Amangalla

Staying at Amangalla in Galle was an unforgettable experience. The hotel perfectly blends colonial charm with modern luxury, offering a serene escape in the heart of the historic Galle Fort. From the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality and attention to detail stood out. The rooms are spacious, elegantly decorated with antique furniture, and offer stunning views of the fort or the lush gardens. The spa is a sanctuary of relaxation, providing world-class treatments in a tranquil setting. Dining at Amangalla is a treat—every dish is crafted with fresh, local ingredients, and the flavors are exceptional. One of the highlights of our stay was the personalized service. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, offering tailored recommendations and ensuring our comfort at every turn. If you’re looking for a refined, peaceful retreat with a touch of history, Amangalla is the perfect choice. Highly recommended for those who appreciate timeless elegance and impeccable service.

The place looks quite nice, but my experience was ruined by the staff at the entrance. The women standing there seemed judgmental, making assumptions about whether people could afford the place. It was an unpleasant experience, so I decided to leave. Fortunately, I found a lovely café just down the street, which had a much more welcoming atmosphere.

After a rather uncomfortable few nights in a chipping container in Sinharaja the Amangalla was a haven of peace and luxury. From the moment we arrived we were made to feel really special. We were given complimentary champagne, and some Spa time on the house. Our butler, Malin, was the most amazing chap. Whenever we arrived back int eh hotel, sweaty from sightseeing or shopping, he appeared, like the shopkeeper from Mr Ben, with cold towels and other suggestions about how we could enjoy our time in Galle even more. The food was fantastic, especially the tuna fish curry which had just the right amount of spice. We had, up to this point, struggled with the food in Sri Lanka a bit. Often the spice levels were toned right down for the Western palate which we did not like. We love spicy food and having been encouraged to spice it up a bit the chef responded appropriately. Not only that but on request for the recipe fort the tuna curry he appeared the following morning at breakfast with a ribbon-bound recipe folder for me. I was thrilled. The GM visited us several times to make sure our stay was perfect, which it really was. I have always held the Taj Falaknuma Palace hotel in Hyderabad as the best hotel in the world. The Amangalla is a very strong challenger to knock it off its pedestal. Can't wait to go back!

A Racist and Classist Disgrace Amangalla markets itself as a luxury heritage hotel, but in reality, it’s a bastion of racism and classism disguised as hospitality. My experience here was nothing short of humiliating. Despite paying premium rates, we were treated as if we didn’t belong. Staff members moved us around, dismissively telling us that everything was "reserved"—even when the entire property was visibly empty. It was clear that certain guests were given preferential treatment while others were made to feel unwelcome. The attitude of the staff was condescending, as if they were doing us a favor by letting us be there. Luxury isn’t just about expensive interiors and colonial nostalgia—it’s about how people are treated. And at Amangalla, if you don’t fit their unspoken standards, expect to be ignored, dismissed, or outright humiliated. For a hotel that prides itself on exclusivity, it seems they take that word a little too seriously—excluding anyone who doesn’t meet their silent, discriminatory criteria. This place thrives on outdated elitism, and no amount of polished service can hide that. If you value your dignity, take your money elsewhere. Amangalla isn’t worth it.

It is extremely well located inside the fort and offers beautiful colonial interior design. The staff was very helpful with our needs. I highly recommend reserving time for their hydrotherapy room (which is no extra charge) and the morning yoga class. The food is excellent and fairly priced considering the place.

We came to Sri Lanka with our daughter and son in law, not knowing what to expect. Turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. Amangalla is stunning, historic and gorgeous. The food was served with smiles and care. The furnishings and cleanliness was perfection. We enjoyed the spa, the yoga, all of the excursions, but our favorite thing of all is we fell in love with the people at Amangalla! Our butler, Shashi was like a magician, seeming to appear whenever we needed anything. He anticipated what would make us happy and what would help us feel at home. He is adorable and a true gem. But all the people there were wonderful, kind and happy. We had a hard time saying goodbye to bye after five days. If you are considering going to Sri Lanka and staying in at Amangalla, you will not regret it.

We recently had high tea here. It was a wonderful experience. The hotel has a true charm and the tea and scones were magnificent. I would highly recommend for anyone who is visiting the Galle Dutch Fort that day.

The grounds, building and rooms are highly maintained by the plentiful staff, butler, etc. The staff is there readily for any needs and almost telepathic in knowing when to assist. |Indika our butler is professional, joyful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend him. ||The sous chef Nisha? (incorrect again) crafted a meal at our request and the lobster and rotti were fabulous. Enjoyable to talk food with him.||Tanunisha (spelled incorrect again!) waitress is a smiling ray of sunshine. She will make you happy just looking at her and her service is excellent.||There are many others that assisted us but I do not recall the names that equally deserve recognition.