The Spice Lodge, 3rd Mile Post, Passara Road, 90090 Ella, Sri Lanka
#17 of 189 hotels in Ella
Guests' ChoiceBased on 148 hotel reviews
9.3Cleanliness
9.3
Comfort
9.4
Location
9.4
Facilities
9.0
Staff
9.8
Value for money
9.5
Free Wifi
5.0
Real Bookers. Real stays. Real opinions.
Read more– opens a dialog boxEach review score is between 1 and 10. To get the overall score you see, we add up all the review scores we’ve received and divide that total by the number of them. We use a weighted review system, which means the more recent the review, the bigger the impact on the total review score calculation. Guests can also give separate “subscores” in crucial areas like location, cleanliness, staff, comfort, facilities, value, and free Wifi. Note that guests submit their subscores and overall scores independently, so there’s no direct link between them.
You can review an accommodation that you booked through our platform if you stayed there, or if you got to the property but didn’t actually stay there. To edit a review you’ve already submitted, contact our Customer Service team.
We have people and automated systems that specialize in detecting fake reviews submitted to our platform. If we find any, we delete them and, if necessary, take action against whoever is responsible.
Anyone who spots something suspicious can always report it to our Customer Service team so that our fraud team can investigate.
Ideally, we'd publish every review we get, positive and negative. However, we won’t display any reviews that include or refer to (among other things):
To make sure reviews are relevant, we may only accept reviews that are submitted within 3 months of checking out. We may stop showing reviews once they’re 36 months old, or if the accommodation has a change of ownership.
An accommodation can reply to a review.
When you see multiple reviews, the most recent ones will be at the top, subject to a few other factors (e.g. language, whether it’s just a rating or contains comments as well, etc.). You can sort and/or filter them by time of year, review score, and more.
Sometimes we show external review scores from other well-known travel websites, but make it clear when we do this.
These guidelines and standards aim to keep the content on Booking.com relevant and family-friendly, without limiting expression or strong opinions. They're also applicable regardless of the comment's tone.
Contributions should be travel related. The most helpful contributions are detailed and help others make better decisions. Please don’t include personal, political, ethical, or religious commentary. Promotional content will be removed and issues concerning Booking.com’s services should be routed to our Customer Service or Accommodation Service teams.
Contributions should be appropriate for a global audience. Please avoid using profanity or attempts to approximate profanity with creative spelling, in any language. Comments and media that include hate speech, discriminatory remarks, threats, sexually explicit remarks, violence, or the promotion of illegal activity are not permitted.
All content should be genuine and unique to the guest. Reviews are most valuable when they are original and unbiased. Your contribution should be yours. Booking.com property partners should not post on behalf of guests or offer incentives in exchange for reviews. Attempts to bring down the rating of a competitor by submitting a negative review will not be tolerated.
Respect the privacy of others. Booking.com will make an effort to obscure email addresses, telephone numbers, website addresses, social media accounts, and other similar details.
The opinions expressed in contributions are those of Booking.com customers and properties, and not of Booking.com. Booking.com does not accept responsibility or liability for any reviews or responses. Booking.com is a distributor (without any obligation to verify) and not a publisher of these comments and responses.
By default, reviews are sorted based on the date of the review and on additional criteria to display the most relevant reviews, including but not limited to: your language, reviews with text, and non-anonymous reviews. Additional sorting options might be available (by type of traveler, by score, etc...).
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.
End of dialog contentReviewed: April 7, 2025
Ana
United KingdomKamal goes above and beyond to make you feel welcome. The location is unreal. Short walk to Little Adam's Peak and Ella's city centre. Food was great too.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: April 6, 2025
Natalie
New ZealandWe loved our stay here. The rooms are comfortable and the view from the spot is lovely with all of the trees. The rooms don't have AC but we didn't find that to be a problem as Ella is not as warm as other spots we stayed in Sri Lanka - we used the fan at night. It was good to open the windows to let in fresh air as it can be a bit stuffy and humid but I think this is the norm with the humidity. No mould or anything like this :) the location is great right next to a couple of main attractions (Littles Adams and Nine Arches) and some nice food spots but still secluded and quiet. The place is up steps if this could be an issue for you - it was ok for us. The host was super helpful always and also offered us transport and reasonable prices to get to different spots if we asked! We also did the cooking class which we really enjoyed. The breakfasts were a highlight - we had the Sri Lankan breakfast and absolutely loved them - slightly different each day with string hoppers and coconut sambal and different curries plus fresh fruit etc. The hosts also packed us a wee lunch of sandwiches and fruit for our early train and dropped us off there. We really enjoyed our stay here!
