If you’re struggling to find accomodation in Ella, you’re not alone. There are so many options in a small area that it’s tough to know which resorts, homestays, and hostels are actually reliable.
Before visiting ourselves, we were also confused about which side of town would give us the easiest access to places like Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
But now that we’ve spent over a week exploring Ella, we have a much better understanding of the town’s layout and where you should stay, depending on your interests and budget.
Ella has three distinct neighborhoods, each with a slightly different atmosphere.
We’ll discuss all of these in more detail. However, you can get a tuk-tuk from one side of town to the other in less than 20 minutes, so the AREA you choose isn’t necessarily going to make or break your experience.
The most important thing is choosing accommodation that’s actually worth the price!
Here’s an overview of each region of Ella, Sri Lanka, along with our list of the best places to stay, from luxury resorts to boutique hotels, quaint guesthouses, and cheap hostels for solo travelers.
Best Luxury Resort – 9 Acres Resort & Spa
Best Boutique Hotel – Tip Top Boutique Hotel
Best Budget Guesthouse – Ella Country House
Best Homestay – Guest Inn Avendra
Best Hostel – Hangover Hostel Ella
Where to Stay
Ella is a relatively small town, and no matter where you stay in Ella, you’ll be able to reach any other part of the town in less than 20 minutes by tuk-tuk.
However, it’s still much more convenient to stay close to what interests you, so here’s a quick overview of each neighborhood before we discuss the actual accommodation.
Ella Town (Ella Road)
If you want to be in the heart of Ella, then stay near Ella Road. Everything you need is within walking distance of your door, including the top restaurants in town, coffee shops, pharmacies, boutiques, grocery stores, and ATMs.
This will save you some money on transportation since you won’t need to rent a scooter or hire a tuk-tuk every day. It’s also easier to go out in the evening, and it’s less than a kilometer from Ella Train Station.
Ella-Passara Road
On the other hand, if you want a slightly more peaceful place to stay, away from the noisy bars and busy streets of Ella town, then find accommodation along Ella–Passara Road.
The other benefit is that you’ll be closer to the most famous attractions in Ella.
For instance, Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Pool Club, and the Flying Ravana Zipline will all be within walking distance. Then, when you DO want to spend an evening in town, it’s still a reasonable 20-minute walk (or 5-minute tuk-tuk)
We chose a small homestay in this region–Chamathka Homestay–and loved how quiet it was each evening (although we did rent a scooter, so transportation was never an issue)
Kitelella Road
This road is on the opposite side of Ella town and feels even more removed from the tourist center than Ella–Passara Road.
This region has loads of guesthouses, homestays, and hostels, and it often ends up being cheaper than the other two neighborhoods.
The downside is that it’s far from everything. The Ella Rock trailhead is nearby, but it’s a 20-minute walk along the train tracks to get into Ella Town, and places like Nine Arches Bridge/Little Adam’s Peak are over 5 kilometers away, so you’ll need a tuk-tuk or scooter to get there.
Luxury Resorts in Ella
If we have the funds someday (fingers crossed), we would love to treat ourselves to a couple of luxury stays like these. Ella is a great place to splurge on accommodation because most of the things to do around town are relatively cheap (or even free)!
These resorts are a dream, and we’ll definitely stay there for a few nights on our next trip to Ella!
1. 9 Acres Resort & Spa
98 Acres Resort was built on a ninety-eight-acre tea plantation in the shadow of Little Adam’s Peak. All their chalets are completely eco-friendly (made with recyclable material), and even their most basic rooms still feel like a splurge. But if you’re going to spend the money to stay here, you should try to get one of the more impressive suites.
For instance, the Royal Deluxe suite has tracks below the bed, which allow it to slide out onto the terrace, giving guests an insane view of Ella Gap in the morning.
Then, the Executive Suite has a full outdoor dining area with a private plunge infinity pool.
Either way, all guests have access to a large pool overlooking the valley, a full gym, private yoga sessions, and one of the highest-rated spas in Sri Lanka!
