After spending a few days inland, we moved on to Galle and stayed at the Charleston Hotel, and what a breath of fresh air it was. Everything about this hotel radiates design and style. It was spotless, smelled fresh, and felt light and welcoming. The bed was by far the most comfortable one I experienced during our entire trip. The reception staff were incredibly kind and always eager to help, and the same goes for the restaurant team. Breakfast was delicious and tailored to our wishes, fresh, made with high-quality ingredients. On top of that, the rooftop bar is fantastic, perfect for enjoying the views with a drink, and the swimming pool was a real highlight for our kids, who loved having the chance to cool down and play. All in all, staying here was a true delight and such a refreshing experience. Highly recommended!

We liked everything.

Our family of four (with kids aged 7 and 12) just spent two wonderful nights at The Charleston, the perfect base in the Fort mixed with style, comfort, and views. Full disclosure, we are the design architects for this lovely hotel so I will focus on the experience over the design. From check-in onwards, the staff was respectfully attentive and welcoming which made us feel right at home. We tried both the terrace rooms ( the private garden decks were perfect for reading or afternoon naps) as well as one night in the larger suites which were very bright and sunny. Of course the stand out is the terrace and pool, although perhaps a bit too hot for breakfast, by early afternoon and evening it was the perfect spot for refreshing dip in the pool followed by sunset drinks and dinner into the evening. The ocean breezes in August makes it especially pleasant. Since it is a popular spot, the crowd gives it a vibrant social atmopshere, however the staff always ensure that the guests have a reserved table ( or sofa for drinks) in advance. As mentioned, the stay was particularly special for us because as the architects it was amazing to finally stay as guests and see it full of people enjoying themselves. After years of planning and design it was fulfilling to see this vision come to life.

What a super gem of a hotel! Absolutely stunning art deco style small boutique hotel right in the middle of the Fort. We used this a one-night stop before travelling on to Yala but we wished that we had booked for longer. The hotel arranged transport for us from the airport and we were greeted by the friendliest driver ever and provided with a small welcome hamper from the hotel for the 3 hour journey - it was such a lovely and welcome gesture. The hotel itself was one of the best we have ever stayed in and we honestly didn't think it could get any better until we met the staff.. nothing was too much trouble. We pre-ordered our evening meal just incase our arrival was delayed and we enjoyed the most amazing 2-course meal. The menu and quality of food is a high standard and reasonably priced. After 10 more days of traveling around Sri Lanka, we still talked about how much we wished we have stayed longer at the Charleston - one of the best experiences of our holiday. Thank you so much to all the staff involved.

A beautiful modern boutique hotel, very close to the fort & lighthouse, location is excellent. The staff are very attentive, and very accommodating. They have a free laundry service, which was really nice. The room is a bit small. There’s a spacious Terrace which makes the room more spacious, however you can only access it during the day time, the staff ask you to close the doors at night, not to let the mosquitoes in. For the price of the room, we expected it to have a few more basic amenities like a TV, and maybe some slippers and cotton buds in the bathroom, those were missing. The room also didn’t have Cupboards, just a rail over the desk to hang your clothes. We were staying in Srilanka for a week, and had quite a bit of luggage, so it was kind of tight for us.

Really cool, brand new hotel right in Galle Fort. Amazing decor and interiors. It has a really nice rooftop bar with great cocktails and sunset views. The breakfast was delicious (I recommend the hoppers!). Staff were super friendly and helpful and always available via WhatsApp. The beds were really comfortable and cool - a nice break from the heat and humidity outside!

The room was pretty small and not much space to put your bags. Would have been nice if there was a fridge in the room too. The bathroom was beautiful but smelt a bit of drainage a few times.

We arrived a little early than the checkin time but our room was ready. The staff were always willing to help throughout our stay, even contacting the tut tut driver for pick up when we needed a little help. I had quite a large bundle of laundry which the hotel did for us without any charge which was amazing. Communication was great throughout our stay. Breakfast was great and due to us requiring gluten free they made us a special bread each morning. Would recommend and would stay again if in Galle.

If the hotel restaurant had more local dishes on the menu we would have eaten there instead. Although breakfast was excellent the menu only had two dishes which were local to Sri Lanka.

A beautifully restored UNESCO protected property. Had a really long stay of about 3 weeks , From the management to staff , everyone was welcoming , accommodating, willing to walk an extra mile , showed the amazing Srilankan hospitality on a 5 star level . It felt like a second home . An extra plus was having a bidet at the bathroom. They gave me an upgrade without me asking , dont miss also on the villa booja half day tour . The property has an amazing sunset view .

Nill

Best designed property in Sri Lanka! I was lucky to come across the property as it had just opened. Great design, right in the middle of the Fort with amazing views from their restaurant and deck. Loved the a la carte breakfast, and the restaurant & bar menu are some of the best I tried in Sri Lanka! An energetic and very personable team, a welcome change from the service style experienced elsewhere during my trip.

I should have booked a few more nights to explore the fort, and nearby areas. The team offers some well curated experience, which I was not able to make use of. Booked a massage outside, but later found out that the property has its own wellness room. Wish I had used that instead.

The Charleston is a beautiful, small hotel in a great location in Galle Fort. It is a short walk to the lighthouse, and overlooks the west rampart of the fort and the ocean. The hotel is very comfortable and rooms are well appointed. Little extras like the evening Turn Down were appreciated. The staff. were exceptional. I highly recommend this hotel.

Can't think of one thing

The location is absolutely superb - the upstairs restaurant terrace is facing west and the sunset over the ocean was gorgeous. The Charleston is very luxurious and the room was extremely comfortable with high quality bed and lovely furniture. The employees were kind and very helpful. We will return to the Charleston and stay there again on our way back from Yala national park.

Nothing