The Hostelz.com Review - Genuine, independent review you can trust.
Tucked away in the beautiful hills, My Hostel Ella is a quiet and peaceful hostel where you'll probably get to know everyone who is staying. It's a twenty-minute walk to the town, which is great if you want to be away from Ella's very touristy center. There's also hot showers and working Wi-Fi (which is a rarity for hostels in Sri Lanka the more north you go).
The Location
As long as your bag isn't too big, it's possible to walk from the train station. Walk down the hill after leaving the station and turn right at the end of the road. Follow the road round and walk under the railway bridge. You'll then see a restaurant on your right. Take the right turn immediately after this. Now the hike begins up into the hills. Stay on this road for approximately one-and-a-half kilometers as it snakes its way up into the hill. You'll eventually see a sign for the hostel on your left, next to a small lane. The hostel is at the end of this lane.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The dorms are very compact, with three to four single beds. You'll definitely get talking to your roommates, because if you don't, it's just awkward being in such a small room with them. If you're already traveling with people, you'll have the whole dorm to yourselves. The beds are really comfy and mosquito nets are installed. There aren't any fans or air conditioning, but it's a bit cooler up in the hills. There are plenty of toilets and showers -- all kept very clean -- and thankfully, these come with decent hot showers.
Common Spaces
There's a small lounge with a few comfy sofas and a book exchange, but the outdoors area is much nicer. There's a large table where guests can have breakfast and tea/coffee together, and this is a great way to team up for Ella's hiking opportunities. A couple of hammocks are available to relax in too. It's unlikely you'll see anyone here during the day, and there probably won't be anyone here in the evenings either, as all the food options are in town. Nevertheless, the small dorms and the free breakfast here still make it possible to meet people. You won't get a young crowed of backpackers here, so it's more likely that you'll meet slightly older travelers if you stay.
Summary
This hostel is a tranquil place to stay that is both clean and comfortable. It's a little far from the town and there are only a couple of places to eat nearby. The walk into the town, however, is beautiful, as it winds through the tea plantations (alternatively, just get an inexpensive tuk tuk). Meeting people is possible, but don't expect a vibrant atmosphere.
Photos taken by the Hostelz.com reviewer — Genuine photos you can trust.
Chris
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on Dec 4, 2018
Location and Contact
Location
• From air port- • By bus - Bus No 187 Air Port to Colombo • Bus No 99 Colombo to Badulla Need to get off at 'kumbalwela' and get a tuk tuk (taxi) Or get a bus to Ella (3.5 KM). • Our Meeting point to pick up guests is Ellement Hiking Bar in Ella railway station road (1st restaurant in station Road). • Free Transport From Ella to My Hostel Ella will be provided.( Gathering Location Ellement Hiking Bar Ella, Near Ella Railway station. • Feel Like Finding the place your own? Just follow the sign boards from Ellement Hiking Bar to My Hostel Ella.