Having stayed in 13 hotels during my trip in S (including the Amans) I have to say the Fortress gets it right. The attention to detail and the standard of service / food etc is just great .

My only criticism - do not stay in a fortress room it is, as per a previous review, like being in a cell, I was lucky and was able to change room!

Well done to all the staff and to the hotel for a great experience!

\we were lucky in being given a free upgrade to a lovely room with views of the sea. We found our room to be cleaned well, with good facilities,but the lights were over complicated and they kept turning themselves on during the night!!
The staff were generally really great , but a couple were over friendly and we would have preferred not to be "checked" on every couple of minutes when eating. Food was good but very expensive. Swimming pool is huge and was mostly empty whilst we were there. Spa was lovely - but again very expensive

Firstly let me clarify this review by saying that this hotel is truly lovely. Lovely setting - rooms are gorgous and to die for. Nice sitting out areas. My father and family has stayed here previously and service was impeccable. It is very much a glossy 5 star international hotel - and can beat many dubai, maldives and other luzury resort areas. You dont get very much a Sri Lankan experience but its very relaxing. The rooms make you feel like you are a superstar and I believe that movie stars and sports stars do visit in their suites which are adorable.

Its very close to both Galle and Unawatuna so plenty to do. Though there is no private Beach its not a problem. Though check some rooms dont have sea views - though the class of the room makes up for it.

However recent experience has slightly tainted my views - I took some friends to visit for lunch - a not an inexpensive bill either. However were told that we were not allowed to sit on the chairs in the shade whilst we decided on our desert choices. (the area was quiet and deserted) I would have thought this was maybe just one guy being pedantic except 3 staff came up to move us. How unbelievably rude and what an appalling attitude. Sorry Fortress but a good luxury hotel should handle situations like this with more decorum and finesse. Which is why I am giving 4 stars instead of 5

However overall its still a stunning hotel and if thinking of visiting - its lovely!

A nice hotel, with comfortable settings, however it doesnt have a private beach and the staff were a bit intrusive, insisting on addressing you by your first name at any available opportunity, a practice i have never come across at any other hotel gloablly...

To sum up the hotel is charging 5* rates but as an independant operator, are finding the little things that are the reason people stay in a 5*s a bit hard to grasp. Next time i would choose to go with one of the experienced operators on the island.