A garden, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar are just a few of the amenities provided at Hill Forest Cottage. Free in-room WiFi and a restaurant are available to all guests.
Other perks include:
Free self parking
Bike rentals, a front-desk safe, and barbecue grills
Tour/ticket assistance, luggage storage, and a 24-hour front desk
Room features
All guestrooms at Hill Forest Cottage boast perks such as laptop-friendly workspaces, in addition to amenities like free WiFi and sound-insulated walls.
Extra conveniences in all rooms include:
Showers and free toiletries
Balconies, daily housekeeping, and desks
Languages
Arabic, English
Property amenities
Internet
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi and wired Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi and wired Internet
Parking and transportation
Free self parking on site
Food and drink
1 restaurant
1 bar
Room service available
Things to do
Bicycle rentals
Family friendly
Laundry facilities
Refrigerator (on request)
Soundproofed rooms
Conveniences
Front-desk safe
Guest services
24-hour front desk
Daily housekeeping
Dry cleaning service
Laundry facilities
Luggage storage
Tour/ticket assistance
Outdoors
BBQ grill(s)
Garden
Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
This property does not have elevators
Raised toilet seat
More
Designated smoking areas
Mosquito nets
Room amenities
Bedroom
Bed sheets
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Shower
Towels
Entertainment
Flat-screen TV
Food and drink
Refrigerator (on request)
Outdoor space
Balcony
More
Desk
Laptop-friendly workspace
Soundproofing
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at noon
Minimum check-in age: 18
Check-out
Check-out before noon
Contactless check-out available
Special check-in instructions
Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival
This property doesn't offer after-hours check-in
Access methods
Staffed front desk
Pets
No pets or service animals allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Rollaway/extra beds are not available
Cribs (infant beds) are not available
Important information
Optional extras
Housekeeping is available for an additional fee
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system, and a first aid kit
We should mention
This property does not have elevators
No pets and no service animals are allowed at this property
Property is 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
Is Hill Forest Cottage pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Hill Forest Cottage?
Self parking is free at this property.
What time is check-in at Hill Forest Cottage?
Check-in begins at noon. After-hours check-in is not available.
What time is check-out at Hill Forest Cottage?
Check-out is at noon.
Where is Hill Forest Cottage located?
Situated in Ella, this guesthouse is within 3 mi (5 km) of Suwadivi Ayurveda Health Care, Kinellan Tea Factory, and Nature Trail Ella. Kital Ella Waterfall and Little Adam's Peak are also within 3 mi (5 km). Ella Railway Station is 24 minutes by foot.
Hill Forest Cottage Reviews
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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 29 reviews" "
10 - Excellent
16
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 29 reviews" "
8 - Good
8
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews" "
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 29 reviews" "
4 - Poor
3
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 29 reviews" "
2 - Terrible
2
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 Poor
kunarasah
20 August 2023
kunarasah
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
2/10 Terrible
Ruwan
Traveled with family
25 April 2022
Cant go traveling there no parking and no safe condition also bad
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.
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.
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
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020
10/10 Excellent
Rachel
23 February 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
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.
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
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
17 February 2019
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
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 :)
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.
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.
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!
Nice location, excellent service, Great food, looking forward again. I give 5 star
Verified traveler
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018
8/10 Good
Chris, London
19 August 2018
Liked: Staff & service, room comfort
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2019
4/10 Poor
Camilla
13 March 2019
Disliked: Cleanliness
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.