Sholay Villa

When we arrived in Galle with my family, the hotel we’d booked, *******, didn’t look properly cleaned or set up. I called sholay villa because I’d stayed there for one night eight years ago, and they welcomed us as if our stay had been planned all along. The staff were fantastic and friendly, and the rooms and facilities are amazing. I’d recommend SHOLAY for a wonderful stay and will definitely visit again.

We were eight friends staying for two nights in late December 2025, in rooms 3 and 5. The staff were kind and genuinely willing to help, and we used the pool both nights. There’s an outdoor shower by the pool with excellent water pressure. The hotel is old, though the rooms were reasonably clean. One of the air conditioners in room 5 didn’t work. For an extra 2,000 rupees, staff let us use the kitchen. It was functional, but not very clean. The hotel is in a very poor neighborhood, and reaching attractions like Galle Fort takes about 30 minutes on foot through very narrow, dirty alleys.

Gajan and the team were friendly and helpful, and Gajan went out of his way to arrange a BBQ. Sholay Villa is well placed for the town, fort, and beaches, and we had a pleasant two-night stay. The rooms are spacious with good air conditioning, but ours weren’t ready until 4 pm. For back-to-back bookings or late check-outs, releasing one room earlier or offering a place to change would help. There were several maintenance and cleanliness issues. The pool and entrance needed more attention, tea cups from the morning sat uncleared until the next day, and although the pool is cleaned daily, broken tiles and lights show it needs a deeper clean. Fans creaked, TVs were complicated to use, and bathroom door handles were broken. Bottled water, kettles, and bathroom amenities would be useful additions. Some outdoor activities cost extra, while table tennis wasn’t available. The pool table was in poor shape, with broken sticks, no chalk, and just one usable cue. If facilities are charged for, they should be in good condition. Staff uniforms and more BBQ training would also help, as some food was burned. The villa has real potential thanks to its location and people, but cleanliness, upkeep, and attention to detail need work.

I felt safe staying at Sholay holiday home as a woman traveling alone, and I really enjoyed my time there. It was calm, the staff were friendly, the food was good, and the price was reasonable.