Here are highly recommended places to stay near Yala National Park, grouped by style and with quick notes on location, standout features, and who they suit. I’ve included sources for the key facts about each property.

Top luxury / safari lodges (best for comfort, guided safaris, privacy)

• Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Relais & Châteaux) — Luxury tented suites between the Indian Ocean and Yala’s buffer zone; high-end dining, spa, private safaris and frequent on-site wildlife sightings. Ideal for a design-forward, immersive safari stay. (HIDMC.com)
• Chena Huts by Uga Escapes (sometimes shown as Uga Chena Huts) — Secluded cottages with private plunge pools on the edge of the park; popular for honeymooners, private jeep safaris and spa services. Suits couples and small groups wanting close park access. (thehotelguru.com)
• Leopard Trails (luxury mobile glamping) — High-end “glamping” canvas tents with personalized service and guided safaris; often positioned near prime leopard zones for a focused wildlife experience. Good if you want an intimate, safari-first stay. (HIDMC.com)

High-end, well-reviewed beachfront / eco resorts (good mix of comfort + access)

• Jetwing Yala — Eco-conscious resort located just outside Yala (beach + park access), large pool, spa and family-friendly facilities; widely recommended for easy access to Yala Block 1 safaris. (HIDMC.com)
• Jetwing Jungle Lodge (Jetwing’s luxury reserve) — Jungle-lodge feel near Palatupana with nature-focused activities and guided safaris; quieter alternative with good service and guides. (tripadvisor.com)
• Cinnamon Wild Yala — Rustic-chic chalets and rooftop bar, marketed as a mid‑luxury safari option with in-house naturalists and easy park access. Good balance of value and amenities. (HIDMC.com)

Safari camps and mid-range/unique stays (for authentic safari & value)

• Mahoora Tented Safari Camp, Big Game Camp and similar mobile tented camps — Fully inclusive safari camps (meals, twice-daily game drives, expert guides). Great for travelers who want the safari experience without a stationary hotel. (exclusiveyalasafari.com)
• Kithala Resort / Elephant Reach / Aqua Hotel (mid-range around Tissamaharama & Kirinda) — More affordable hotels with pools and a short drive to park gates; useful if you want more restaurant/town options while still being close to safaris. (exclusiveyalasafari.com)

Where to stay depending on what you want

• Closest to park gates / sunrise safaris: Palatupana, Kirinda, and properties that “border” the park (Wild Coast, Chena Huts, Jetwing Yala). (thehotelguru.com)
• More town/restaurant options and lower prices: Tissamaharama (20–40 minutes’ drive to main gates). (exclusiveyalasafari.com)
• For the most “safari-first” experience: luxury mobile camps or glamping (Leopard Trails, Mahoora, Big Game Camp). (HIDMC.com)

Practical tips

• Book safaris through your hotel or an experienced local operator; many hotels include or can arrange early-morning and late-afternoon jeep drives. (exclusiveyalasafari.com)
• Best season for Yala safaris: the dry season (roughly November–April) is the most reliable for sightings (animals concentrate near water). (Note: weather windows can vary year to year.) (whowhatwear.com)
• If your priority is seeing leopards, staying in lodges that operate in or very near Block I / Palatupana/Kirinda gives the shortest drive times to prime leopard habitat. (tripadvisor.com)
• Compare rates and cancellation policies across major booking sites and the hotel’s official site; luxury tented/glamping options often sell out for peak season. (thehotelguru.com)

If you want, I can:

• Narrow this to the top 3 choices in a specific budget (luxury, mid-range, budget), or
• Check current room availability and sample rates for your travel dates (I’ll need the dates).