For budget-conscious travelers, hostels offer the most economical lodging options. In Ella, Sri Lanka, where numerous hostels abound, selecting the ideal one can be challenging. To assist travelers, we meticulously searched various booking platforms and identified ten highly-rated hostels in Ella. Here are the top ten hostels in Ella, presented without ranking, providing an array of amenities and experiences to ensure a memorable stay for backpackers and budget travelers alike.
Table of Contents
1. A Lounge Hostel And Cafe
Affordable | Close to center | Restaurant
Located in the picturesque town of Ella, A Lounge Hostel and Cafe offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable stay for guests. Their property features a charming terrace, a restaurant serving delicious meals, a well-stocked bar, and complimentary WiFi accessible throughout the premises.
Conveniently situated just 4.5 km from the famous Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, and within reasonable distance to attractions such as Hakgala Botanical Garden and Horton Plains National Park, this hostel serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. Each of hostel rooms is equipped with a desk, and guests have access to shared bathroom facilities complete with a bidet and slippers. Some units also offer the added convenience of a safety deposit box. Fresh bed linen and towels are provided for the duration of your stay.
With Ella Railway Station a mere 200 meters away and Ella Spice Garden just 500 meters from the property, transportation and local attractions are easily accessible. Guests can book a room for $12 to $15 per night for a couple, and hostel has garnered favorable reviews online. However, it’s important to note that rooms are not completely soundproof, which may affect light sleepers.
| Pro | Cons |
| Close to the center | Shared bathroom |
| 200m from the Ella Railway Station | Not suitable for light sleepers |
| Affordable |
2. Rock View Hostel Ella
Nestled in Ella, just 4.6 km from the famed Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, Rock View Hostel Ella offers a comfortable accommodation option with a range of amenities. Our establishment features a serene garden, complimentary private parking, a welcoming terrace, and an onsite restaurant.
Guests can enjoy added conveniences such as room service and access to a children’s playground. Additionally, our hostel provides a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, a communal kitchen, and complimentary WiFi for seamless connectivity.
Accommodation choices include bunk beds priced at $9 to $16 per night for single occupancy, as well as private rooms starting from $33. These rooms boast private bathrooms with showers and hairdryers, with some offering captivating city views. Start your day with a satisfying breakfast featuring continental, Full English/Irish, or Asian options. While most guests have enjoyed their stay, some reviews have noted cleanliness issues with the bathrooms and toilets.
| Pro | Cons |
| Close to the center | Shared bathroom |
| Children’s playground | bathrooms could be cleaner |
| Affordable | No soundproof |
3. Backpackers Hostel
Situated in Ella, Backpackers Hostel sits a mere 2.6 miles from the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, offering a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Guests can enjoy the tranquil garden, complimentary private parking, and inviting terrace. The property is conveniently located just a 4-minute walk from Ella Train Station, with attractions like Hakgala Botanical Garden and Horton Plains National Park within 30 miles.
Accommodation options include bunk beds priced between $7 and $9 per night for single occupancy, with the $9 option including breakfast. These beds are situated in a 6-bed mixed dormitory room. Services provided encompass a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, and access to a shared kitchen, along with complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
Guests share bathroom facilities equipped with a shower and hairdryer, with some rooms offering scenic city views. While the hostel isn’t entirely soundproof, guests may occasionally hear music from nearby establishments. Nearby attractions like Ella Spice Garden Cooking Class and Little Adam’s Peak are within easy reach, promising an enriching stay at Backpackers Hostel.
| Pro | Cons |
| 4 minute walk from the Ella Railway Station | Shared bathroom |
| Close to the center | Entrance path could be improved |
| Breakfast included | No soundproof |
| Affordable |
4. Hive Ella – Hostel
Situated in the scenic town of Ella, just 4.7 km from the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, Hive Ella – Hostel offers a serene retreat with a range of accommodations. Guests can relax amidst lush surroundings in the garden, take advantage of private parking, and unwind in the shared lounge or on the terrace. The hostel also provides free WiFi and is conveniently situated 49 km from Horton Plains National Park.
