Galle Face Hotel to become preferred leisure, business travel destination post-restoration

Tuesday, 1 July 2014 01:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Informing the progress of the extensive restoration project that commenced mid last year and sharing views in the latest additions and offerings

post-restoration Galle Face Hotel held a press conference on 25 June. The restoration of the North Wing of the hotel originally built in 1864, is progressing solidly and was designed to preserve the grandeur and romance of the magnificent property while upgrading and modernising the quality of guest facilities, amenities and services. The South Wing has continued to be in operation as usual throughout the restoration. Commenting on the historic project, Galle Face Hotel’s Group General Manager Tony Fleming notes, “The hotel has currently undertaken an ambitious restoration project restoring the hotel’s rooms, restaurants and the ballrooms to their former glory with subtle modernisation to enhance the quality of the Galle Face Hotel experience. The hotel is intrinsically linked to the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and the project is guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for guests to enjoy. Further I am very pleased to be able to announce that the first stage in the long awaited restoration of the Galle Face Hotel is the Meetings and Conference Centre that we launch today.”

Amidst extensive restoration of the landmark building a new meetings and conference centre is now open for business. Situated on the first floor of Galle Face Hotel, the latest facility will add a new dimension to the hotel’s unique history and traditional hospitality offering that echoes across the hotel. The new centre will comprise of seven conference rooms, a library and two study rooms. Galle Face Hotel Director Sales Mubarak Gaffoor explains the reasoning behind the new Conference Centre, “As the country gears to become a preferred destination for MICE (Meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibition) tourism, and local and regional businesses plan for success the Galle Face Hotel is ready to act as the preferred partner. Centrally located in the business capital of the country, Galle Face Hotel is close to the central business district and has easy access to nightclubs, pubs, bars and restaurants for those who wish to network or team build after a day’s meeting.” Commenting further on the new Conference Centre, Galle Face Hotel Director Catering and Conventions Thakshila Galappaththy notes, “We have based this on feedback with the local and regional business community, and developed a product to help them achieve their goals. We have re-defined a dedicated meetings, seminar conference centre and boardrooms from small to medium events focused on facilitating great outcomes. This product has been developed to meet the need for a business focused facility. It recognises that efficiency, comfort and support from the venue will allow participants to focus on their goals.” The restoration project is slated to be completed by mid 2015 and the total cost is said to be in the vicinity of $ 20 million. Pix by Lasantha Kumara