Galadari Hotel

The Galadari looks like it hasn't received a fresh coat of paint or new furniture since it opened in 1984, and the building's concrete block facade also shows its age. The marble floors and a carved-wood elephant table in the lobby add a slightly spruced up touch, but the area feels a bit mall-like, with little division between the open, front-facing restaurants, and long hallways. Plus, lower-level floors have offices. Dated, worn decor and facilities are found throughout -- from guest rooms and carpeted hallways that occasionally smell foul to the stained pool deck. The hotel's saving grace is that lovely views of the Indian Ocean and Old Parliament Building can be seen from some guest rooms and from the top-floor California Grill, and that features are fairly extensive. Travelers should be aware that with  government buildings housing diplomats in the area, this is a high-security zone with armed guards. 

This is an excellent location for government officials with business at the Old Parliament Building and surrounding offices across the street. For tourists, the hotel is also near the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, home to several shops and eateries like famed Ministry of Crab. The popular Galle Face Beach and park is a quick 12-minute walk, or just a couple minutes by cab or tuk-tuk. Other tourists sights, such as the National Museum and Independence Square, are within a 12-minute drive. The main Bandaranaike International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away.

In keeping with common areas, guest rooms are dated and show wear and tear. Superior and Executive Rooms are done in warm earth-tones and have wood furniture with rattan accents. Carpeting has an orange squiggly pattern, and orange or clashing blue-and-orange plaid bed runners matching throw pillows. Boxsprings are left uncovered, with no bedskirts, and the overall look is a bit cheap. Presidential Rooms and Suites are far more subdued, with mostly neutral-tone linens, more attractive -- though still old-fashioned -- wood furniture with carved accents, and maroon leather recliners. Some rooms have excellent views of the beach and Old Parliament Building. Quality standard amenities include minibars, flat-screen TVs, work desks, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and wardrobes with safes and bathrobes. Nondescript bathrooms have shower/tub combos in lower-category rooms, as well as hairdryers and an array of toiletries. The few suites come with living and dining areas, kitchens, shower stalls, and separate jetted bathtubs.

The Galadari Hotel has ample dining options and leisure amenities, but many showing age and are in need of a refresh. Recreation-wise, there's a decent-size outdoor pool on a worn deck with a shallow kiddy pool, wooden loungers, and an umbrella or two. Views of the beach and ocean here are pleasant. There's a floodlit tennis court next to the deck that's open from early until late, and wellness facilities -- including a spa with a massage room, sauna, and steam room, and well-equipped but aging gym -- are on the same level. 

Guests have a choice of seven on-site restaurants and bars, but a couple are open for dinner only. The standout is the fine-dining California Grill, which serves well-reviewed international and European fare for dinner in a top-floor space with panoramic windows providing scenic views. Sheherezade is an Arabic restaurant that's open for dinner, and there's an Indian eatery that serves lunch and dinner. Buffet meals are available at the 24-hour Coffee Shop, plus there are two dedicated bars and a pastry shop. 

Wi-Fi is free but slow throughout. Several meeting and event spaces are available, as are laundry services.