Pure elegance, British architecture, started in 1864. The Galle Face Hotel has played host to the who's who. Almost everybody who's somebody in this world has stayed here or that's what the plaque near the staircase says. The floors are wooden and sometimes squeak, (honeymooners avoid this place). Ask for the rooms with the view of the sea, especially rooms 106, 206 and so on. You can sleep while the tides sing the lullabies. The Cable TV chanels are very limited, BBC, CNN, Rupavahini - the local broadcasting corp. I think that's the same throughout the island. The hotel staff are very curteous and speak average English.
Galle Face for some reason seems to be the favourite with the locals for weddings. For the three days I stayed there I saw three weddings happen. During these cermonies the parking lot overflows with cars. I believe there are two wedding halls and at peak times there are about 6-8 weddings per day!
The Galle Face hotel has two restaurants: THE SEA SPRAY and THE VERANDAH. Breakfast (not complimentary) is usally at the SEA SPRAY and the spread includes mostly continental fare. THE VERANDAH is open for lunch and dinner. The business centre has just one computer with internet access and is a ripp-off.
Ironing board and iron are available on request. We had trouble getting one and the bell boy gave us the same excuse for three days! I wonder if there is really an ironing board and iron.