Most buildings within the old Dutch quarter of Galle Fort have a story to tell, and elegant corner mansion The Fort Printers is no exception. Dating back to the 18th century, it was first a college and later the home of a traditional printing company. After a sympathetic renovation by husband and wife Dorine and Shahzad, it's now a subtle combination of modern design and original features (tiles, floorboards and balustrades) against a backdrop of whitewashed walls and muted tones, infused throughout with an air of calm. Behind teak doors are spacious and airy interiors with high ceilings, a bar and restaurant, and large gracious bedrooms, some with long vistas across the rooftops of Galle. With the feel of a private residence more than hotel, you can choose a Heritage Suite in the main building, or a more contemporary suite in the stylish wing across the courtyard. The courtyard, shaded by a large frangipani tree, offers a welcome refuge after sightseeing: cool off in the outdoor pool, enjoy cocktails and Moroccan-inspired dining.
Despite its long and interesting history, and World Heritage status, Galle Fort is not some dinky theme park; this is a bustling working town. So step outside to stroll past quintessential street scenes, shops and boutiques, temples and mosques, churches and schools. Make sure to walk along the ramparts at magic hour, watching kite-flyers, cricket players, and families at play.
Highs
- Excellent location right in the centre of the fort district, everything is a short stroll away
- Large comfortable rooms with understated (but unquestionable) style
- Cooling courtyard pool, one of very few heritage properties in Galle to have one
- Lovely food and an extensive drinks list
- Warm, personal service and the feeling that you're staying in an elegant private residence
Lows
- The pool is rather small
- No twin rooms
- Little outside space, although plenty of room for dining
- Two of the Pedlar Suites are next to the road, which can be noisy in the morning
Best time to go
November to April has the best weather in this part of Sri Lanka; May to October is the rainy season. There is a reduction in rates at the house between February and December. Like anywhere in Sri Lanka the Christmas and New Year season is busy and should be booked well in advance.
Our top tips
Head to the waterside during the morning and watch the fisherman setting up their stalls by the small port, where kingfishers create bright blue flashes as they dart into the sun-lit waters
- Boutique Hotel & Villa
- 13 rooms
- Breakfast (+ other meals on request)
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Laundry Service
Rooms
There are 10 suites in the main building (five Heritage Suites, and five Church Street Suites accessed through the pool courtyard), and a further three in the 65 Pedlar Street Villa, 5 minutes walk away in a separate heritage building in a small quiet street.
The five Heritage Suites have the most character. Upstairs a wide shuttered gallery leads to four of these former college rooms. Arts, Headmaster's, Geography and History are light and airy, thanks to high-beamed ceilings and large windows, looking out over Galle rooftops. Beds are either four-posters or on raised platforms covered with bedspreads and cushions. The Headmaster's overlooks the pool and has views of Galle lighthouse as well as a cosy seating area with daybeds – perfect for children. History, where we stayed on our most recent visit, has views over the rooftops to the mosque. The Prefect’s Suite is downstairs in the courtyard and has a large, modern bathroom with a bathtub (the others have showers only).
Church Street Suites have a modern but classic style with muslin-draped four-poster beds and clean lines. Their bathrooms are particularly luxurious with walk-in showers and freestanding bathtubs. They share a communal living and dining space, and are set around a central courtyard; guests can move freely between the communal spaces of both sections of the hotel, including taking meals in the restaurant.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Central heating
- Cots available
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- In-room treatments available
- Minibar
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
The food here is a bit different, the daily menu showcases Moroccan-inspired dishes. Fresh local ingredients are key and the food served (either in the dining room, by the courtyard pool, or on the small veranda) is healthy, colourful and well presented. It was owner Shahzad's original idea to open a restaurant, so guests benefit from his passion.
There's an all-day menu served until 5pm – think beetroot gazpacho, lamb tacos and roasted pumpkin soup. Typical set menu dinner (6.30-10pm) dishes include tuna with Moroccan spices, Chermoula grilled prawns and seven vegetable couscous or calamari tagine, as well as imaginative small plates and soups, such as green gazpacho with pomegranate seeds and coriander. While the savouries are tasty and low-fat, the desserts are sinful – slabs of rich flourless chocolate cake and pavlova. The wine – mainly reasonably priced options from Australia – is also good, and the cocktails are superb – there's an extensive menu to choose from.
Breakfast is a la carte. Start with croissants, house made granola with buffalo curd, fresh fruit smoothies, mango lassi or chia seeds, and move on to eggs cooked your way, avocado toast, courgette fritters or Moroccan eggs.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Dinner by arrangement
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Kids' meals
- Lunch by arrangement
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a beautiful and really intriguing place to explore. Don’t miss a sunrise (or sunset) stroll around the walls (2.5km)
- Wander around the Fort's cobbled, labyrinth-like streets; the National Museum on Church Street has a small collection of Dutch and Singhalese artifacts and there is a fully restored Dutch Reformed Church
- Visit the working Buddhist Temple on Rampart Street to gain an insight into Sri Lankan religious life
- Browse the small boutiques and art galleries: Start at Ibrahim Jeweller's for unusual necklaces, belt buckles and made-to-order rings; move on to Mimimango for clothes with tropical glamour; and try KK Boutique for stylish homeware. We also liked The Galle Fort Art Gallery just round the corner
- If you want to spend some time by the beach, head to Unawatuna (4km from Galle) for sundowners on the sand or visit trendy Weijia to socialise with eccentric expats
- Book an in-suite Swedish or Ayurvedic massage or work your way through the library
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Traditional cultures
Kids
Children are very welcome by prior arrangement. There are no accommodation charges for children under 12 years old sharing a room with their parents. Note that there are no twin beds.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
The Heritage Suite Headmaster's has daybeds which are comfortable for two children. Futons or mattress beds can be supplied in all other rooms; the large poolside Heritage Suite Prefect's is most suitable for this. Otherwise three of the Church Street Suites can be made up as triples, families of four should book adjacent Church Street Suites.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Babysitting:
Babysitting is available by arrangement.
Baby equipment:
Cots are provided free of charge.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
Children's meals:
The chefs can tailor each day's meals to guests and will create dishes suitable for children on request.
Families Should Know:
The pool area is unfenced so small children will need to be supervised
Distances:
- Airport: 2h15m
- Hospital: 6 minutes
- Shops: 1 minute
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Fort Printers is set in Galle Fort in Galle, on the south west coast of Sri Lanka.
By Air
Colombo Bandaranaike International (150km away) is the closest airport – click on the links below for a list of airlines serving it.
From the Airport
It takes about 2 hours by car to reach Galle from Colombo; if your flight arrives in daylight hours you may wish to make your way on the slow but scenic train. If coming from Kandy allow a long day's drive. The Fort Printers can arrange airport transfers – see Rates.
Alternatively, you can catch the Sri Lankan Airlines air taxi service to Koggala Lake, where you can pick up a taxi to Galle.
Getting around
Staff can arrange a tuk-tuk or a car with a driver for day trips.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
Airports:
- Colombo Bandaranaike International 150.0 km CMB
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km