Introduction
Ellen’s Place has gained a reputation as one of Colombo’s finest guest houses, offering secluded, boutique-lite accommodation in a good part of town, close to Cinnamon Gardens and about a 15-minute tuk-tuk from Galle Face Green. Modern and well-appointed, it also does not lack for character with small courtyards, plants and inviting open spaces giving it an inviting and airy feel. Staff are courteous and attentive. The property is named after Ellen Senanayake, wife of F R Senanayake, both of whom were staunch supporters of Ceylon’s independence struggle. Their son was to become Sri Lanka’s first prime minister. The house was converted to a boutique hotel by Ellen’s grandson, the parliamentarian Vasantha Senanayake.
Accommodation
There are seven rooms: two standard, four deluxe and a suite. All rooms are up-to-date and well equipped for this price range, offering excellent bathrooms with rainwater showers, daily housekeeping, a/c and ceiling fans, LCD TV with satellite channels, DVD player on request, writing table and chair, mini fridge, tea/coffee facilities, wifi, extra bed or baby crib on request. Most have small patios or balcony or are near neat sit-out areas offering good degrees of privacy.
Standard rooms: Standard rooms are about 250 sq ft and possess all basic facilities.
Deluxe rooms: Deluxe rooms are about 350 sq ft and most come with an additional sofa. The ground floor room has a four-poster double bed, a comfy sofa and a sit-out area. First-floor rooms have city views.
Suite: The first-floor suite is surprisingly imposing and has an extensive sit-out area. A large bathroom has a private Jacuzzi.
Facilities
Ellen’s Place has a small restaurant area which offers 24-hour dining, with meals also available in your own room. Breakfast is English or continental and a small a la carte menu for lunch and evening meal offers Sri Lankan and western fare. There is also a staple range of sandwiches and salads, mocktails, milkshakes, fruit juices and tea and coffee. There is no liquor licence but you can BYO alcohol. There is a small plunge pool at the rear, adjacent to the restaurant.
Why We Like It
Excellent rooms for the price in a well-to-do part of Colombo.
Location
Ellen’s Place is in a tranquil location in Colombo 8, close to the major sites in the capital, and offers an ideal first or last stop on a tour of Sri Lanka. Up to one hour from the airport.
Location: Colombo
Style: Guesthouse
No. of Rooms: 7
Key Features: 24-hour dining; plunge pool