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Reviews of Ella Escapade Hostel

Ratmalkanda Estate, 90090 Ella, Sri Lanka

#18 of 189 hotels in Ella

Guests' Choice

Review score

Based on 95 hostel reviews

9.4

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.4

  • Comfort

    9.3

  • Location

    9.1

  • Facilities

    9.2

  • Staff

    9.7

  • Value for money

    9.7

  • Free WiFi

    8.0

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Showing 1 – 25

  • Reviewed: 29 August 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Very lovely hostel. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The free breakfast and dinner is wonderful. It’s far out of town, but not too far at all. Really cut the hike to Ella walk short - totally worth it. Would really suit a group stay too. A beautiful space.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 August 2025

    10
    Perfect stay, great people to socialise and amazing dinner.
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Not much. May be just that it is little far from town. But it can be positive too in some sense.

    It is perfect location. Although it is far from the place. It is also far from all the nuisance. I enjoyed this place so much that I extended the stay. And the best part is their dinner. I don't think we can find food like that even if we pay for it. So clean and wholesome. And for Ella rock sunrise hike, this will be the best location to kickstart.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 5 August 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great location outside the main town and away from all the tourists. I booked for 2 nights and stayed 5. The breakfast and dinner was amazing.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 July 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It’s true that is next to the train tracks and maybe the early trains can wake you up!

    The staff were so attentive and helpful with everything you need! The location is beautiful, far from ella but is a nice walk through the train tracks :)

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 July 2025

    9.0
    Beautiful Escape Amongst Nature
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    The private room had an adjoining wall with ventilation holes which is shared with one of the dorms. Generally this was fine unless there was a bit of noise from the dorm. There was talk of future plans to build seperate villas for private rooms, which would be a welcome and great addition to the property.

    The property was a blissful welcome escape on the outer of town. The property was a lovely converted colonial property with a stunning natural surrounding, all while at the base of Ella Peak. The hosts were extremely warm and welcoming and made sure you got the most out of your time, whether that was by relaxing, getting out and about, or teaching you to play carrom on their own games table. The booking included half-board, which was a simple breakfast with the option to add eggs, and an amazing vegan Sri Lankan dinner with optional chicken curry. I stayed in a private room which included its own ensuite. The bed was probably the most comfortable I had had on my trip in Sri Lanka. The walk to town was picturesque, as the easiest route was along the train line, which made for a great experience in itself!

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: 30 June 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 7 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Everything. I've spend 6 months in Sri Lanka and this place it's been like my home.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 June 2025

    9.0
    Good hostel - nice experience
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    It’s a peaceful charming place where you can meet cool people with the same “zen” vibe. It’s not a party place at all but the connection between travelers is better and deeper, good socializing and easy to make friends and do things together (morning yoga, small games, trekking…) There’s breakfast and dinner included, transfer service if you want to go to Ella town or you can walk along the train trail and it’s beautiful and peaceful walk. The location is great at it’s surrounded by nature, you can climb to Ella Rock and have an early morning stunning view. Dawan will help you with his lovely drawing map and funny way of explaining it to make sure you’re on the right track at 5am with the dark. Dawan is a very thoughtful and helpful receptionist and he made my stay extra special. Thankk you so much 🙏 Highly recommend for solo travelers

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 4 June 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No soap in bathrooms, only one shower for big dormitory room

    Food, view, environment

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: 12 May 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    NA

    The hospitality, along with convinient room service and beautiful neighborhood made my stay pleasant. The owner was also very welcoming and friendly.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 11 May 2025

    9.0
    Excellent
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night

    The location was a bit outside Ella city. But perfect if you want to do the Ella rock sunrise hike. The owner was very friendly and helpful. He helped us with a taxi

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: 6 May 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    If you don't have a vehicle it may be far to go back and forth to town if that's important to you.

    Beautiful spot, right on the train tracks and the Ella rock trail. Staff are very friendly and the free meals are really lovely. Good social atmosphere.

