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Laya Safari

4.0 star property
4-star beachfront hotel near Yala National Park

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Photo gallery for Laya Safari

Front of property
Restaurant
View from property
Property grounds
Front of property - evening/night

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • All-inclusive
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • Breakfast available

Explore the area

View in a map
Palatupana, Yala, Thissamaharama
  • Place, Palatupana Beach
  • Place, Yala National Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Kirinda Beach
    ‪20 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

  • 57 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View

Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View

Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View

8.0 out of 10
Very good
(2 reviews)
  • 61 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

About the area

Palatupana

Beachside getaway.At this Palatupana hotel, you'll be within 3 miles (5 km) of Yala National Park and 6 miles (10 km) of Palatupana Beach. Also within 9 miles (15 km) are Kirinda Beach and Kirinda Temple.

What's nearby

  • Yala National Park - 9 min drive - 5.2 km
  • Kirinda Beach - 20 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Kirinda Temple - 20 min drive - 14.5 km
  • Tissa Lake - 29 min drive - 23.6 km
  • Kataragama Temple - 49 min drive - 43.3 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe Culture - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Thaulle Beach Restaurant - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪restaurant@jetwingyala - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Yala Addara - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Wild Coast Tended Lodge Restaurant - ‬12 min drive

About this property

Laya Safari

4-star beachfront hotel near Yala National Park
Some rates at Laya Safari are all-inclusive. These rates include onsite meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages, and other amenities.

Lie back and work on your tan with relaxing beach amenities like umbrellas and sun loungers. After a day at the beach, enjoy amenities at Laya Safari like an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a fitness center.

Along with a restaurant, there's a coffee shop/cafe on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a beach bar, a poolside bar, and a bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. This beach hotel also offers a garden and a terrace. Free self parking is available.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this 4-star Palatupana hotel.

  • 22 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • 15 buildings
  • Meeting rooms
  • Built in 2012
  • Beach lounge chairs
  • Towels for the beach
  • Umbrellas for the beach
  • Cabanas by the pool (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Umbrellas for the pool
  • Business facilities
  • Breakfast available (surcharge)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (24 hours)
  • Express check-out
  • Storage area for luggage
  • Front-desk safe
  • Tour and ticket information
  • Concierge
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Newspapers for purchase
  • Elevator
  • Smoking in designated areas
  • Lockers available
  • Bar or lounge
  • Bar on the beach
  • Coffee shop
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Laya Safari offers 22 accommodations with minibars and safes. Rooms open to balconies or patios. Accommodations offer separate sitting areas and include desks. Beds feature down comforters and premium bedding. Flat-screen televisions come with satellite channels.

Bathrooms include separate bathtubs and showers with deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Bathrooms are also outfitted with bathrobes, slippers, and complimentary toiletries. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wireless Internet access. Additionally, rooms include complimentary bottled water and coffee/tea makers. Irons/ironing boards and hair dryers can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered daily.

Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the onsite spa services. There are 2 treatment rooms including rooms for couples and outdoor treatment areas.

Similar properties

Exterior
Cinnamon Wild Yala
  • Pool
  • All-inclusive
  • Kids pool
  • Parking included
4.5 out of 5, Wonderful, 214 reviews
The price is CA $306
CA $397 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Cinnamon Wild Yala

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • Children's pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Free self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM for a fee: USD 14 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • A bar/lounge
  • A beach bar
  • A coffee shop/cafe
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant
  • Couples/private dining

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Children's pool
  • Gym
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Private wine tours

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Down comforter
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Bathrobes
  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Limited room service
  • Minibar

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
Minimum check-in age: 16

Check-out

Check-out before noon
Late check-out subject to availability
A late check-out fee will be charged
Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Laya Safari

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Kids stay free! Up to 2 children 1 year old and younger stay free when using existing bedding.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10 per night.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

Guests will be asked to pay the following charges at the property:

  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 60
  • Christmas Eve (December 24) Gala Dinner per child: USD 30 (from 3 to 11 years old)
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per adult: USD 60
  • New Year's Eve (December 31) Gala Dinner per child: USD 30 (from 3 to 11 years old)

