Suwadivi Ayurveda Health Care - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
Kinellan Tea Factory - 4 min drive - 2.4 km
Nine Arches Bridge - 8 min drive - 5.4 km
Little Adam's Peak - 8 min drive - 4.6 km
Ella Rock - 11 min drive - 8.5 km
Getting around
Ella Railway Station - 24 min walk
Haputale Railway Station - 47 min drive
Restaurants
Chill Cafe - 4 min drive
Barista - 4 min drive
360 Ella - 4 min drive
Starbeans Cafe - 4 min drive
One Love - 4 min drive
About this property
Hill Forest Cottage
Hill Forest Cottage is a great choice for a stay in Ella. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge.
Languages
Arabic, English
At a glance
Hotel size
2 rooms
Arriving/Leaving
Check-in time starts at noon
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out time is noon
Contactless check-out available
Restrictions related to your trip
Check COVID-19 restrictions.
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Required at check-in
Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
Government-issued photo ID may be required
Minimum check-in age is 18
Children
No cribs (infant beds)
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Internet
Free WiFi and wired internet access in public areas
Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms
Parking
Free onsite self parking
Other information
Designated smoking areas
Property amenities
Food and drink
Restaurant
Bar/lounge
Barbecue grills
Room service (limited hours)
What to do
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Services
24-hour front desk
Tour/ticket assistance
Dry cleaning/laundry services
Luggage storage
Bicycle rentals
Facilities
Safe-deposit box at front desk
Garden
Mosquito nets
Accessibility
Raised toilet seat
Room amenities
Be entertained
Flat-screen television
Sleep well
Soundproofed rooms
Bed sheets provided
What to enjoy
Balcony
Freshen up
Shower only
Free toiletries
Towels
Stay connected
Desk
Free WiFi and wired internet
Food and drink
Refrigerator (on request)
More
Daily housekeeping
Fees & policies
Optional extras
Housekeeping is offered for an extra charge
Policies
This property does not have elevators.
Guests can rest easy knowing there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on site.
This property accepts cash.
Also known as
Hill Forest Cottage Guesthouse Ella
Hill Forest Cottage Guesthouse
Hill Forest Cottage Ella
Hill Forest Cottage Ella
Hill Forest Cottage Guesthouse
Hill Forest Cottage Guesthouse Ella
Frequently asked questions
Does Hill Forest Cottage offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, Hill Forest Cottage does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure to check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Are pets allowed at Hill Forest Cottage?
Sorry, pets and service animals aren't allowed.
Is parking offered on site at Hill Forest Cottage?
Yes, there's free self parking.
What are the check-in and check-out times at Hill Forest Cottage?
You can check in starting at noon. Check-out time is noon. Contactless check-out is available.
What is there to do at Hill Forest Cottage and nearby?
Have fun during the warmer months with activities nearby such as hiking. Hill Forest Cottage also has a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near Hill Forest Cottage?
Yes, there's an onsite restaurant.
Does Hill Forest Cottage have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a balcony.
Reviews
8.4
Very Good
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window
8.4/10
Cleanliness
9.4/10
Staff & service
8.0/10
Amenities
8.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
8.0/10
Eco-friendliness
Reviews
4/10 Fair
Aug 20, 2023
kunarasah
kunarasah, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
2/10 Poor
Apr 25, 2022
Cant go traveling there no parking and no safe condition also bad
Ruwan
Ruwan, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review
2/10 Poor
Apr 3, 2020
Do not go here
Please do not go to this so called cottage. It’s inaccessible, below average and does not even have food readily available. And since it’s way up a mountain with a non existent dangerously unsafe access one is really trapped here. There are far better places in and near town. We forfeited one day’s charge and got out of there ASAP.
Sadhana
Sadhana, 2-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Feb 27, 2020
Great views, a bit of a trek to get there
Beautiful location at the very highest point in Ella. Sweet family that owns the place and is expanding the hotel to have more rooms and a restaurant. With that in mind, they are still building the road up to the hotel. They have a jeep that will take you up (5 min drive or 10 min walk). It is unpaved and pretty steep, so I would caution anyone who is afraid of off-roading or mobility limited. But, if you're up for the adventure, the view is worth it! The rooms could use a bit of updating for the price, but we had a nice shower and a nice sleep there.
Kaley
Kaley, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 24, 2020
One of the best hotels I’ve stayed in, super friendly service, breakfast was delicious and we were served a variety of food. Great location with a beautiful view of the mountains. Hope to come back and stay here again!
Mona
Mona, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 23, 2019
Off the beaten path
We had a great stay. Dinner and breakfast were amazing, and the views were second to none. The room itself was very clean, but the walls retained the damp which caused it to smell a bit. The taxi also couldn’t get up the mountain because the road was so steep. Overall a really nice place-we would stay here again.
Rachel
Rachel, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 19, 2019
Lovely family run place.
Lovely room and even nicer family that run the place.
Beautiful views.
The home cooked meal and breakfast were the nicest we had in Sri Lanka.
The only thing to be aware of is it’s a bit remote (can be a positive or a negative depending on your viewpoint) so u need to get a 5 minute tuk tuk back from Ella centre at a cost of approx 500 rupees.
Very good value for money.
Gareth
Gareth, 2-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 17, 2019
Mostly echoing what the other reviewers have said. The location is very picturesque, the food and the hostess are amazing, the climb up the hill is arduous.
Hot water for showering was an added bonus for our stay, as they'd just added solar water heaters.
