|
It
resembles a stately home facing the Indian Ocean and as a
charming hangover of colonial manners and services. For
almost a century it was the focal point of British colonial life
style in the island.
The hotel has been patronized by some of the most famous names
of the 20th century and the granite plaque in the lobby gives a
list of some of these persons i.e. Ursula Andrews, Maharajah of
Baroda, Don Bradman, Hayley Mills - Prince & Princess Mikasa,
Emperor Hirohito, John D. Rockefeller, Kurt Walheim, Zulfikar
Alibhuto, Noel Coward, Bo Derek, Carrie Fisher, Indira Gandhi,
Yuri Gagarin, Edward Heath, Prince Aly Khan, Imran Khan, Alfred
Karupp. In the early years of the last century, many
technological developments were first introduced to the Galle
Face Hotel. Electricity, mechanised laundry, lifts and a sea
water swimming pool were some of the attractions in the
early part of the century. |
|
The hotel
is essentially updated as we enter the new Millennium. The rooms
are all air-conditioned and have modern amenities, including
attached bath rooms, TVs Refrigerators etc, but the old magic
remains – No wonder many writers have exclaimed that the GFH
is one of the few un-spoilt hotels, left in the world. The
hotel, having survived the 19th and 20th centuries is now set to
meet the challenges of the 21st century. |
