Closenberg Hotel

Location: 11, Closenberg Road, Galle, LK

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Hotels

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 12:30 PM - 11:30 AM

Check-out: 11:30 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Newspapers in lobby (surcharge)
• Free WiFi
• Terrace
• Garden
• Designated smoking area
• Infinity pool
• Library
• Safe-deposit box at front desk
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Tours/ticket assistance
• Free wired internet
• Wheelchair accessible parking
• Snack bar/deli
• Free self parking
• Newspapers in lobby (surcharge)
• Banquet hall
• Wheelchair-accessible van parking

Rooms Available

• Standard Double Room, Ocean View

  1 Twin Bed

  Balcony/patio with ocean views

  
  

  Relax - Fireplace

  Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access

  Food & Drink - Coffee/tea maker, minibar (fees may apply), room service (limited hours), and free bottled water

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, bathtub or shower, free toiletries, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Safe, free newspaper, and iron/ironing board; rollaway/extra beds available on request

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning and daily housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 3 (2 Adults)

Guest Reviews

• Ulrich (7/5): Würde ich für ein paar Tage wieder buchen - Hervorragende Lage Frühstück OK Sehr freundliches Personal In die Jahre gekommenes Hotel
• Lithil (10/5): -
• Kar (1/5): Not worthy of the money you are spending. - Pool was small but good. The room, wash room were not clean and unkept. Breakfast was limited, not worth the money at all.
• Yusuf (6/5): -
• Monish (4/5): - The view Except the view there was nothing to like
• Sophie (10/5): - Wonderful but not.managed well. Staff were lovely, didnt meet managers but dusorganisation... still.its the beat location the building and atmosphere and view extraordinary. This is the hotel you hope to find its so romantic...
• Rishabh (1/5): - Not maintain at all. No service Old and no maintenance
• Majken (5/5): - It is easy to see that this place used to be very elegant, nowadays it is very tired. A couple of carpenters, painters and gardeners could do miracles here. We liked the view and the pool. It has seen better days and the staff weren’t very attentive. Very little water pressure in the shower and almost impossible to adjust the temperature.
• Roshni (6/5): A beautiful building with a fascinating history and a fabulous location that could do with a sympathetic restoration. - Amazing location and good food - tasty and decent value. The pool The view The staff The rooms The shower Needs a bit of restoration.
• Kay (10/5): -
• wei (1/5): - 工作人员态度不错 门坏的 窗的门有洞且不隔音 空调只能开关不能调整温度 且噪音大 所谓的海边其实是抽水沟入海处
• Arlen (5/5): -
• Gary (8/5): Pretty location - Beautiful view from the hotel and gardens. The historical charm of the place was great as well as the good breakfast on the terrace. My room was spacious, comfortable and clean. Don’t expect a 4* hotel. The place needs to be renovated. The room and dining area were ok but the outside needs a lot of work.
• Gaavithri (5/5): Book with caution. This definitely doesn’t pass as a 4 star hotel. The highlights were staff and the views. - The location was incredible. Very beautiful majestic place. The bed was comfortable. The breakfast buffet was nice, staff were friendly and helpful. The room was really dirty and the bathroom was disgusting. Even in the dining ready the food trays were not cleaned at all. The place was literally walling apart and the rooms were very slippery. Balconies are not maintained all and the doors were barely closing and falling apart as well. There was hair in the drainage in the bathtub. For the amount of money we paid I don’t think it’s worth it. For such a beautiful place it is not well maintained at all.
• Dr.(h.c)Nageswaran (1/5): Die Lage ist gut, aber das Hotel muss sofort instand gesetzt werden, oder die tägliche Miete muss um 50 % reduziert werd - Die Lage ist gut, aber das Hotel muss sofort instand gesetzt werden, oder die tägliche Miete muss um 50 % reduziert werden.“ Die Lage ist gut, aber das Hotel muss sofort instand gesetzt werden, oder die tägliche Miete muss um 50 % reduziert werden.“
• Matt (1/5): -
• Paul (7/5): - Faded grandeur but friendly service
• Akila (4/5): -
