Great — here are the best areas to stay in and around Galle (Sri Lanka) plus recommended places across budgets and travel-styles so you can pick what fits you best.

Top neighborhoods (why you’d choose each)

• Galle Fort — historic, walkable, lots of boutique hotels, restaurants, galleries and sunset ramparts; best for history lovers and couples. (thehotelguru.com)
• Unawatuna & Jungle Beach — classic beach vibe with calm swimming, beachside cafés and easy access to Galle (short tuk‑tuk ride). Good for beach holidays and families. (milehacker.com)
• Ahangama / Midigama / Hiriketiya — surf, yoga and quieter boutique beach stays a bit east of Galle; popular with surfers and lifestyle travellers. (cntraveler.com)
• Koggala / Rumassala — quieter beachfront villas and boutique hotels, near Koggala Lake and the turtle sanctuaries. (milehacker.com)
• Galle City (outside the Fort) — more local, budget options and easy transport links; busier and less charming than the Fort itself. (milehacker.com)

Top recommended properties (examples by category)

• Luxury / Unique heritage (Galle Fort)

  • Amangalla — high‑end, historic hotel inside Galle Fort (period rooms, big pool, full service). Ideal if you want a refined, historic stay. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Fort Bazaar — stylish boutique conversion of a merchant’s house with courtyard pool and strong location inside the Fort. (thetimes.co.uk)

• Boutique beach / design hotels

  • KK Beach (Ahangama area) — contemporary boutique on the coastline; good for ocean views and artful design. (thetimes.co.uk)
  • Several small boutique villas around Koggala and Jungle Beach (search for “Jungle Beach hotels Galle”) — good balance of beach and quiet.

• Mid‑range / family friendly

  • Small boutique hotels and guesthouses in Unawatuna (many with sea views and pools) — comfortable, good value and close to the beach. (milehacker.com)

• Budget / backpacker

  • Guesthouses and hostels in Galle City and Unawatuna — very affordable, local vibe; book in advance in high season (Dec–Mar). (milehacker.com)

How to choose

• If you want culture and walking distance to cafés, choose Galle Fort (historic charm, but fewer large pools and sometimes higher rates). (awaywithdanae.com)
• If beach and swimming are your priority, stay Unawatuna / Jungle Beach / Koggala. (milehacker.com)
• If you surf or want a quieter, design‑led retreat, look at Ahangama / Midigama / Hiriketiya boutique hotels. (cntraveler.com)

Practical tips

• Peak season: December–March — book 1–3+ months ahead for popular boutique hotels and Amangalla. (milehacker.com)
• Transfers: Galle is ~2 hours from Colombo by expressway; many hotels can arrange airport pickup. (thehotelguru.com)
• If you want Fort atmosphere but a pool and more space, consider villas just outside the Fort or a beachfront boutique in Unawatuna/Koggala and a short tuk‑tuk into the Fort. (milehacker.com)

If you tell me your travel dates, budget, and whether you prefer historic charm, beach time, or surfing, I can give 5–8 tailored hotel picks (with links, average nightly price ranges and how far from the Fort).