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: April 4, 2025
Marian
Germanya mosquito net above the bed would have been appreciated
Kamal is a great host and it is very close to little Adam‘s peak which is a great spot for sunrise and sunset. Main road is also in walking distance
Stayed in April 2025
Reviewed: March 26, 2025
Clive
United KingdomNothing. Its basic but excellent
Great location. Breakfast was excellent. A short tuck tum ride from busy central Ella but very quiet with good local restaurants. Short Walk to Little Adams Peak. Owner was really helpful. Definitely recommended.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: March 22, 2025
Talia
United KingdomNothing, everything was perfect.
The property was one of the best we’ve stayed at during our trip and had stunning views. Every morning the family cooked the most delicious Sri Lankan breakfast and Kamal made sure we had everything we needed and looked after us amazingly. He even took us on a day trip to see spectacular waterfalls. The Wi-Fi worked well for us too. I will definitely stay here again!
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: March 20, 2025
Freya
United KingdomThere are barking dogs at night but this is not something the host can help
Amazing lodge with two rooms - both have beautiful views. Host is really lovely and has breakfast ready for you every morning at your requested time. Sri Lankan breakfast was delicious, especially the coconut pancakes! About 10-15mins walk into town but very close to 9 arch bridge and little Adam’s peak. Room was big and comfortable.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: March 17, 2025
Melissa
United StatesRoom was a bit warm during the day & lack of mosquito net or window screens made it hard to leave door/windows open too long, but did cool off & we slept comfortably each night.
Kamal was a phenomenal host who went above and beyond to ensure we had an amazing stay (giving rides to town, helping with dirt bike rentals, giving great personalized recommendations). Breakfast was the best we've had. Location was nicely off the main strip (though easily walkable) and convenient for hikes up Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arches Bridge. Highly recommend!
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: March 11, 2025
George
United KingdomGreat rooms in an amazing setting, the photos don’t do it justice. Staff were lovely and breakfast was delicious, best I’ve had in Sri Lanka.
Stayed in March 2025
Reviewed: February 11, 2025
Adam
SlovakiaWe had an amazing experience with Kamal during our stay From the moment he picked us up, he went above and beyond to ensure our trip was special. Kamal guided us to Diyaluma Falls, and drove us to the Halpewatte Tea Factory, and.. He was incredibly kind, attentive to details, and always made sure we were comfortable. What really stood out was Kamal’s thoughtful planning—he shared invaluable tips to help us avoid crowds and enjoy peaceful moments at each destination. He patiently waited for us, gave us plenty of time to explore, and was never in a rush. His friendly attitude, local insights, and very reasonable pricing made the experience truly memorable. We highly recommend him to anyone visiting Ella! At the same time he was not pushing us to anything we did not want to do! We also did the cooking class they offer which was also amazing local experience.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 8, 2025
Anna
GermanyOne thing to keep in mind if you have walking difficulties is that there are about 50 steps leading up to the accommodation.
Review for The Spice Lodge in Ella: 10/10 The Spice Lodge in Ella is absolutely perfect! Our room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and very comfortable. The hosts were incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home. The ambiance of the entire place is so relaxing, and the breakfast was absolutely delicious – a great way to start the day. They also offer a cooking class, which is a wonderful experience, and a convenient laundry service. The location is ideal: it’s right at the start of the Little Adam’s Peak hike, which made our early morning adventure super easy. While it’s a bit of a distance from the city center (about a 20-minute walk or a quick 3-5 minute tuk-tuk ride), we found it peaceful and perfectly located for exploring the area. Overall, we had a fantastic stay and would highly recommend The Spice Lodge for its comfort, hospitality, and perfect location!
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: February 8, 2025
Helen
AustraliaRoom was a bit dark but very spacious.
Excellent location, quiet lush garden and lovely view. Delicious meals both breakfast and dinners. Personalised service - host Kamal was so helpful and friendly.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: February 4, 2025
Larissa
SwitzerlandIt could be a little more private. Sometimes owner children are a little loud.
The view is amazing! You are surrounded by nature. Room was very clean, nice bathroom, comfortable bed and huge windows to look out in the green. Terrace was fantastic.
