Great — here are practical places to stay around Galle for a 5‑day itinerary, organized by neighbourhood (so you can pick the vibe you want) with example hotels at different budgets, distance/proximity to Galle Fort, and a short lodging plan suggestion for a 5‑day trip.

Quick notes before choices

• Galle Fort (the walled, historic town) is the best base if you want walking access to cafés, museums, restaurants and colonial charm. (en.wikipedia.org)
• The south coast from Hikkaduwa down to Mirissa has many beachside towns (Unawatuna, Weligama, Ahangama, Mirissa) that are 10–60 minutes’ drive from Galle and each offer different beach/surf/relax vibes. (cntraveler.com)

Where to stay — neighbourhoods and example properties

1. Galle Fort — historic, walkable, restaurants & galleries

• Ambience: cobbled lanes, heritage buildings, cafés, sunset ramparts; excellent for sightseeing and evenings in town. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Luxury: Amangalla (inside the Fort) — heritage suites and colonial atmosphere. (If you want the absolute historic-luxury experience.)
• Midrange: The Fort Printers or The Heritage Galle Fort — boutique hotels in restored buildings.
• Budget/guesthouse: dozens of guesthouses and B&Bs inside the Fort offering private rooms and simple breakfasts.
• Distance: you’re already in the Fort so everything is walkable.

2. North of Galle Fort (Galle/Jetwing Lighthouse area) — seafront, classic resort

• Ambience: seaside hotels with ocean views, short drive or walk into Fort (10–15 min by car).
• Example: Jetwing Lighthouse — iconic Geoffrey Bawa–inspired hotel on a rocky promontory just north of Galle Fort. Good for design-minded travelers who want more resort facilities. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Good choice if you want higher‑end resort feel but quick Fort access.

3. Unawatuna — lively beach, swimming, restaurants

• Ambience: sandy beach, lively bars and restaurants, snorkeling; very popular with visitors.
• Properties: ranges from budget guesthouses and midrange boutique hotels to a few higher-end resorts just outside the main strip.
• Travel time to Galle Fort: ~10–20 minutes by tuk‑tuk/car depending on traffic.

4. Weligama / Mirissa — surf, relaxed beaches, whale‑watching (Mirissa)

• Ambience: surf schools (Weligama), quieter bays and whale‑watching (Mirissa). Good for active beach days and boat trips.
• Properties: boutique beach hotels (e.g., small luxury resorts and surf‑friendly guesthouses). Mirissa is farther from Galle (~30–50 minutes), Weligama ~25–35 minutes. (cntraveler.com)

5. Ahangama / Hiriketiya area — boutique, surf & calm beach culture

• Ambience: becoming a trendy boutique/creative hub with surf breaks and small design hotels.
• Properties: small boutique hotels and villas, ideal for a quieter, stylish beach stay. (cntraveler.com)

Sample hotels by budget (examples — availability and rates vary; book early in peak season)

• Luxury

  • Amangalla (Galle Fort) — historic-luxury inside the Fort.
  • Jetwing Lighthouse (Galle) — ocean views and resort facilities. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Cape Weligama / Amanwella (nearby coast) — high-end beach resorts (if you don’t mind a longer transfer).

• Midrange / Boutique

  • The Fort Printers (Galle Fort) — boutique, good location.
  • The Fortress Resort & Spa (near Galle) — beachfront resort with good facilities.
  • KK Beach (Ahangama area) — highly regarded boutique beachfront hotel. (thetimes.co.uk)

• Budget / Guesthouses

  • Multiple guesthouses, small B&Bs and home-stays inside Galle Fort, Unawatuna and Weligama; ideal for backpackers and budget travelers. (Search listings for current pricing and reviews.)

Practical 5‑day lodging plan (recommended approach)

• Day 1–2: Stay inside Galle Fort (1–2 nights)
  • Why: settle into the Fort’s atmosphere, explore ramparts, museums, cafes, Old Dutch Hospital precinct and nearby restaurants. Walking access saves travel time. (en.wikipedia.org)
• Day 3: Move to a beach town (Unawatuna or Weligama) (1 night)
  • Why: beach time, snorkeling or surf lessons; convenient and short transfer from Galle.
• Day 4–5: Choose a quieter boutique beach area (Ahangama/Hiriketiya or Mirissa) (2 nights)
  • Why: relax, surf/whale‑watching day trip from Mirissa if desired, enjoy a slower pace before heading back. Mirissa whale watching usually departs early mornings (seasonality applies). (cntraveler.com)

Transportation and tips

• Transfers: tuk‑tuks are plentiful for short hops; private drivers or taxis are common for longer day trips. Train (Colombo–Galle) is scenic if you arrive from Colombo first. (thecommonwanderer.com)
• Best time to visit the south coast: generally October–April for drier, calmer seas (peak tourist months around Dec–Mar). (thecommonwanderer.com)
• Book early for peak season (Dec–Mar) and for boutique/limited‑room hotels.

If you want, I can:

• Check current availability and nightly rates for any of the properties above for specific dates, or
• Build a detailed 5‑day day‑by‑day plan (activities, restaurants, transfer suggestions) based on the type of stay you prefer (historic, surf, luxury, or budget).

Which style do you prefer (historic Fort base, beach resort, mix of both, or budget guesthouses)?