Laya Safari

4.0 star property
Palatupana beachfront hotel with outdoor pool and restaurant

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Photo gallery for Laya Safari

Front of property
Restaurant
Property grounds
Front of property - evening/night
View from property
Laya Safari offers a serene beachside escape with a poolside bar, beach massages, and sun loungers on the white sand. Relax at the outdoor treatment areas or enjoy activities like beach volleyball and unwind with in-room WiFi, coffee shop treats.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Airport transfer
  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Pool
  • Gym
  • 24/7 front desk

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • Restaurant and bar/lounge
  • Outdoor pool
  • Breakfast available
  • Fitness center
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Children's pool
  • Beach bar
  • Pool bar

For families (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Children's pool
  • Playground on site
  • Rollaway/extra beds
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower

Why we love this property

Beach bliss awaits
Feel the soft white sand of this hotel's beach. Unwind on loungers under umbrellas, play volleyball, or relax with beachside massages and drinks.
Spa serenity escape
Lush gardens surround this hotel's spa offering couples treatments and outdoor services. Deep soaking tubs and beachside massages provide perfect relaxation.
Fine dining options
Culinary adventures unfold at a restaurant, bar, and cafe. Couples can enjoy private dining experiences or embark on exclusive wine tours.

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Deep soaking bathtub
  • 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)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout drapes/curtains
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 656 sq ft
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

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About the neighborhood

Map
Palatupana, Yala, Thissamaharama

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

Getting around

  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)

Restaurants

  • ‪Cafe Culture - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Thaulle Beach Restaurant - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪restaurant@jetwingyala - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Crab House Seafood Restaurant - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Roof bar Chaaya Wild - ‬10 min drive

About this property

Laya Safari

At Laya Safari, you can spend time at the beach enjoying beach umbrellas, beach massages, and volleyball, plus you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Yala National Park. The outdoor pool provides fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can indulge in spa services. The coffee shop/cafe is a great spot for a bite to eat and cold drinks are served at the bar/lounge. Other features include a beach bar, a fitness center, and a children's pool.

All inclusive

All-inclusive room rates at Laya Safari are available. These rates are higher because they include onsite food and beverages in the room rate (some restrictions may apply).

Land activities

Fitness facilities

Entertainment

Onsite live performances

At a glance

DONE

Hotel size

    • 22 rooms
    • Arranged over 2 floors
DONE

Arriving/Leaving

    • Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight
    • Express check-out available
    • Minimum check-in age: 16
    • Check-out time is noon
    • Late check-out subject to availability
DONE

Special check-in instructions

    • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
DONE

Required at check-in

    • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
    • Government-issued photo ID may be required
    • Minimum check-in age is 16
DONE

Children

    • Up to 2 children (1 year old and younger) stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
    • No cribs (infant beds)
DONE

Pets

    • No pets or service animals allowed
WIFI

Internet

    • Free WiFi in public areas
    • Free WiFi in rooms
LOCAL_PARKING

Parking

    • Free onsite self parking
    • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
DONE

Transfers

    • Airport shuttle*
DONE

Other information

    • Designated smoking areas

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:30 AM–10:00 AM
  • Restaurant
  • Bar/lounge
  • Beach bar
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee shop
  • Barbecue grills
  • Private dining
  • Room service (limited hours)

Traveling with children

  • Children stay free (see details)
  • Children's pool
  • Playground

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Beach volleyball
  • Private winery tours
  • Pool table

Working away

  • Business center
  • Meeting rooms

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Luggage storage
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Beach sun loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 15 buildings/towers
  • Built in 2012
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Terrace
  • Fitness center
  • An outdoor pool
  • Spa services
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Lockers available
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • Flat-screen television
  • Satellite TV channels

Home comfort

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)

Sleep well

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

What to enjoy

  • Balcony or patio
  • Separate sitting area

Freshen up

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

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free WiFi

Food and drink

  • Free bottled water

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe

Special features

Spa

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

Fees & policies

Mandatory fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges by the property at check-in or check-out. Fees may include applicable taxes:
  • 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)

Optional extras

  • Full breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately USD 14 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • Rollaway beds are available for USD 10 per night

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Reservations are required for spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

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.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system, and a first aid kit on site.
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.
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard, American Express

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

Does Laya Safari offer free cancellation for a full refund?

