Looking for the best hotels in Ella, Sri Lanka? We compiled this list of the best Ella accommodation through personal experience, and detailed research. From eco-lodges, boutique hotels, and luxury hotels, to affordable guesthouses and homely B&B’s. Our guide to where to stay in Ella features the best place to lay your head whatever your budget or travel style.
BOOKING ACCOMMODATION | THINGS TO CONSIDER
When you are choosing your accommodation in Ella, Sri Lanka there are a few factors to consider beforehand, namely:
LOCATION
- Many of the luxury hotels are not within walking distance of Ella town. However, with plenty of tuktuks available, a ride into town is not an issue, plus you will be away from the hustle bustle and noise.
- If you want to be in town for cafes, bars, and shops, you will have plenty of guesthouses to choose from.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Ella has a good selection of accommodation to suit every style and budget. From luxury hotels to welcoming guesthouses.
- If you have your own transport, check the accommodation has free parking available on site before booking.
- If you want to be within walking distance of popular Ella Attractions, look for accommodation slightly out of town, along the road leading up the hill from Ella.
Basically, choose the accommodation you prefer, as most sights are within an easy tuk tuk ride. If you arrive by train, getting around town is easy, as there are plenty of tuktuks to take you wherever you want to go.
RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN ELLA, SRI LANKA
| HOTEL | TYPE | PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| 98 Acres Resort & Spa ($$$) | Luxury | Book |
| Nine Skies Bungalow ($$$) | Luxury | Book |
| Hide-Ella Hotel & Resort ($$$) | Luxury | Book |
| Living Heritage Koslanda ($$$) | Luxury | Book |
| Chill Ville Viewpoint Hotel ($$) | Mid-Range | Book |
| Morning Dew Boutique Hotel ($$) | Mid-Range | Book |
| EKHO Ella ($$) | Mid-Range | Book |
| Tea Cabins ($$) | Mid-Range | Book |
| The Residence Ella ($) | Budget | Book |
| Little Paradise Homestay ($) | Budget | Book |
| Ella Mount View Guesthouse ($) | Budget | Book |
| Third Eye Ella ($) | Budget | Book |
LUXURY HOTELS IN ELLA, SRI LANKA
1. 98 ACRES RESORT AND SPA
This luxury property set within a ninety-eight-acre scenic tea estate, is one of the most popular 5 star hotels in Ella. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, 98 Acres Resort and Spa, is chic, elegant, and one of the most beautiful Ella hotels in the region.
Accommodation is in beautifully crafted chalets, tucked within the levelled plantation landscape. The resort has made good use of recyclable materials such as discarded railway sleepers, rough hewn granite, and ‘Illuk’ straw, to produce rustic beauty, and a unique design.
Rooms range from a superior double up to an Executive Suite with living room, and kitchen.
Private evenly spaced chalets offer guests scenic views of the mist draped mountains, whilst ensuring a sense of total relaxation amidst nature. This is also one of the best hotels in Ella for honeymooners!
Highlights of the resort include:
- Spa and wellness centre
- Outdoor swimming pool with stunning countryside views.
- A restaurant serving a variety of dishes, at tables overlooking beautiful scenery.
- Free private parking.
- Easy access to popular attractions, including Little Adam’s Peak (5-minute walk to trailhead), and Nine Arch Bridge (15-minute walk).
DETAILS:
- Address: Greenland Estate, Passara Road, Ella.
- Cost: $$$
- Driver Accommodation: No
- Booking.com Rating: 8.7
2. NINE SKIES BUNGALOW
Nine Skies is a stylishly refurbished five-bedroom tea bungalow hotel set on a tea fringed hill in the town of Demodera. Combining colonial heritage with Sri Lankan charm, contemporary facilities and high-end personalised service, a warm welcome awaits your stay.
For those looking for luxury accommodation in Ella, offering first-class service, Nine Skies is a perfect choice. Guests can enjoy contemporary facilities and a personalised butler service.
All five luxurious bedrooms open onto the tea-fringed gardens of the estate. Stylishly furnished, each has an ensuite bathroom with tubs to soak in after a day exploring the local area.
Splash out on the Ella Rock Suite for the ultimate indulgent experience. This master suite has a king-sized four-poster bed, large private sitting room and French windows opening onto a private terrace.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, enjoy afternoon tea, then relax at the end of the day with sundowners on the terrace.
This has got to be one of the best places to stay in Ella, Sri Lanka, and the perfect Ella hotel for couples looking for a romantic stay.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Outdoor swimming pool with stunning views across the valley and Demodera Loop.
- Quiet secluded location with free private parking.
- Rates are inclusive of all meals.
- Room service.
- Relaxing shared Lounge
Details:
- Address: A 10-minute stroll from Demodara Railway Station and 15-minutes’ drive from Ella.
- Cost: $$$
- Booking.com Rating: 9.4
3. HIDE-ELLA RESORT & SPA
One of the most recently opened hotels in Ella, is Hide Ella Resort & Spa. Its unique design built into a 60-degree slope in the Ella Gap, makes it one of the most stylish and beautiful hotels in Ella.
