Ella guesthouse wants passport photocopy plus a cash deposit we never saw on Booking — normal desk or red flag?

Passport photocopy or a photo of the bio page is common for foreign guests — hotels register overnight stays. A cash damage deposit also happens, especially for walk-ins, but it should be counted in front of you, written on a slip with the amount and return condition, and not vanish into a pocket. If the listing never mentioned it, ask them to write the terms before you pay. Keep your actual passport unless a bank-style registration truly needs a brief look — a copy usually suffices. Card pre-auth exists in some places; cash deposits should be receipted. If they refuse any paper and get pushy, walk to another guesthouse — Ella is not short on rooms in shoulder season.