Closenberg was an amazing experience. From the sunset at Lunar Terrace to a magnificent dinner buffet,I had a great time. The hospitality was fantastic. The colonial style is one of a kind. I have been there a few times over the last few months and the food has been exceptional each time. On Christmas eve the drinks with dinner was a great experience and a lot of preparation and care had been taken in the food. Closenberg is the best located Hotel in Galle, not only for its fantastic views but for being situated right off the highway.
All in all it has been a great holiday and hope you guys keep up the good work.

The first thing that hits you on arriving at Closenberg is the breathtaking view, located in probably one of Galle's heavenliest locations, the hotel is perched on a hill at the edge of the bay and harbor providing an insane panoramic view of the ocean and surrounding bay, with magnificent views of sunrise and sunset. At the terrace you are greeted by exceptionally beautiful palm trees that happen to be very unique, The Hotel itself has its own ambiance, giving you the feel that you are in a colonial kings palace. The hotel staff are extremely friendly and constantly provide you with good energy and smiles in addition to the exceptional service, the food was great with brilliant Srilankan buffets. Overall what I can say is for a timeless escape into colonial magnificence, the Closenberg experience is unmatched.

As many other reviewers already stated: The Closenberg's authentic colonial charm is breathtaking, the staff has great service ethic and is incredibly friendly and skilled, the food is delicious (particularly the panna cotta), the seaview up from the cliffs – especially for sunset – is overwhelming and the location next to the exit of the new built highway, right between Galle Fort and the beaches of Unawatuna is excellent. Our room fitted perfectly in the positive overall image: It was not the biggest but was very clean & comfy, had a great view on the bay, provided all the necessary facilities (hot water, a/c, good mattresses etc.) and fitted perfectly in the general atmosphere of the hotel. Overall the Swiss/Sri Lankan management really seems to know what they are doing and our stay was more than worth the money (the rates are extremely fair for Sri Lankan standards).

PS: I am quite surprised by some of the negative reviews about this hotel. Some people are obviously very spoilt, have no Idea what they are writing about or must have been very, very unlucky.

Keep it up Closenberg

the hotel is in a great area, with wonderful views and only a 5 minute ride from Galle Fort.
it IS rather old, and the rooms a bit dark - but the a/c worked, and the bathroom, though a bit dingy, was clean and had plenty of hot water.
the breakfast was an experience in itself - all rather hastily dumped onto trestle tables and left for you to fight over before the flies take it all, but the staff were helpful and seemed keen that we had enough to eat and drink.
as with other travellers - we stayed over new year, but we found that the NYE party was wonderful news! we went into Galle the previous night and found very little to do after the sun goes down - so a party at our hotel was ideal.
overall - it's an interesting hotel, a bit old and past its prime - but still rather grand, and well worth the money they are charging (which you might find is a FRACTION of what places within the Fort are asking).

if you're not too fussy about clean, shiny new rooms - give this place a go - it's quite charming.