Laya Safari

4.0 star property
Family-friendly beachfront location with outdoor pool
VIP Access

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Laya Safari

Relax by the serene pool surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.
Relax amidst lush tropical plants and scenic views from the multi-level building's balcony.
Relax in a beachside gazebo with comfortable seating and ambient lighting.
Guests can enjoy meals and drinks in this beachside dining area.
Experience modern living in a peaceful, green environment with spacious units and balconies.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Palatupana, Yala, Thissamaharama
  • Palatupana Beach
  • Yala National Park
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Kirinda Beach
    ‪20 min drive‬
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for Rewards members

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Room options

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

  • 614 sq ft
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View

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

About the neighborhood

Palatupana

Laya Safari places you 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Yala National Park. This 4-star hotel has 22 guestrooms and offers an outdoor pool, free in-room WiFi, and free self parking.

What's nearby

  • Yala National Park - 9 min drive - 3.2 miles
  • Kirinda Beach - 20 min drive - 9.1 miles
  • Tissamaharama Raja Maha Vihara - 29 min drive - 14.3 miles
  • Tissa Lake - 29 min drive - 14.7 miles
  • Kataragama Temple - 49 min drive - 26.9 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪restaurant@jetwingyala - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Bar at Jetwing Yala - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Roof Top Bar @ Cinnamon Wild Yala - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Main Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • Laya Safari - Restaurant

About this property

Laya Safari

Family-friendly beachfront location with outdoor pool
Laya Safari features an outdoor pool, a children's pool, and a gym. You can take advantage of free parking, along with an airport shuttle for a fee. The front desk is staffed 24/7 to help with securing valuables, access to locker space, and luggage storage. Other amenities at this beach hotel include free WiFi in public areas, meeting rooms, and a business center.
Flat-screen TVs come with satellite channels, and free WiFi keeps guests connected. Beds sport premium bedding and down comforters, and bathrooms offer deep soaking tubs, rainfall showers, free toiletries, and slippers. Balconies or patios, sitting areas, and minibars are other standard amenities.
An outdoor pool and a children's pool are on site. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or nearby; fees may apply.

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

Languages

English, Hindi, Russian

Similar properties

Property amenities

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

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Lockers
  • Luggage storage
  • Newspapers in lobby
  • Safe at front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Tour and ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Garden
  • On the beach
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Outdoor treatment areas

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

More

  • 15 buildings
  • 2 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 2012
  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

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

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV with satellite channels

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets or service animals

Children and extra beds

  • Up to 2 kids 1 year old and younger stay free when using existing bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10 per night

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay these 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)

These are all of the charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

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

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
  • Check-in: 2 PM
  • Check-out: noon
  • Minimum check-in age: 16
The front desk is open 24 hours a day, and checking out is easy with express services. For convenient arrivals and departures, you can take advantage of the airport shuttle (fees apply). Driving? This property offers free parking.

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • 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.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, and cash.
  • The credit card used at check-in for incidentals must be in the name of the primary guest who made the reservation.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit.

Additional information about polices, regulations, and more:

  • Reservations need to be made in advance for spa treatments. Contact the hotel at the phone number listed on your booking confirmation.
  • No cribs or infant beds are available.

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

Frequently asked questions

Are free cancellation options available at Laya Safari?

Laya Safari offers free cancellation on select room rates. For specific requirements, take a look at the cancellation policy on our site.

What is there to do close to Laya Safari?

This hotel is located in Palatupana, close to Kirinda Beach, Palatupana Beach, and Kirinda Temple. Yala National Park is also within a driving distance of 2.7 mi.

Is parking available on site at Laya Safari?

Yes, self parking is offered for free at the hotel. Accessible parking is also available for guests.

Is there a spa at Laya Safari?

Spa services at the hotel include beach massages and couples treatments.

Does Laya Safari feature a casino?

No, Laya Safari doesn't have a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at Laya Safari?

No, this hotel doesn't have an indoor pool; however, there is an outdoor pool.

Is Laya Safari a good place to stay for couples?

This beachfront hotel offers many amenities for couples such as a beach bar and an outdoor pool with some guestrooms featuring private plunge pools.

Does Laya Safari have a hot tub?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this hotel.

Does Laya Safari have a restaurant with a breakfast menu?

Yes, Laya Safari serves a full breakfast each morning for a surcharge from its restaurant.

Will Laya Safari allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets and service animals aren't allowed at Laya Safari.

Does Laya Safari have connecting rooms?

No, this hotel doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Laya Safari?

Yes, every guestroom at Laya Safari comes with a balcony with some featuring sea or garden views.

Laya Safari Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 148 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 148 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 19 out of 148 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 14 out of 148 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 12 out of 148 reviews

8.0/10

Cleanliness

8.4/10

Staff & service

6.6/10

Amenities

7.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

4.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

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

10/10 Excellent

Andie

Traveled 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 traveler

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 traveler

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

10/10 Excellent

eannine, Brentwood

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

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 traveler

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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

Traveled 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 traveler

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Andre

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Wonderful location. Service excellent.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019