There’s nothing quite like The Charleston in Galle Fort. Once the home of a wealthy diamond merchant, this century-old villa has been painstakingly transformed into the town’s coolest boutique hotel. The white-on-white interiors, brass accents and polished wood all reflect the building's original Art Deco elegance.
Galle Fort itself is glorious. Framed on three sides by the Indian Ocean, the walled community has long been a trading hub for the island’s precious gems and spices. Held in turn by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, the pint-sized town is studded with heritage houses – many still home to families who have lived in the Fort for centuries.
Tucked along a tranquil side street, The Charleston fuses its history with a slick, contemporary sense of style. After a warm welcome from the team, we felt cocooned in a wonderfully serene haven. Pieces by up-and-coming artists adorn the walls, curved balconies invite laid-back lounging, and wood-hewn geometric designs frame windows. Nine guest rooms are decked out in luxe linens. But the highlight for us was the glossy bistro with rooftop bar, where we knocked back cocktails while watching the sun sink over the ramparts.
Highs
- Each of the nine guest rooms comes with a big bathtub and rain shower – a rare treat in Galle Fort!
- The staff are friendly and attentive, greeting guests by name and recalling details with ease, including our favourite coffee
- The food and sunset views from the ocean-facing terrace at Charlie’s Bar are unparalleled
- Minimalist, design-led interiors are a satisfying blend of classic charm and contemporary cool
- Uniquely tailored excursions foster engagement with craftspeople and community members
Lows
- Expect some background noise on the rooftop terrace as groups walk along the ramparts
- The hotel pool is not heated, but perfectly refreshing on a hot day
- Charlie’s Bar & Bistro is open to the public, so it can feel busy in high season, though the team do their best to prioritise hotel guests
- There’s no late-night bar or party scene in the Fort, but early risers will love being a part of the morning hubbub
Best time to go
Sri Lanka’s south coast is in season between late November and March. You’ll find Galle Fort at its busiest during these times. The heat reaches its peak in April and May, whilst June and October are generally rainy. We’d suggest travelling during peak season for the best weather, or in July and August for slightly cooler climes — if you don’t mind not swimming in the sea. Coinciding with the school holidays, this is a popular travel time for families.
Our top tips
Rise early to amble along the Fort’s cobbled ramparts, where residents gather to exercise each morning before breakfast. Expect friendly nods as you stroll past speed-walkers, elaborately dressed couples posing for wedding shoots, or groups of old friends gossiping in their cricket shirts.
Sri Lanka really is cricket-mad. If your trip coincides with a match at Galle International Stadium, clamber up to the grassy spot by the Fort’s clock tower, where fans cheer on their favourite players.
Sri Lanka really is cricket-mad. If your trip coincides with a match at Galle International Stadium, clamber up to the grassy spot by the Fort’s clock tower, where fans cheer on their favourite players.
- Boutique Hotel
- 9 rooms
- Restaurant & bar (open daily)
- 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
- Bicycles Available
- Laundry Service
Rooms
Most rooms have generous kingsize beds topped with crisp white linens. Glass orbs cast a soft glow over the cosy sofas and pared-back open shelving, and the bathrooms are kitted out with refreshing rain showers, free-standing bathtubs and glossy brass fittings.
The rooms are slightly different in size, with five in the original house, and four in a more modern courtyard extension. Four of the rooms can be connected for larger groups. Choose the extension for a larger private terrace, fringed by verdant greenery, or stay in the main house – as we did – for the added romance of a four-poster bed.
The commitment to minimalist design means that rooms don’t have kettles or mini-fridges. Instead, use your in-room mobile to ring for a cinnamon-dusted cappuccino or to chill wine picked up in town. It’s in these little details that The Charleston really shines: we loved the team’s hand-written welcome note, the homemade coconut chocolates which appeared at turn-down, and the genuine sense of warmth.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Fan
- Hairdryer
- Safe box
- Toiletries
- WiFi
Eating
Charlie’s Bar is a seriously swish spot. Blue velvet banquettes, marble-topped tables and brass details adorn a long room with a curved bar and polished herringbone wooden floor. Big mirrors line one wall, whilst portraits by graffiti artist Charles Uzzell Edwards pop on the other.
Double doors reveal the first-floor terrace, facing the Fort’s centuries-old ramparts and the Indian Ocean beyond. The bistro serves European and South Asian fusion fare throughout the day. We feasted on fruit smoothies, warm banana bread and eggs Benedict at breakfast, which rolls seamlessly into an easygoing brunch.
Come evening, Charlie’s has a chic atmosphere, perfect for gazing out over the sea with a Charlie’s Ginger Sour in hand, nibbling moreish jackfruit samosas and devilled cashews as the sun sets. Next up, the beetroot with walnuts and feta or a delicious seafood Provençal showcasing succulent freshly caught crab. There’s a good international wine list and signature cocktails too.
Features include:
- Bar
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Restaurants nearby
- Vegetarian options
Activities
- Start the day with a swim in the private hotel pool with ocean views over the rampart
- Delve into the culture of Galle Fort’s fascinating community with a resident-led walking tour
- For art lovers, there are plenty of nearby antique stores, family-run gem merchants, clothing boutiques and art galleries to explore. For pieces by Sri Lankan designers, KK and PR are a must
- Visit the oldest Portuguese-era Black Fort, with its secret tunnel, ammunition store and rough-walled cells
- Tour superb heritage landmarks on a private half-day tour, beginning with 260-year-old Atapattu Walawwa in Galle town, and culminating in lunch at lovely Lunuganga, once the country home of architect Geoffrey Bawa
- Meet artisans at family-run craft workshops on outings with the hotel team, where you can witness traditional batik textiles, cane weaving, mask making and wood-working in progress
- Cycle along the winding lanes of the south coast’s villages, under swaying palms and alongside bright green paddy fields with Idle Bikes
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Cooking classes
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Private guided tours
- Traditional cultures
- Walking tours
Kids
Children are welcome but the hotel’s slick interiors have a more grown-up feel. There are connecting rooms, but extra beds or cots are not currently available. The team at Charlie’s will happily cook something special for little ones.
Best for:
Teens (over 12)
Family friendly accommodation:
Families can book connecting rooms (either two Courtyard Rooms, or one Terrace Double with one Terrace Twin). No cots or extra beds are available.
Babysitting:
Babysitters available on request
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The Charleston sits at the far end of Galle Fort in Galle, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka.
By Air:
Colombo Bandaranaike (150km away) is the closest international airport.
From the Airport:
It takes just over 2 hours by car to reach Galle from Colombo - the hotel can arrange transfers.
Getting Around:
Staff can arrange a tuk-tuk or a car with a driver for day trips.
If you’re planning to travel around Sri Lanka, enquire through our Tailormade Tour Operator; they can collect you at Colombo airport when you land, drive you to the hotel, then drive you to your onward destination(s) after your stay, as well as taking you on all day trips etc.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Colombo Bandaranaike 150.0 km CMB
Other:
- Beach 2.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km