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Leijay Garden Retreat

3.0 star property
Travelers lounge by the outdoor pool or unwind at the spa while enjoying books from the library at this oceanfront retreat

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Photo gallery for Leijay Garden Retreat

Outdoor pool - Leijay Garden Retreat (Galle)
Garden - Leijay Garden Retreat (Galle)
Garden - Leijay Garden Retreat (Galle)
View from room - Leijay Garden Retreat (Galle)
Interior entrance - Leijay Garden Retreat (Galle)
Leijay Garden Retreat, by the ocean, offers a peaceful getaway. Guests can relax with books from the library or enjoy spa services. The outdoor pool with sun loungers provides another spot to unwind, and free WiFi keeps everyone connected in their rooms.

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 5 of 5 rooms

View all photos for Triple Room with Pool View

Triple Room with Pool View | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Triple Room with Pool View

  • Garden view
  • 21 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed and 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Double Room, 1 Double Bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(1 review)
  • 17 sq m
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Standard Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

Standard Triple Room, 1 Bedroom | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Triple Room, 1 Bedroom

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Queen Bed and 1 Twin Bed

View all photos for Standard Triple Room

Standard Triple Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Standard Triple Room

  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

View all photos for Family Room

Family Room | Free WiFi, bed sheets

Family Room

  • Garden view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Double Bed and 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Galle, Leijay Garden Retreat is in the historical district and near a metro station. Galle International Cricket Stadium and Galle Fort are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Hikkaduwa National Park and Mahendra Amarasooriya Park. National Maritime Museum and Handunugoda Tea Estate are also worth visiting. Visit our Galle travel guide
Map
43 A-B, New Lane, Galle, Southern, 80000

What's nearby

  • The lighthouse at Galle Fort
    Galle Fort
    5 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • Galle International Cricket Stadium
    Galle International Cricket Stadium
    5 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • St. Aloysius College
    4 min drive - 1.9 miles
  • Dutch Reformed Church
    5 min drive - 2.3 miles
  • All Saints Anglican Church
    5 min drive - 2.3 miles

Getting around

  • Midigama Railway Station
    26 min drive
  • Bandaranaike Intl. Airport (CMB)
    125 min drive

Restaurants

  • Kopi & Treats
    3 min drive
  • Indian Hut
    3 min drive
  • MJM Chinese Restaurant
    16 min walk
  • Milkyway
    6 min drive
  • Hela Bojun Hala
    5 min drive

About this property

Leijay Garden Retreat

Hotel in the historical district
Free breakfast (local cuisine), a terrace, and a garden are just a few of the amenities provided at Leijay Garden Retreat. Free in-room WiFi, with speed of 25+ Mbps, is available to all guests, along with a library and laundry facilities.
You'll also find perks like:
  • An outdoor pool
  • Free self parking
  • A roundtrip airport shuttle (surcharge), local meal delivery service, and a 24-hour front desk
  • Tour/ticket assistance and luggage storage
Room features
All guestrooms at Leijay Garden Retreat feature comforts such as 24-hour room service and air conditioning, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and free bottled water.
More amenities include:
  • Bathrooms with showers and soap
  • Wardrobes/closets, refrigerators, and electric kettles

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 25+ Mbps
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • 24-hour roundtrip airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free secured self parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Free local cuisine breakfast available daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM

Things to do

  • Library
  • Outdoor pool

Family friendly

  • In-room refrigerator
  • Laundry facilities
  • Outdoor pool

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Housekeeping (on request)
  • Tour and ticket assistance

Outdoors

  • Garden
  • Terrace

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 1 accessible parking space
  • Front entrance ramp
  • No elevator
  • Wheelchair accessible (may have limitations)
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 2 floors
  • 4 buildings
  • Colonial architecture
  • Designated smoking areas
  • Mosquito nets

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer (on request)
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • 24-hour room service
  • Electric kettle
  • Free bottled water
  • Meal delivery service
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 1 PM

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 7:00 AM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Renovations and closures

This property is closed from September 30 2025 to April 15 2026 (dates subject to change).

