The iconic Galle Face Hotel is nearing completion of a restoration project of its North Wing, originally built in 1864. The ambitious project was designed to preserve the grandeur and romance of the magnificent property while upgrading and modernizing the quality of guest facilities, amenities and services. The North Wing is scheduled to reopen to guests late this year while the South Wing has continued to be in operation as usual throughout the restoration.

The South Wing of the Hotel has remained open for business as usual, offering guests a unique stay that blends the aura of a rich heritage with a resort-like atmosphere at the heart of Colombo. The South Wing comprises 82 rooms including 12 suites, all with ocean views, and can cater to a wide segment of guests from single business travelers to families looking for a memorable holiday in Colombo. Seven new conference and meeting centers have also been added to the South Wing. In anticipation of the country gearing up to be the preferred destination for Meetings and Conferences, Galle Face Hotel is ready to act as the preferred partner. Galle Face will also start taking in banquet bookings for weddings from January 2015 for their new and restored halls namely the Grand Ballroom, Jubilee Room and Prince Phillip’s Banquet Room which will have its own entrance without hindering the hotel guests during their stays.

Meanwhile 1864, the signature restaurant of the Galle Face Hotel has also been converted to an all day dining experience, widening the dining options available to its patrons. The 1864 restaurant is located at lobby level of the Regency Wing. It offers indoor seating with a stunning view of the Indian Ocean. The day starts at 1864 with a sumptuous breakfast buffet featuring Sri Lankan and Western morning favorites, whilst lunch and dinner offer an array of fresh salads, tempting selections of local and international cuisine and a wide selection of delectable desserts. Also the Pool Bar with it variety of concoctions during sunset and afternoon drinks, the evergreen In on the Green(IOG) gastro bar on Galle Road that brings the casual setting and daily express lunch deals and free Wi-Fi for all customers have remained open.

The Galle Face Hotel was originally built by four British entrepreneurs and is among the few remaining Colonial hotels in operation today in Asia. Despite many renovations over the years, the period detail of the Galle Face Hotel has been preserved in its architecture and façade.

Keeping in time with the expected completion date, Galle Face has completed restoration of the façade, lobby areas, corridors, Grand ballroom and the Jubilee room. Meanwhile work on the Verandah restaurant, Executive Club Lounge and Sea Spray restaurant is also nearing completion. One of the latest additions to the hotel will be a new bar that will add to the precinct of entertainment that will overlook the magnificent Indian Ocean, making it one-of-a-kind venue in Colombo. The famed garden and Chequerboard will also be redone with much of the previous splendor intact.

About the Galle Face Hotel: The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning heritage hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka, which is steeped in the unique history of Sri Lanka amidst tradition and family values. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together grandeur and elegance of the bygone era of Sri Lanka. Celebrating 150 years, the Galle Face Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a historical past that speaks of the historical significance of Sri Lanka.

Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp.

The old world charm of the Hotel harks back to a vintage when Aristocracy and celebrities spent their days in pampered luxury, and sipped their tea while enjoying the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean. Over the years, many Heads of State and celebrities have graced the Hotel, charmed by its eclectic mix of imperial tradition, architecture and flavor.

“The hotel is currently undertaking an ambitious restoration project restoring the Hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernization to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy.”

About the Galle Face Hotel Group: The Galle Face Hotel Group manages the hotel and leisure interest of The Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC.

Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses.

The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection

The Galle face hotel in Colombo & Hotel Suisse & Queens Hotel in Kandy. Each hotel is a connected to Sri Lankas history, imbibed with the splendor of yesteryear while continuing to serve visitors, foreign and domestic is gracious surrounds.

The Resorts Collection

4 hotels routed in some of Sri Lankas most special areas offer a modern facility with outstanding vista & access to experience this great country.

The Lake Hotel Polonnaruwa, The Surf Hotel Bentota, The Safari Hotel Thissamaharama and The Lake House Polonnaruwa. Each of these recently refurbished hotels offers traditional Sri Lankian hospitality to visitors.

The Heritage Rest House Collection

The quaint surroundings steeped with the enchantment of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage are the key elements of the Heritage Rest Houses that comprise of 12 properties around the island.

Ambepussa, Pussellawa, Kitulgala, Belihuloya, Ella, Hanwella, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana, Mihintale, Medawachchiya, and Weligama.

Intimate traditional accommodation, in colonial bungalows, all with outstanding local cuisine is ideal bases from which to travel and explore Sri Lanka.