Hilltop Guest House Ella Review: Amazing Sri Lanka Hotel

This blog post is all about my review of Hilltop Guest House Ella, Sri Lanka.

If you’re planning a trip to Ella and looking for a relaxing, budget-friendly stay with stunning views, Hilltop Guest House Ella should be on your radar.

Tucked away in the hills just above the town, this charming family-run guesthouse offers a peaceful stay, warm hospitality, and incredible scenery, all at a very reasonable price.

Here’s everything you need to know about staying at Hilltop Guest House Ella, based on my recent stay.

RELATED Ella & Sri Lanka blog posts to read:

If you’re planning a trip to Ella or Sri Lanka, make sure to check out all of my Sri Lanka YouTube vlogs here, and my 48 hours in Ella YouTube vlog below. You can see a room and hotel tour of Hilltop Guest House Ella in this YouTube vlog below:

This blog post is all about Hilltop Guest House Ella.

How to Get to Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella is located in the Badulla District in Sri Lanka’s hill country. Here are the most popular ways to get there:

1. How to Get to Ella from Kandy

The train journey from Kandy to Ella is famous for its scenic beauty. This is how we travelled to Ella and you’ll find most other backpackers follow this same route.

Duration: Around 6–7 hours.
How to book: Book tickets online or at the station; reserve 2nd or 3rd class tickets for best views. We booked 2nd class unreserved tickets and managed to get seats – read this blog post for all the tips!

RELATED Kandy blog posts to read:

2. How to Get to Ella from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya Station)

By train: About 3–4 hours
By taxi: Roughly 2.5 hours.
This route is a shorter stretch of the scenic train ride and just as beautiful.

3. How to Get to Ella from Colombo

By train: Roughly 9–10 hours; long but very scenic.
By bus + train combo: Colombo to Badulla or Bandarawela by bus, then tuk-tuk or train to Ella.
By taxi/private driver: Around 5.5–6 hours.

RELATED Colombo blog posts to read:

4. How to Get to Ella from the South (e.g. Mirissa, Tangalle, or Yala)

By taxi or driver: 3.5–6 hours depending on starting point.
By bus: Budget option but may require transfers and longer travel times.

RELATED South Sri Lanka blog posts to read:

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

Best Things to Do in Ella

Ella may be small, but it’s packed with natural beauty and laid-back charm. Here are some of the best things to do in Ella during your stay:

1. Climb Little Adam’s Peak

A relatively easy hike with panoramic views. The trail starts near 98 Acres Resort and takes about 30–45 minutes to reach the top.

2. Visit Nine Arch Bridge

This iconic colonial-era railway bridge is a must-see, especially when a train passes through. You can walk along the tracks or view it from above with a coffee from one of the nearby cafés.

3. Hike to Ella Rock

A more challenging hike than Little Adam’s Peak but worth the effort for the incredible viewpoint. Go early in the morning to avoid the heat.

4. Take the Ella to Kandy Train

Often dubbed one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the route winds through tea plantations, mountains, and tunnels. Book your tickets in advance!

5. Ravana Falls

Just a short drive from town, Ravana Falls is a picturesque waterfall where you can cool off in the pools below.

6. Relax in Ella Town

Ella has a laid-back backpacker vibe with great cafés, smoothie bars, yoga classes, and shops. It’s also a good place to try roti, kottu, and local tea.

RELATED blog post to read: Ella Travel Guide: How to Spend An Incredible 48 Hours Here

The Location of Hilltop Guest House Ella

As the name suggests, Hilltop Guest House Ella is perched on a hill just above Ella town. It’s about a 10–15 minute walk up from the main street, which gives you the perfect balance of convenience and peacefulness.

You’re close enough to easily access Ella’s cafes, restaurants, and train station, but far enough away to enjoy peace and quiet once you’re back at the guesthouse.

The views from the property are absolutely incredible. From the balcony and communal areas, you can see across the valley to Ella Rock, with layers of mist rolling over the hills each morning.

It’s a dreamy spot to watch the sunrise with a cup of Sri Lankan tea in hand.

The Rooms at Hilltop Guest House Ella

The rooms at Hilltop Guest House Ella are simple but clean, comfortable, and spacious. I stayed in a double room with a private bathroom and balcony. The bed was fitted with a mosquito net, and there was a fan to keep things cool.

While the interiors are modest, everything was well-maintained and felt like good value for the price.

The real highlight? Waking up each morning, opening the curtains, and being greeted by panoramic jungle views. It’s a special feeling you don’t get in the middle of town.

The Breakfast at Hilltop Guest House Ella

Breakfast at Hilltop Guest House Ella was one of the highlights of my stay.

Each morning, the lovely hosts served up a generous Sri Lankan-style breakfast with fresh fruit, eggs, toast, pancakes, and of course, plenty of tea.

You can request Western options too, but I highly recommend trying the local dishes. They’re delicious and filling.

The best part is enjoying breakfast on the terrace overlooking the valley. It’s hard to imagine a better way to start the day in Ella. I even spotted some tourists doing yoga on another balcony down below.

The Hosts

What really makes Hilltop Guest House Ella stand out is the hospitality. The family who runs the guesthouse is incredibly kind and welcoming.

They offered help with tuk-tuk rides, laundry, train and bus times, and tips for local hikes.

I felt genuinely looked after throughout my stay, which added so much to the overall experience.

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

What to Know Before You Book

The walk up from town is a little steep, so be prepared if you’re arriving on foot with a backpack. It’s manageable, but if you’re arriving after a long train journey, consider taking a tuk-tuk from the station.
Wi-Fi is available and worked well during my stay, even for uploading photos and booking future accommodation in Sri Lanka.
Hot water is available in the showers, which is a big bonus in the cooler hill country.
The rooms are basic but offer great value. Perfect for budget travellers, backpackers, or couples looking for a peaceful place to unwind.

Would I Recommend Hilltop Guest House Ella?

Absolutely. Hilltop Guest House Ella is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic stay in Ella with genuine hospitality and excellent value for money.

It’s ideal for solo travellers, couples, and anyone who wants to experience the quieter side of this popular town without being too far from the action.

Whether you’re spending your days hiking Little Adam’s Peak, exploring Nine Arch Bridge, or simply soaking in the views, this is a great base to come home to at the end of each day.

Final Thoughts on Hilltop Guest House Ella

Ella is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka, and staying somewhere that lets you appreciate the landscape makes all the difference.

Hilltop Guest House Ella was a peaceful escape from the busier parts of town, and I wouldn’t hesitate to stay here again.

Book your stay at Hilltop Guest House Ella here!

RELATED Sri Lanka blog posts to read:

If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to check out my 80+ page travel guide eBook which you can download here to help you plan!

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This blog post is all about Hilltop Guest House Ella.