Yes, Laya Safari does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.

Is there a pool at Laya Safari?

Yes, there's an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Are pets allowed at Laya Safari?

Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.

Is parking offered on site at Laya Safari?

Yes, there's free self parking.

Is airport shuttle service offered by Laya Safari?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Laya Safari?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; Check-in end time: midnight. Check-out time is noon. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability). Express check-out is available.

What is there to do at Laya Safari and nearby?

Have fun during the warmer months with activities such as volleyball. Enjoy a swim in the outdoor pool or use the hotel's other amenities, which include a fitness center and spa services. Laya Safari also has a garden.

Are there restaurants at or near Laya Safari?

Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.

Does Laya Safari have rooms with private hot tubs?

Yes, each room has a deep soaking bathtub.

Does Laya Safari have any outdoor private spaces?

Yes, every room features a balcony or patio.

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Laya Safari Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

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 Exceptional

Great Hotel

Great location overall. Nice place to stay to plan a safari at Yala Park.
Alain, 2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Beautiful location, and gorgeous rooms. Staff are very friendly
Annie, 1-night trip

2/10 Poor

Avoid. Derelict, ghost hotel, with crumbling infrastructure. Although staff are nice and helpful. Stayed March 2025.

8/10 Very good

It was a great trip with 4 family! The hotel is clean and nice. Worth every penny.

10/10 Exceptional

Amazing

Very good very nice rooms n awesome food n service

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent hotel for safari

Fantastic hotel, rooms are very spacious and well designed to make the most of the amazing views out to sea. The pool is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. Very close to the entrance to the national park.

10/10 Exceptional

Great hotel, right on beach and very convenient for Safari Park and Bird Safari. Staff are outstanding, food exceptional. Very impressed.
Jlly, 4-night trip

8/10 Very good

This is a great place to stay if you are planning to visit the national park at Yala. The staff are great and the facilities are good. The food in the restaurant is quite good. The only negative is that the resort is starting to show signs of aging and wear but you shouldn’t put you off, It’s still a good value place to stay
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Yala

Laya Safari was a great hotel in a remote area. The staff was very accommodating, filling all of our requests. Great swimming pool, good food and very nice beach best for taking long walks. I wish I had more time to stay longer and would recommend this hotel if Yala is on the itinerary.

10/10 Exceptional

Good times!

Staff was helpful, rooms were very clean. Pool was a little dated, and service was a bit slow sometimes, but very accommodating. All-in-all we had a great time. View was beautiful!! Beachfront was gorgeous with wonderful crashing waves.

10/10 Exceptional

Excellent experience. We got a room next to the beach, very unexpected place next to the jungle. Room is quite nice and comfortable, can hear the waves at our porch. Hotel staff are Super helpful, and very friendly. Will definitely go back again
2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Ok stay

Laya Safari was ok shower bathroom and bed nice. Pretty run down but nice ocean views very windy during the day. Pool was lovely and staff very friendly. Food was not so great very basic. Breakfast buffet better.
Kylie, 2-night trip

8/10 Very good

Amazing hotel loved the room and location to safari park beautiful infinity pool. No complaints on location and room. Food awful and very expensive service terrible in restaurant, we eWorld have stayed an extra night if food was better Also peeping tom hanging around rooms at night. With torch to keep animals away
1-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

A must stay

Customer service, the restaurant, hotel and facilities was fantastic and immaculate. The hotel overlooks the beach which was a great way to spend the mornings and the pool was a great way to end the evening. From the moment we arrived we felt welcome and the hotel staff were extremely courteous, they offered to have breakfasts ready at 5am for our safari which made our stay here memorable. My friend and I have been boasting about this hotel and would like to bring our families and friends back to Laya. Thank you for such an amazing experience.