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 27 April 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Location outside of the city center . if you don’t want to always walk, count around 5€ to go to town and other 5€ to go back on a tuk tuk

    The owner is very kind. Free breakfast and social dinner are a great way to meet new travellers. Conditions are pretty basic but the vibes and kindness of the owner compensates for that .

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 24 April 2025

    9.0
    My favourite hostel in Sri Lanka
    • Leisure trip
    • People with friends
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It would be nice if the bunks had curtains and there were more power points throughout the room. Also the showers were a bit dirty and didn’t get super hot.

    The house and garden are beautiful! The location is so serene; I’m really glad we stayed a bit out of town. It’s walking distance from the Ella Rock trailhead and an easy walk along the tracks to a waterfall and into Ella town. Dayan made us tea all through the day, which was wonderful. The free breakfast and dinner was awesome too. We had gorgeous sunny mornings out hiking and then returned to shelter from the afternoon rain, drink tea and play cards. It was really social and had such a cosy vibe. I could have stayed for weeks.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 April 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    This is one of my fave stays in Sri Lanka. The fact that the location is a lil awquad for town- yet it’s still super social made it so fun to walk down the tracks and great for Ella Rock! I also liked being away from the touristic main Street and being closer to nature! The staff were so lovely and helpful, and the free breakfast and dinner was amazing :)

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 9 April 2025

    10
    Great value
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Great hostel and lovely staff!! The best thing is the fact that you get free breakfast and dinner. You can have add-ons for extra but the main meal is free which saves up a lot in comparison to restaurant prices. Its right next to Ella Rock entrance. And a 40-minute walk along the train tracks to most things (if you check maps it shows you a bigger distance because it doesn’t account the possibility of walking the tracks).

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 2 April 2025

    8.0
    Very good
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    No power sockets next to the bed Beds were hard and there were no curtains

    Great location, food, and staff

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: 29 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Perfect stay close to the trails and nature in Ella. Everybody was very nice and helpful. Highlight is the free vegan dinner which is very tasty - 100% recommended

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 28 March 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I had a perfect stay here! Beautiful place, surrunding by nature. The owner is very nice and helpfull. You'll have breakfast, diner, tea or coffee and water for free !! It's super easy to connect with other travelers, very social place. The only thing is that you are a little bit far from Ella, but the walk to go there is so nice and Ella rock is really close so. Enjoy !

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 8 March 2025

    10
    Pretty Spot!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Curtains on the dorm beds missing. New pillows. The small pleasures of life ;)

    Great in the Green. Amazing view. Very Social. I enjoyed it better then beeing in town

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: 26 February 2025

    10
    One of my fav hostels ever
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I absolutely loved my stay here. It’s out of town but that’s what made it so special, it was so peaceful. It had a beautiful view out into the rice fields and mountains and the walk along the train tracks was beautiful. The building itself was so cute and included brekky and dinner! Plenty to do around.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 23 February 2025

    10
    Beautiful, tranquil location
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    I absolutely loved this hostel, its location is so peaceful and I spent most of my days just watching the rice paddy workers and hanging out. So much nicer than being in Ella itself and the walk in was beautiful, definitely worth the slight inconvenience. Also free breakfast and dinner! Allowed you to do own laundry for 200 rupees only.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 21 February 2025

    9.0
    Superb
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    It is a bit far from Ella center, so if you plan to go out a lot this might be placed a bit far out. However, if you plan to be in nature and hike, this is the perfect location!!

    So quiet and peaceful at night here, and easy to meet other travelers! Loved the puppies that were all around <3

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 19 February 2025

    10
    Relaxing and amazing people
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveller
    • Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Great stay and amazing people, relaxing, dinner and breakfast really nice. Such a good atmosphere around the cultures.

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: 17 February 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Double Room with Private Bathroom
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted via mobile

    Nothing

    Breakfast was simple but great. Dayan was super helpful

    Stayed in February 2025

Showing 1 – 25

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