Its location is perfect for experiencing the beauty and serenity of Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country and taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Rooms are elegant and specious, with all the amenities you could want for a relaxing stay, including air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a minibar, a kettle, and a desk. Some of the beautifully decorated modern bedrooms come with a balcony, so you can sit and enjoy the incredible views.
Hide Ella Hotel & Resort is by far one of the best 4-star hotels in Ella, and a great choice for those seeking a luxury retreat in the heart of Sri Lanka’s scenic hill country.
The hotel is close to many popular attractions in the area including Demodara Nine Arch Bridge (4.9km), Hakgala Botanical Garden (49km), and Horton Plains National Park (50km).
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Outdoor swimming pool with stunning views.
- Free private parking.
- Room service.
- Restaurant serving local and international fare with fantastic vistas.
- Outdoor patio.
Details:
- Address: Waterfall Road, Ella.
- Cost: $$$
- Booking.com Rating: 8.7
4. LIVING HERITAGE KOSLANDA
Whilst not located in Ella, Living Heritage Koslanda has to be one of the best hotels in Sri Lanka. Surrounded by 80-acres of magical forests on its own estate Living Heritage Koslanda is a unique luxury boutique hotel set in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
The nine stylish rooms combine boutique-style luxury and traditional Sri Lankan design and architecture. With garden and mountain views, this is the perfect harmonious and peaceful retreat where you can relax, recharge and reconnect with nature.
Three luxury villa suites have a private courtyard, outdoor plunge pool and hot water garden shower. Or why not opt for a Forest Pavilion, which are uniquely constructed from local timber on cantilevered platforms, offering spectacular views of the treetops.
A dazzling hilltop infinity pool above paddy fields, a brilliant chef, and plenty of places to sit and relax, guarantee a memorable stay.
For those seeking privacy in a restorative retreat, book yourselves into this heavenly top boutique hotel ticks all the necessary boxes.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Hilltop infinity pool.
- Range of guest experiences.
- Attentive staff.
- 24-hour room service.
- Idyllic location.
Details:
- Address: Egodawatte Estate, Naulla, Koslanda
- Cost: $$$
- Booking.com Rating: 9.4
MID-RANGE HOTELS IN ELLA, SRI LANKA
5. CHILL VILLE VIEWPOINT HOTEL
Looking for a retreat from the bustle of Ella village? Perched on the hillside with incredible views, this villa hotel is renowned for its incredible Sri Lankan hospitality.
Rooms are light and spacious with concrete floors and wood furnishings. Each one has a luggage storage area, a private bathroom with a shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer.
Begin your morning sitting on your decking, cup of tea in hand as you are greeted with amazing views across the lush valleys. Breakfast is a leisurely affair, with a delicious spread of Sri Lankan cuisine and warm hospitality.
After exploring the area, enjoy a freshly blended juice as you cool off in the stunning infinity pool and take in the incredible views across the valley. Toast your day with a tipple and dive into some delicious cuisine in the restaurant.
Chill Ville Viewpoint is one of the best hotels in Ella for stunning views, welcoming staff, and a chance to unwind. A stay in this comfortable villa hotel will leave you feeling refreshed, and relaxed. We absolutely loved our time here.
Chill Ville is only 1km from Little Adam’s Peak, 1.7km from Ella Rock, and 800m from Nine Arch Bridge.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Outdoor swimming pool with stunning views.
- Excellent staff.
- Free laundry, and free onsite parking.
- Restaurant serving local and international fare with fantastic vistas.
Details:
- Location: 6 Mile Post – Passara Road, Ella.
- Price: $$
- Booking.com Rating: 9.3
6. MORNING DEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Nestled amidst the tranquillity and lush green hills of Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country is Morning Dew Boutique Hotel.
Rooms are large and airy, tastefully decorated, and have large windows from which to enjoy the wonderful views. All have air conditioning, a TV, desk, private bathroom, and seating area. Some rooms have a private balcony offering scenic hillside views.
Cool off in the stunning rooftop swimming pool or relax on one of the many sun loungers after a day exploring. Then head to the bar and restaurant to enjoy authentic local cuisine as you admire the views.
This boutique hotel is not just a place to stay, but a place to immerse yourself in the endless views over Ella Rock and beyond.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Outstanding friendly, and helpful staff.
- Spa
- Free Wi-Fi.
- Room Service
- Free private parking.
Details:
- Location: Wamullahena, Ella
- Price: $$
- Booking.com Rating: 8.5
7. EKHO ELLA
For those looking for accommodation within walking distance of Ella town, this comfortable hotel is ideal. Rooms are spacious, and equipped with everything you need for a relaxing stay.
The property has a variety of ensuite rooms offering mountain or garden views. Deluxe and premier rooms are located prominently facing the picturesque backdrop of Ella, and the Junior Suites have a private Jacuzzi.
Enjoy the views from the terrace with a glass of wine, followed by dinner in the onsite restaurant.
