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Reviews of The Symbol of Ella

Sapumaltenna Passara Road, 90090 Ella, Sri Lanka

#3 of 406 B&Bs and inns in Ella

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 69 B&B reviews

9.7

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    9.9

  • Comfort

    9.9

  • Location

    9.7

  • Facilities

    9.7

  • Staff

    9.9

  • Value for money

    9.7

  • Free Wifi

    9.5

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: April 1, 2025

    9.0
    A delightful retreat nestled in the hills of Ella.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Every corner of the room was adorned with charming details, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The staff was always friendly and exceptionally helpful.

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: February 12, 2025

    10
    Lovely accomodation with amazingly attention to detail. Lovely hostess and breakfast. Good location walking distance to
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The accomodation is tucked away and the taxi driver couldn’t find the address. Would have appreciated more support in finding the accomodation as it is not well signposted.

    The attention to detail was excellent. Super friendly hostess Lovely breakfast Great location

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: February 12, 2025

    10
    Great stay at Symbol of Ella
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Not a problem, but the jacuzzi in the bathroom was cold so not very useful, but if heated would be a nice feature.

    Quality of the room was excellent. Lots of nice touches such as feature lights. The Indika and his wife were very attentive and provided a delicious breakfast each morning with excellent variety and choice. The outside area where we had our breakfast had lots of space with a table and chairs a d a chair swing to the side which was nice to relax on and for pics. Indika offered helpful additional services like a driver for transfers which we took him up on for a reasonable price. During one transfer we saw the Dyaluma water falls with a guide and other sites which he arranged for us. The location is really good, being a 5 min walk from the main Ella centre, though you have to be reasonably fit and mobile as the path is very rough in parts...but was fine for us. Besides the short cut into town there is the little road up to the main road, where you can also find nice quieter restaurants and walking routes up to little Adam's peak and another to 9 Arches bridge. We had a great time here, thanks to our very attentive hosts!

    Stayed in February 2025

  • Reviewed: January 30, 2025

    9.0
    Tharaka was a charming host
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Our only concern, which we couldn't possibly convey to Indika, the owner, was that on our second and last morning, he and his cleaner were rather intrusive in being around well before our breakfast time, much more than seemed necessary. Bearing in mind, both the bedroom and bathroom have glass walls, we felt a lack of privacy. This, plus him asking when we were checking out (we had no intention of overstaying his 10.00am time) and re-counting the notes, I had pointedly counted in front of him, came across as being unsubtly pushy. It's a minor criticism, but tainted our otherwise perfect stay. Indika needs to learn to remain charming and unintruisive to the very end, otherwise it comes across as him only being interested in a 10 out of 10 rating and wanting to move on to the next customers. I hope he can learn from this.

    This room and accompanying outside space is altogether very special. It is quiet, has views across to Ella Rock, and has an altogether lavish feel about it, as demonstrated by the presence of a private jacuzzi in the bathroom. Tharaka and her lovely little girl, Tavi, are delightful and provide a stunning breakfast on the patio outside the bedroom. It is a short and easy walk into the centre of town where there are many restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes. We cannot recommend this place highly enough.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 28, 2025

    9.0
    Comfortable, relaxing and hospitable with a perfect location.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The Symbol of Ella is a perfect place to stay in Ella. Tucked away from the noise of the main high street, it is super comfortable and spacious. The room has a huge king bed and a lovely terrace with numerous seating and lighting options. Breakfast is incredible and large. Smoothies are some of the best I’ve ever tasted. And the host is so knowledgeable and helpful. Definitely recommend!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 13, 2025

    10
    Very good for either a couple to stay in but also for friends, everyone was lovely
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing :)

    The hosts were incredibly nice, we got all we needed, they even had a little flashlight so you can find the way in the city. The apartment was very very clean and very well prepared although we booked spontaneously. The shower has good pressure and is hot, the breakfast was the best food I had during my whole Sri Lanka stay (10 days) even better than in restaurants and we had a lot of space there. The balcony has a roof so even if it‘s raining, you can sit outside.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 8, 2025

    10
    Tranquil and total relaxation
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Indika and his family were the perfect hosts , it was our first time in Ella and they couldn’t have been more helpful. The place is beautiful photos don’t do it justice and the breakfast was fantastic. Being able to do a short cut down to the town was a bonus and then back to the tranquil house for relaxation. They really had thought of everything down to the finest detail, my husband caught a cold and cough while we were there and wanted a face mask for the taxi and sure enough there was a box of masks on the shelf!

