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.
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 Unawatuna Beach and Hikkaduwa National Park. National Maritime Museum and Handunugoda Tea Estate are also worth visiting. Visit our Galle travel guide
43 A-B, New Lane, Galle, Southern, 80000
What's nearby
Galle Fort
5 min drive - 3.7 km
Galle International Cricket Stadium
5 min drive - 3.7 km
St. Aloysius College
4 min drive - 3.0 km
Dutch Reformed Church
5 min drive - 3.7 km
All Saints Anglican Church
5 min drive - 3.7 km
Getting around
Midigama Railway Station
26 min drive
Colombo (CMB-Bandaranaike Intl.)
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 a speed of 25+ Mbps, is available to all guests, along with a library and laundry facilities.
You'll also find perks such as:
An outdoor pool
Free self-parking
A round-trip airport shuttle (surcharge), local meal delivery service and a 24-hour front desk
Tour/ticket information and luggage storage
Room features
All guest rooms at Leijay Garden Retreat feature thoughtful touches, such as 24-hour room service and air conditioning, in addition to amenities, such as free WiFi and free bottled water.
24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
Free secured self parking on site
Limited on-site self parking
Wheelchair-accessible parking available
Food and drink
Free local cuisine breakfast available daily 7 AM to 10 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 lift
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 30 September 2025 to 15 April 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.
Cots (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 any lifts
Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM
A car is not required for transport 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 to 11:00 AM.
Is Leijay Garden Retreat pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Leijay Garden Retreat?
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?
Checkout 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 miles (5 km) of St. Aloysius College, Galle International Cricket Stadium and Galle Fort. Mahendra Amarasooriya Park and Galle Tennis Club are also within 3 miles (5 km).
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Reviews
Leijay Garden Retreat Reviews
7.8
Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
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.
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!!
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
Antony
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2018
8/10 Good
Iranga
28 Aug 2018
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.
Iranga
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2018
6/10 Okay
Verified traveller
21 Jan 2018
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.
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.
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.