When researching Colombo’s five-star hotel landscape, the Galadari Hotel emerges as a property defined by both legacy and transformation. The hotel, opened in 1984 as Galadari Meridien Colombo, is owned by Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC—majority-controlled (63.57%) by the Emirati conglomerate Galadari Brothers—and is currently undergoing a US$48.5 million refurbishment to relaunch under the Radisson Blu flag (Wikipedia). This article traces the hotel’s ownership history, five-star classification, rebranding timeline, and what guests can expect from the new Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo.
Last checked: 2026-06-07
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Property Name: Galadari Hotel / Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo · Star Rating: Five-star · Owner/Operator: Galadari Brothers · Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka, overlooking Indian Ocean · Notable Feature: Originally opened as Galadari Hotel; now part of Radisson Blu portfolio
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-07.
Sources reviewed: official Radisson Hotel Group website, Wikipedia, neutral review platform (TripAdvisor, Expedia), hotel industry news outlets (Travel Voice, EconomyNext, LankaTalks, LankaVNews, Daily FT), corporate ownership sources (Galadari Hotels PLC disclosures, Radisson corporate history).
What we did not do: No on-site visit, no staff interview, no independent verification of exact room prices or buffet menu prices.
Snapshot: Galadari Hotel at a glance
- Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC is controlled by Galadari Brothers Co. LLC, which holds 63.57% equity (Travel Voice).
- On 1 May 2023, a Hotel Development Services Agreement and Hotel Management Agreement were executed with Radisson Hotels Asia Pacific Investments Ltd. (Travel Voice).
- The project budget was increased from US$33.5 million to US$48.5 million via a supplementary Board of Investment agreement (EconomyNext; LankaTalks).
- 450 rooms, classified as a five-star oceanfront city hotel facing Galle Face Green (Travel Voice).
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Property Name | Galadari Hotel / Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo |
| Star Rating | Five-star |
| Owner/Operator | Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC; Galadari Brothers Co. LLC (majority shareholder); Radisson Hotel Group (management) |
| Location | Colombo, Sri Lanka, overlooking Indian Ocean at Galle Face Green |
| Notable Feature | Originally opened in 1984; now being refurbished and rebranded under the Radisson Blu portfolio |
Who is the owner of Galadari Hotel Colombo?
The Galadari Hotel in Colombo is operated by Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC, a company incorporated in 1980 and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. Its controlling shareholder is the Emirati conglomerate Galadari Brothers Co. LLC, which holds a 63.57% equity stake (per Travel Voice). Galadari Brothers is a multi-industry conglomerate with interests in hospitality, media, retail, and real estate across the Middle East and South Asia.
The hotel’s ownership structure under Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC means the property remains an asset of a publicly traded company. However, ultimate strategic control—including the decision to pursue the Radisson Blu partnership—rests with the Galadari family group. In 2023, the company called an Extraordinary General Meeting on 6 July to secure shareholder approval for the Radisson tie-up, which was subsequently granted (LankaVNews; Daily FT).
Is Galadari Hotel 5 star?
Yes, the Galadari Hotel is classified as a five-star luxury hotel. Wikipedia lists it as a five-star property, and the official Radisson Blu website markets it as a five-star hotel (Radisson Hotels). The hotel has 450 rooms and is positioned as an oceanfront city hotel facing Galle Face Green.
Pre-refurbishment reviews on Expedia described a property with multiple restaurants, a poolside bar, sauna, and terrace—amenities consistent with a five-star rating (Expedia). The ongoing renovation aims to bring the hotel up to Radisson Blu’s global five-star brand standards, including demolition of existing room interiors and a “exceptional transformation” as described in CSE filings (per LankaTalks).
What is the new name of Galadari hotel?
Following the rebranding, the hotel now operates under the name Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo. The Radisson Hotel Group’s official website lists this exact name, and the property is described as an oceanfront Colombo hotel with standard rooms, suites, and apartments. The dual branding retains the “Galadari” legacy while adopting the Radisson Blu flag.
The name change was approved by shareholders in July 2023 and the property is already being marketed under the joint name even as the large-scale refurbishment continues. The relaunch is expected to be complete by the second quarter of 2026 (per EconomyNext).
Why is Galadari Hotel closed?
The Galadari Hotel closed in early 2024 for a comprehensive refurbishment that began in February 2024. The closure is directly tied to the rebranding project under the Radisson Blu partnership. According to Colombo Stock Exchange disclosures, the hotel will remain closed until at least the second quarter of 2026, with the implementation deadline extended to 9 November 2026 via a supplementary agreement with Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (per EconomyNext and LankaTalks).
The refurbishment scope includes demolition of existing room interiors and a major structural overhaul to meet Radisson Blu’s global brand standards. The investment has been scaled up from an initial US$33.5 million to US$48.5 million, financed in part by a 73.4 million UAE dirham (approx. US$20 million) loan from Mashreq Bank backed by Galadari Brothers (per EconomyNext).
Galadari Hotel Colombo: Location and Contact
The hotel is situated at the heart of Colombo, facing the Indian Ocean along Galle Face Green—a well-known waterfront promenade. Its exact address, as per the official Radisson website, is in Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka. For booking inquiries, the Radisson Blu website provides contact options, though the property is currently closed for renovations. Pre-refurbishment, the hotel offered a variety of restaurants, a buffet, a poolside bar, sauna, and terrace.