2. Anasa Wellness Resort
Anasa Wellness Resort is definitely far from Ella Road, but it’s still just a short tuk-tuk ride from Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak, and Nine Arches Bridge, making it easy to see the best parts of Ella but still feel removed from the rest of the world while in your chalet!
There’s only one chalet style available, and it’s gorgeous. It has two floors, a full dining area, a king-sized bed, and a balcony overlooking the Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak!
This is where we would stay for a true couple’s/family retreat in Ella.
The resort also has plenty of facilities, including a pool table, tennis courts, a minigolf course, free bikes, an outdoor pool & jacuzzi, and a highly rated spa! You’ll also have access to their on-site restaurant (with room service) if you don’t feel like heading into town!
3. EKHO Hotel Ella
EKHO Ella Hotel is the best value for your money at a high-end hotel in Ella. It’s also right in town, so it’s great for people who want a special holiday but still want to be within walking distance of everything in Ella.
The basic rooms aren’t overly luxurious but aren’t overpriced. You’ll pay Western prices for Western comfort.
It made our list specifically because of the honeymoon suite, a stunning room with an enclosed sunroom, and a private jacuzzi with a view of the mountains.
You’ll also get free breakfast each morning served on their lawn overlooking the mountains.
Boutique Hotels in Ella
If you don’t have quite the budget for a luxury stay but still want a comfortable room and facilities that live up to Western Standards, there are quite a few cute boutique hotels in Ella.
Here are the ones that are worth checking out!
4. Top Tip Boutique Hotel
Tip Top Boutique Hotel is where you should stay in Ella if you want to be close to Nine Arches Bridge. In fact, you can see the bridge from the patio and walk there in less than five minutes!
Apart from the location, it’s also a really comfortable hotel.
Each room has air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a small private balcony. After a day of exploring the area, you can head to the common area for complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant or relax at the pool.
There’s a huge sundeck full of sunbeds and a great view (a common theme in Ella)!
5. The chillout Ella
The Chillout is a crowd favorite in Ella, and it’s relatively affordable for what you get.
It’s really not surprising that they get almost exclusively 10/10 reviews.
The guesthouse sits off of Ella-Passara Road (our favorite neighborhood in Ella), so you can easily walk from your doorstep to Little Adam’s Peak, the Ravana Zipline, or Nine Arches.
The rooms are basic but exceptionally clean and spacious. Every villa also has a comfy queen-sized bed, beanbag chairs + hammocks on the porch, and free breakfast every morning.
6. Ella Mountain View Guest Inn
Another mid-range option in Ella with spectacular views is Ella Mount View Guest Inn!
Technically, this is off of Kitelella Raod, but it’s not as far as other places to stay in this neighborhood. You can walk to the train station or any of the best restaurants in Ella in less than 10 minutes (via the train tracks).
All of their rooms have clean bathrooms (with hot water) and private balconies with beanbag chairs, from which guests can enjoy views of Ella Rock and the surrounding mountains.
Although the Ella Mount View Guest Inn isn’t luxurious, it offers some of the best hospitality in Ella and is particularly great for couples who are on a bit of a budget.
Guesthouses & Homestays
Guesthouses and locally owned homestays are the most common types of accommodation in Ella. These range in price but are typically more ‘homey’ than boutique hotels.
Most of the time, the house will have 3-4 rooms (one is the owner’s room) and a shared common space with a kitchen and living area.
7. Ella Country House
This homestay is very rarely available during peak travel season, but if you can secure a room, it is one of the most beloved budget hotels in Ella.
The room is within walking distance of all the best restaurants in Ella, without being too close to the noise for more peaceful mornings/evenings.
Each room has great air-conditioning, a private balcony, and free breakfast.
However, the two major selling points are that some rooms have bathtubs (rare in Sri Lanka) and that the deluxe double room can accommodate a child at no extra charge!
