This blog post is all about my review of Galaxy City Hotel in Kandy.
During our month-long adventure around the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, we spent one memorable night at Galaxy City Hotel in Kandy.
It was the perfect pitstop before embarking on one of the most scenic train rides in the world: the Kandy to Ella train journey.
If you’re planning your own Sri Lankan adventure and considering a stay in Kandy, this review will give you an honest, firsthand account of what to expect from Galaxy City Hotel, why it’s a great place to stay (even if only for a night), and how it fits into a broader travel itinerary around the island.
RELATED Sri Lanka blog posts to read:
- 2 Days in Kandy Travel Guide: Ultimate 48 Hours Itinerary
- Epic Kandy to Ella Train: 15 Essential Things To Know
- Ella Sri Lanka: Where to Stay With the Best View
- Hilltop Guest House Ella Review: Amazing Sri Lanka Hotel
- Ultimate 1 Month Sri Lanka Itinerary and Travel Route
You can see everywhere we stayed during our trip to Sri Lanka as well as all of the tips and advice you need for your own Sri Lanka holiday in my Sri Lanka travel guide eBook:
This blog post is all about my Galaxy City Hotel review.
A Quick Introduction to Kandy
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, nestled in the lush central highlands.
It’s surrounded by green hills and tea plantations, and is most famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a deeply sacred site for Buddhists.
Many travelers come here to take the Kandy to Ella train, which is widely regarded as one of the most breathtaking rail journeys in the world.
As a result, Kandy is often a quick overnight stop, but that doesn’t mean you should skimp on your accommodation.
RELATED blog post to read: 2 Days in Kandy Travel Guide: Ultimate 48 Hours Itinerary
Why We Chose to Stay at Galaxy City Hotel
After a full day of exploring Sigiriya and Dambulla, we arrived in Kandy in the late afternoon and were looking for somewhere comfortable, convenient, and peaceful to spend the night.
Galaxy City Hotel stood out because of its:
- Central but quiet location
- Excellent guest reviews
- Affordable pricing
- Mountain and city view balconies
We also wanted a hotel where we could relax before our early start the next morning to catch the train, and Galaxy City Hotel ticked all the boxes.
You can find a tour of the room and extended Galaxy City Hotel review in my Kandy to Ella YouTube vlog here:
First Impressions of Galaxy City Hotel
When we arrived, check-in was smooth and friendly and we were greeted with a glass of tea and a cold towel.
The staff were welcoming and helpful, offering tips for dinner spots and assisting us with taxi arrangements for the next morning.
The hotel itself is modern and well-kept, with clean common areas and a simple yet elegant design.
Despite being close to the heart of the city, it felt peaceful. A nice contrast to the busy Kandy streets.
Our Room with a View
We stayed in a deluxe double room with a balcony, and the views really took our breath away.
From the balcony, we could see a sweeping panorama of the Kandy skyline and surrounding mountains, which was especially beautiful at sunset.
The room was spacious, clean, and very comfortable, featuring:
- A large double bed
- Air conditioning
- Flat-screen TV
- WiFi
- A modern en-suite bathroom with hot water
- Plenty of storage
- Large windows that let in lots of natural light
Though we only stayed one night, it was more than enough to get a good rest before a travel-heavy day.
Hotel Facilities & Service
While Galaxy City Hotel is a boutique-style hotel and doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a large resort, it still offers fantastic value. Amenities included:
- Room service
- 24-hour front desk
- Free WiFi throughout the hotel
- Luggage storage
- Assistance with transport, including tuk-tuks and train tickets
The staff made a real impression and everyone we spoke to was friendly, professional, and genuinely seemed to care about our comfort.
Galaxy City Hotel Location: Central but Peaceful
Galaxy City Hotel is located about a 10-minute drive or tuk-tuk ride from the Kandy Railway Station and around 15 minutes from the Temple of the Tooth.
The location strikes the perfect balance: it’s close to all the city highlights, but tucked far enough away to be quiet and restful.
There are also a handful of local restaurants and shops nearby, so it’s easy to find food or grab essentials.
Where to Eat in Kandy
While the hotel does have its own restaurant, we decided to eat out. There are plenty of great spots to eat in Kandy, and since we were only there for one night, we wanted to try some local cuisine.
Here are a few nearby restaurants we’d recommend:
- Balaji Dosai – great for cheap and delicious vegetarian South Indian food
- Cafe Secret Alley – a trendy little café perfect for breakfast or coffee
- Slightly Chilled Lounge – amazing views and great Sri Lankan curries
We didn’t try the hotel’s breakfast as we had a very early train to catch, but it was available to order in the morning for guests who wanted it.
Why Galaxy City Hotel is Perfect Before the Kandy to Ella Train
One of the biggest highlights of our trip to Sri Lanka was the train from Kandy to Ella, and Galaxy City Hotel is an ideal place to stay the night before.
The hotel helped us arrange a tuk-tuk transfer to Peradeniya station early in the morning, and we had no issues finding our platform or getting on the train.
We were well-rested, had enough time for a coffee, and were excited to begin the next leg of our journey.
The Kandy–Ella train is famously beautiful. It passes through tea fields, misty hills, and charming villages, and staying at Galaxy City Hotel made the experience even smoother.
You can see everywhere we stayed during our trip to Sri Lanka as well as all of the tips and advice you need for your own Sri Lanka holiday in my Sri Lanka travel guide eBook:
You can see our hack to getting seats on the Kandy to Ella train on TikTok here!
Would We Stay at Galaxy City Hotel Again?
Yes! For a quick, affordable, and super comfortable stay in Kandy, Galaxy City Hotel is a fantastic choice.
While we only spent one night here, we were genuinely impressed with the cleanliness, service, and views.
If you’re traveling through Sri Lanka and need a convenient hotel before catching the Kandy to Ella train, you won’t regret booking here.
Tips For Your Trip to Kandy
- Book your Kandy–Ella train ticket as early as possible, especially if you want a seat in 2nd or 1st class.
- Pack light for this leg of the trip as luggage storage is limited on the train.
- Don’t forget your camera! The views on the train ride are absolutely stunning.
- Stay connected with an eSIM or portable WiFi to navigate and book tuk-tuks easily.
RELATED Sri Lanka blog posts to read:
- Epic Yala Safari: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
- The Best South Sri Lanka Travel Route: 10 Days
- Is Sri Lanka the New Bali for Digital Nomads?
- 19 of the Best Restaurants in Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
- Where to Stay in Negombo: Amazing Sujeewani Villas Hotel Review
By Orlagh Shanks
Orlagh Shanks is the Editor of Orlagh Claire, an award-winning travel and lifestyle blog.
After working in the PR & Influencer Marketing industry, Orlagh quit her job to travel Asia for 12 months and move to Sydney, Australia where she is now a full-time travel blogger and content creator sharing travel tips and recommendations for all 30 of the countries she’s visited so far.
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