Closenberg Hotel

What a wholesome place they have on top of rocks by the sea in Galle! The view was breath taking. The service was very good. I stayed just one night but it gave me a luxurious experience. The pool was also nice. Only reasons I had to give 4 stars because the bathroom water was dirty once when I opened and the road is also very old. Otherwise, it's a great place for a stay.

We visited Closenburg Hotel to celebrate my birthday with two close friends, and it turned out to be a truly memorable evening. 🥂🎂 The staff were warm and friendly, making us feel right at home from the moment we arrived. The view was absolutely stunning, adding a magical touch to our celebration. 🌊🌅 What caught our eyes most were the beautiful bougainvillea plants blooming all around, adding vibrant color and charm to the hotel’s atmosphere. 🌸💖 Dinner was delightful — the food was simply amazing, perfectly complementing the overall experience. 🍴✨ A wonderful spot for special moments, relaxation, and breathtaking views. Highly recommended! 🌟

I had a great stay at this hotel! The facilities are excellent and well-maintained. My room was spotless and very comfortable, and the bathroom was also exceptionally clean. The surrounding area is beautiful and peaceful, which made my stay even more enjoyable. The staff were all very friendly and helpful, making me feel welcome throughout my visit. I would definitely recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing and pleasant experience. Thank you ❤️

We booked a room with an ocean view, and when we entered the hotel, we were so happy—the surroundings and the building are absolutely stunning. But we were so disappointed with how poorly the place is maintained. The chairs and table on our balcony were dirty, the room was very small, and there was no TV. They mentioned free WiFi, but the WiFi password was a mystery 🤭. The pool is small, though the pool area itself is beautiful. However, the toilets near the pool were disgusting.,sorry to say this, but I’ve seen public toilets that are much cleaner. The trash bins were overflowing with used toilet paper. Why not use bins with lids for that purpose? I really don’t understand. The toilets were stinky and dark, and even the doors, cupboards, and mini fridge were not properly maintained. For breakfast, we were told we had to go with the “American style,” since the Sri Lankan breakfast would take more time. The so-called American breakfast included 8 slices of toasted bread, 8 small pieces of butter, pineapple jam, three small sausages, and one omelet. At the time we stayed, papaya was very cheap, and we were served papaya juice as a welcome drink, papaya juice again with breakfast, and papaya slices on our fruit plate. On a positive note, the staff were friendly, and the location is absolutely stunning. Please, maintain this place with more care,you are ruining a beautiful property. Also, wouldn’t it be more convenient to provide tea bags instead of loose tea leaves in the rooms?

We had such a great time staying at Closenberg Hotel! It’s a beautiful old place with so much character and history—you can really feel it as soon as you walk in. The pool is amazing, with one of the best ocean views we’ve ever seen, and there’s always a great playlist playing in the background that adds to the vibe. Rooms has a balcony and its own little access to the pool, which is super convenient. It’s also really close to the beach, perfect if you’re learning to surf or into longboarding. The waves are chill and great for beginners. And of course it’s perfect for children. Breakfast was delicious—traditional Sri Lankan and really tasty. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming, they made us feel right at home. We even celebrated our daughter’s birthday there, and they helped make it really special. There’s a nice garden area to relax in, and everything you might need is within walking distance—shops, cafes, the beach. Plus, it’s just a short ride to Galle, which is such a cool town to explore. All in all, Closenberg is forever in our heart, charming place with good people, amazing views, and the perfect mix of beach and history. We can’t wait to come back!

I've found my absolute favorite hotel in Sri Lanka - the Closenberg Hotel in Galle. This place embodies everything I love about old world charm and hospitality. Built in 1861 by Captain Francis Bayley originally as 'Villa Marina', it was converted into a hotel in 1965 by the Abeywardena family, and you can feel that rich history in every corner. What makes Closenberg so special is how lovingly maintained it is. The rooms are spacious and spotless, with incredibly comfortable beds that made for the best sleep I've had in months. But the real magic happens when you wake up to those stunning ocean views - the hotel sits on what was originally a small island promontory on the southern side of Galle bay, so you're literally perched on a cliff overlooking the entire bay. Falling asleep to the sound of waves below was pure bliss. The architecture is fascinating - you can see the maritime influence in the design, and the walls are filled with old photographs and artwork that tell the story of this remarkable place. The house cats that wander around add such a homey touch, always ready to say hello and make you feel welcome. The service is exceptional without being fussy, and the food is both excellent and generous. Everything about Closenberg feels authentic and carefully preserved rather than artificially restored for tourists. It's that perfect combination of heritage, comfort, and genuine warmth that makes it impossible not to fall in love with. This is exactly what a boutique heritage hotel should be.

Closenberg was the perfect location for our wedding photoshoot. The breathtaking sea views, charming antique architecture, and timeless atmosphere gave our photos a truly romantic and elegant feel. Every corner had a unique, vintage character that added so much depth and beauty to our memories. We’re so happy we chose this stunning location.. it brought our vision to life in the most magical way! 🫶🏻

Last Visit May 2025. Absolutely awesome location. Overlooking the bay and the surrounding mountain where you can actually see the Jungle beach. Ideal for weddings or events. Building is super old so is the road leading upto it. Amazing garden and staff is very friendly. Did not stay in the rooms so no comments.