Accommodation options include private rooms and dormitory beds, with dormitory beds priced between $13 and $16 per night for single occupancy. Opting for the $16 bed includes breakfast. The hostel features a 6-bed mixed dormitory room and a 6-bed female dormitory room.
Guests benefit from a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange services. Rooms are equipped with private bathrooms featuring a bidet, with some rooms boasting balconies and city views. Guests can enjoy a vegetarian or vegan breakfast during their stay. Ella Spice Garden is located just 600 meters from Hive Ella – Hostel, while Ella Railway Station is a mere 700 meters away, making it convenient for travelers to explore the local area.
| Pro | Cons |
| 700m from the Ella Railway Station | Shared bathroom |
| Close to the center | Entrance stairs could be improved |
| Free breakfast (Vegetarian or vegan) |
5. The 1964 Holiday bungalow
The 1964 Holiday Bungalow, nestled in Ella within the Badulla District Region, offers a picturesque retreat with stunning mountain views. Situated just 1.6 km from the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge and 3.1 km from Ella Railway Station, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings.
Accommodation options include private rooms priced at $12 per night for double occupancy. Additionally, guests can indulge in a delicious breakfast available for $4. The property also features an on-site restaurant, providing convenience and culinary delights for guests. Experience the tranquility and beauty of Ella at The 1964 Holiday Bungalow, where comfort, affordability, and scenic views converge to create an unforgettable stay.
| Pro | Cons |
| Great view | Wifi could be better |
| Close to the center | Not completely sound proof |
| Amazing host |
6. Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic
Nestled in the scenic town of Ella, just 4.7 miles from the renowned Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Escapade Hostel by Nomadic offers a tranquil retreat with a range of accommodations. Guests can enjoy the lush garden, complimentary private parking, and dine at the on-site restaurant. The hostel also provides free WiFi and is conveniently located 29 miles from Horton Plains National Park.
Accommodation options include private rooms and dormitory beds, with dormitory beds priced between $9 and $11 per night for single occupancy, inclusive of breakfast. The hostel features an 8-bed mixed dormitory room and a 4-bed mixed dormitory room. Rooms at the hostel are equipped with private bathrooms and bed linen and dorm beds with shared bathroom. Guests can partake in various activities in and around Ella, such as hiking amidst the scenic landscapes.
Ella Train Station is located 2.4 miles from the accommodation, while Ella Spice Garden Cooking Class is just 2.6 miles away, offering easy access to nearby attractions and activities.
| Pro | Cons |
| Great view | Wifi could be better |
| Free breakfast | Away from the center |
| Close to Ella rock |
7. Bunk Station
Located in Ella, just a short 17-minute walk from the picturesque Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, Bunk Station offers comfortable accommodations amidst natural beauty. Guests can relax in the tranquil garden, take advantage of complimentary private parking, and unwind in the shared lounge or on the terrace. The hostel, conveniently located approximately 31 miles from Hakgala Botanical Garden, also provides free WiFi and is just an 18-minute walk from the stunning Little Adam’s Peak.
Accommodation options include dormitory bunk beds, priced at $10 per night for single occupancy and inclusive of breakfast. Additionally, the hostel features a mixed dormitory room and a female dormitory room, catering to diverse needs. Rooms at the hostel are equipped with shared bathrooms and provided with bed linen for added comfort. Guests can enjoy evening entertainment and access to a shared kitchen for culinary needs.
Ella Spice Garden Cooking Class is within a short 19-minute walk from the accommodation, while Ella Train Station is conveniently located just 1.2 km away, making it easy for guests to explore the surrounding area.
| Pro | Cons |
| Modern Hostel | Not sound proof |
| Free breakfast | Shared bathroom |
| Large lockers |
8. Downtown Hostel Ella
Nestled in the heart of Ella, just 2.8 miles from the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, Downtown Hostel Ella offers comfortable accommodations amidst scenic beauty. Guests can unwind in the peaceful garden, utilize complimentary private parking, and relax in the shared lounge or on the terrace. The property enjoys a prime location, situated a mere 150m from Ella railway station, providing convenient access to transportation with just a 3-minute walk from Ella Train Station.
