No. 39 Galle Fort

Loved the music and atmosphere here. We could choose a seat indoors or out on the terrace, and the beers were properly cold. The bar area is great, the spot is beautifully arranged and well placed, and the staff were attentive and engaging.

We spent the evening out front on the Ropewalk, watching scooters, tuk runs, and pedestrians go by over cocktails. It stretches along the hotel and is a lovely place to sit. The food was beautifully cooked and thoughtfully presented, the sort of cooking that could teach a few London restaurants a thing or two. We stayed in the Grand apartment suite, which is spacious and has been carefully restored to its former look. There’s also a pool in the central courtyard and an outdoor dining area. It’s a lovely colonial era hotel right in the middle of the Fort area.

I nearly missed my train over lunch, and it would have been worth it. The prawn curry with roast bread was that memorable, with rich flavors and a combination I can’t really put into words. I stopped in for a quick meal before heading back after dropping off a friend, but ended up loving it. We weren't sure what to order, and one of the two staff girls who helped us suggested the dish. It was exactly the right choice. We finished the first serving of bread fast, and she offered more and brought another portion without hesitation. Fantastic food and warm service.

The room was enormous, spotless, beautifully decorated, and very comfortable. The hotel has a great pool, bar, restaurant deck, and a cool feel with live music. We spent three nights there while exploring Galle, and the location was great. Its history, heritage, style, and ambiance are rivalled only by nearby Aman, and the service was wonderfully warm, with real care for the hotel's heritage. The food was very, very good, as it had been everywhere we'd eaten in Sri Lanka. We'd visited Galle years earlier and stayed at Aman. This time we'd booked somewhere outside the fort, but it turned into a mess, so we called Galle Fort and found a room. We should have booked there from the beginning. A wonderful stay, and I'm sure we'll return.