- Glenfall sits at the more affordable end of the W15 Collection, and that’s very intentional. It caters to a niche that values great design, good service, and an excellent location, without necessarily needing the luxury trimmings
Some places don’t try too hard; they simply welcome you, quietly and sincerely. W15 Glenfall is one of those places. Nestled on a gentle hillside just minutes from the centre of Nuwara Eliya, this boutique lodge is the newest addition to the W15 Collection, known for blending local character with thoughtful hospitality. Glenfall isn’t about extravagance; it’s about understated beauty and comfort. Designed for modern travelers who value simplicity and connection, the property offers an intimate stay where mountain air softens everyday edges. Rooms are styled with quiet elegance: Standard Rooms overlook a garden full of dahlia blooms, while Deluxe Rooms offer views across the rooftops of the town. Earthy tones, soft textures, and natural materials create a warm, grounded atmosphere.
Operating as a bed-and-breakfast, Glenfall focuses on essentials done right: fresh coffee, warm pastries, personal service, and a pace that encourages unhurried mornings. A cozy library and inviting dining room add to the lodge’s charm.
More than just a retreat, Glenfall is an ideal base for exploring Nuwara Eliya, from Victoria Park and the Golf Club to waterfalls and tea estates. As Chairman Hardy Jamaldeen puts it, “Glenfall balances local charm with modern comfort, it’s a stylish city-stay that feels effortlessly connected.” “It’s not just about where you sleep,” adds Nadeera Fernando, Head of Sales. “It’s about how the place makes you feel. Glenfall gives guests the space to experience Nuwara Eliya without compromise.”
And that’s exactly what it does.
W15 Glenfall isn’t trying to be everything. It’s just trying to be what you need, and that might be its greatest strength. In a world that so often asks us to keep moving, this little corner of the highlands asks only that you slow down. So, if you find yourself heading upcountry with a full mind or a tired heart, remember there’s a quiet place just above the city, veiled in mist, ready to make you feel like you’ve come home.
In Conversation with Nadeera Fernando, Head of Sales, W15 Collection
QHow does W15 Glenfall fit into the larger W15 Collection while maintaining its own unique identity?
W15 Glenfall plays a very distinctive role within the broader W15 Collection. While our other properties focus on delivering curated experiences and high-end luxury, Glenfall serves a different, but equally important, purpose. It’s a cozy mountain lodge located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya that offers clean, comfortable, and stylish accommodation at a more accessible price point. Even though it’s more budget-friendly, Glenfall still reflects the core values that define the W15 brand, thoughtful hospitality, attention to detail, and an aesthetic consistency that runs across all our properties. Glenfall is not about frills or flash.
It’s about offering a dependable, well-run base for travelers who want to explore Nuwara Eliya without the added cost of luxury. By catering to independent travelers, families, and small groups who prioritize location, affordability, and comfort, Glenfall adds a layer of inclusivity and accessibility to the W15 portfolio. In that sense, it complements our other properties by broadening the reach of W15 hospitality.
QIn a world saturated with boutique hotels and Instagrammable spaces, how does Glenfall stay authentic rather than just aesthetic?
That’s a very relevant question in today’s hospitality landscape. What we’ve done at Glenfall is stay rooted in purpose and practicality. Our focus is not to create the most “Instagrammable” corner or the most photogenic breakfast tray. Instead, we’ve focused on what truly matters to guests who are here to explore, unwind, and make the most of the stunning hill country surroundings. The design is still stylish, it’s fresh, cozy, and reflects the cool charm of Nuwara Eliya, but it’s not trying to impress with superficial trends. It’s not performative. We embrace a quiet elegance that doesn’t scream for attention. Our authenticity comes through in the warmth of our hospitality, the cleanliness and comfort of our rooms, and the simplicity of our offerings. Our team is genuinely welcoming, not because it’s scripted, but because that’s who they are. Glenfall isn’t trying to be something it’s not, and that in itself is what makes it authentic. It’s this honesty that resonates with our guests and keeps them coming back.
QWhere does Glenfall sit within the W15 Collection’s pricing tiers and target audience, and what niche does it serve best?
Glenfall sits at the more affordable end of the W15 Collection, and that’s very intentional. It caters to a niche that values great design, good service, and an excellent location, without necessarily needing the luxury trimmings. It’s perfect for independent travelers, backpackers upgrading from hostels, young couples on a romantic hill country getaway, or even families traveling on a budget who want the security and standards of a reputable brand. Glenfall fills the gap between budget hotels that may lack consistency and upscale boutique hotels that might be financially out of reach for some. We see it as a smart and stylish alternative that allows guests to experience the W15 brand without breaking the bank. And because it’s centrally located, it also attracts guests who want to be right in the heart of Nuwara Eliya’s action, close to Gregory Lake, restaurants, shops, and hiking trails.
QIn a market where boutique stays can often feel either overpriced or underwhelming, how do you define and deliver real value at Glenfall?
At Glenfall, value is not just about the price tag, it’s about what the guest receives for that price. And that’s something we take very seriously. Real value, to us, is the ability to offer a memorable and pleasant stay that doesn’t cut corners on comfort, service, or cleanliness, even while remaining affordable. We’ve put a lot of thought into designing rooms that are compact yet cozy, minimal but functional.
The bedding is high-quality, the spaces are well-maintained, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. And above all, our team goes above and beyond to make guests feel cared for, whether it’s helping with local tips or simply remembering a returning guest’s preferences. Our location also plays a big role in delivering value. Being in the heart of Nuwara Eliya means our guests don’t have to spend on transport or waste time traveling to key attractions. Everything is within easy reach. So, when you combine convenience, quality, and the personal touch, that’s when guests feel they’ve gotten more than their money’s worth.
QWith a growing interest in experiential travel, where does Glenfall stand on that spectrum given it doesn’t offer curated experiences?
That’s an interesting aspect of Glenfall’s identity. While we don’t offer curated experiences on-site in the way some of our other W15 properties do, we still play a vital role in the experiential travel space by serving as a smart and strategic base from which travelers can create their own adventures. Nuwara Eliya is rich with experiences, be it visiting a tea estate, hiking through Horton Plains, boating on Gregory Lake, or strolling through Victoria Park. Glenfall allows guests to access all of this effortlessly. Our role is to provide them with a comfortable, convenient home-away-from-home where they can relax after a day of exploration. We also assist guests with recommendations, local partnerships, and information to help them make the most of their time here. So, in that sense, while we may not curate the experience, we absolutely facilitate it.
QLooking ahead, how do you see Glenfall evolving within the W15 portfolio?
The core identity of Glenfall, simple, stylish, accessible, will remain. That’s its strength. But we’re always listening to our guests and looking for ways to enhance the experience while staying true to the ethos of the property. You might see some thoughtful upgrades in the future, maybe a cozier lounge area, a small café, or even new room categories. But we’ll never lose sight of what makes Glenfall special. Its role within the W15 Collection is clear: to provide quality and value in a format that’s approachable and grounded. As we expand the W15 brand, Glenfall will continue to be a vital part of that story, offering smart stays for smart travelers.
