Laya Safari

4.0 star property
VIP Access

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Laya Safari

Front of property
Beach bar
View from property
Property amenity
Front of property – evening/night

Reviews

8.2 out of 10

Very good

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Palatupana, Yala, Thissamaharama
  • Yala National Park
    8 min drive
  • Kirinda Temple
    18 min drive
  • restaurant@jetwingyala
    7 min walk
  • Main Restaurant
    7 min walk
VIP Access
Curated for quality and service, VIP Access stays consistently receive our highest guest ratings.
  • Expect exceptional service
  • Extra savings and perks for BONUS+ members

Room options

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

  • 57 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed

Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View

  • 61 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

Similar properties

About this property

Laya Safari

Family-friendly fun at the beach, with outdoor pool
At Laya Safari, relax by an outdoor pool or hit the beach where you can enjoy volleyball.
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.

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.
During your stay at Laya Safari, you'll be close to Palatupana Beach. Free WiFi in public areas, free self parking, and an outdoor pool are available.
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self parking
  • Options for a bite to eat or a refreshing drink include a coffee shop, a restaurant, a beach bar, and a poolside bar
  • Full breakfast served daily for a fee
  • Take a swim in the outdoor pool
  • Services include dry cleaning/laundry, a concierge, and tour or ticket assistance
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym, volleyball, and a playground
  • 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Yala National Park and 4.5 mi (7.2 km) from Palatupana Beach
  • Airport shuttle service available for a fee
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 Thissamaharama hotel.

For a fee, guests can enjoy full breakfast daily from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM.
Laya Safari has a restaurant on site.
Room service (during limited hours) is available.

All-inclusive details

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

Languages

English, Russian

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and public transport

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

Food and drink

  • Full breakfast available for a fee daily 7:30 AM–10:00 AM: USD 14 for adults and USD 10 for children
  • 1 restaurant and 1 coffee shop/cafe
  • 1 beach bar, 1 poolside bar and 1 bar
  • Room service available

Things to do

  • Beach volleyball
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Children's pool
  • Fitness centre
  • Outdoor pool
  • Playground
  • Private winery tours
  • Spa services

Family friendly

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

Conveniences

  • Banquet hall
  • Lift
  • Front-desk safe
  • Lockers available
  • Newspapers in reception

Guest services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Dry-cleaning service
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Turndown service

Business services

  • Business centre
  • Meeting rooms

Outdoors

  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beachfront location
  • Free pool cabanas
  • Garden
  • Pool sunloungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Terrace

Spa

  • 2 treatment rooms
  • Couples treatment room(s)
  • Massage - on the beach
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Outdoor treatment areas

Accessibility

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

More

  • Beach towels
  • Couples dining
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Romance packages available

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Bed sheets
  • Blackout drapes/curtains
  • Down duvet
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Dressing gowns
  • Deep-soaking bath
  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Rainfall showerhead
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Towels

Entertainment

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Satellite channels

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Minibar

More

  • Desk
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Slippers
  • Turndown service

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

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.

Payment types at the property

Important information

Fees

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

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

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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 security system, and a first aid kit
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival.

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

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 17 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 138 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 138 reviews" "

8.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.4/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

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

10/10 Excellent

Andre

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

8/10 Good

Deepak

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

8/10 Good

Tanya

Travelled with family, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Nice hotel and friendly staff 值得推薦給華人的酒店,他們很重視華人的業務,不會有歧視行為;對我們的要求很有耐性的解決。
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
We arrived at 11pm and went on safari at 4:45am so didn’t really spend time here. It was ok for a bed for the night.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My partner and I just spent two weeks in Sri Lanka staying at hotels with similar prices as Laya - Laya was by far the worst one. The hotel is operated by the military - likely seized after the civil war. It has a creepy vibe. We went for a walk and were followed on the beach. The property has not been maintained and is derelict and in disarray - broken boards, black mold on the blinds in the room. The restaurant is very expensive and almost inedible. We waited 1.25 hours for lunch one day. Safari's are overpriced compared to what you can get elsewhere. Do not stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ahmed

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
All inclusive safari stay
Everything was really impressive unless the swimming was prohibited 🚫 on this dangerous beach
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I liked the beautiful nature around the hotel.. I can not recommend this hotel.
Stayed 8 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Claire

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Right on the beach, nice big shower. And nice big room
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The catering was nowhere as good as last time. We understood that the hotel was suffering after the terrorist attacks, but the food was not good. A simpler menu with more fresh food could have been provided, rather than trying to keep the whole menu and failing to do individual choices. I’m sure normal standards will come back when more visitors do.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019