The only thing that prevents Hill Forrest Cottage from getting a perfect score, is the silicon they used to seal the windows in our room wasn't mould proof, and as there's a lot of condensation on the inside, it's gone a bit mouldy and gives the room a musty smell. It's an easy fix though, hopefully, it'll be done by the time you visit :)
Verified traveler
2-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 5, 2019
Brilliant hotel & hospitality!
We had an AMAZING stay at Hill Forests Cottage. The room was very large & the view was breathtaking - exactly like the photos shown on hotels. Service wise, it was just brilliant. The free breakfast consisted of 5 different options, all served to us on our balcony overlooking Ella. If you have the opportunity to have dinner there, do it! The host was a brilliant cook & she make us a delicious curry with 9 different side dishes. We were completely taken aback by the kindness of the hosts and wish we had stayed longer.
Gemma
Gemma, 2-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 23, 2019
Spectacular Mountain Views
The views of the mountains are spectacular at the hotel. It’s quiet and relaxing, away from the partying of Ella. The owners are sweet and will go out if their way to make you comfortable. The Sri Lankan breakfast and dinner served was some of the best I’ve had. She will serve it at anytime you ask and LOTS of it. So much variety! The rooms were clean and spacious, with huge wrap around balconies and outdoor seating. Amazing place to sit and eat or just stare at the view. Tips: Arrange a tuk tuk with the owners before you arrive. Not all of the drivers at the train station are willing to go up the mountain. It’s nit far distance wise (5 minutes) but it is steep. Easy to walk down the mountain though to hang out in Ella, but hire a tuk tuk 300-400 rupees for the ride back up unless you want a leg workout :). Bring a light sweater for the cool mountain nights. And bring your appetite. The WiFi is spotty but that is typical of Sri Lanka.
Lia
Lia, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Jan 18, 2019
Amazing!!!
Absolutely Amazing!! The family who owns this is truly friendly and caring. And they make the best food in Sri Lanka! We had both breakfast and dinner and I can guarantee you don’t get disappointed. It is tasty and a lot!
There is about 2 or 3 min walk from the road but no problem at all. It is stairs and a road and signs where to go.
We would gladly come back and stay here again!
And the room is large and has a wonderful view from the room.
Don’t hesitate to go here!
They also helped us with renting a motorcycle and arranging taxi for our next destination.
A very nice family and place to stay at!
Malin
Malin, 4-night romance trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 4, 2018
Nice location, excellent service, Great food, looking forward again. I give 5 star
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
Aug 19, 2018
Great views and friendly family
This is not an easy place to find, so persevere! It's basically a family run operation; you get a bed, a shower, breakfast, and a fantastic view! Not much more than that. The family running the house are lovely and very helpful. If you want easy access to Ella (i.e. be in the middle of the place), don't stay here, but if you want something laid back and with a fantastic vista, this is the place for you.
Chris
Chris, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
Jul 26, 2018
Wonderful views and room, the only downside is getting to it. Need to walk the last few meters but it is worth it for the view, amazing. The people could not have been nicer or more helpful.
Verified traveler
1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
8/10 Very Good
Jul 10, 2018
Off the beaten path. Postcard perfect sunset. Kind hosts. Savoury meals. Organic, healthy living!
Benjamin
Benjamin, 1-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 18, 2023
Hans peter
Hans peter, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Jan 19, 2022
It was a good choice to come here. The view in the Mornig is incridible. The service is fast an friendly,so as the owner. Great lundary service!
Phillip
Phillip, 2-night trip
Verified Ebookers guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Mar 14, 2020
Roy-Einar
Roy-Einar, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 19, 2020
Utsikt utöver det vanliga
Vi älskade detta mysiga hotell, med fantastisk utsikt från rummet och mycket trevlig och hjälpsam personal. Jättegod och spännande frukost med färsk frukt, pannkakor och cocosbröd.
Lena
Lena, 3-night family trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
8/10 Very Good
Feb 12, 2020
udsigt 👍
de var vildt søde. Fantastisk udsigt.
Lillian
Lillian, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Feb 8, 2020
Vi kan varmt anbefale dette stedet. Vi hadde 2 netter her i Ella. Ligger litt opp ihøyden i skogen, så man blir litt skjermet om man ønsker litt fred. Ansatte og eiere var svært hyggelige og serviceinnstilt. Veldig god og mye mat til frokost. Behjelpelig med anskaffelse av scooter leie til en rimeligere pris og kjørte oss ned til togstasjonen når vi skulle dra. Vi vil deffinetivt bo her igjen om vi kommer tilbake til Ella.
Fantastisk utsikt och fantastisk service på boendet, dock många insekter längs golv och karmar som inte hade städats på ett tag. Boendet låg högt upp bland bergen. De tog inte emot kort som betalning, endast kontanter.
Verified traveler
3-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
10/10 Exceptional
Dec 26, 2019
Perfect place
Thanks for a lovely stay. Very friendly staff who arranged Christmas dinner and cake at Christmas Eve. Breakfast and dinner were wonderful. The staff were very helpful with transportation. The room was clean with great view, just as in the pictures. We will definitely come back!
Mari Schjoth
Mari Schjoth, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review
4/10 Fair
Mar 13, 2019
Wouldn’t stay again
The place it’s self wasn’t too bad, but the bathroom wasn’t properly cleaned, our bedroom didn’t have a fan or mosquito net. Our bathroom window wouldn’t close and there were bugs crawling under the main door into our bedroom. We had to wait quite a while for someone to receive us when we arrived, and when someone came they didn’t speak English well enough to understand our questions.
Breakfast was good. Not way too far from the city when you manage to find the steps, but you need a tuktuk.