WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace, Hampi

We loved this hotel which was more like a palace. The staff was exceptionally good and treatwd us like royalty. Exxellent facilities and beautiful surroundings and garden. It has all rhe facilities you associate with a 5 star accommodation plus it has very authentic indian touch. Waking up in the palace to the sounds of bird calls and seeing beautiful green hills from the room was so calming. The place also has a HUGE billiards room and a library intact as it was when the royalty lived here. Overall I felt pampered and completely relaxed.

Our recent stay at the WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace was nothing short of magical, offering a truly immersive experience in royal heritage and luxurious comfort. From the moment we stepped onto the grand premises, we were transported to a bygone era, greeted with warmth and genuine hospitality.

It is a fascinating and very comfortable experience to stay at this heritage hotel. We were on a fairly long road trip around South India, and wishing to visit Bellary Fort and Hampi, so the Shivavilas seemed to be the natural choice, well positioned within reach of both locations. It’s hard to know what to expect when booking a hotel online, photos can be deceptive, but this hotel did not disappoint and we were particularly pleased with our choice. The building was constructed by the local princely family around 1940, and transformed into a hotel more recently. There is a very charming, historic atmosphere, with many interesting pictures, books and artefacts in the capacious reception rooms. The inner courtyard, where meals can be taken, is cool and extremely attractive. They probably are mosquitoes, but the hotel is very successful at keeping them at bay. We had a very large, high ceilinged, well appointed bedroom, with a large terrace. The furnishings in the bedroom were original 1940s, very high-quality, including two beautiful old planter chairs. Don’t expect modern fittings - come here if you appreciate good, old furnishings. An outstanding aspect of the hotel is the excellent, very thoughtful manager and his lovely staff. Nothing was too much trouble, and they were all really kind. There is a large swimming pool, with particularly comfortable loungers, and high-quality umbrellas. The pool changing rooms are slightly dated but absolutely fine. I have an allergy to dairy, and as I had notified the hotel previously, they kindly purchased in some soya milk. The food was generally good, and there was a large choice. The kitchen prepared good picnics for us on the days we were going out early to Ballari and Hampi. It was slightly disappointing that the spa was not open, but in fact we really enjoyed reading and relaxing on our balcony and by the pool. Also, the manager kindly showed us the collection of immaculate vintage cars, well worth a look. We would definitely recommend this hotel, there is no other upscale hotel in the Sandur hills at all, and we had a unique, great experience here.

Lovely spot, helpful staff...and lovely room...love the open air courtyard! The grounds are beautiful andvwell maintained with a nice pool and gym area..if you feel the urge! Good dinner menu and a buffet breakfast was all very good...nice alturnative to hampi