Shadow Inn Guest House

The hotel service was very poor. We had agreed on something with the owner, but they didn't honor it. They had no triple room available, so they offered us a double and a single at the same price. At checkout, though, they charged us for both the single and double rooms.

Our room was roomy and clean, with a balcony, fridge, and a really comfortable bed. The staff were friendly and helpful, and breakfast was excellent, with both Western and Sri Lankan options. It's a family-owned hotel in a modern building, furnished with good taste, on a quiet street off the main road. Restaurants and shops in the town center are within walking distance. Good value for money, and I'd gladly come back to Ella and stay here again. Can recommend.

The Sri Lankan breakfast was good, and the manager even went out of her way to bring us fresh bread from a bakery. We tried the Western breakfast the next day, and apart from the fruit it wasn't great. The staff were pleasant and very helpful. Shadow Inn is central and reasonably priced, about a 15-minute walk from the railway station and 5-10 minutes from restaurants. It seemed to be family-run. The rooms had some problems, though. One bathroom door had no inside handle, and a friend got stuck in there; another room's bathroom lock didn't work. There was no hot water when we tried to shower at night or again the next morning. When I told the manager, she said it hadn't been switched on and she'd turn it on for that evening. Our rooms didn't have TVs, though the other wing did. There isn't an elevator, so we climbed two flights of stairs. A nearby temple also has a very loud morning service.

My room was spotless and opened through glass doors onto a big balcony. The bed was comfy, with lots of pillows and a fluffy comforter, and the shared spaces were roomy and nicely furnished. The guesthouse is near Ella Town's shops and restaurants, with plenty of affordable places to eat within walking distance since dinner isn't served here. Breakfast was lovely: tea or coffee, fruit, two eggs cooked how you like, and lots of toast with butter and jam. The staff were lovely, especially the younger gentleman who went above and beyond to make sure I had what I needed. I highly recommend it.