Badulla District Historic Hotel

"Ella is a dream and this property was so nice! The whole ambiance is beautiful and calming. They even have a garden on the premises. Our room has a magnificent view great for watching the sunrise. I opted to watch from outside near the garden. It was so magical to watch the Sun rise while listening to the birds serenade in the background and faint Buddhist chants growing gradually louder as the Sun came up! I highly recommend this property for your stay in Ella and wish we could have stayed longer. I almost did not even come to Ella but so glad I took the 7 hour train right to get here from Kandy. Very amazing place!"

"A really lovely accommodation with the most incredible views. The room was clean and spacious with a balcony so you wake up to a view of the mountails The host Priyanatha is so warm, welcoming and always available to help. Breakfast was lovely (especially the hoppers). A short walk (or tuk tuk) into town. Loved my stay here! Thank you!"

"Very conveniently located in Ella. Close to all the famous attractions and the hotel staff are very hospitable. Highly recommended."

"Stunning views, especially of the waterfall. Spacious and clean room. Our balcony was extra large! They served a very delicious breakfast for a good price. We actually enjoyed it more than when we ate in town. The internet was a problem though, it did not work or was so slow it was unusable, but thankfully we had a hot spot to take video calls for work. Would definitely recommend as long as you don’t need internet. "

"Overall a wonderful stay and would absolutely come again! Beautiful resort with absolutely stunning views and rooms. Spa is fairly priced and excellent. Location very near little Adam’s peak makes for a convenient sunrise walk. Staff all around very good and made the stay welcoming. Some things to be improved: While restaurant food is good, the prices are extortionate and we ended up eating majority of meals in local Ella for a fraction of the price. Due to the size of the resort, transport via buggy is often required and we found this service to be quite inconsistent (especially during periods of rain where everyone in the resort requires a buggy). While the hotel has umbrellas in the room, it would be nice to also get an umbrella if stuck in another location (such as the restaurant) during a downpour. "

"This place is incredible! We were a little worried when our driver initially dropped us off with our bags at the bottom of the steep road and said the road was too tight for the minivan to get through. We walked a little further than we should have, but we found the hotel and as we were escorted to our room our mouths dropped. The room is incredible! We were 3 people, but this place was clearly meant for 6. Two king beds on either side of a little staircase that took you up to 2 single beds (loft style). This place would be perfect for friends or a family with kids. We almost wanted to cancel the rest of our trip and stay longer. The room itself has a seating area, a kitchenette, a small fridge. The bathroom is provided with shower gel and shampoo (these are luxuries that are not provided in all hotels in Sri Lanka). The set up feels more like a guesthouse than a hotel room. The location is wonderfully located next to all the restaurants and the shopping. We took a walk in the evening and had dinner at Chill Cafe (which was recommended to us twice by locals in different cities). Definitely can't wait to go back to Poomaz Peace Palace."

"We had an excellent stay in that property (3nights March 2025) It located on the hill so the views from the balcony are spectacular. Still just a few steps from the center of town. Very good breakfast with lots of options. Exceptional stuff, especially the manager who was very informative, helpful and kind. The only down was the bathroom which I'd say needed some renovations and the noise coming from the construction going on at the front of the hotel but I understand at some point they have to do it. I would definitely recommend this hotel!"

"It was indeed a flower garden with breathtaking views!"

"We had the BEST time at Ella Retreat! Sadly on 34 hours long but this hotel is seriously beautiful, better than the pictures. You need a head for heights on the (slightly hairy) tuk tuk ride up the mountain, but once you're there this is a haven that you simply cannot afford to miss on your trip to Sri Lanka. The location is mind-blowing, the rooms extremely nicely done and the food delicious. Amazing quality service, we were in WhatsApp communication for ages before arriving and they were super helpful. The team couldn't do enough for us, and slwere so friendly during our stay too Taking some fabulous memories of Ella Retreat home with us ♥️"