We've listed all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately USD 14 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • Late check-out is available for a fee (subject to availability)
  • Rollaway bed fee: USD 10 per night

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children. If you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room. The name on the credit card used at check-in to pay for incidentals must be the primary name on the guestroom reservation. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, debit cards, and cash.
    For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Up to 2 children 1 year old and younger stay free in the same room as the parent or guardian when using existing bedding.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Laya Safari Hotel Kirinda
Laya Safari Hotel
Laya Safari Kirinda
Laya Safari
Laya Safari Hotel Palatupana
Laya Safari Hotel Tissamaharama
Laya Safari Tissamaharama
Hotel Laya Safari Tissamaharama
Tissamaharama Laya Safari Hotel
Hotel Laya Safari
Laya Safari Hotel
Laya Safari Tissamaharama
Laya Safari Hotel
Laya Safari Thissamaharama
Laya Safari Hotel Thissamaharama

Laya Safari Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 149 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 149 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 149 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 149 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 149 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.6/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

5.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

toby

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Reception staff were extreemely helpful and friendly
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

A 2-star catfishing as a 4-star

Despite being told we had “the best room”, the blinds were broken, the walls were peeling, the shower was broken, the bathroom was mouldy, and the fridge was broken. For dinner, we ordered lamb and mash potato as we had seen an image online that looked great. When it arrived, there were chips on the plate and the lamb was full of bones and fat which made it inedible. The next day, we had to meet our safari driver at 5am. However, when we tried to go through to reception, all of the doors were locked and the lights turned off. This is different to the 24/7 reception advertised. We had to walk around the building in the pitch black. The welcome letter said to watch out for poisonous snakes and elephants. This was an extremely stressful moment, particularly as two young women in the middle of nowhere. We spoke to the general manager who was originally apologetic and agreed that renovations were necessary. However, when we requested a partial refund to reflect the quality of service, he started interrupting us and lying that someone was on reception at 5am. What is worse is they refused to get it up on CCTV. Upon our departure, the general manager decided to go outside and speak to our driver. He complained about us which again made us feel unsafe. It’s a shame because some staff were lovely, and the swimming pool and beach front are nice – but the only thing 4-star about this hotel are the prices. They have still refused our refund request and Hotels.com have been useless.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

Maciej

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities, property conditions & facilities
Avoid. Derelict, ghost hotel, with crumbling infrastructure. Although staff are nice and helpful. Stayed March 2025.

2/10 Terrible

Michael

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
DO NOT STAY HERE. This is not a four star hotel. However they charge that way. Our room was filthy when we checked in. It did not looked like it had been cleaned in over a month. No hot water in main shower head. Electricity went out in middle of the night. Blinds broke and fell from wall leaving dust and dead bugs everywhere. The pictures told a story of a beautiful resort. It is no longer that. I have never written a bad review before. When we complained to the GM on departure (after telling staff of issues throughout stay) he was rude and told us we should have complained earlier. The Sri Lankan people are beautiful, this man was not. There is an advertised spa service that does not exist. The staff also did not honor the Expedia Gold Status deal we signed up for. AVOID, AVOID, AVOID.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

2/10 Terrible

charlotte

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities

2/10 Terrible

Jason

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Worst hotel I have stayed in my life. The shower was barely working, the place was dirty and smelled bad. If it wasn’t for the fact that my boyfriend and I arrived super late, we would have never stayed even one night there! I don’t recommend at all
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

6/10 Okay

Steven

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Great location for safari

Great location to Yala park for safaris and as soon as we arrived they booked this for us and arranged that we had a breakfast to take due to the early start. Nice pool. It is a really nice hotel but looks like it hasn’t been updated in many years, such as a snooker table with many tares on it. Room could have been cleaner. At checkout the staff member asked us to review for them when we were still there which I didn’t like so didn’t do.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

