The Postcard Galle

This was our first stay at a Postcard property, and the format is genuinely unique. It feels closer to a premium homestay than a hotel. It's a very small property, I don't think they had more than 12 to 15 rooms.

Room: Ours was a duplex, easily 600 to 700 sq ft, with a double height ceiling and a really nice outdoor seating area with a balcony. The design is the best thing about this place. My wife and I completely loved how beautiful it looked. Really, really nice design.

Food: Great across the board. The local cuisine was excellent and we loved that. Breakfast is à la carte and they bring it up to the room, to a nice sitting area where we'd have it. A mix of local, Indian and continental, and all of it was delicious.

Where it falls short: The Postcard is a 4-star hotel masquerading as a luxury hotel, and a few things gave it away.

The curtains. They let in way too much light, which you just don't expect at this price point. It was very difficult to sleep past 6 or 7 am because the room would get really, really bright. The air conditioning. No central AC, just units. Our room was large with a double height ceiling, and even two units couldn't cool it properly at night. Fine during the day, but under a thick duvet at night it was nowhere near cool enough. The bathroom. Uncharacteristically average. The rest of the hotel is designed really well, but the bathroom felt like a 3-star hotel. Dual sinks, but extremely tiny ones, and the sink top had almost no usable space. Large bathroom, poor finishing and features. Pool service. We spent a lot of time in the pool and there was almost never anyone around to take an order. We could only order while walking towards the pool. Once we were in, if we wanted anything, I'd have to get out and walk to the reception to place the order. The phone. It worked intermittently during our entire stay and I had to complain multiple times to get it fixed. I happened to have the GM's number, so I'd just call him directly for anything. Not ideal. A lot of the general touches and finishes just aren't premium.

Things to keep in mind: There's a place of worship close to the property, and it broadcasts early morning prayers at around 5 am. It's audible in the room and the sound it will very likely wake you up. Bring an eye mask and earplugs if you're a light sleeper.

The one thing they absolutely nailed: I'd forgotten my contact lens solution at home and only realised after boarding my flight. I wrote to them asking if they could source it, and they did. They sent someone 45 minutes away to a different city to get it. I know how hard that was, because on the way in I stopped at every medical shop and none of them had it. Genuinely appreciated the effort.

Sunshine Club: I hold Platinum status and it got us free laundry, which we used to get some clothes ironed. I'm also supposed to earn points on the cash component of the spend, but that hasn't credited yet. Not bothered enough to chase them for it.

Verdict: Pretty decent stay. Think of it as a more premium Airbnb than a luxury hotel. Beautiful design, great food, small and personal, but the hardware and service don't hold up to what they're charging. We'd go back only if it's free or on vouchers.

Awesome place, awesome hospitality, great people! Can’t have any complaints whatsoever. It’s a must visit boutique hotel. Thank you Mr. Abhed and Team for your awesome hospitality. I will cherish these memories forever. Hope I comeback here.