• Chris (10/5): A unique and atmospheric stay, excellent value for money, and recommended for European Travellers - The hotel is a historic marvel, a beautiful colonial-style property built in the 1700s and once owned by a British merchant captain, and it genuinely feels like stepping back in time. It is still run by a lovely, well-established family, with traditional décor and an exceptional pool and bar area offering one of the most stunning views over the bay I experienced in Sri Lanka. The hotel is tucked away yet only a five-minute walk to the beach, with Dewata Bay, a great surf spot, literally just below. Very little to dislike during the stay. With a small amount of investment, the hotel could easily reach five-star standard
• Carlotta (8/5): -
• Mithila (10/5): - Location was very nice and staff was very friendly Nothing
• Amit (10/5): - The staff, location & the food was exceptional..
• Nishadi (2/5): Not recommending this hotel because it is not clean at all and very old which they haven’t maintained at all - Location was perfect! But that’s the only good thing about this hotel. Pool was not cleaned and soon after coming back from hotel, I had a urine infection. The room is not clean specially bathrooms. Outside the room is also not clean. Very old property which they haven’t maintained at all. Property being old is perfectly fine if it was maintained well but sadly it’s not. One uncle was cleaning the only backyard they had and he was doing it all alone the entire morning. Till we check out it wasn’t cleaned & ready at least for guests to take photos. Staff didn’t even offered water while we had meals. I’m not recommending the hotel to anyone.
• Macy (4/5): - The room was nice. The staff were not helpful. Hotel was not in a good location.
• Jennifer (8/5): Magnificent building, lovely swimming pool, great charm. - A wonderful old building, totally furnished with age-appropriate furniture. Superb view from my balcony of the bay. Gardens full of plants that I would love to be able to grow. Charming attentive staff. To top it all, the loveliest swimming pool, curving round the end of the house. Can hardly think of anything, except perhaps the reception staff had poor English.
• Igor (9/5): Понравилось, ощущение истории - Винтажная мебель, бассейн Старая сантехника
• James (8/5): Great stay. Lovely staff and fab bar and pool - Fabulous location and lovely staff. Feels like a step back in time. Good value for money. Could do with painting the building
• Johannes Peter Kruetten (7/5): - frühstück und essen hervorragend hotel hat eine generalüberholung nötig ansonsten im kolonialstil einfach toll
• dusmanthi (10/5): -
• Monica (10/5): -
• Mitun Paul (1/5): -
• Anselem (8/5): -
• Nitin (5/5): The location of Closenberg Hotel in Galle is beautiful, but there are some important things future guests should know be -
• Duminda (8/5): -
• Dulanga (10/5): - Closenberg was a truly lovely property, offering a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere from the moment we arrived. The surroundings were peaceful, the ambiance was warm, and the overall setting made the stay feel very special. What stood out the most, however, was the staff. Every team member we interacted with was genuinely friendly, attentive, and incredibly helpful. They went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable and well looked after, which made the experience even more enjoyable. Overall, it was a wonderful stay, and I would be happy to visit again.
• Basu (1/5): Do not put up here, you will find better properties at a much cheaper price - The location and view, thats it. Nothing else Such a beautifully located property but its a shame that due to the staffs and the managers, the property is not maintained, not safe, service is 1/10. They don’t have hot water and somehow they do not even inform the guests about it as they think “we thought you take shower in cold water”. Yes, this is what their response was. The property is not maintained, the pool is dirty, the food is terrible. After 10.30pm, there is one guy at the reception and the entire hotel is empty. You cannot order food the kitchen closes, you cannot ask for water as there is no one in housekeeping, the entire hotel literally shuts at 10.30pm. We found the loud noises around midnight and found 2 guys entered the room right next to ours, played loud music and were drinking and smoking. It is as unsafe as sleeping on the road. We had a 2 night stay, this wonderful experience compelled us to check early. The hotel was supposed to refund out money, it has been almost 2 months now, they cannot process a refund. No one is answering calls. If you planning to visit Galle, please refrain from booking this place. If you are visiting with your wife or girlfriend don’t even think about it, random guys comes inside during the night and there is no security in the hotel. The management is horrible.