Stayed in February 2025
Reviewed: January 29, 2025
Gideon
NetherlandsAmazing stay in Ella! The place is very clean, room is big and has a nice terrace with an amazing view. A delicious breakfast is served every morning on your terrace. The host is really friendly and you can even do a cooking class with his family. We did it and we definitely recommend it. Location is great as it is a bit outside the noisy center and close to Little Adam’s peak and the nine arches bridge hike. Best value for money in Sri Lanka. Would like to come back again!
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 28, 2025
Alexander
United KingdomNothing! Just some steep steps up to the property - but not a problem for us 😊
Lovely spacious, comfortable and clean room - with a private terrace/outdoor furniture and an absolutely amazing view (lots of squirrels and bird life to watch/enjoy too 😊)! We really enjoyed just chilling outside before/after heading out. Nice relaxing atmosphere set back from the hustle and bustle of the town centre - though we were still close enough to walk (approx 20 mins), or just take a short tuk tuk ride into town. The property is also right next to the start of Little Adam’s Peak which was ideal - and it’s also walking distance from the 9 Arches Bridge. Breakfast was also fantastic - delicious fresh fruit, sweet pancakes, and savoury Sri Lankan dishes like dhal, coconut sambol, curry and hoppers (all incredible!! 🤤) Our host was very friendly and super helpful - fitting breakfast around our daily plans, arranging laundry for us, and also a last minute/early morning tuk tuk ride to the Ella Rock hike! Thoroughly recommend The Spice Lodge if you want a comfortable private room in a quieter/more relaxing part of Ella!
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 24, 2025
Renata
LithuaniaCold shower. For us was ok, as we stayed 1 night
Exceptional experience, the view is incredible, surrounded of nature. The servive is high quality. Breakfast is very nice
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 24, 2025
Razvan
BahrainThe view and the location, most importantly the owner was just amazing!
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 22, 2025
Paula
AustraliaBathroom needs renovating which is planned for
The location and the view had we been able to see it. Lovely breakfast, attentive host
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 14, 2025
Jakub
PolandBarhroom needs small upgrade
Set high above Ella on jungle edge with splendid views, sooo yuuumy breakfasts! Great host, caring and informative,
Stayed in January 2025
Reviewed: January 12, 2025
Eftychia
United StatesNothing, everything was great!
The best choice to book in Ella if you want to be close to everything and still feel that you are in the jungle! Everything was great!10/10! The kind owner, the beautiful and clean room, lovely view and the tasty local breakfast! Thank you 🙏
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: December 23, 2024
Marc
AustraliaKamahl was very helpful, breakfasts were excellent.
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: December 11, 2024
Debra
United KingdomNothing to dislike
From the moment we where picked up from the train station to the moment we left Kamal couldn't do enough for us. We had a cookery class with mom and sister amazing food was cooked and duly eaten. The food we had in our last night with our neighbour Frankie was to die for breakfast so tasty. A lively little retreat with lively room and a view to die for.
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: December 11, 2024
Morgan
AustraliaThe steep ascent to accommodation means this isn’t for everybody.
A lovely view, spotlessly clean and warm helpful host, Kamal, make this a very restful stay. I really enjoyed a beer before dinner each night, choosing to eat in .
Stayed in December 2024
Reviewed: December 5, 2024
Dietmar
BelgiumThe room is a bit damp.
Spice Lodge has a great view and is located at the beginning of Little Adams Peak. The hosts are very friendly and helpful.
Stayed in November 2024
Reviewed: October 29, 2024
Ole
GermanyThe spice lodge was one of our best accommodations in Sri Lanka! It’s right next to the hiking trail that goes to the little adams peak (perfect for going there by sunrise)!! This accommodation is owned by the kindest family! After our arrival we were immediately greeted with tea, cookies and bananas. The breakfast was a 10/10 and also the cooking class (supervised by the mom and daughter) was an incredible experience! We’ll definitely come back to this place when we’re Sri Lanka! Thank you
Stayed in October 2024
Booking.com is part of Booking Holdings Inc., the world leader in online travel and related services.
We have more than 70 million property reviews, all from real, verified guests.
1
The only way to leave a review is to first make a booking. That's how we know our reviews come from real guests who have stayed at the property.
2
When guests stay at the property, they check out how quiet the room is, how friendly the staff is, and more.
3
After their trip, guests tell us about their stay. We check for naughty words and verify the authenticity of all guest reviews before adding them to our site.
If you booked through us and want to leave a review, please sign in first.
End of dialog content