Dream Ville

I’m very conflicted with this review because it’s a beautiful place with an amazing view! The staff were so nice and the free breakfast was delicious! The bed being open to the elements is just not for me, as I’m very sensitive to insects and animals crawling around me at night. I could barely sleep because of that. The location is also really difficult to get to, down a very rocky road which is very tough on a moped or Tuktuk. I would have also loved a small fan by the bed as it got too hot on the first night. I still think it’s a lovely place and perfect if you are adventurous and don’t care about insects!

The view is insane! Moreover it has been an experience to sleep outside. The common space with the area to eat and to make campfire are nice decorated and super lovely. You can see that they really put a lot of effort into it.

The toilets leaked so that urin was all over the ground and the bathrooms in general could do with a makeover. We also slept in the small family house, which is nicely done but smells extremely strongly of mouse. When we briefly had dinner, we had mouse droppings on the bed afterwards. It really was a disgusting state. The pool, which can be seen in the pictures, is in reality maybe 6 square meters in size and looks more like a bathtub. Furthermore, the staff are not unfriendly per se, but somehow we didn't feel the motto "come as a guest, leave as a friend". For us it felt like there was a hierarchy gap between owners and employees. All in all, it was a strange atmosphere.

What a hidden paradise in the mountains outside of Ella. Lovely team which helps you with everything. I was feeling sick during my stay but they did everything so help me. Thank you Dream Ville!

Spectacular view Good value for money

Far from centre with uneasy road

This is an amazing hostel, especially if you’re a nature lover and don’t mind to stay a bit off the grit. It rained a lot when I was there, but still: wonderful views, kind staff (thanks for the good food and the skilled driving!) and a place that has been made with love. Imagine bit more sunshine and it’s the perfect getaway!

nothing

Beyond stunning location - the photos do not do it justice. Blown away with the view and the peacefulness of this place. Yes, it is a little far out of the centre - but if you want to be in Ella for the nature then this is the place to be. We did a gorgeous 1.5hr hike from Dreamville to a secluded waterfall (only a couple other people there) through tea plantations and quaint villages. As much as I loved the concept of the open dorms, I was worried about spiders/insects. But it was very clean and didn’t have any issue with that. Showers were good - one hot one in bathroom & one cold one with a window view of the mountains! Breakfast was good, we had waffles / French toast / coconut roti with mushrooms / toast / bananas / tea / coffee. There is no menu for dinner it’s either vege or meat but it was good. I wouldn’t say it’s a hugely social hostel, but all the other guests were friendly. Come here if you want some peace:) Would definitely recommend getting a Tuktuk organised by the hostel to bring you all the way there, as the roads were so bad getting there, the Tuktuk driver we had found stopped and asked us to walk the last 15mins.

There is no free shuttle service!! I did question this when we got a hostel organised Tuktuk and was charged 2000LKR one way, but I was told the staff had tried to change the description on booking.com but couldn’t… I still think it’s worth it, as if you were staying in Ella centre you’d need to get a Tuktuk to the beautiful nature spots anyway.

We had a wonderful stay here. One of our favourites in Sri Lanka. The staff were so friendly and helpful even let us help cook dinner to learn the recipes for free. The location is beautiful we woke up to mountains and a waterfall each morning. The owner Sham is a lovely and kind woman who is always on hand to help. The best part was the dogs, big shout out to Marley and Shinny very sweet souls

A very unique spot for sure, and i loved waking up to the mountains just pulling away my curtains! Beautiful waterfalls around, some local restaurants not tooo far away, and beautiful staff that makes your stay worth it!

If you plan to go in and out of Ella, this is quite far away, and the road is really bad

Really loved my stay here. Shaam was so helpful! A very unique beautiful and tranquil location