• SONIYA (1/5): Worst Property - Just the view The stuff was not at all supportive The hotel people fooled us by giving wrong room. The bathroom was dirty, there were lizards everywhere in the room and mosquito all over the property. They charged us $88 and zero services were provided.
• SwarupS (8/5): - Location Untidy and unmaintained
• Chamorro (10/5): - Si ubicación, viendo la bahía y bajando en 3 mins par hacer surf Quizás algo viejito algunos muebles
• Weheraduwa (8/5): The overall experience was Ok and we enjoyed that. - We had a good experience at this hotel. The sea view from both the balcony and the swimming pool was breathtaking, and I especially loved the unique pool design. The authenticity of the property stood out, with elegant antique furniture adding a true colonial charm. However, the landscapes, gardens, and parts of the property would benefit from better upkeep, as they felt a little neglected. For anyone seeking an authentic colonial vibe, this hotel is a good choice. But keep in mind that, just like its antique character, you may need a bit of patience to tolerate some signs of mismanagement and wear. The staff were polite but not particularly welcoming or energetic. We truly appreciated the blend of nature, sea, garden, swimming pool, and overall atmosphere during our stay. Still, the property needs more consistent maintenance, especially since the way it is portrayed in pictures looks highly attractive, while in reality, certain areas give more of an “abandoned colonial house” feeling. The room itself was acceptable, but nothing exceptional. We managed everything and got by without much trouble. Overall, most things were okay and fairly convenient. What really stood out was the surrounding environment, which made up for the other shortcomings and made our stay enjoyable.
• Rob (5/5): -
• Kaushan (6/5): - The old charm, ambience, location of the place. The staff were really nice and helpful. It really needs some good maintenance. Things are falling apart and it's such a shame to see all that heritage in a state of neglect. More effort needs to be put in by the hotel management to keep enticing guests and maintain competitiveness "in its own way" against offerings around the area. I'd go as far as to say the level of neglect in some areas is almost criminal. I remember visiting Closenburg as a child, almost two decades ago, and it was nostalgia that brought me back. But I was a little unprepared to see it from such a departure to the state I'd used to remember it in. Dearly hoping it can be restored to its former glory.
• Nilanga (5/5): -
• Eranga (7/5): Good -
• Judy (10/5): What a hidden 💎 💎 💎 - It's difficult to say anything negative about this beautiful 'explain the beauty' place....the decadence the history the ambience, everything is breathtaking.🤩😘🤩 The infinity pool, the back drop of the ocean. Beautiful gradents and so nant flowers and trees. 🥰😍Lovely large, soft pool towels. Sea views from every room, large spacious, balcony, comfortable, clean, soft bedding.🥰😍🥰 Large bathrooms, good quality bathroom units, large old-fashioned baths🥰😍... watered down tiloiletries😭!!!! The food medioca!!!tastey and lots of it😢no proper tea and coffee sets!!!can't toast bread....awful sliced bread!!!🥪 If only!!!! The place was maintained to a good standard, the staff trained in health, safety, and customer service. This place has so much potential...IF ONLY we will definitely visit and bring friends and family because the positives are more, much more than negatives The lack of attention to detail, maintenance, customer care, not having trained staff, and waiting staff
• Bruce (8/5): A wonderful, large, old time exquisite hotel. Loved the atmosphere and Staff were very friendly - The view, the old English Style, the friendly Staff Nothing
• Mukul (9/5): No hotel can beat this location and comfort. If you visit galle and unawatuna must stay at here. - Location is great , just near to beach and galle fort, staff were very friendly and helpful, managers are very helpful and supportive. No confusion regarding anything , just easy to stay and comfortable. Good swimming pool and lawn. Nothing to mention as such
