More than 150 years after its debut on the shores of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka’s grande dame, the Galle Face Hotel, has emerged from a 30-month long restoration of its north wing’s 72 rooms and suites, restaurants, bars, lobby, ballrooms and executive lounge. Originally opened in 1864 by British entrepreneurs, the north wing has been reimagined for the 21st century.
“With this restoration, we believe the property will resume its standing as one of the most storied hotels in all Asia,” said Sanjeev Gardiner, the hotel’s chairman.
The project included the restoration of the north wing’s original high-ceiling lobby, which features Corinthian columns, 17th-century Dutch colonial chairs, and a wall-length terracotta mural of traditional Sri Lankan imagery. Every guestroom was also stripped to the bone and restored with new interiors such as classic mahogany furnishings and grey marble wall casing in the bathrooms.
On-site dining changes include the Verandah Restaurant doubling in size with two levels of spacious wooden terrace seating and a permanent roof that doubles as the balcony and rooftop garden of the Long Room above; the addition of an open-air perch along the waterfront of the Poolside Bar and Terrace; and the opening of the Traveller’s Bar, featuring a hand-carved mahogany bar and a photo gallery of distinguished guests on the walls.
In order to accommodate more events, a new lighting system was also installed in the Jubilee Ballroom and the Grand Ballroom.
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