About
The Fort Printers is an 18th century mansion which has been restored into an elegant small private hotel, originally comprising 5 suites but with the addition of two heritage villas in 2013 has 13 suites, offering understated elegance and personal service in an intimate, friendly atmosphere.
Guests get the convenience of hotel services and the ambiance of a villa at Fort Printers The eighteenth century mansion turned printing facility now houses five stylish antiques filled suites- four linked via a second story walkway, common in colonial buildings of the area; the fifth, poolside. The jackwood floors, copper-lined rain showers, and extra long lap pool are generating a buzz among design-savy visitors.” – Conde Nest Traveler Hot List 2006
This 18th century mansion is characteristic of the colonial architecture of the World Heritage Site, Galle Fort. The five suites feature a mix of colonial and South Asian design with whitewashed walls, shuttered windows, daybeds, antique writing desks and silk furnishings in colors evocative of a market spice stall. The original printing press stationery , business cards and a monthly newsletter – stands resplendent in the entrance hall. “ – Five Best Hotels in Print Works, The Independent September 2007
The 18th century building, a mansion that for a time housed a printing company, now boasts a slim but swim- worthy pool and roomy interiors filled with Asian antiques, Tibetan Carpets and vibrant Thai silks. The headmaster suite offers charming views of the fort’s lighthouse, best enjoyed, best enjoyed from the pillow festooned day bed.) Breakfasts are highlight. Indulge in freshly squeezed juices, chocolate chip scones, homemade breads and light fully omelets. Pizza by the pool take the edge off humid afternoons as does shopping next door at the Barefoot Boutique.
The hardworking, English speaking staff will happily take guests for a nostalgic spin in the hotel’s 1945 Morris Minor, but make sure you’re back in time for the evening art exhibitions which draw stylish types from around the island” – DestinAsian, June 2007
An 18th century mansion has been restored into an even more intimate property, The Fort Printers, a five room-boutique hotel.” New York Times, December 2005.
The Fort Printers is located in the historic Galle Fort, a 16th century Dutch colonial Fort and now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mansion traces its origin to the Dutch period but substantial additions were made in the English era after 1796, including high ceilings and large windows. Over the last two centuries, it has houses Mahinda College, a successor to the Galle Buddhist Theosophical Society and a famous institution of higher Buddhist learning, The Bank of Ceylon and Fort Printers.
Fort Printers was a printing company famous in Galle which until 2002 still employed the wooden printing blocks and wrought iron printing machines made in Leeds and London to print beautiful stationery and cards.
Today, The Fort Printers provides elegant accommodation in Galle Fort, a personal and discreet service and a fresh and vibrant menu based on guest preferences. It is ideal as an exclusive accommodation to explore the Galle Fort, countryside and the beaches around Galle. The Fort Printers comprise three villas with 13 bedrooms. Each of the villas may be booked for exclusive use or as separate suites.