• Khaled (1/5): Uncomfortable - Friendly staff, always welcoming people with smile No clean i felt like i was in hunted room , first of all inside the room was unclean and everywhere we found insects including bath tub . Feel disgusting to use bathroom . Specially with children we cant stay even one day because of dirty and insects . Cupboards and doors are difficult to lock and some of that broken . We cant use the balcony at night time because of insects , we should close the door immediately after the sun set. Poor maintenance. Food was ok but no more special.
• Ranjan (5/5): Pleasant place but needs good management and careful renovation - Room and beds comfortable The hotel check in time is 2 pm. I arrived at 2 pm after travelling a long distance and we were very tired. By that time none of the rooms were ready for checking in. It took further 30 min waiting in the lobby.
• Charitha (9/5): Great stay. Beautiful hotel. - Place with b3ach. Swimming pool. Food options were limited.
• Mohamed (5/5): A very good heritage lodging, but need conservation and maintenance. - It has a superb view of the panoramic setting of the Galle coast and fort, and breakfast is not an excellent offering, but we could enjoy; pool and surrounding landscapes are not kept well to enhance satisfaction and experience. maintenance of the floor, interior, and outdoor garden, which deteriorate the ambience of such a wonderful hotel. It critically needs proper conservation and renovations to ensure the quality experience in a heritage landscapes.
• Lahanis (8/5): I recommend Closenberg! - The staff were super lovely and accommodating. The hotel itself was a really wonderful historical experience, with the outdoor pool overlooking the beach was amazing. It’s quite an old building and could do with some TLC and maintenance. Otherwise we loved our stay, it’s in a wonderful location too!!
• Nanayakkara (1/5): Bad -
• 272staceyt (4/5): Outdated old accommodation with beautiful ocean views - Very outdated hotel. Needs some attention overall. The views are lovely across the ocean and then you step into a room that’s not clean and water brown. Our AC didn’t cool the room, we were offered a second room that’s smelt like petroleum. The breakfast choices limited buffet and evening meals not a huge choice. Recommend jumping into a Tuk Tuk and heading to the streets. Staff lovely. Pool beautiful and salty.
• Amira (8/5): Very good -
• Daniel (7/5): Great location and staff. Could do with rooms being made up daily without having to ask - Infinity pool and location Rooms aren’t made up daily
• Wendy (7/5): Mixed - Fabulous location on a headland. Lovely old Dutch House and mature gardens The hotel overlooks a bay which is popular with surfers- and some of the beech bars play techno beat well into the night.
• Csaba (1/5): Just terrible - Nothing The hitel is just terrible. There arr ants in the room and even in the bed. In the morning I woke up with ants’ bite on my body. The room ead dirty the toweld are dirty almos no water in the shower. Originally I booked 4 nights here ut after the first night we escpaed from here. This hiotel should not be on booking.com
• Dissanayake (6/5): Pleasant - LACK OF MAINTENANVE.
• Neville (7/5): Stunning location for the price. - The staff and location of the hotel were excellent. The photos of the hotel were really outdated,there was no bar and limited food options.
• 189madushanp (10/5): Excellent - Good Place to Relaxing. 🥰 very clam place. Room price are reasonable. 🥰🥰🥰 very recommended place. Food 08/10 Place 10/10 View 10/10 Parking Available Near to Galle Town Eco friendly superb Place 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
• Sulari (7/5): Good -
• Anushke (1/5): Bad -
• Gayan (6/5): Pleasant -
• Denise (10/5): 'n Besonderse en unieke hotel uit vergange se dae. - Dis nou 'n hotel met 'n ryk geskiedenis en laat dink my ook aan 'n toneel uit Jurassic Park. Dis die tipe plek waar flieks gemaak word. Dis 'n ou gebou en omdat dit so mooi is, maak dit die plek ekstra spesiaal. Die swembad is so lekker en die uitsig op die see ongelooflik mooi uit die kamer. Die tuine met die apies wat in die bome baljaar gee die plek nog meer karakter. Dis uniek en bekostigbaar. Die badkamer het warm water die lug verkoeler werk heerlik. Ons het ons tydjie in Galle baie geniet in die hotel en sal graag wil teruggaan. Die badkamer het muf in, maar ek het dit maar mis gekyk, die hotel is in geheel net te spesiaal. Ek hoop die eienaars beplan om verbeteringe aan te bring voor hierdie juweel van 'n plek meer verwaarloos.