Getting there: Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport is approximately 35 km north of the city. The hotel is located in the Colombo 3 (Kollupitiya) district, easily accessible by taxi or ride-hailing services. Nearby landmarks include Galle Face Green, the World Trade Center, and the Dutch Hospital Precinct.
Galadari Hotel: Key milestones in ownership and rebranding
- 1980 — Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC incorporated.
- 1984 — Hotel opens as Galadari Meridien Colombo, managed by Méridien Hotels (per Wikipedia).
- 1992 — Management shifts to Marriott Hotels & Resorts; hotel renamed Colombo Marriott Hotel (per Wikipedia).
- 1994 — Galadari Brothers takes over direct management; hotel reverts to Galadari Hotel.
- 1 May 2023 — Hotel Development Services Agreement and Hotel Management Agreement signed with Radisson Hotels Asia Pacific Investments Ltd. (per Travel Voice).
- 6 July 2023 — Shareholders approve the Radisson transaction at an EGM (per LankaVNews).
- February 2024 — Refurbishment begins; hotel closes for renovation (per EconomyNext).
- December 2025 — BOI agrees to extend implementation period to 9 November 2026; budget rises to US$48.5 million (per LankaTalks).
- Expected Q2 2026 — Hotel relaunches as Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo (per EconomyNext).
Pros
- Iconic oceanfront location on Galle Face Green – one of Colombo’s best addresses.
- Rebranding to Radisson Blu brings international operational standards and marketing reach.
- Large 450-room scale offers variety and capacity for events.
- Long-standing local ownership (Galadari Brothers) provides institutional continuity.
Cons
- Currently closed until at least mid-2026; no immediate availability.
- Refurbishment budget more than 40% over initial estimate, indicating possible cost overruns.
- Historical accumulated losses of around LKR 10 billion as of March 2023 raise financial concerns (per LankaVNews).
- Pre-refurbishment reviews on Expedia were mixed; quality after reopening remains unproven.
Best for segments
- Business travelers — Central Colombo location near government and commercial hubs; Radisson Blu’s business services expected.
- Couples — Oceanfront setting and refurbished rooms will appeal to couples seeking a city retreat.
- Families — Large rooms (including suites and apartments) and poolside amenities suit family stays.
- Luxury travelers — Five-star Radisson Blu positioning, with high-end finishes and services.
Pricing overview
As the hotel is currently closed for refurbishment, no current room rates are available. The pre-refurbishment price point was consistent with Colombo’s five-star city hotels. EconomyNext reports a US$48.5 million investment, and the Radisson Blu brand typically commands a premium over independent properties. Once reopened, rates are expected to be competitive with other Colombo five-star hotels such as Shangri-La Colombo and Cinnamon Grand. No official price range has been published yet.
Location and getting there
Address: The Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo is located along Galle Face Green in Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka. It faces the Indian Ocean and is within walking distance of the World Trade Center and the Dutch Hospital Precinct.
Airport transfer: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is approximately 35 km north. Taxi fare is typically around LKR 4,000–6,000 (approx. US$12–18).
Alternatives in Colombo
- Shangri-La Colombo: A modern five-star hotel with a large infinity pool and multiple dining options, located on Galle Road.
- Cinnamon Grand Colombo: A landmark five-star property in the city centre with extensive meeting and event spaces.
- Galle Face Hotel: A historic colonial-era hotel adjacent to Galle Face Green, offering a different character and lower price point.
Our pick
For travelers planning a Colombo stay in 2026 or later, the Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo offers the best combination of prime oceanfront location and Radisson Blu’s reliable five-star service. Business travelers and luxury seekers will benefit from the central location and brand standards. However, until the refurbishment is complete and reviews emerge, the Shangri-La Colombo remains the safest bet for immediate booking. The Galadari’s legacy and ambitious transformation make it a property to watch.
Related reading: New World Makati Hotel Review: 5-Star, New Owner & Rates 2025 · Shangri-La Bangkok Review: Is This 5-Star Hotel Worth It
Frequently asked questions
What is the official address of Galadari Hotel?
The hotel is located on Galle Face Green in Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka. It is listed on the Radisson Blu website as an oceanfront property.
Does Galadari Hotel offer a buffet?
Pre-refurbishment, the hotel offered a buffet at its main restaurant. The new Radisson Blu concept will include updated F&B offerings, but the specific buffet details have not been announced yet.
What restaurants are available at Galadari Hotel?
Previous amenities included multiple restaurants, a poolside bar, and a sauna. The rebranded hotel is expected to retain or upgrade these facilities, but exact restaurant names are not yet confirmed.
Is Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo the same as the original Galadari Hotel?
Yes, it is the same physical property, now being extensively refurbished and managed by Radisson Hotels under a Hotel Management Agreement. The ownership remains with Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC.
What is the Galadari Hotel phone number?
A specific phone number is not publicly available during the closure period. The Radisson Blu website provides a general contact form for inquiries.
What happened that led to the rebranding?
The Galadari Brothers sought a global brand partner to reposition the property. After initial talks with Marriott, they signed a Hotel Management Agreement with Radisson on 1 May 2023, leading to the current US$48.5 million refurbishment and rebranding.
Are there other luxury hotels near Galadari Hotel in Colombo?
Yes, Shangri-La Colombo and Cinnamon Grand Colombo are within a 1-2 km radius. The Galle Face Hotel is directly adjacent.