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: January 6, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night

    Very nice and clean room. They were on top of every little detail (e.g., they had an emergency kit, a flashlight, etc.). Breakfast was great and staff was very nice.

    Stayed in January 2025

  • Reviewed: November 10, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing.

    The room is charming, with lots of space, unique and beautifully decorated and wonderful hosts. There is a lovely outside sitting area and a nice jacuzzi bath. The place is perfectly clean and well stocked for any needs you may have. The breakfast was amazing, fantastic hoppers, the best we have had in Sri Lanka. Conveniently located close to town, but just far away that it is quiet and peaceful.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 3, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Very lovely home which offers more than you ever dream of in Ella. Indika and his wife provide not only very delicious food, they also help to arrange transports or whatever you need. The very generous room is made with so much love in every beautiful detail. More than recommended, a wonderful experience

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: October 22, 2024

    10
    10000% recommended
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    -

    Everything. The room was beautifully decorated, with everything you may need. The bed was super comfortable and the breakfast was another level. Best breakfast and best room we have had in our trip in Sri Lanka. Indika, the owner, and his wife and super lovely. I was feeling a bit sick and they made me a tea for my stomach. Lovely lovely people and great place!

    Stayed in October 2024

  • Reviewed: September 6, 2024

    10
    Best place we’ve stayed in Sri Lanka
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Beautiful room, private garden and bathroom attached to Indika’s home. Location is perfect. The bed is so comfortable and there are many lighting options inside and outside making for a comfortable stay. Indika and his family are also lovely and very hospitable throughout. Nice breakfasts too!

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: August 24, 2024

    10
    Refer to my comments above this guest house is charming just book it as it has everything going for it
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    We have just stayed in this beautiful peaceful spacious guest house which is a mere 5 minute walk to the main part of all the hustle & bustle of Ella even for slow walkers. The hosts are charming & nothing is too much trouble from the pick up from the railway station our trip was made a seamless holiday & that all our needs were catered for. Drivers information delish breakfast served on the large outdoor area Which was great for relaxing on bean bag in the heat of the day. In the property there are so many thoughtful touches & the jacuzzi was a great for a cool down.The bed is big & comfortable ,the towel thick & not fraying. We only stayed 2 nights & wish we’d stayed longer Many many thanks we loved this place

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 23, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Since it was just renovated some things were nog yet functioning optimally. The jacuzzi was still cold, but the heater will be installed later this summer. Also the wifi could be faster.

    What a beautiful and nice place. The owner is a really nice guy and the accommodation has just been renovated. Pretty room, conveniently decorated and a nice bathroom. Amazing and varied/personalized breakfast.

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 23, 2024

    10
    Perfect place and perfect owners!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing. It was more than we expected

    The room is amazing. It has been recently renovated by the owners with excellent sense of taste. Additionally, it is perfectly equipped. Very close to the center by walking. Indika and his family were lovely. They also helped us organize our stay in Ella as well as the rest of our trip. We recommend it for sure!

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: August 14, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We had an amazing time at The Symbol of Ella. We were the first guests after 3 months of renovations, and we were really surprised with the beauty of the room when we arrived. Everything is new and clean, the room includes a jacuzzi, a nice outside terrace and everything you could think of is very well taken care of. Also the location is great. Since it’s just outside the centre, its nice and quiet, but within a few minutes walking distance of all the restaurants and bars. Also breakfast was very nice, you can choose between Sri Lankan and European breakfast, and it includes fruits and the best smoothies we’ve had. Thanks a lot to Indika, definitely the friendliest host we have had in our 3 weeks stay in Sri Lanka. He and his family really made it a perfect stay!

