WelcomHeritage Shivavilas Palace, Hampi

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

Quiet, beautiful, serene, historic, lovely. We stayed here for three nights and enjoyed the entire experience. Rooms are spacious, service was fantastic, food was great. It felt like stepping back in time. Really enjoyed our time here. The only thing to note is this is a solid hour away from Hampi and the historic sites. We didn’t mind and there was plenty of time in the day to enjoy.

Great place with great service. Real Palace with great history! Staff was very cooperative. Rooms are big with all amenities. Authentic food and experience. We stayed in August and the weather was pleasant. Sight seeing spots are a bit far but still worth staying here if you plan a Hampi trip.

We stayed at the palace for a night during our recent family trip to Hampi. The palace is situated around a 75mins. drive from Hampi (towards Bangalore on a scenic detour) in a valley surrounded by hills and a striking red soil from the mining activity in the vicinity. Right from the entry gate, as one drives to the palace foyer passing the magnificent gardens, one is set for a royal treat. The architecture of the building, decorated with numerous artifacts of the royal family (including vintage cars, royal throne, weaponry etc.) was worth the tour. Our large rooms on the ground floor were very comfortable. Special thanks to the property manager, Sameer who ensured a smooth booking (and attractive tarriff) and fabulous hosting during our stay. Special mention for the memorable meals we were served! Overall, if you prefer to add a touch of old-world luxury to your Hampi trip, I recommend staying at Shivavilas Palace, Sandur on any side of your drive from/to Bangalore.

THE BEST HOTEL EXPERIENCE I HAVE HAD TILL DATE. it all started with my family needing a room in the middle of night due to long weekend (not my fault). Thanks to Sameer who was able to accommodate my family at such a short notice in the Maharani suite at a great rate. This property is truly majestic! no amount of words are enough. The suite which is also their highest priced but it comes with the value for money. A living room with a king side bed, enough space to host a party and a smaller room with a queen size bed as well as a separate dressing up area, definitely made for a MAHARANI (queen). The property itself is huge and feels like a small world in the middle of Karnataka. The hotel has a vintage car museum which fascinated me, a swimming pool, gym, spa and a great in house restaurant. The food! alright so I am professionally a chef and I do not enjoy restaurant style food anymore as it is often accentuated and that is exactly the part I loved about this place. Great food that tastes like it was made at home, comforting, pleasing just right and very fairly priced. Just wow! Other than above mentioned things the most important part to me was that this place only has 12 rooms and yet we got lucky, it truly is serene and quiet. There were times when I felt that the palace was left truly to us. Having our privacy and yet having someone to assist us, that is the mark of true luxury and outstanding Hospitality. special thanks to Lokesh, Joseph and Vishwajeet, biswa Karan (pardon me if I misspelled anyone's name) and anyone who's name I do not recall, each single person is worth thank for. see attached pictures. Sarish verma