The Charleston
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Avg. C$153 /night, 10/5 - 10/6
C$179
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C$166
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C$152
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5.0
#22 of 59 hotels in GalleLocation
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Nestled within the historic walls of Galle Fort, The Charleston offers a captivating escape that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern comforts. This enchanting property invites guests to embark on a journey through time, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of the fort. With tastefully designed rooms, each adorned with unique touches, guests can indulge in a serene and luxurious ambiance. The Charleston also boasts an on-site restaurant, Charlie's Bar, where guests can savor delectable cuisine amidst an intimate setting. From the charming courtyard to the attentive and friendly staff, every aspect of The Charleston is designed to create a memorable and immersive experience. Discover the magic of Galle Fort and create cherished memories at The Charleston.
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Property amenities
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Bar / lounge
Airport transportation
24-hour security
Concierge
24-hour check-in
Laundry service
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Complimentary welcome drink
Rooftop bar
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Sun deck
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
Doorperson
Umbrella
Room features
Air conditioning
Desk
Dining area
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Minibar
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Tile / marble floor
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Boutique
Languages Spoken
English, Sinhala
Location
78 Lighthouse Street, Galle 80000 Sri Lanka
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 100 out of 100
100
86 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
22Reviews0Q+A4Room tips
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Detailed Reviews
I had an exceptional experience at The Charleston with my colleagues. If your travels take you to Galle Fort in Sri Lanka, I highly recommend staying here. Our sunset cocktail evening on the rooftop bar was nothing short of spectacular – both the cocktails and the panoramic view were outstanding. The rooms were impeccably designed with luxurious, comfortable beds, showcasing a remarkable transformation of this 1920s merchant villa. Additionally, the staff’s professionalism and friendliness greatly enhanced our stay.
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Date of stay: July 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dilani Silva, Guest Services / Front Office at The Charleston
Responded Jul 27, 2024
Dear Stephen, Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience at The Charleston. It was a pleasure hosting you and your colleagues. We hope to welcome you back for another memorable stay soon! Warm Regards, Dilani
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beautiful hotel with impeccable service ✨ Great value for money compared to other hotels. Our room had a terrace overlooking the beautiful garden. I loved the fact that the rooms are de-cluttered and free from unnecessary amenities; however, you can get whatever you want (boiled water, slippers, q-tips etc) from house keeping within minutes.
I would book again and can highly recommend staying at the Charleston.
I would book again and can highly recommend staying at the Charleston.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dilani Silva, Guest Services / Front Office at The Charleston
Responded Mar 30, 2024
Dear Oskar, It was lovely to have met you. Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! We're absolutely thrilled that you found your stay at The Charleston beautiful and our service impeccable ✨. It's fantastic to hear that you enjoyed the terrace view of our lovely garden. We're truly touched by your kind words and can't wait to welcome you back for another wonderful stay. Until then, take care and all the best!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Clean and cool, the Charleston offers great food, sharp rooms and impeccable service. I stayed for two nights, enjoyed the sunset over the terrace, the excellent coffee and heavenly food. The Italian chef was incredible. The air conditioned dining room is a welcome attraction, particularly for someone who has been exploring the fort and walking it's walls.
The Charleston is a beautifully restored facade with an ultra modern boutique hotel behind.
The Charleston is a beautifully restored facade with an ultra modern boutique hotel behind.
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled on business
Value
Location
Service
Room Tip:Â the sunset terrace fills up pretty quick so snag a table as early as possible.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dilani Silva, Guest Services / Front Office at The Charleston
Responded Mar 30, 2024
Dear F7635KFmikek, Thank you for choosing to stay with us at The Charleston. It was a pleasure to have you as our guest, and we're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience, from the sunset views to the excellent food and service. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable stay.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Charleston is stunning and run by lovely knowledgeable staff and a fantastic chef Dulaj Ranga. The terrace has the most beautiful ocean views of the Galle Fort rampart historic walls and serves food from Charlie's restaurant bar including fabulous cocktails mixed by Janitha. Here you can watch the sun come up whilst enjoying breakfast and the most spectacular sun sets over a glass or two of wine. Everything about this Art Deco hotel is delightful from the stunning interior design to the uber comfy rooms with the softest pillows and wonderful range of bathroom products. Such a fun sport to explore the old city and enjoy a wonderful daily menu of delicious food.
