Orchard House — Hotel in Galle

On our recent tour of Sri Lanka, we had the great privledge of staying for two nights at Orchard House and I have to say, this is one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in. More like a guesthouse - with only four bedrooms - from the moment we walked through the doors we fell in love.||Firstly the staff are just wonderful - unobtrusively there for whatever you may need. Breakfast every morning in the outdoor dining pavilion beside the pool was glorious - just let the staff know the night before what time you would like breakfast then take your seat to have a plate of the freshest fruit arrive. Along with eggs of your choice, toast and coffee/tea.||The pool area is divine with plenty of pool loungers - so tropical and inviting. The the water temp is just what you need to cool down after a hot day. The rooms are comfortable - only small but that's what you get in a heritage property. We loved the addition of mossie nets. And it was just so quiet and peaceful.||There are plenty of spaces to sit and enjoy a book throughout the property. The location is fantastic - inside the walls of Galle Fort, which makes for less hustle and bustle. There are fantastic cafe's, restaurants and local shops to enjoy. And of course walking the walls of the Fort is a must.||I fell in love with Galle and will be returning again and again, and will definately be staying at...

We stayed 3 nights over Christmas at orchard house during our 3 week trip to Sri Lanka. While it's definitely one of the best deals to stay in Galle Fort the place has some serious maintenance issues. With only five rooms in the center of the historical city, the grounds had absolutely lovely vegetation and colonial appeal. Our room was tiny and the furniture was way too bulky for the size of the room. The tops of the closet were disgustingly dirty and the shower drain loaded with hair from previous guests. The pool was lovely and refreshing after touring all the shops and boutiques in the fort, however, the age and general maintenance was below par. Hotel staff was very friendly, however we had the impression that the regular management was out of town for the holidays. Instead of picking up all the dead leaves and trending to the vegetation, the staff spent most of their time watching television. Breakfast was great in a beautiful surrounding. Air conditioning in the rooms were old, energy inefficient and it took hours to cool down the room to 25 Celcius. Ceiling fan was also so old and loud that it could not be...

The only downside was that the well furnished room isn't that big BUT the place was so pleasant and welcoming we only slept in the room. They have fabulously decorated and furnished rooms where you are welcome to sit and browse their books. Also a lovely open sided pavilion next to the pool where you have breakfast and can laze. The garden is lush and features trees which provide dappled shade to the courtyard with a fishpond. The pool is pleasant and very refreshing when it gets hot. No hand rails but a strategically placed bamboo helps you up and down the steps. A kingfisher came and drank from the pool and bathed every day. The staff couldn't be more helpful. They will even cook for you if you go with one of the staff in the hotel Tuk Tuk to buy the ingredients. There is no alcohol license but they are quite happy for you to bring your own and will keep your beers in the fridge and serve them to you when you want! Very close to all Galle Fort can offer. Easy access by foot. We would love to stay...