"The Fort Bazaar Hotel sits in a historic heritage building much like others in the 17th-century Galle Fort, but the resemblances stop there. Light, modern and chic inside, it creates an ambiance that's entirely its own. Drawing upon the Fort’s Moorish history, interiors have a distinctly Middle Eastern focus and feature eye-catching floor tiles, ethnic mosaic cushions and pendant lamps. The front of the hotel, home to a restaurant and bar, dates back over a century and is characterised by deeply recessed arches and a long verandah. Beyond, beautiful rooms flank a convivial flagstone patio whilst roomy suites are on an upper floor. And there's a beautiful adjacent elevated pool area whose sundeck is part shaded by tropical plants. At night, glass tea lights sprinkled among cushioned banquettes bring this bewitching courtyard magically to life, ambient music setting the scene. The Church Street Social restaurant attracts day-trippers, locals and hotel guests alike. The luxurious spa, hidden around a corner near an ancient banyan tree, is perfect for post-sightseeing relaxation. And as for the unbeatable location: Galle Fort's sprinkling of museums, churches, temples, boutiques and cafés are literally steps away. Highs We loved the fresh individuality and stylish interiors; there's nothing else like it in Galle Fort The restaurant is a buzzy, sociable place with great food and cocktails, plus it's air-conditioned, which we relished in Galle's heat Both the pool and lovely leafy courtyard have lots of seating areas for relaxing or dining in the open-air Romantic yet family-friendly; a clever mix Rates include breakfast, afternoon tea, and happy hour drinks, as well as a guided walking tour of Galle Fort Lows Expect some daytime road noise and busy comings and goings in front of the hotel The restaurant and bar are open to the public, so they can get busy Galle Fort closes down after around 9pm, so don't come expecting late nightlife" - Emma Boyle