India Guide
Karnataka
Accommodation
1 Hotel Adora 47 SC Rd 
080/2287 2280 Above a quality south Indian veg restaurant, this is a top budget place. Though bland, the rooms are clean and good sized; a popular backpacker choice. Price: Rs201–500
2 Tourist Ananda Rao Circle 080/2226 2381–8 One of Bengaluru's best all-round budget lodges, just a short walk from the station. Small rooms, long verandas, friendly family management and no reservations, so it fills up fast. Price: Rs201-300
3 Vijay Residency 18 3rd Cross, Main Rd 080/2220 3024 
www.vijayresidency.net . A Comfort Inn franchise that's plush and comfortable, if a tad overpriced. Near the railway station, with central a/c, foreign exchange and good restaurant. Price: Rs2001–5000
4 ITC Windsor Sheraton & Towers 25 Golf Course Rd 080/2226 9898 www.sheraton.com Ersatz palace now a luxurious five-star, mainly for overseas businesspeople with rates from $270. Facilities include broadband, gym, pool, Jacuzzi, a fine restaurant and popular Irish pub. Price: Rs5001 and above
5 Janardhana Kumara Krupa Rd 080/2225 4444 Neat, clean and spacious rooms with balconies and baths. Well away from the chaos and fine value at this price. Price: Rs301–1500
6 Taj West End Race Course Rd 080/2225 5055 www.tajhotels.com Begun as a British-run boarding house in 1887, these lodgings were upgraded with fabulous gardens and long colonnaded walkways. The old wing is bursting with character, with broad verandas overlooking acres of grounds. Rooms start at $300 a night. Price: Rs5001 and above
7 Villa Pottipati 142 4th Main, 8th Cross, Malleswaram 080/2336 0777, www.neemranahotels.com A heritage hotel in the northwestern suburbs, wrapped in a garden of jacaranda trees and flowering shrubs. Its rooms ooze old-world style, with pillared verandas, deep bathtubs and direct access to an outdoor swimming pool. Part of the Neemrana chain, so the highest standards of service are guaranteed. Gourmet meals, prepared by a French chef from Pondi, are also served. Price: Rs3001-5000
8 YMCA Nirupathanga Rd, Cubbon Park, midway between the bus stand and MG Rd 080/2221 1848. One of the city's best budget deals, with large, bright rooms and an excellent location near the park. Cheaper dorm beds are available. Call ahead as it's often full. Price: Dorms Rs150, rooms Rs301-500
9 
Ajantha 22-A MG Rd 080/2558 4321 Best value in this area, with basic but larger than average attached rooms and some spacious, three-room cottages, located at end of quiet lane but close to shops. Veg restaurant, Internet, bakery, travel agent and sundries shop all on site. Often full. Price: Rs301–1500
10 Ashley Inn Off MG Rd, next to Ajantha 080/4123 3415 A charming guesthouse, with bright, colorful rooms, complimentary breakfasts and Wi-Fi throughout. Price: Rs1501–5000
11 Brindavan 40 MG Rd 080/558 4000 With mostly quiet rooms set slightly off the main road, this is deservedly a backpacker's favourite. Book ahead. Price: Rs301–1500
12 Empire International 36 Church St 080/2559 3743 www.hotelempireinternational.com Smart new hotel with popular restaurant and very comfortable rooms boasting modern decor and good facilities. Price: Rs1501–3000
13 Ista Hotel 1/1 Sami Vivekananda Rd, 080/2555888 www.istahotels.com This gorgeous new ultra-luxury hotel, with breezy, safari-themed bar, infinity pool, Jacuzzi and gym, offers a secluded sanctuary from the MG Road mayhem. The spacious rooms have all the most contemporary trimmings, some with gorgeous Ulsoor Lake views and marble baths; suites have large garden balconies. Lido, the tropical terrace restaurant (open 6am–2am), is a top spot for early morning and post-midnight eats – try their superb pancakes. Rooms from $360. Price: Rs5001 and above
14 Shangrila 182 Brigade Rd 080/5112 1622 Tibetan-run lodge right in the thick of things but welcoming; the comfy standard rooms are as decent value as anywhere in the area. Price: Rs501–2000
15 Hotel Vellara 283 Brigade Rd, opp Brigade Towers 080/253 6911 A solid deal for this area, with clean, good-sized rooms, all with TV and a/c. The deluxe rooms on the top floor are larger, with sweeping city views. Price: Rs501–3000
16 Casa Piccola Cottages No. 2, Clapham St, off Richmond Rd 080/2227 0754 www.casapiccola.com Tranquillity awaits at these cottages, set in well-maintained grounds just over a kilometre south of MG Road. The cottages and apartments are enormous, comfortable and well-appointed, and the free breakfasts are excellent. Wi-Fi is available. Price: Rs2001-3000
17 The Haven 148 2nd Cross, Domlur 2nd Stage, Indiranagar 080/2535 2020 www.aranhahomes.com Aptly named, this small, friendly establishment is nestled among temples, mansions and shady gardens on a quiet side-street near trendy 100 Feet Rd. One of several excellent boutique guesthouses from Aranha Homes, offering spacious, well-appointed rooms with central a/c, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and excellent service. Price: Rs1001–5000
18 Leela Palace 23 Airport Rd 080/2521 1234 www.theleela.com This enormous gold-domed palace on nine acres of jungle lagoon, 5km southeast of town, has lodgings fit for a king. The spa offers endless rigors and delights, the 256 rooms, most with balconies overlooking the lush grounds, are enormous and gorgeously appointed (from $400), and the Royal Club serves fine French cheese and truffles, fat Havana cigars and perfectly-aged Scotch whisky. Price: Rs5001 and above
19 Shreyas Santoshima Farm, Nelamangala 080/2773 7102 www.shreyasretreat.com Indian spiritual chic at this uber-stylish spa about 35km northwest of town (20km from new airport), which smartly marries the natural and the hi-tech. Ayurvedic treatments and yoga classes take place next to organic herb and vegetable fields, and the cares of the modern world would melt away if not for super-fast Wi-Fi throughout the 25-acre grounds, including the eight luxury tents. No TV, no alcohol and only fourteen rooms (from $480); book well in advance. Price: Rs5001 and above