8. Snuggle Cottage
Snuggle Cottage is a beautiful villa located off Kitelella Road, extremely close to the trailhead to Ella Rock.
As we mentioned earlier, this side of Ella is a little more removed from town, so there isn’t much around except for nature. But if you rent your own transportation in Ella, it’s really not a big deal to drive 5 minutes into town each day.
The rooms are basic but have a private bathroom, speedy Wi-Fi, and free breakfast.
9. Will Guest Homestay
Will Guest Homestay has made a name for itself in Ella by making guests feel like family.
You’ll get your own room with a pretty large bed, kitchenette, rainfall shower, and private access to the balcony. Breakfast is also included.
We didn’t have the chance to stay here personally, but we’ve heard from numerous people that it’s the best cheap homestay in Eall. I would guess that’s how they’ve amassed over 700 five-star reviews.
10. Guest Inn Avendra
This bed & breakfast is owned by Imantha and his family. They’re regarded as some of the best hosts in all of Ella. Everyone particularly raves about how good the food is.
They’re ridiculously good cooks.
Besides the food, it’s a pretty standard inn– clean and well-kept, but nothing fancy.
The other cool part is that you can actually watch the famous blue train pass from your balcony with Ella Rock in the distance!
Hostels in Ella
Ella is definitely a party town and very popular among backpackers traveling through Sri Lanka, so as you can imagine, there are plenty of hostels in town.
However, not all of them offer a great experience. Some are pretty gross and have questionable sanitation or service.
So, although we don’t often stay in hostels anymore, we wanted to include a few you can trust.
11. Hangover Hostels
We’ve seen Hangover Hostels all over Sri Lanka, from our week in Mirissa to our time spent over in Arugam Bay.
It’s a very popular hostel franchise, and its flagship location is in Ella.
The modern space prides itself on being a safe place for solo backpackers. You can book ensuite rooms if you’re traveling with a large group of friends, but you can also just get a single bed in a 6-bed dormitory. All guests also get free Wi-Fi and breakfast each morning.
The other great thing about Hangover Hostel is that it’s literally right next to Little Adam’s Peak and within walking distance of the famous Nine Arches Bridge. For either destination, you can wake up and get to either spot before the crowds pretty easily.
12. Ella Escapade
Escapade Hostel is the most peaceful hostel in Ella.
We first passed this hostel on our way to Ella Rock. It’s right at the trailhead, and although it is a bit off the main drag, the property is surrounded by a huge estate and tons of greenery.
Still, you’re very close to Kitul Ella Station and can walk along the tracks to town in about 15 minutes. If that sounds too far, renting a scooter in Ella or hiring a tuk-tuk to/from town is really easy.
There’s free breakfast every morning and dorm rooms of all sizes. Then, if you don’t feel like walking into town, you can also order lunch and dinner for a small surcharge.
13. Ella City Reach Hostel (Green View Ella)
Ella City Reach Hostel (a.k.a Green View Ella) is right in the center of town, just a few minutes from Barista and 360 Ella Cafe, and within walking distance from the train station, Nine Arches Bridge, and almost everything else in town.
The convenient location is definitely the main selling point, but it’s also known as an incredibly social hostel with a highly communal environment.
There are a few private rooms, but the cheapest beds are in the 6-bed or 10-bed dormitories. The nice part about the dorms is that you get your own wardrobe to hold all your stuff.
So, for solo travelers looking for a cheap bed and a fun community, this is your best bet!
Closing Thoughts
Once you’ve narrowed your options to a few reliable hotels/guesthouses, making a confident decision is pretty easy.
Each neighborhood offers a slightly different experience, but we would definitely prioritize the accommodation you want over the location. You can always rent a scooter for like $8-10/day.
Ella Country House is the best place to stay if you’re on a tighter budget.
But if you’re willing to splurge on nicer accomodation, Tip Top Boutique Hotel or 98 Acres Resort have some incredible rooms available.
