in preparation for its 150th anniversary but the old world charm and the countless stories that its walls have seen and heard will live on.
About the Galle Face Hotel
The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka.
Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka.
Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp.
The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean. Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of imperial tradition, architecture and flavor.
“The hotel is currently undertaking an ambitious restoration project restoring the Hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernization to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy”.
About the Galle Face Hotel Group
The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC.
Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses.
The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection.
Galle Face Hotel in Colombo & Hotel Suisse & Queens Hotel in Kandy.
Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lankas history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds.
Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lankas history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds.
The Resorts Collection
4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lankas most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country.
The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Thissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa
Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankian hospitality to visitors.
Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankian hospitality to visitors.
The Heritage Rest House Collection
The quaint surroundings steeped with the enchantment of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage are the key elements of the Heritage Rest Houses that comprise of 12 properties around the island.
Ambepussa, Pussellawa, Kitulgala, Belihuloya, Ella, Hanwella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Mihintale, Medawachchiya, and Weligama.
Intimate traditional accommodation, in colonial bungalows, all with outstanding local cuisine is ideal bases from which to travel and explore Sri Lanka.