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Date of stay: November 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Front Office Manager Charleston, Owner at The Charleston
Responded Jan 25, 2024
Dear Sabreenic, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your experience at The Charleston. It's always a pleasure to know that our stunning location, delicious food, and comfortable accommodations contributed to your memorable stay. We appreciate your kind words about our staff, Chef Dulaj Ranga, and Janitha's cocktails. We look forward to welcoming you back for another delightful visit. If there's anything specific you'd like to share or any way we can make your next stay even better, please don't hesitate to let us know. We appreciate and value your feedback. Best Regards, Dilani Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We spent three weeks driving around Sri Lanka and, with a few days left before heading to the Maldives, decided to explore the southern province. Despite May not being the ideal season to visit the southwest, our experience at The Charleston at Galle Fort more than compensated for it. From the moment we arrived, we were treated to exceptional hospitality that truly set The Charleston apart. I hold top elite status with several hotel chains and have stayed in numerous premium five-star hotels, but the level of service here was on another level. The staff went above and beyond in every aspect, from the warm welcome at check-in to the personalized attention throughout our stay. The location, just south of Galle Fort, serves as an excellent base for exploring the area.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Call the hotel in advance to help with parking of your car.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dilani Silva, Guest Services / Front Office at The Charleston
Responded May 30, 2024
Hi Mr Thong, so nice to hear from you. Trust you are in Maldives now. Thank you so much for taking time to review us in detail. So glad to know that our team was able to create fond memories for you, even though your stay was short. It’s truly heartwarming to hear that you appreciated the exceptional hospitality and personalized attention. Galle Fort is indeed a fantastic base for exploring the southern province, therefore do visit us again for a fabulous holiday. Safe Travels! Best Regards, Dilani
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
Tucked in down Lighthouse Street within the fort at Galle you’ll find the Charleston, and what a find it is! It’s a modern boutique hotel with fantastic rooms and amazing bathrooms. And there’s even a pool! The staff were welcoming, helpful, and accommodating. Breakfast can be taken in the dining room or on the terrace overlooking the sea. It’s good and served from a small a la carte menu. The hotel decor is to an exceptionally high standard, reflecting the art deco theme, and it was immaculately clean. As an added bonus the first floor terrace faces west where you can enjoy the spectacular views of the sunset whilst sipping the hotel’s signature cocktails. If you’re looking to stay an exceedingly good hotel within the walls of Galle Fort, I’d highly recommend the Charleston
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Date of stay: September 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dilani Silva, Guest Services / Front Office at The Charleston
Responded 6 days ago
Dear dingers05, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of The Charleston! We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your stay with us and appreciated the modern boutique experience we strive to provide. It’s great to know that our rooms, bathrooms, and the pool met your expectations, and that our team made you feel welcomed and accommodated. We're also glad you enjoyed breakfast on our terrace with the stunning sea views and the Art Deco decor that reflects our commitment to quality. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we hope to welcome you back soon for another delightful experience—complete with those sunset views and signature cocktails! Best Regards, Dilani - Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Walking around the fort near Sunset we stumble the prawn this redeveloped residence. The bar is on the top floor overlooking the west over the ramparts. The wine list is quite reasonable with some wine by the glass and a beer was only ₹700 and a glass of rosé was about ₹2600.
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Date of stay: February 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Front Office Manager Charleston, Owner at The Charleston
Responded Feb 10, 2024
Dear anecessaryevil, Thank you for sharing your experience and it means a lot to us! It sounds like you had a lovely time enjoying the bar's view and reasonable wine list. Your feedback is appreciated, and I hope you get to visit us again soon. Best Regards, Dilani - Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nice and clean, but EXTREMELY overpriced.
