Archana Guest House River View

Don’t waste your money here. We arrived in Hospet at 6am and were taken to this place by our rickshaw driver, who promised a room for 800 rupees just for the day. However, upon arrival, we were told the cheaper room wasn’t available and were instead charged 1500 rupees because the room had air conditioning. The room was certainly not worth 1500 rupees. It was in poor condition - we have stay in better places for the same price. The air conditioner initially wouldn’t turn on, and once it did, it functioned poorly. It barely cooled the room, kept switching off, and by the end of the day, it was actually hotter inside than outside. Given we were charged double for AC we felt completely let down when it didn’t work. The staff’s attitude didn’t help. They were unhelpful when we reported the issue, and toward the end of our stay, became quite rude. Since they knew we were only there for the day, it felt like they were rushing us out as they were trying to make us leave 3 hrs before the bus departure, even though we were half an hours drive away, telling us that we could get stuck at the train crossing and that the bus often leaves early. Which was not true as we booked via Redbus and get a phone call prior to arrival. What was most frustrating was the lack of honesty. This was the first time on our trip we were quoted a price upfront only to be charged more later. It left a bad impression. If you go to Hampi, because it is definitely worth a visit, always ask the name of the hotel your rickshaw driver is taking you to and look it up online first. If possible, make your own arrangements in advance to avoid situations like this.

The owner was super friendly and helpful. However, the room was not good, but may be average for the area. We stayed 2 nights due to visiting the monuments and temples in there area. I wanted to spend as little time as possibly in this oppressive small room. No kettle or tea making facilities, just a bed and a tiny table. No toiletries and no toilet paper. The electric power point position meant having to balance my phone on a narrow window ledge during charging. The winner was the fabulous view from the flat rooftop.

As anyone who has tried to book in line in late 2023 will know, it’s not possible to reserve in advance at any of the remaining guest houses in the village. The reasons for this are unclear but a number of places are still operating on a walk-in basis or via contact on WhatsApp. We therefore made a provisional reservation at a guest house over the river. However, upon arriving from a night bus at 6am we found the ferry now only starts at 8.30am. After a sleepless night on a bumpy bus, a 2 hour plus wait wasn’t what we needed so once it got light I set off into the village to find another room. Archana was the first place I came across via the owners mother who owns a stall outside the guest house. Her son showed me a room and we agreed a price for 3 nights. The room was on the ground floor under the restaurant facing a banana plantation with the river beyond. The room was very small- no room to unpack a bag. It was clean enough and the bed had a good mosquito net. The bathroom had hot (very hot!) water. I would class it as a budget type room by Indian standards. Outside was a pleasant seating area which is communal so was occasionally used by restaurant guests, there was also some flight noise from the restaurant but it’s not a busy late night place. We were glad we stayed here rather than across the river. You are in the heart of the village here so expect all that comes with that- dogs, cows, monkeys etc. The people are friendly though and it’s fine to walk round at night. The main temple and sunset hill is literally 5 minutes walk away. This is not a slick UNESCO packaged experience- it’s an authentic Indian pilgrimage site set amidst stunning scenery. A downside for us was that in the village it’s strictly no alcohol (no tea pot trick!) or meat at present. The other side of the river, I believe, is exempt from that so if those things are important you’re best to stay there. I believe the standard rate for our room was 1800INR per night. That would be expensive in my view but as we were staying for 3 nights/ 4 days I secured a better rate. I’ll try and add the owners number so you can try to contact him on WhatsApp. Otherwise you will need to turn up as a walk-in unless the current situation changes.

We did not stay at the place. We only stopped by in search of coffee and some snacks. Food was very good and the place has a great view from the terrace over the banana trees and the river. Great alternative for Mango Tree and the long queue. Great time spent while waiting for the temple to open.