In Kandy I liked the Hotel Suisse, though it's on the west side of the lake. 15 minute (?) walk to the Temple of the Tooth area.
In Ella I liked Ravana Heights, thought it appears to have had a change in management. Both these paces show up in Google search.
For a car and driver, we went to the car park near the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and negotiated.
Try to eat dinner one night in the Old Empire Hotel in Kandy. Great SL food. Hotel is a dump, however.
Didn't take anti-malaria meds, but, then, I generally don't take them anywhere, even in rural Cambodia, Lao, etc. I try not to get bitten during the day (dengue) or dusk/dawn (malaria).
In SL, do not believe anyone who comes up to you and says, "I work at your hotel..."
Thanks - would you mind telling me what you managed to negotiate for a driver (or what is considered a reasonable rate range).
I've been researching the various scams (like I work at your hotel, there is an elephant festival etc) and there's no way I'm going to buy gems even from a reputable place.....