It's was last minute trip to Humpi.. But luckily found this Heritage property and got a good deal..
Pros: Large rooms and Excellent service.. The best part is the food.. The menu items are limited, but the all of them taste awesome.. It's not about the number of items, the taste matters..
Cons: This property is 40 kms away from Humpi, but the road to Hampi is good so just 45 mins drive..
Overall just go for it..
We came back from Hampi not only with the memories of the ruins of Vijaynagar Empire but also with the imprint created by the Shiva Vilas hospitality.
Mr Sameer deserves a special mention here. He always made sure of our comfort and delight factor. Delight came through his management skills ranging from keeping the kids too immersed in doughnuts , arranging for vintage car gallery and museum tour.We have been to many hotels across the country but never came back remembering each and every staff of the hotel. Mr Swamy was another person who kept us happy through tasty and customised menu. Other staff were also very courteous though i am forgetting their names.
The rooms standards in terms of hygiene matches any star hotel. Adults and kids have ample activities to do in leisure time ranging from swimming to board games. Otherwise a stroll around the beautiful palace itself so fulfilling.
Though its little inside but given the choices in Hampi this stands out to be the best option. I will surely recommend this hotel for an absolute luxury cum relaxing trip to Hampi.
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!
One of the most beautiful places to stay, with a welcoming hospitality and great food to add the cherry on top. Totally worth the money, and would be a different experience as compared to other 5-star hotels.
This is far too cozy than other 5-stars we have stayed in - only 12 odd rooms in the palace which makes far more personal. We got a food inclusive package and they packed our food thoughtfully when we were to be out full day.
Place had a vintage car museum and Alas, how well they maintained these Vintage cars.
I do think, it is a must stay place if you are going to Hampi.
Shivavilas Palace was a very pleasant surprise. The hotel is tucked away 1 hr from Hampi in the lush Sandur Valley. The property has preserved the ambience of the once Princely State of Sandur, with lots of Raj era memorabilia. The rooms are spacious and clean, and borders on old world luxury of antique furnishings. The staff displays impeccable courtesy and professionalism. You really feel welcome and cherished as a guest. There is not much to do other than visiting the ancient Kumaraswamy temple (in itself highly rewarding and beautifully set in the hills above Sandur) but this just enhances the attractiveness of Shivavilas Palace. A perfect place to unwind with family or friends. The only drawback (for some of us) was that the hotel does not have a licence to serve alcohol.
The hotel is a heritage property that feels quaint and charming, very lovely for a 5 star hotel stay. The staff goes out of their way to ensure you have a good stay, we had a great time there for my parents anniversary for which they gave us a cake and decorated the room on their own accord!
