Sleep Cheap Ella

It's a hostel, not a five-star hotel, but the showers actually have hot water, and it was the warmest welcome and hosting we've had in Sri Lanka so far. It's family-run: the brother cooks a great free breakfast, the father makes evening campfires and is so open-hearted and welcoming, and the owner is always around to help with anything.

Breakfast was spectacular: poached egg, yogurt with honey, pineapple chocolate pancakes, and Sri Lankan coffee, which I've come to love. Avishka hosted me and was really helpful and friendly. It's close to the station and the main cafés and market, with a chilled-out atmosphere and people coming from different countries. The rooms are clean, with a neat bed, mosquito net, and charging sockets. A great stay, and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable place.

The owner was very friendly and ready to answer questions about Ella or onward travel. This is a basic hostel, but it's fairly clean and cheap. Breakfast was absolutely delicious, with toast, jam, omelette, pancakes, and fruit. Definitely recommendable.

Ella prices are relatively high, so this is good budget accommodation, maybe the best, and the breakfast is awesome. The shared outdoor shower and toilet bring the rating down, though. It's basically a pipe and some sort of structure without doors. Lower end.