The hotel’s convenient position just 1.8 kms from Little Adams Peak offers easy access to Little Adam’a Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Ravana Waterfall, and Uva Halpewatte Tea Estate.
EKHO Ella may not be your typical boutique hotel, but its outstanding feature is the stunning view.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Exceptional staff.
- Outdoor heated Jacuzzi.
- Restaurant & Bar.
- Free private parking.
Details:
- Location: Sandungama Rd, Ella
- Price: $$
- Booking.com Rating: 8.5
8. TEA CABINS
Tea Cabins are set in a lush green tea estate, next to the Ella – Demodara railway track. If you time it right, you can see the train passing from the cabin!
These unique designed eco-cabins are comfortably furnished, and a true hideaway. Each one is tastefully decorated with tea/coffee making facilities, and a terrace. Treat yourself to a villa with a private pool which comes with its own private entrance, a firepit, and incredible valley views.
Beyond the seclusion and views, property facilities include an outdoor infinity pool, lush gardens, terrace, and onsite restaurant.
Tea Cabins is one of the most unique hotels in Ella. It offers the perfect getaway if you want to feel like you’re in the middle of nature.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Quiet, secluded location
- Free parking & free WiFi.
- Welcoming hosts.
- Free shuttle.
- Delicious food delivered to your room.
Details:
- Location:
- Price: $$
- Booking.com Rating: 9.4
GUEST HOUSES IN ELLA, SRI LANKA
9. THE RESIDENCE ELLA
This superb modern guesthouse is conveniently located only a 4-minute walk from the center of Ella. Kind and attentive staff, plus its proximity to popular attractions make it a great option.
Rooms are spacious, comfy and clean with a balcony to sit and relax on after a day of exploring. A delicious Sri Lankan breakfast is included in your room rate and served on your balcony by friendly staff.
The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi. Its prime location is just a stone’s throw from the town centre, and numerous restaurants and bars.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Free private parking.
- Garden.
- Room Service.
- Free WiFi.
Details:
- Location: 138 Sapumalthanna, Ella
- Price: $
- Booking.com Rating: 9.2
10. LITTLE PARADISE HOMESTAY
Little Paradise Homestay is run by warm hearted and friendly hosts who take good care of their guests. Accommodation is bright and colourful, with all the amenities needed for a relaxing stay. Some rooms have a private entrance and are fitted with a desk and outdoor furniture, while others have their own balcony.
A hearty Sri Lankan breakfast is a real highlight of your stay, as is the garden, 24-hour front desk, and bike hire. For those looking for authentic local interaction, and affordable accommodation, you won’t be disappointed with this choice of guesthouse.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Exceptional breakfast.
- Free onsite parking.
- Room service.
Details:
- Location: 39 Ella-Passara Road, Ambagollapathana, Ella.
- Price: $
- Booking.com Rating: 9.5
11. ELLA MOUNT VIEW GUESTHOUSE
Ella Mount View Guesthouse boasts exceptional views of mountains, valleys, and tea plantations. Its location is perfect away from the hustle and bustle of Main Street, yet within walking distance of local restaurants.
Rooms are comfortable, clean, and spacious with a large balcony to read, enjoy the views, or simply relax. Start your day with a delicious Sri Lankan breakfast before heading out to explore nearby attractions of Ella Rock (1.9km), and Little Adam’s Peak (2km).
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Great location.
- Bar and restaurant.
- Free onsite parking.
Details:
- Location: Waterfall Road, Kitalella, Ella,
- Price: $
- Booking.com Rating: 9.0
12. THIRD EYE ELLA
This little hidden gem enjoys a quiet and stunning location, within a 5-minute walk to Main Street. Third Eye Ella is highly rated for great service, spectacular views, generous sized rooms and a memorable daily breakfast.
Rooms are light and bright with mosquito nets, air-conditioning, and flat-screen TV with satellite channels. They feature mountain or garden views, with a balcony showing the gorgeous views over the surrounding mountains. Facilities include a 24-hour front desk, currency exchange, snack bar, and bicycle rental service.
Included in the room rate is a delicious breakfast which can be enjoyed in your room, or on the terrace to make the most of the panoramic views.
The guesthouse is just 250 yards from Ella Railway Station, 2.3km from Little Adam’s Peak and 2.9km from Nine Arch Bridge.
If you would like to experience the world-famous Sri Lankan hospitality, you will find it at Third Eye Ella, one of the top Ella budget hotels.
Highlights of the hotel include:
- Welcoming staff.
- Free onsite parking.
- Mini fridge in room.
Details:
- Location: Gamini Sewana, Ella
- Price: $
- Booking.com Rating: 9.5
BOOKING YOUR ELLA ACCOMMODATION
Ella is a favourite hill-country village, and usually included in most visitor’s Sri Lanka travel itinerary.
The most popular and highly rated hotels and guest houses can be booked up months in advance. Once you have chosen your accommodation, book well in advance, especially during peak season.
HOTELS IN ELLA | Search and book your hotel
Are you looking for some accommodation in Ella for your next trip? We hope this list has helped! If you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
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