• Wendy (9/5): Peaceful and quiet with friendly, helpful staff who made you feel part of the Closenburg family. - We loved the old charm of Closenburg. We were invited to join in celebrations for New Year and made to feel very welcome. Beautiful views over the bay.
• Slimi (6/5): Pleasant -
• Ayanthi (5/5): Passable -
• Shantha (1/5): Bad -
• Harsha (8/5): Very good -
• Sanuj (7/5): Old mansion converted to hotel. Needs lots of renovation - Location Very old building. Need renovation
• 675milliem (10/5): Beautiful - Out of a movie! Glamour and all the frills, lovely sweetest staff and run by legends! Thanks for having me 🙏🏽 the pool is a highlight as well as the balcony rooms. Nice Sri Lankan breakfast, transports you back in time but in the best way... big love Emmanuel and Paloma
• Tamara (7/5): Would stay again for the lovely big room, balcony and views…. - the VIEWS!! and old world feel… needs some maintenance…. bathrooms need a lick of paint and plug for bath..
• Saber (2/5): Very dirty hotel - Only the view and staff was good Suuuuper dirty
• emanueljb2022 (10/5): Paradise at Closenberg Hotel! - Absolutely spectacular! My recent stay at this exquisite property left me utterly spellbound. From the moment I set foot on the grounds, I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem. The location itself seems plucked from the pages of paradise, with its breathtaking vistas and serene ambiance. Let's talk about the food—prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavours! Each dish presented with meticulous care and bursting with mouthwatering deliciousness. And the staff? Well, they're simply unparalleled. Their warmth and hospitality made me feel like royalty from the moment I arrived. The sea-view room, oh, what a marvel! Its ethereal charm and mesmerising vistas made it nearly impossible to tear myself away. And don't even get me started on the infinity swimming pool! The fact that it's filtered with salt water from the sea adds an extra touch of luxury that's simply unparalleled. This place truly has a way of calming the soul and rejuvenating the spirit. I have absolutely no complaints. None whatsoever! I would not hesitate for a moment to return to this idyllic haven, and I wholeheartedly recommend that everyone experience its magic at least once in their lifetime. Trust me, you won't regret it.
• alexmiller1992 (10/5): Loved it so much we went back to stay again - It was so good that we stayed twice, rearranging our trip so we could end it there as it was a total highlight. Staff were unbelievably kind and helpful, they were so wonderful with our wee baby that it felt like a home away from home. Best drinks in Sri Lanka, food was delicious and it’s just got a generally cool vibe. Beaut view and location, close enough to the action but just away so you can feel like you’re on your own secluded island. LOVE Closenberg, take me back!!!
• A3993XXeddiel (10/5): One of the best - This hotel is one of the best I've stayed in. The hospitality is incredible and the staff are very friendly. The infinity pool is very relaxing and it has an amazing view. The cocktails at the pool bar are also excellent. Highly recommended. Huge thanks to everyone at Closenberg :-)
• Jack (1/5): Do not recommend - View from the window Room was extremely dirty. Stained sheets, mold andspiderwebs in the bathroom, dirty floor, dust everywhere, food with no taste. Extremely overpriced.
• Madumi (8/5): Very good -
• Robert (7/5): Charming and relaxing colonial era hotel with great views across the bay - Exceptionally friendly and polite staff. Loved the colonial charm of the property. Lovely sea view and comfortable bed. Good breakfast serving both western and sri-lankan food. Does need a major make-over. Whilst I loved the charm of the hotel a lot of work needed to bring it up to a standard. Bathrooms need an upgrade and wi-fi is intermittent
• Dushan (5/5): Passable -
• Peng (8/5): Very good - good location, nice stuff, old property and furniture.
• Anonymous (4/5): Overpriced and Overrated - Lovely view. The front desk lady was really positive and sweet. Old tatty and dirty bathroom. Seriously needs updating or some industrial bleach. When I asked for an extra blanket and some water brought to the room I waited and waited and nothing came.
• Charlotte (2/5): fine to view as a historic site but stay somewhere els w - nice view and the original building was impressive the rooms and bathrooms were incredibly dirty and the property was littered with rubbish - we were quite shocked this was a 3 star hotel
• Hirok (9/5): Superb -
• Anonymous (7/5): Good -
