Le Grand Galle is without a doubt the best place to stay in Galle, Sri Lanka. Opened in late 2018, this luxurious 5* boutique hotel has sweeping views over the large pool, the Indian Ocean and out to the 17th Century Dutch Fort the town is famed for. Costing in excess of US$20 million, Le Grand Galle boasts a modern design and carefully planned layout – with almost all rooms making the most of the world class views. This was especially true from own private jacuzzi on the balcony! Being a boutique property it feels intimate and we found the service exceptional with many staff remembering us by name.
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Le Grand Galle – Sri Lanka
Le Grand Galle undoubtably has the best location in all of Galle. Tucked away behind the town’s park on a small private spit of beachfront land giving the only views in town of the fort. The fort being Galle’s star attraction, built by the Dutch Colonists in the 17th century it is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Being on this small spit of land means you are away from the hustle and bustle of the main part of town, whilst only being 15 minutes walk to the fort and shops. The fort itself is full of museums, shops and cafes and has a different feel than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. The railway and bus stations are only 650 feet away as well as larger shops for any needs. Galle is roughly 2 hours drive down the expressway from Colombo.
The hotel consists of 50 luxury rooms and seven grand suites. The majority of these offer luxurious living spaces with the ever changing dramatic views of the Indian Ocean and Galle Fort. To add even more allure, most room types have either a jacuzzi, hot tub or plunge pool on the balcony. Room sizes are exceptionally generous and you will certainly have enough room to spread out whatever choice you make. The linear architectural design is ultra modern and there is unique artworks wherever you look. Warm toned timber flooring and an abundance of glass (and lack of in some places), make Le Grand Galle light, bright and airy. The perfect tropical centrepiece amid the Sri Lankan tropics.
Inside Our Premium Room
Premium Room
At a lavish 71m2 our premium room felt more like a suite. The room sprawled out and felt even larger with its clever use of a stylish open room divider separating the bedroom from the main hallway. The indulgent super king-sized bed just begged to be snuggled up into, especially with the powerful air conditioner! A must in any tropical destination. There was even a ‘lounge’ section that felt like another room, complete with sofa, flat-screen tv and decent working space. An always welcome extra was the coffee machine and multiple complimentary bottles of water (just ask for more whenever).
Balcony
Being on the third floor, Le Grand Galle ensured to make the most of that incredible view. On one side, double glass doors lead to your own private jacuzzi, complete with bath salts. Whilst the other side boasts a large terraced balcony with cosy outdoor furniture. We spent a good chunk of our time out here just listening to the lapping of the waves and staring off into the distance.
Bathroom
With a semi open plan design the bathroom is enclosed by glass, ensuring you can see the views from almost all parts of the room (just not the toilet). Speaking of the toilet it is fancy with a capital F. Seriously the lid opens when you approach it and it has a whole multitude of functions like washing and drying. His and her sinks are completed with a range of thoughtfully selected modern amenities to make you feel like you are treating yourself. The shower has an option of rainfall or handheld.
Connecting Room
We also had a Super Deluxe connecting room next door for Ollie to sleep in. This large 45m2 room had all of the beautiful features of the Premium except for the jacuzzi. However, this rooms bathroom did have exceptional views. Definitely an enviable shower!
The Experience
Checking In and Staff
The check-in process at Le Grand Galle was seamless and the sea breeze blowing through the open-air lobby was a welcome respite from the heat. We were immediately stunned by that view we’ve only mentioned about 10 times throughout this blog! The pool was just begging to be jumped in. Our bags were collected immediately and taken to our room whilst a smiling staff member sat us on a lounge whilst they prepared the papers. We were brought cold face towels as well as the choice of three welcome drinks! We both got one of the local fruit drinks ‘wood apple’ which was delicious. All of the staff at Le Grand Galle were highly attentive and very friendly.
Swimming
You are spoilt for choice at Le Grand Galle. First you have the large pool, surrounded by lush lawns, tall palm trees and sun loungers. Theres also a pool bar located just to the side serving up food and drinks. Adjoining the pool is the hot tub which Ollie loved turning the bubbles on and frolicking around in. Then if you go down a small set of stairs you are presented with a super private beach. Although it’s small it feels like a tropical paradise. Additionally, within 15 minutes drive you can be at a few of the regions best beaches.
Facilities
When hotels offer gyms we make the most of them as we never know when we will come across the next one. Whilst not huge, the gym here offered plenty of high quality equipment to ensure you could get your usual workout in, or at least slightly adapt it to work. Powerful air-conditioning and a tv make working out a pleasant experience. There is also a sauna and steam room as well as a spa providing beauty and massage treatments.
Dining at Le Grand Galle
Taste
Le Grand Galle has two dining options, Taste and Blue. Blue, only open for dinner is a fine dining specialty seafood restaurant with an open kitchen. We did not eat at Blue however their seafood BBQ’s did look delicious. We always ate at Taste, an all-day dining restaurant with a diverse Sri Lankan and European menu. The restaurant looks out over the lawns out to the ocean and has a modern tropical decor. Taste has a large menu and is also where the room service meals come from, of which we also sampled. Everything we ordered was always delicious! Don’t judge us, we may have had a pasta and burger one day after enjoying so many curries!
Buffet Breakfast @ Taste
If we know anything we know buffet breakfasts, and the one at Le Grand Galle has plenty of surprises up their sleeve. Full of local and European food you are sure to leave each morning totally satisfied. It was awesome to be offered such a range of local Sri Lankan breakfasts that you may not have ever tried otherwise.
Behind a counter a chef is ready to whip up eggs, pancakes and waffles. Not just your usual plain omelettes either, they have a full menu of egg items that can be produced to order meaning you can diversify from your usual. There is a huge counter of topping items that changes daily as well so you can have the most extra decadent waffles on earth.
The fresh fruit counter is carved up at your request from a massive range of fruits, some of which you may never have even seen before. P.s the fruit in Sri Lanka is possibly the best we have eaten anywhere in the world.
How Kid-Friendly Is Le Grand Galle?
Whilst there is no specific kids club on-site, Le Grand Galle is very family friendly. Staff go out of their way to keep the little ones happy and there is plenty to keep them occupied.
Amenities & Facilities
Travelling with a child is a breeze at the Le Grand Galle. Our room was set up with a cot awaiting our arrival and high chairs were available anywhere when dining. Babysitting services are available upon request.
Swimming
Dining
Ollie can be a fussy eater and was always catered to well. The children’s menu is perfect and features all the staples that little ones will happily devour such as grilled chicken with veggies or spaghetti bolognese. Ollie actually enjoyed sampling our curries as well!
Book Your Stay at Le Grand Galle
Address: 30 Park Rd, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka
Website: https://www.legrandgalle.lk
Double Rooms start at approximately $300 AUD, per night. Enquire now!
Have any questions or comments about our stay at Le Grand Galle? Let us know in the comments below…
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Disclosure: This post was created in partnership with Le Grand Galle. As always, all the reviews and opinions expressed are based on our personal view and experience.