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome
1 child, up to the age of 12 years, can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room; children may not be eligible for complimentary breakfast
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available

Important information

Optional extras

  • Airport shuttle fee: USD 80 per vehicle (one-way, maximum occupancy 2)

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 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
This property only accepts cash
Long-term renters welcome
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Leijay Resort Galle
Leijay Galle
Leijay
Leijay Resort
Leijay Garden Retreat Hotel
Leijay Garden Retreat Galle
Leijay Garden Retreat Hotel Galle

Frequently asked questions

Does Leijay Garden Retreat have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool access is from 6:00 AM–11:00 AM.

Is Leijay Garden Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking?

Self parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Leijay Garden Retreat?

Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; Check-in end time: 8:30 PM. Late check-in is available during limited hours.

What time is check-out at Leijay Garden Retreat?

Check-out is at 1 PM.

Does Leijay Garden Retreat provide a shuttle to the airport?

Yes, there's an airport shuttle that runs on request. A fee of USD 80 per vehicle applies.

Where is Leijay Garden Retreat located?

Situated in the historical district, this hotel is within 3 mi (5 km) of St. Aloysius College, Galle International Cricket Stadium, and Galle Fort. Mahendra Amarasooriya Park and Galle Tennis Club are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Reviews

Leijay Garden Retreat Reviews

7.8

Good

7.2

Cleanliness

5.8

Location

8.8

Staff & service

7.2

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 23 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 23 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 23 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 5 out of 23 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 23 reviews

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Friendly staff. even though my last minute reservation they were really welcoming.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Indra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Leijay provided excellent convenience and service on my second visit. It was the only accommodation that I went to twice in Sri Lanka, and it was worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Indra

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Leijay resort exceeded my expectations in many ways. The management and staff were very helpful and kind, the breakfasts were great and the environment was fantastic: a lovely pool, nice rooms and lots of birds and other wildlife all around. It is not next to Galle Fort, but it is easy to get to and from this quiet location to downtown. I will come back here!!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrian

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excelent staff
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Séjour rendu parfait grâce a la gentillesse extrême du personnel
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Séjour rendu parfait grâce a la gentillesse extrême du personnel
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Verified

4/10 Poor

Melanie

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Sadly not as the photos suggest

Sadly the photos for this hotel are very misleading. What I'm sure was once a wonderful hotel has been left by its new owner to turn into a dirty and unloved state. The rooms are full of ants, mouldy shower curtains hang at a window instead of blinds, lights only omit a dim light or flicker uncontrollably, toilets leak through walls into bedrooms when flushed, aircons are stuck on one setting, the grass around the pool has disappeared to leave concrete... Our room had a frog on top of the shower and when we complained they offered to move us but the alternative was a room with a birds nest in the light fitting! The workers have been left to pick up the complaints whilst the owner is out of the country. It's such a shame as it could be a lovely hotel as it has a great size swimming pool (rare to find in Galle) and some lovely seated areas around the garden. It just needs some money put in and the staff to care for it. Avoid until it is renovated or sold on to someone who actually cares.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020
Verified

8/10 Good

Lena

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Fint ställe mkt lungt passar för retreat. Långt till stranden och centrum.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Verified traveler

Disliked: Cleanliness
냉장고에 비닐봉지와 냉장실컨디션 전체적 청소한테 불결했음. 에어컨 상태 안좋았음 청소상태만 좋으면 가성대비 좋을듯
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

