We recently stayed two nights at Ceylon Olive and overall, it was a wonderful experience. The cleanliness of the property was impeccable, and the location was perfect — close to key attractions yet tucked away in a peaceful area, making it the ideal retreat. The property itself was charming, with a lovely pool and a small garden that added a serene touch to the environment. One of my favorite parts was having breakfast served on the balcony — a truly relaxing start to the day, surrounded by nature. However, I should mention that the property has stairs, which may not be ideal for senior citizens. It did pose some difficulty for the older members of our group, as there was no elevator, making it less senior-friendly. This was more so since it rained making the stairs slippery. That said, the host was incredibly accommodating, always available to help and make sure we had everything we needed. I’d recommend this property to anyone looking for a peaceful and beautiful stay in Galle, as long as they are aware of the stairs.

This is a lovely hotel set in mature and luxuriant gardens full of trees and shrubs. Breakfast is served on the patio outside the room and is plentiful and delicious. There is no restaurant for evening meals but there are plans for one to be built in the near future. My husband was unable to climb the stairs to the room I booked but the owner very kindly changed the room to a large family room on the ground floor. The bed was very comfortable and the outdoor shower was a pleasant surprise. Going out for an evening meal or to Galle is no problem as the tuk-tuk driver works at the hotel and was available to take us wherever we wanted to go. He is reliable, punctual and the charge is very reasonable. All the staff are attentive and friendly and it was good to chat to Kumudu, the owner, about his experiences when living in the UK. He organised a spa massage for me on site, and I can certainly recommend the experience. We were sorry when it was time to leave and I can highly recommend this hotel to anyone wishing to visit Galle.

Nothing. Everything was perfect

There were a couple of problems with the room that we'd originally been assigned. When these were brought to the notice of the property manager, Mr. Kumudu, he immediately acknowledged said issues and apologized profusely for the same. He assigned us a different room as soon as it was possible. He was very warm and helped us plan our outings around Galle, Mirissa, Koggala, turtle beach and a few more places. He was also always available for any request or help. The property itself was wonderful and cozy. The breakfast was fantastic, always on time and served hot! The rooms were well equipped and extremely comfortable. We absolutely loved the cement finish on the bathrooms floor and walls. The property is tucked away in Galle, but somehow not too far from the main attractions in and around Galle.

The small bedroom is just that. Small. It could do with some storage spaces and a better wardrobe.

We were impressed with Ceylon Olive from the moment we arrived - we were greeted warmly by Kumudu and his staff and immediately taken to our beautiful room. The outside bathroom was a nice touch, with a shower fitted to a tree which allowed us to shower under the stars, a rare treat! The rooms was clean, beautifully presented and spacious, and the beds were incredibly comfortable. the pool was perfect and in a gorgeous setting that felt private and secluded from the busy-ness of Galle. The breakfast was one of the best we were offered throughout our visit to Sri Lanka - especially the traditional Sri Lankan breakfast. They were also very accommodating for the children's fussier requirements. One of the staff, Era, was also on hand as a tuk tuk driver whenever we needed a ride into Galle, which took about 8 minutes. He would also respond quickly if we ever needed picking up.

There's literally nothing we would change about our stay.

We had an amazing stay at Ceylon Olive! The owner and staff are all super attentive. The rooms are super nicely decorated and spacious. Beds are very comfy. The property is very beautiful with a nice garden and pool surrounded by nature (beautiful plants and flowers). The breakfast was exceptional. The location is great - very close to Galle town and Unawatuna but in a quiet area. They recently opened a spa, we enjoyed an amazing massage there! Thanks for everything! We will definitely be back one day!

