The hotel is not in a very touristy place - other than the ancient Kumaraswamy temple, there is hardly anything to do in Sandur. In house, the vintage car museum is more like a garage, there is a small pool to keep you cool; you can cycle around a bit or play darts in an activity room. But thats just about it!
So what made the stay memorable / worthwhile - indubitably the service. Mr Sameer & his team personalize the experience to an extent you start feeling 'at home'. Be it humoring a kids wishes for doughnuts ( at night ) or helping with the day's itinerary, arranging a spa appointment in a different hotel...there is no wish that these genies cannot fulfil!
The room we stayed in was quite atmospheric. Breakfast, however was pretty modest but still tasteful...
An absolute must do in my opinion...best wishes to the team!
We were made to feel very special in this former royal residence. The hotel is full of mementoes from the past- a library of old books, cabinets full of ornaments, a billiard room full of stuffed trophies. The food was excellent and served either in the restaurant, the beautiful inner courtyard or outside. We were lucky enough to eat in the gardens by the stunning pool, the meal accompanied by traditional music. The trip to Hampi took 40 mins each way but the quality of the hotel more than justified the daily trips in. After the bustle and dust of the ancient city, returning to the peace and quiet of Shivavilas Palace - and especially the big bathroom- was a joy. Hampi is magical, do make sure you do the walk along the river and also visit the Hanuman Temple slightly outside Hampi. The climb of 570 steps is worth it to see the amazing 360 view of paddy fields and boulders. Breath taking in so many ways ! Top marks for this hotel and all its wonderful staff. Do not miss the opportunity of staying here.
We were 4 adults and 4 friends who had originally planned to stay for 2 nights but had to extend the stay by one night as the place was so awesome. Large, spacious rooms, asthetic decor, amazing pics of wildlife and nice touches that reminds one of childhood home.
What really makes the place tick is the team of super efficient and patient staff. Special mention to Joseph, Praveen, Tejaswini and Biswa. Nothing was ever too much for them. Good, simple food and a lovely pool.
We will definitely visit again. This was an unforgettable vacation.
The palace looks grand when you enter. Located in Sandur amidst valleys and hills. The rooms are huge with a very big bathroom. Palace style furniture makes room quite comfortable. Food options are limited but taste is great. Staff is very helpful. Amenities wise it is less. Swimming pool is fine. But indoor games room has most of the stuff broken. Cleanliness could be a bit more in the games room and first floor balcony. They have bicycles and badminton rackets, billiards table to keep you occupied. There is a library as well. However the place is 40 km away from Hampi and it takes 1.5 hours to get there. Plus the road from Sandur to Hampi has multiple speed breakers and trucks and hence night driving is not advisable at all. All in all good place for a couple looking for spending quiet time or a big group of friends. It will be a unique experience.
SHIVAVILAS PALACE is situated 40 km from hampi. Its gud to spent one full day in palace itself not going for sight seeing On entering into the campus u will feel like a prince. Well maintained hotel. u will get a hearty welcome once u enter the hotel. Its an old palace renovated to hotel keeping the old charm of a palace. In night when all the lights r put on it will be glowing like anything. this is the best time to take photographs,
staff courtious . Rooms r big and clean. bathroom very large with all modern aminities.Buffet spread is limited but very tasty and sufficient.
swimming pool big and clean. If u inform them they will show museum of vintage cars & kings private collections and weapons.. recomnd for a royal and peaceful stay.