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Laya Safari

4.0 star property
Family fun at the shore
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Laya Safari

Front of property
View from property
Front of property - evening/night
Beach bar
Property amenity
VIP Access

Reviews

8.2 out of 10

Very good

Popular amenities

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

Perks for members at select top-rated stays

Our Silver and Gold members get perks at select VIP Access properties, on top of exceptional service.
Silver tier member
A perk like food and drink extras, free breakfast, or parking credits
Gold tier member
Room upgrades when available, plus Silver perks

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 2 of 2 rooms

View all photos for Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

Jungle Retreat (Standard Double Room)

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Premium bedding
Bathrobes
  • 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

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Private plunge pool
Air conditioning
Flat-screen TV
Blackout curtains
Down duvet
Premium bedding
  • 61 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Similar properties

Exterior
DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort
Pool
Spa
Kids pool
Parking included
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (38)
The price is NZ$266
includes taxes & fees
5 Dec - 6 Dec
DoubleTree by Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort
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About the area

Map
Palatupana, Yala, Thissamaharama

What's nearby

  • Yala National Park - 8 min drive - 4.4 km
  • Palatupana Beach - 18 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Kirinda Beach - 23 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Tissa Lake - 26 min drive - 21.5 km
  • Kataragama Temple Complex - 44 min drive - 38.7 km

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

Upscale family-friendly hotel near Yala National Park
A beach bar, a poolside bar and a terrace are just a few of the amenities provided at Laya Safari. With a white sand beach, beach massages and sunloungers, this hotel is the perfect place to soak up some sun. For some rest and relaxation, visit the outdoor treatment areas. Enjoy the gym, as well as activities such as beach volleyball. Free in-room WiFi is available to all guests, along with a coffee shop/cafe and a garden.
You'll also enjoy perks such as:
  • An outdoor pool and a children's pool, with free cabanas, sunloungers and pool umbrellas
  • Free self-parking
  • Full breakfast (surcharge), a round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge) and express check-out
  • A front desk safe, luggage storage and a lift
Room features
All guest rooms at Laya Safari have comforts, such as premium bedding and air conditioning, in addition to perks, such as separate sitting areas and dressing gowns.
More conveniences in all rooms include:
  • Down duvets and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
  • Bathrooms with rainfall showers and deep-soaking baths
  • Flat-screen TVs with satellite channels
  • Balconies or patios, separate sitting areas and electric kettles

All-inclusive details

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

Land activities

Fitness facilities

Entertainment

On-site live performances

Languages

English, Russian

Property amenities

Internet

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

Parking and transport

  • Return 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

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 centre
  • 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.
  • Lift
  • 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

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Dressing gowns
  • 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

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

No pets or service animals allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
2 children, up to the age of 1, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room
Rollaway/extra beds are available for USD 10 per night.
Cots (infant beds) are not available

Payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • 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 have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

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

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may 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 security system and a first aid kit

We should mention

Reservations are required for spa treatments; reservations can be made by contacting the property prior to arrival, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property

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

Does Laya Safari have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool and a children's pool.

Is Laya Safari pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Laya Safari?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Laya Safari?

Check-in start time: 2 PM; check-in end time: midnight.

What time is check-out at Laya Safari?

Checkout is at noon. Late checkout is available for a fee (subject to availability).

Does Laya Safari provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle.

Are there all-inclusive benefits at Laya Safari?

Some rate plans available at this property are all-inclusive.

Where is Laya Safari located?

This Thissamaharama hotel is on the beach, 2.7 mi (4.3 km) from Yala National Park, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Palatupana Beach and Kirinda Beach. Kirinda Temple and Patanangala Tsunami Memorial are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Laya Safari Reviews

Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 137 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 41 out of 137 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 16 out of 137 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 12 out of 137 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 6 out of 137 reviews" "

8.4/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

7.2/10

Amenities

7.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

6.6/10

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