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A Hidden Gem in Galle - Ceylon Olive Hotel We had the pleasure of staying at Ceylon Olive Hotel during our recent trip to Galle, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience. From the moment we arrived, the staff greeted us with warmth and hospitality, making us feel right at home. The hotel itself is beautifully designed, blending modern amenities with traditional Sri Lankan charm. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-appointed, with a cozy atmosphere that invites relaxation after a day of exploring the city. The attention to detail in both decor and service really stood out, with everything from the comfortable bed to the refreshing semi outdoor bathroom and shower being perfect. The breakfast was delicious and we also loved the peaceful ambiance of the outdoor terrace, which is perfect for unwinding with a cup of tea or enjoying the wonderful swimming pool and tropical surroundings. What truly sets Ceylon Olive apart is the exceptional customer service. The staff went above and beyond to ensure our stay was enjoyable, offering great recommendations for things to do in Galle and making sure we were comfortable throughout our visit. We were the first customers to experience the new Spa at Ceylon Olive and the massages were some of the best we have ever had. Overall, we highly recommend Ceylon Olive Hotel for anyone visiting Galle. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, style, and exceptional service – a true oasis in this beautiful coastal city. We can’t wait to return!

Although very delicious, the breakfast could possibly do with a few more options.

What a gem of a place to stay. From the moment we arrived Kumudu and team couldn’t do enough for us. A taxi transfer from Colombo airport to Galle was easily pre arranged and meeting the driver was slick. We stayed in a superior deluxe room with jungle view for 4 nights. Facilities great and outdoor shower lovely. There was the added personal touch of having breakfast every morning served on your own terrace. Lush planting made for secluded spaces and good to have a pool too. Although the location is slightly out of the fort it’s easily accessible using a tuk-tuk and it’s only about 40-50 minutes walk if you’re feeling energetic. Special mention needs to go to Eran, the Olive’s on site tuk-tuk driver. It was so easy and reassuring to be able to message and he’d be there to pick up/drop off within minutes. It’s also possible for him to take you further afield. We did a round trip to Koggala lake, a turtle sanctuary, tea plantation and saw stilt fishermen. An absolutely wonderful introduction to Sri Lankan hospitality and we can’t wait to return.

Nothing

The entire stay experience was excellent and this is due to the owner operator, an enterprising and ambitious operator and charming host. The accomodation varies depending on location on the grounds, but each one offers its own unique charm and outlook. A few were located on higher ground with steep steps for access - in rainy weather this can be dangerous for elderly or young children. Breakfasts were splendid, staff were excellent and can only be praised for their excellent guest service and hospitality. I really liked the personal Tuk Tuk service pick up and drop off from the hotel to Galle Fort / surrounds offered by the hotel as it provided safety and convenience. I also like dthe conveniently located laundry service within walking distance.

No complains or anything to dislike at this hotel.

Ceylon Olive is a small, super charming, very well located boutique hotel just a handful of minutes from Galle Port and Unawatuna beach. The rooms are very spacious and cozy, the baths which were built to incorporate nature are a true privilege experience. The delicious breakfast, served on the terrace area outside of the room is also a highlight . Kumudu the owner and host is super kind and attentive. Every minute of our stay was truly special.

Nothing really. This is a project which is still being realized. Kumudu, the owner and host has big plans and overtime it should get even better.

We had an amazing stay at this hotel. The service was exceptional, and the highlight was definitely the Sri Lankan breakfast featuring the delicious coconut sambal – a definite must-try! The rooms were spacious, surrounded by lush greenery, and impeccably maintained. We particularly loved the large balcony where breakfast was served, offering a lovely touch of tranquility. The location, slightly outside the old fort, was perfect for us. The short tuk-tuk ride through the charming Sri Lankan streets added to the experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the local atmosphere and cool down in the breeze. While some reviews mentioned concerns about the hotel’s location, we found it to be a deliberate choice, offering a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds. Special mention goes to Kumudu, the owner, who was incredibly responsive. A simple text resulted in a tuk-tuk arriving within minutes, providing convenient transportation to and from the old fort. It was comforting to have a friendly face associated with the hotel for our travels. Overall, we highly recommend this hotel for anyone looking to experience authentic Sri Lankan hospitality away from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas.

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