Amangalla

The negative reviews of this property make me question the sanity of some travellers. Service is great, from the first greeting at the door to the subsequent checkin and property tour by your butler, to every interaction. Simply sitting outdoors by the pool very early one morning doing some work on my laptop, I was immediately approached with cold water, the offer of coffee/tea or full breakfast brought poolside, etc. That attention is consistent. Rooms are large, airy and well equipped. My only complaint was that the shower did not have temperature controls. Meals were all of the highest quality, with higher prices you expect from Aman. The pool is large and welcoming. Most of the public spaces is not air conditioned, but the library offers a sanctuary of cool if you need it. The location is excellent, and offers an easy walk to anywhere in the fort city.

We recently stopped at the Aman hotel in Galle for lunch, hoping to enjoy a final moment of refinement before heading to the airport in Colombo. We had just come from Tangalle and thought this would be a serene midpoint. Instead, the experience was so appalling that it entirely disrupted the peaceful rhythm of our trip. Lunch was a complete let-down—shockingly expensive and served cold. The food lacked any character, finesse, or care, and the service was, quite frankly, horrendous. Staff were inattentive, disorganised, and appeared neither trained nor briefed on even the basics of hospitality. It was clear from the outset that this property is Aman in name only and I had to double check that we were in the right place. After a short walk around Galle Fort, we returned to the hotel to have a drink while waiting for our driver. We ordered a sparkling water with lime and a coconut water. What arrived was baffling: a glass of bitter, undrinkable lime juice that had clearly been blended into sparkling water—completely overpowering and unbalanced. The coconut water was served warm, which in tropical heat is both unrefreshing and unacceptable. When we questioned the delay and poor service, staff looked confused and tried to argue. I requested to speak with the duty manager, who simply disappeared. No apology. No follow-up. Just rudeness and a total lack of accountability. This hotel is not just below Aman standard—it’s below the standard of any respectable hospitality venue. Our visit was a stressful, frustrating end to what had been an otherwise tranquil holiday. I cannot emphasise this enough: do not waste your time or money here. The service will raise your blood pressure rather than soothe your soul.

What a property!!!! Within the walls of Galle and walking distance to all the sights of the fort, this property is first class. Tremendous service, impeccably clean and with a wonderful menu in the restaurant. Hotel also has a lovely pool. This was one of the highlights of our stay in Sri Lanka, from an attention to detail by the staff to the lovely, historical structure that this hotel is. Thank you!!!

One of the most beautiful hotels we have stayed at. We still talk about our time at Amangalla. It's more like a museum, the mix of modern and historic architecture is outstanding. The tea time scones were delicious, don't miss these! Our room was gorgeous, high ceilings, big bathtub, comfy pillows and so many thoughtful touches. This is certainly a hotel we look forward to coming back to.

We were really looking forward to our visit to the Amangalla - the final stop on our three week tour of Sri Lanka and our ninth hotel. What a disappointment it was. In contrast to the generosity and authenticity of our previous hotels, we found the hospitality at the Amangalla mean and formulaic. Our "inclusive" breakfast only included one course - no fruit or pastries if you had a cooked dish. Our "inclusive" high tea only allowed scones, but no sandwiches. Our complimentary mini-bar only included flavoured water and juices, but not even a local beer! Given the premium pricing of this hotel and the quality and generosity of the other hotels we had visited we were very unimpressed. The heritage look of the hotel is wonderful, but much work needs to be done to improve the offering. It needs to be much better value for money and it needs to discover some heart and joy. The atmosphere in the lobby and restaurant was deadly dull and the large numbers of staff gathered at the entrance simply intimidating. What a shame.