• cryostasian (10/5): Wish my holiday was longer - The rooms come with an amazing view of the indian ocean. Closenberg seems to be a heritage hotel perched atop of a low lying cliffside corner of Galle beach. Mornings here are a wholesome treat for the soul accompanied by heartful(Sri Lankan preferred)breakfast followed by equally delicious meals. The hotel is laced with a skirting pool and cute front gardens ahead of every room. Beds are big, soft and fluffy. Though located in what seems to be a busy part of Galle, the hotel is nestled in a quieter corner, therefore, making it the perfect quaint getaway!
• Destination652034 (10/5): EPICCCCCCX - One of the most iconic spots to stay in galle. The location and food is something you cannot get anywhere in the world. Every day was better than the last. The staff who is pretty much like family now were the best and made sure I wasn’t inconvenienced in anyway. They also have a banger of a New Year’s party. Shout out tropical wax Sri Lanka !!!
• varoonn2023 (10/5): Charming and Relaxing - Soaked in history and perfectly comfortable . Great food and lovely staff. Well located yet perfectly isolated Closenberg is a hidden gem that has beautiful views of the island . Very affordable rates
• Dechen1989 (10/5): The Citadel upon which the Sea Roars - The most incredible infinty salt water pool with the best view! Dewata beach which is right below is the ideal beach to take surf lessons. Very safe for children! This Property is one of the few heritage colonial properties with the owner still living on the premises. I loved the view from the Point. Friendly Staff and great rice and curry!
• regm889 (6/5): Old hotel in coastal area - Nice old hotel with a restaurant near beach, difficult to find acess road, tried local delight TOR lunch it was fine. Good view of of the sea with greenery around. Strolled around along coconut trees
• Abdulla (1/5): Bad -
• Flemin (10/5): Exceptional -
• Sujish (9/5): Sea facing hotel near galle - An old boutique hotel with its own charm and with an infinity pool looking at the sea adds beauty to it. Rooms and bathrooms were clean, but can expect only kind of boutique hotel types. Staffs were very friendly and helpful throughout. Food were very tasty and overall good even though options were limited. Infinity pool overlooking the sea is plus point to this hotel. Roads leading to the hotel are darker at night with no Street lights.
• Dan (2/5): Very poor -
• Sereen (7/5): Good -
• Apoorva (6/5): Good interior bad service. - - U have bay view from the room - food is very good - the architecture and interior is old British period - it's peaceful beautiful. Ppl come there specially for photo shoots Location. The hotel is inside the lane which is dark with no light It's far from the beaches and the galle fort area. Nothing is walking distance Ppl charge u a lot more especially tuktuk . The staff is clueless. It's not 24/7 service . Everything is shut after 10 . There is no power backup. So if light goes wifi goes. Everything goes
• sheronk534 (4/5): Beautiful Location - This is situated in a beautiful location but when we entered to the hotel we felt it is not well maintained and neglected. Their sevice was good but food was not that much taste. I suggest if they maintain that hotel in a good condition they can get better business.
• apoorvashrini (6/5): The good is good bad is bad - The hotel is exactly what it's said --- colonial architecture.. Pros - it's a 160 yr old building build by the British. If you enjoy and wish to experience things like that this is for you. - it is built at the bay with great view from the rooms. Sunrise sunset is beautiful - breakfast included . And is tasty - staff is friendly and helpfu l- hotel offers day city tour for 3000lkr Cons - location. It's right between the beach and the first so both are far around 700 lkr from tuktuk - amenities. Just one plug point No intercom for reception Staff is slow No jet spray/ bidet in bathroom unlike pictures - the location is inside alley without any light. So walking back alone after sunset is very scary
• Sujatha (8/5): We had a pleasant stay and wouldn't mind staying there during our next visit to Galle. - The breakfast was uptown the standard that we expected and the person who served us did his job with high level of professionalism. We thouroughly enjoyed the sea view and the hotel building itself. The history of the hotel is so fascinating. We were sad to see the lack of maintenance of the surroundings of the hotel and the pool side.

Photos