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: March 30, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The Room was very comfortable, clean and lovely decorated. Our host was very friendly and caring, breakfast was very delicious.

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 28, 2024

    10
    Fantastic location, room and host!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing, everything was perfect!

    We loved everything about our stay at the Symbol of Ella, Indika was an amazing host! He communicated with us via whatsapp prior to our stay and was extremely responsive and helpful. The room itself is beautiful and has everything you need, including a hairdryer and torch for getting back from town to the room via the short cut at night (takes about 5minutes and does have some lights along the way). The breakfast was exceptional- we had Sri Lankan breakfast every day and by far it was the best we’ve had in Sri Lanka! Indika was extremely helpful with suggesting things to do in the area and arranging our onward transfer at a reasonable price. Him and his family also helped us with some laundry too, again at a reasonable price and everything was returned smelling fresh and ironed! We really cannot recommend the Symbol of Ella more and look forward to suggesting it to all our friends and family or returning if we come to Sri Lanka again!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 15, 2024

    10
    The best!
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing!

    This place was great! The host and his family were super kind and helpful (helped me out with a nice place for a massage, did laundry on request as well). You can contact him with any questions. The room is beautifully styled and spotless clean, and has everything you could think of. Really good bed! Then the breakfast... amazing! Pancakes, coconut roti with dahl and sambol, fresh fruit, fresh juice, tea.. the best! Also received a nice fresh juice when I arrived. On Google maps it seems further from the main street, but there is a shortcut! The host will show you. It is 5 minutes walking to the main street. This is actually better than staying even closer to the main street, because it is more peaceful and quiet at night!

    Stayed in March 2024

  • Reviewed: March 9, 2024

    10
    Amazing stay and host, 100% recommend
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Everything. Lovely balcony really homely and comfortable. And indika the host was incredible. Came up with lots of cool things to do and even sorted our travel out for the rest of the holiday, at a very reasonable price. Brilliant guy - definitely recommend staying here

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: February 24, 2024

    10
    Stay here, it’s the best!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    A great location, close enough to the centre but far enough to enjoy the peace. Immaculate facilities with every thing you could think of, and a whole lot more you hadn’t thought of. This place is nestled within a community of home stays but Indika has gone the extra mile to give this place a unique, funky and tasteful style of its own. Has stocked fridge, great Wi-Fi and lots more, the breakfasts are big and very fresh, the rotis were the best we’d had in 3 weeks in SL, soft, light and airy, his lovely wife went out of her way to make us extra on request. Indika has the typical kind spirit of every Sri Lankan, he will help organise tours, transport, food or anything else you may need , but his prices are reasonable and he was quick to call out a tuk driver who he believed was overcharging. The driver he found for our onward travel was also fair( and a great driver), these guys are a new breed of young Sri Lankans who are bringing a degree of professionalism to the business. Give it a go, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

    Stayed in February 2024

  • Reviewed: January 22, 2024

    10
    A lovely home away from home!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Everything was fine!

    The host Indika and his family were so kind and made our stay comfortable and enjoyable! The room was clean and we loved every detail about it! The breakfast was made with Love and so tasty. Also Indika arranged tours and transportation for us and was really caring all of the time. We can highly recommend this homestay and will definitely tell our friends and family about this fantastic place!

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: January 14, 2024

    10
    Quintessential
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Everything was perfect, very clean and modern. Indika is an amazing host! Very kind and professional.

    Stayed in January 2024

  • Reviewed: December 25, 2023

    10
    A wonderful and welcoming stay in Ella. Definitely highly recommended.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Wonderful homestay! We loved the place and enjoyed every minute, even though we online had little time. The host and his family are super friendly, he even acted as a tour guide spontaneously and dropped us off at the must-sees of the area, as we were limited in time. Very central location. Great breakfast.

    Stayed in December 2023

Showing 1 - 25

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