“Golfy the Lion cub, Galle Face Hotel’s new and cuddly soft toy has left a lasting impression in the minds of our junior guests and it is wonderful to have them enjoy their stay with us,” states Tony Fleming, Group General Manager, Galle Face Hotel.

Galle Face Hotel has recognized that travel can be a little distressing, especially for children who arrive at the hotel tired and often disorientated. The team at Galle Face Hotel therefore considered how to help them relax and adapt to the change of staying in a hotel.

After much evaluation the team recommended a soft toy that might help their ‘junior guests’ feel more welcome. After all parents are treated to cold towels and signature welcome drinks upon arrival at the Galle Face Hotel, so why not the kids get something too. In order to help the ‘junior guests’ feel extra welcome ‘Golfy’ was born. His name is a shortened version of Galle Face.

So why a lion cub? Of course the lion sits at the heart of both the Sri Lankan flag and the Galle Face Hotel logo and is a fitting mascot for the country and the hotel. ‘Golfy’ is not only popular among kids but has also captured the hearts of adults, surprising the hotel management with the many requests from adult travelers who want one for themselves.

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 Galle Face Hotel, Kandy Hotels PLC & Ceylon Hotels Corporation PLC.

Under this banner are 3 distinct portfolios of businesses.

The Deluxe Heritage Hotels Collection: 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.