Nadine

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Give it a miss

First room had a broken lock which meant the door didn’t shut, so I asked to be moved to another room. Hotel is run down and old. Only two tables for breakfast so had to wait ages for someone to finish. Possible 2* hotel. Nothing like the photos at all. Really bad WiFi and felt pressured into giving the receptionist money for her daughter.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The staff were really nice, helpful and friendly. The property is a little bit out of town so they arranged a tuk tuk driver to take us to and from Galle fort area. That was helpful as we used the same guy over and again as he knew how to get to the property (its a bit off the beaten track). My room had ants in the bathroom but other than that we were very happy staying there and would stay there again. The pool looked delightful and was well utilised by other guests. We were just a bit too busy to use it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

pascal

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Magique

Un lieu magnifique reposant avec un personnel admirable et d’une gentillesse absolue après des visites et escapades cela est l’endroit idéal pour ce reposer
Stayed 9 nights in Mar 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Mark

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

Highly recommend for independent travellers

It's a lovely haven of peace and quiet, some way from local amenities. Tuk tuk to Galle is 300 rupees, which is pretty OK. The rooms are comfortable, air conditioning, WiFi, and a kitchenette / living room and balcony on the bigger room. The pool is great, and breakfast is nice and simple. Galle and area is the best place on Sri Lanka, so much to do. Finally, lots of wildlife at the hotel - Monitor lizards, chit-chats, monkeys, beautiful birds, frogs etc.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2019
Verified

8/10 Good

Kent

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

Underbar personal

Väldigt trevlig och hjälpsam personal, de var underbara! Bra hotell i övrigt och även poolen var jag riktigt nöjd med. Läget är inte det bästa, väldigt enkelt & billigt att ta sig fram med tuk-tuk. Personalen var dock den stora behållningen!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very relaxing, good ambience. Friendly staff. But need more sign boards to locate the place
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Antony

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Don't do it

Absolutely awful, too many problems to mention. My video of the room made my wife say that she wouldn't even have unpacked her bag.
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2018
Verified

8/10 Good

Iranga

Lovely garden amd helpful and friendly staff

Its located a couple of miles away from the city. You will need private transport unless the hotel or you can call a taxi. The property has a few new rooms but the majority are old and needs improving or upgrading. Its more like a large house that has seen better days. Lovely manicured garden. Staff is helpful and friendly. I dont think they have had formal training in the leisure sector.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveler

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities

Remote and quiet, condition is fair

I agreed with all other travellers' comment. Good of this hotel: The hotel is in a remote area. You feel like living in the nature with facilities. This hotel has a nice swimming pool, a lot of greens and nice people. Good for those planning to stay most of the time in the hotel for relax and quiet time. They can provide shuttle to take you to city centre. Breakfast is made to order with eggs, sausage, toast and fruit. Wifi is fair because of location. Even phone connection goes on and off occasionally. This hotel is managed by a small team. If you judge them by resort/luxury hotel standard, they are not that level. If you judge them by local standard, they are doing their best. Bad of this hotel: this hotel is up in the mountain. Even tuk tuk driver doesn't know where it is until calling the hotel. It is completely dark after sunset. The fatalities and condition of the room is poor. Spacious without many furniture. There are both bathtub and shower. But bathtub and closet are quite rusty. Water pressure is bad. Only cold water. If you turn it to hot water, it comes out drop by drop. Conclusion: if you plan to be more local in a nature and stay in hotel for most of the time, it is the place for you. One thing should be highlighted is their staff. Super friendly to talk with anytime you see them. And they would make sure that you are able to do whatever tourist thing you like.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2017
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily

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

High quality service

The service at Leijay was exceptional. We enjoyed the large garden which had a wide variety of plants to look at, it was well maintained. The staff were very helpful and assisted in arranging tours and transport. Breakfast was good and filling. The pool was welcome after a day in Galle.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2017
Verified

4/10 Poor

lone

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fin service men snuskede værelser.

RIgtig fin service, men stedet ligger langt unden for byens centrum. Værelserne var i ret dårlig stand, lever ikke op til beskrivelsen på nettet. Der lugtede fugtigt og der var ikke særligt rent.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

flow

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

Un havre de paix

Calme et reposant Service de l'hôtel très bien Tout est parfait
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019
Verified

4/10 Poor

stein

Disliked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018