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oFort Printers BOUTiQUe hOTel $$$
(%224 7977; http://www.thefortprinters.com; 39 Pedlar St;
r US$140-200; aiWs) This large 1825 struc-
ture once housed printing presses. Today, the
enormous wooden beams used to support
the presses remain but all else has changed.
With great respect for the building’s heritage,
a luxury hotel has been created within the
vintage walls. The style is traditional but with
just enough lashings of modern style to avoid
being another colonial cliche.Amangalla BOUTiQUe hOTel $$$
(%223 3388; http://www.amanresorts.com; 10 Church St;
r from US$500; aiWs) Enjoy colonial opu-
lence in this lavishly kitted out resort that’s
based in one of the Fort’s most famous build-
ings. The opening scene is one of massive,
polished wooden floors and spiffily dressed
staff, who lead you like royalty into luxurious
rooms you may have a hard time leaving.
In its previous incarnation as the New Ori-
ental Hotel, the building housed generations
of travellers. You can recall those days – and
the Dutch family who ran the place – in the
beautiful library, which, like the gorgeous
pool, offers a reason to leave your room.Galle Fort Hotel BOUTiQUe hOTel $$$
(%223 2870; http://www.galleforthotel.com; 28 Church
St; r from US$200; aiWs) This former
17th-century Dutch merchant’s house is home
to a breathtaking boutique hotel. The rooms
are all different: some have two levels and
others stretch across entire floors. Linens are
exquisite and there are antiques everywhere.
What you won’t find are distractions like
TVs – rather, you can enjoy the large court-
yard pool and the pervasive serenity.4 Around Galle
oDutch House BOUTiQUe hOTel $$$
(%438 0275; http://www.thedutchhouse.com; 23 Upper
Dickson Rd; r from US$250; aWs) After a game
of croquet on the lawn and a swim in the
dreamy pool, retire to one of only four rooms
high in the hills above Galle to write a novel
or sketch a masterpiece. Then take a break by
clambering into the towering four-poster or
by blowing bubbles of love in the bath.Sun House BOUTiQUe hOTel $$$
(%438 0275; http://www.thesunhouse.com; 18 Upper
Dickson Rd; r US$140-250; aWs) This gracious
old villa, built in the 1860s by a Scottish spice
merchant, is located on the shady hill above
the new town. The eight rooms vary in size,
although even the smallest is a crisply deco-
rated gem. Colours are muted and there arenice accents of colonial elegance. It’s part of
the same group that runs the nearby Dutch
House.Tamarind Hill BOUTiQUe hOTel $$$
(%222 6568; http://www.asialeisure.lk; 288 Galle Rd;
r/ste from US$150/450; aWs) This 19th-
century former British Admiral’s mansion
has been converted into a small boutique ho-
tel with 10 luxurious rooms, fine service and a
jungle-fringed pool. Rooms are set in long
colonnaded wings, with remarkably thick
walls. The public spaces recall the days of the
Royal Navy. It’s 2km west of the new town.Closenberg Hotel hiSTORiC hOTel $$$
(%222 4313; http://www.closenburghotel.com; 11 Closen-
berg Rd; r US$100-200; aiW) Built as a
19th-century P&O captain’s residence in the
heyday of British mercantile supremacy, this
rambling hotel sits on a promontory with
views over Galle harbour and the Fort (which
is five minutes’ west by three-wheeler). It’s
a grand work in progress: the 20 rooms are
mostly modern in convenience, while a new
infinity pool jazzes up the outdoor bar.5 Eating
Every week seems to bring a great new place
to eat in the Fort, but be sure to find a ta-
ble by 9pm as the town gets sleepy fast. Also,
many places do not serve alcohol (yes, that
means beer!).5 Fort
oDairy King D eSSeRTS $
(%222 5583; 69A Church St; treats from Rs 250;
h11am-10pm) If no one is around at this win-
dow-front outlet attached to a house, ring a
bell and soon one of the King’s family will ap-
pear to offer you a choice of Galle’s best ice
cream. The passion fruit is simply divine.Mamas Galle Fort SR i lANKAN $
(%223 5214; off Church St; mains from Rs 350;
h11am-9pm) Malini Perera is the true ‘Mama’
of Mama’s fame. She and her daughters
are now cooking up their much-loved and
dead-simple rice and curries at this small
house. Everything is ultra-fresh and you can
learn how to prepare these meals yourself at
her cooking classes (US$30) which include a
trip to the new town market.Anura’s Restaurant iNTeRNATiONAl $
(%222 4354; 9 lighthouse St; mains from Rs 350;
h8am-9pm) This tiny bright-orange hole-
in-the-wall place caters to backpackers and
serves curries, various pasta dishes and pretty