The Fortress Resort & Spa

We recently stayed at the Fortress Resort and Spa in Galle for 3 nights on a trip around Sri Lanka. The hotel exceeded our expectations and we wouldnt hesitate to return. On arrival their is a real sense of grandeur as you approach the building and the large wooden doors to the property, the check in procedure has you ring a bell and then the large double doors open , the immediate view is the warm welcome of the staff as they are walking towards you with a welcome drink and cold towels matched with a smile, the view looking forward is through the lobby across the pool to the ocean and large manicured lawns either side. It really made us feel welcome and we felt confident we had picked the right hotel. Check in was seamless. Our room was an ocean room as we wanted the view ( including the Stilt Fishermen outside !) - it was the largest room of our entire trip which was welcomed as we had 2 large suitcases. We mostly stayed at the hotel, in the ground or by the pool apart from an evening trip to Galle Fort for dinner which was about a 20 minute transfer ride away ( their is a taxi rank outside next to the Police Station and an ATM). My partner had a spa treatment while i used the well equipped gym most days. Breakfast was always on the terrace with a view out to the ocean and in the evenings we either dined in the new Italian or Japanese restaurant. Pre and post we had drinks at the bar which has a nice ambience with a friendly bartender. The staff we found really helpful at every point - the only thing we regret is not booking in here for longer!

After a busy tour of Sri Lanka, we spent 6 nights at the Fortress, and so glad we did! Wonderful location, fantastic food and service, fabulous room overlooking the sea, could not have been better. Highly recommend, and look forward to our next stay at this excellent hotel.

INCREDIBLE hotel! Pure Luxury! The staff were all friendly and could not do enough for you. The food is something else… Delicious! My room was overly spacious, clean, comfortable bed, with a balcony. The management, including the Food & Beverage Manager and the General Manager of the hotel, were friendly and came and spoke to guests, making you feel comfortable, special & safe…. you don’t get this everywhere! I used the gym, spa & hairdresser too. The staff went above and beyond and always had a smile on their face. The centre of Galle is a 10 minute taxi ride away. Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and I’ll definitely visit this hotel again next year. A BIG Thank You to all at Fortress Resort & Spa.

Popped in with Sri our guide. Lovely hotel & amazing setting on the beach. Nice to see families enjoying the beach & great place to feed turtles. The manager was very polite, kind & helpful. Greeted by lots of smiling staff Definitely considering booking in the future x

We spent 10 days here rounding off our tour of Sri Lanka. This beachside hotel featured an extensive pool area (50 m pool for serious swimmers) and smaller pools for children. The hotel's grounds are quite large, allowing guests to find private spots if desired. The hotel grounds give access to a sandy beach but sea swimming is not the main theme due to surf and currents. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped with comfortable beds and pillows. We chose the bed and breakfast option but noted there are not many dining options nearby without taking a taxi. A Tuk Tuk ride to Galle, approximately 15 km away, costs about £8 each way, with drivers willing to wait a couple of hours for you in the price. Breakfast at the hotel offers a wide variety, including pastries, fresh fruit, smoothies, cooked breakfast options, and continental bread basket selections. Many might find a midday meal unnecessary after a substantial breakfast. The main menu is extensive, featuring Sri Lankan curries, prawn and fish options, as well as chicken, lamb, and vegetarian dishes. There are also burger, chicken and fish and chips options for those who prefer less spicy food. Most main courses are priced around $15 USD, with starters ranging from $5 to $15 USD. We found a main course sufficient though. however a couple of glasses of wine and beer can double the price of a meal. The staff were consistently excellent throughout the hotel. While service in the restaurant occasionally suffered when busy, this appeared to be a management or training issue rather than a reflection on the staff, who were always responsive and helpful. Overall, the country is very welcoming, with friendly locals who value tourism. The accommodation, food quality, and service were all commendable. .