2/10 Terrible

ramin

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025

2/10 Terrible

Priya

Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

6/10 Okay

Lalith

Travelled with partner
Didnleave the hotel after 1 day because of hot water issue
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andie

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I'll start by saying we would definitely stay here again! The property manager was a very friendly and interesting man and very helpful along with the other staff members and the rooms were incredibly spacious with a great view of the ocean! My only recommendations to the owners would be to really play up the view of the rooms and make sure the blinds are up and windows facing the ocean are freshly cleaned. Having chose this hotel over others mainly because of the amazing windows it was a little disappointing to find out that a lot of the blinds no longer worked and couldn't be opened all the way. We were there during slow season so it was very quiet and not all the facilities were open but I can imagine it's a lot of fun when it's more full. We enjoyed the quiet though. The hotel has lots going on as well, atv dune rides, swing bar, infinity pool, and very soon horses for beach and jungle rides! And the proximity to Yala is perfect. They even have a resident elephant that might wander through while you're there! I would definitely recommend this hotel!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

4/10 Poor

Radhika

Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort

Visiting Yala

We stayed here for four nights to visit Yala. The hotel is less than 10 minutes drive to the park. The service, and friendliness of the staff is superb. The view from the rooms, pool, and restaurant was beautiful. We could hear the waves crashing from our room. The wooden decks are definitely in need of replacement due to exposure to the salty ocean air, but the interior of our room was nice and comfortable. A lot of the rooms look like they were being upgraded during our stay as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

eannine, Brentwood

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing views, great food, friendly staff. The only downside is the hotel is a little tired but I would still recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020

6/10 Okay

Lei, Vancouver, Canada

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Entire place is old and run down. Repairs are desperately needed. Restaurant staff were standoff-ish and certainly not inclined to move faster than a snail. Really very disappointed in this place.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Disliked: Staff & service
Wildly overpriced with terrible food and relatively unclean premises.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

4/10 Poor

Charlotte

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

2/10 Terrible

Tanja

Travelled with group
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

2*, at MOST

The lenght of this review is directly related to my level of annoyance and irritation. 1. ROOMS The room advertised online /surrounding views is literally one of the 22 rooms - the other 21 has blinds around the entire place or everyone would look directly into their neighbours rooms. The shower also inexplicably has blinds - which has a nice gathering of black mould. Everything else in the room is old and shabby - shabby 'white' mats next to the bed, stained mustard couches, frayed towels. The bathroom window was so dirty you could barely see outside. The porch is worn out and faded, as well as the furniture. 2 pillows on the bed, with an additional 2 in the closet, sans pillow covers. The icetray was broken with hair in - still waiting for a replacement. Also the aircon was leaking and only one bedside lamp was working. 2. STAFF The young staff mean well, but has clearly not had any training - english is v v basic which can get rather frustrating. Also v unproffesional with check-in as they kept chatting in Sinhalese (I assume) and giggling like teenagers. On the first morning we returned to a dirty room at 1pm - when we called reception they informed us that we had our "Do not disturb" sign on the door - a tad impossible as we didn't even have one in the room. Also not ideal to walk out of your room and then have to step over 4 pairs of shoes that the cleaners have kicked of in front of your door. Room service is also a shambles- the wrong thing arr - see rest on TripAd
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

DTLAdj, los angeles

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Perfect location for a Yala safari. Super clean rooms and soft mattress.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

Constan

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

zing Jungle life experince

Amazing jungle life experience. Excellent beautiful hotel. Only issue was staff not picking up the phone and service was not good.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019

8/10 Good

J

Travelled with family
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Needs upkeep and modernisation. Staff are excellent though.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Diane

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic base for a safari, lots of wildlife

Stunning location right on the beach, noone else around. The room was fab, second/third floors so great view from the balcony, sunset especially. Not many guests while we were there so dinner was table d'hote, several choices, all were tasty, well presented, fresh and plentiful. Staff friendly ans attentive. Best bit is wild elephant who seems to regularly roam around the grounds, eating the palm fronds and drinking the lily pond! Also saw boar, hares, iguana, plenty birds in grounds.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019