8/10 Very good

Great location for Yala Safari

Very nice hotel in a great location for Safari at Yala National Park. Staff were very friendly and helpful. Room was really nice with a comfortable bed, lounge area and great shower. One downfall was that during a storm some water came into the room but staff cleaned this up promptly and was understandable given volume of rain. The pool was really nice and very clean. I was disappointed with the food, the menu was quite westernised and tasted ok, would’ve preferred a traditional menu.
Gary, 2-night trip

6/10 Good

Decent hotel close to Yala

We stayed one night at Laya Safari. We chose the hotel based on location, since we were doing a safari in Yala early the morning after. The hotel is really just a 10 minutes drive to the national park, which was very convenient. We were a bit surprised of the condition of the hotel, it looks great on the pictures, but we felt that it was a bit worn down in comparison. However, the room was clean and comfortable, so for a night it was definitely OK. The view from the balcony was fantastic! Clear view of the ocean. The beach is really nice for a walk, but a bit rough sea to swim (December). There are also other hotel options in the exact same area that I would explore for another visit.

6/10 Good

beautiful hotel but maintenance needed!

+ beautiful design of the hotel, semi loft style with great sea views through glass walls of three directions, sea view bath tub + great location by the sea with infinity swimming pool + clean bedding and towels, good housekeeping + friendly and helpful staff - buildings are glass wall structured villas with great view, please clean the glasses... I needed to wash inner side of the window/wall by the bathtub so that i could actually enjoy the view but of course outer side is still not clean.. - maintenance (for wooden this and that, curtain shades, glass doors etc) is mandatory to keep the great design shine!! it's really a pity that such a nice hotel gets worn-out.
2-night trip

4/10 Fair

We liked the bar and the wifi.but the room was dlapilated and need renovation.bed linnen and towels need replacement. Even though its a beach front hotel we werenot allowed to swim as the beach was red flagged 24 hrs. We wouldn't have booked if the beach was not available, Toomany safari jeeps inthe park pollutiing the animals.Suggest restrict the jeepsand increase the passengers in the jeep some jeepscarry only1 person when ithas 10 seats.
2-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Spent 3 nights at this beautiful hotel with excellent location and all rooms looking out to sea, Close to Yala National Park - 15 minutes. An eventful hotel with wildlife inside the hotel grounds, Wild Boar by veranda, iguanas, hares etc and the sound of firecrackers at night to ward off the elephants. Feel of safari and yet safe. Room very nice and comfortable with slight problem of no hot water first night but this fixed and from then on no problems. AC, Fridge, coffee making facility all good and no mosquito bites. Restaurant and Bar good service and not over priced. Large choice of Food and all was presented very well. Pool very good. Bathroom good with view from bath looking out to the beach and sea. Bathroom could be improved with a tiled floor and wall with better pointing of the existing feature tiles. Quite remote so best to get any necessaties before you arrive. Hotel provides accommodation and food etc for any driver you may have so your vehicle is not far away. Overall considering value for money I would grade 9 out of 10, only lost point for no hot water first night.
Jeff, 3-night trip

6/10 Good

Okay stay

At first we were really excited to be ar Laya Safari but after another look the place looked like it’s dying. It didn’t help that there weren’t so many tourists there at the time. The deluxe room was quite nice but the lighting was poor and the white curtains had a lot of stains on them which had a lot of impact on the overall feeling. There were also a lot of short power cuts and many things had been left unrepaired. The pool area has once been magnificent but had rusty parts now and you couldn’t swim in the sea because it is too rocky. We had several meals in the restaurant. It seemed like my husband’s pizza was convenience food and the curries were not to our taste either. The service was good though. Perhaps others will have a more enjoyable stay when the place is more lively but for us it felt like a depressing place.
3-night trip

10/10 Exceptional

Reception staff were extreemely helpful and friendly
toby, 2-night trip

4/10 Fair

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.
2-night trip

2/10 Poor

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.
Michael, 3-night trip

2/10 Poor

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
Jason, 1-night trip

6/10 Good

ScriLanka 2025

Hotellet fremstår slidt, bruserne virkede ikke, vi måtte bede om rengøring og rene håndklæder. Sengene var gode, udsigten fra værelset fantastisk og poole var også super fin.
Kirsten, 2-night trip