Guests benefit from a range of amenities including a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, a communal kitchen, and complimentary WiFi. Accommodation options include dormitory bunk beds, available for $17 per night for single occupancy and inclusive of breakfast. Additionally, the hostel features mixed dormitory and female dormitory rooms to cater to various preferences. Also this hostel in Ella stands out as in offering air conditioning facilities, hence it tends to be on the higher end in terms of pricing. Also it’s worth to mention this is the only hostel that offer A/C on this hostels in Ella list.
Nearby attractions such as Ella Spice Garden Cooking Class are just a short 5-minute walk away, while the stunning Little Adam’s Peak is located 1.6 miles from Downtown Hostel Ella, offering guests the opportunity to explore the beauty of Ella with ease.
| Pro | Cons |
| A/C Dorms | Expensive |
| Free breakfast | Shared bathroom |
| Large lockers | bathrooms could be cleaner |
9. Wild Bee Hostel
Wild Bee Hostel presents itself as a haven of luxury and eco-consciousness. Drawing inspiration from the diligent honey bee, they meticulously erected our hives atop the elevated landscapes of Ella, relying solely on manual labor and unwavering dedication from our team. Their hostel hives are strategically crafted to seamlessly blend with the surrounding flora and fauna, offering guests unparalleled panoramic views of the mountainous Ella terrain.
Despite its close proximity to Ella town, their cabins provide a sense of isolation, privacy, and escape from the daily hustle and bustle. With 26 beds distributed across 4 luxury dormitories—the Upper and Lower dorms—they prioritize space, comfort, and amenities to ensure their guests enjoy the finest experience during the stay in Ella. A dorm bed can be reserved for $23 per night, inclusive of breakfast, offering guests a delightful start to their day. While Wild Bee Hostel is the most expensive option on this hostels in Ella list , we firmly believe that their extensive facilities justify the price.
Conveniently located within reach of Ella’s most popular attractions, Wild Bee Hostel stands just 200m from Ella Spice Garden, 700m from Ella Railway Station, 2.6km from Little Adams Peak, 3.6km from the Ella Rock starting point, and 4.6km from the iconic Demodara Nine Arch Bridge.
| Pro | Cons |
| Large beds | Expensive |
| Free breakfast | |
| Luxury experience |
10. Avocado Hostel
Avocado Hostel presents a selection of accommodations for guests, including two private rooms and two dormitory rooms— a 4-bed female dorm and a 5-bed mixed dorm— all situated on the top floor. Each room is equipped with an attached bathroom featuring hot showers. Additionally, guests have access to a shared living room and balcony, ideal for relaxation and socializing.
On the ground floor, the hostel boasts a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their home-cooked meals not only offer delectable flavors but also come at affordable prices, surpassing the taste of fast-food establishments. Dormitory beds can be booked for $9 to $14 per night for single occupancy. Opting for a $12.50 or $14 dorm bed includes breakfast, providing guests with a hearty start to their day.
Conveniently positioned between the city center and Little Adams Peak, Avocado Hostel offers easy access to popular attractions. The hostel is a mere 800 meters from the train station and just a 500-meter walk to the trailhead of Little Adams Peak. Guests can confidently stroll to and from town even during late hours without encountering any issues.
| Pro | Cons |
| Close to the center | Shared bathroom |
| Breakfast included | |
| Restaurent |
In conclusion, when planning your stay in Ella, consider one of these top 10 best hostels in Ella for a comfortable and memorable experience. With their excellent facilities, friendly staff, and convenient locations, these hostels promise to enhance your journey through this picturesque destination. Whether you’re a solo traveler, backpacker, or group explorer, these hostels offer the perfect blend of affordability and quality for an unforgettable stay in Ella.