This hotel takes advantage of the terrible state of other hotels in Galle and charges at least 3 times what it really is worth. Rooms are clean and modern, but nothing more than an average western hotel. Then the staff pester your every move trying to compensate.
Rooms don't even have a kettle for tea and coffee.
This hotel takes advantage of the terrible state of other hotels in Galle and charges at least 3 times what it really is worth. Rooms are clean and modern, but nothing more than an average western hotel. Then the staff pester your every move trying to compensate.
Rooms don't even have a kettle for tea and coffee.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Front Office Manager Charleston, Owner at The Charleston
Responded Feb 10, 2024
Dear 773mar_al, I'm sorry to hear that you found the hotel to be overpriced and that our standards did not meet your expectation. Glad that you found our rooms clean and modern. t's unfortunate if the staff's attempts to go above and beyond for guests came across as pestering. Your feedback about the pricing and lack of certain amenities will be valuable for the hotel management as we are still in the pre opening stage. Thank you for sharing your experience, and I hope you have more enjoyable stays in the future. Best Regards, Dilani - Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Had lunch at the Charlie’s restaurant and bar at the Charlston hotel Galle. It was one of the best meals we have had in Sri Lanka so far! Ordered Jumbo prawn curry, Charlie’s club sandwich, Salmon poke bowl, Charlie’s vegetarian club, a bottle of Rose de’ Anjou wine followed amazing coffee!
Highly recommend having a meal if you are visiting ir staying in Galle.
Highly recommend having a meal if you are visiting ir staying in Galle.
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Front Office Manager Charleston, Owner at The Charleston
Responded Jan 25, 2024
Dear Deepika, We're thrilled to hear that you had a fantastic dining experience at Charlie's Restaurant and Bar in The Charleston Hotel, Galle! Thank you for considering it one of the best meals you've had in Sri Lanka so far. We truly appreciate your recommendation and are delighted to have been a highlight of your visit to Galle. We look forward to the pleasure of serving you again in the future. Best Regards. Dilani Front Office Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
+1
There were many things that impressed us about staying at The Charleston but probably the detail to service was the thing that amazed us the most . Even before we arrived the staff were in WhatsApp communication asking us about arrival times and dietary concerns . We were treated with such great care during our stay . The rooms are beautifully decorated and clean . The breakfasts are delicious - both local and international choices . Sun set cocktails at Charlie,s Bar are a must !
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Date of stay: March 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Dilani Silva, Guest Services / Front Office at The Charleston
Responded Mar 30, 2024
Dear Mr Lakeman, Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback about your recent stay at The Charleston. It was indeed a pleasure to have met you. Glad to hear that you were impressed by our attention to detail and commitment to service excellence. It was our pleasure to anticipate your needs and ensure your comfort even before your arrival. It means a lot to us that you liked the unique features in our rooms and enjoyed the delicious breakfast options. We couldn't agree more – sunset cocktails at Charlie's Bar are definitely a highlight! We can't wait to welcome you back!"
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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PRICE RANGE
C$195 - C$297 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
Sri LankaSouthern ProvinceGalle DistrictGalle
NUMBER OF ROOMS
9
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Claim Your ListingThe Charleston - UPDATED 2024 Prices, Reviews & Photos
Frequently Asked Questions about The Charleston
Which popular attractions are close to The Charleston?
Nearby attractions include Lihiniya Gems (0.2 km), Cara Jewellers (0.1 km), and Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Charleston?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a rooftop bar, free wifi, and free breakfast.
Which room amenities are available at The Charleston?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a desk.
What food & drink options are available at The Charleston?
Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar, free breakfast, and an on-site restaurant during their stay.
What are some restaurants close to The Charleston?
Conveniently located restaurants include The Bungalow - Restaurant & Bar., Cafe 82, and Church Street Gourmet.
Does The Charleston have airport transportation?
Yes, The Charleston offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Charleston?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English and Sinhala.
Are there any historical sites close to The Charleston?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Galle Dutch Fort (0.7 km), Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications (0.1 km), and Galle Fort Clock Tower (0.2 km).