The receptionist at Hotel Durbar on Gandhi Square laughs when I ask about their “luxury” rooms – “Sir, for 750 you get AC, TV, and hot water. What more luxury you want?” After staying at 23 budget hotels across Mysore last month for research, here’s where your money actually gets value under 1000.
Under 500 – Basic But Clean
Hotel Gayathri (Dhanvantri Road): 400-450
Opens at 4 AM for Shatabdi passengers. Bucket hot water from 5-9 AM only. The attached Gayathri Tiffin Room serves 25 dosas. Room 103 has the only window facing street. No AC but ceiling fan works like helicopter blades.
Kairali Lodge (Near Bus Stand): 450-500
Malayalam-speaking staff, authentic Kerala meals at 60. Walking distance to KSRTC stand (3 minutes). Rooms facing back are quieter. They don’t advertise but have 24-hour checkout policy – pay for exact hours used.
Hotel Janardhan (Irwin Road): 480
Family-run since 1962. Uncle at reception knows every temple festival date. Free newspaper and coffee at 6 AM. Squat toilets in cheaper rooms, western in 550 rooms. Auto drivers hate this place because it’s walking distance to everything.
500-750 Range – The Sweet Spot
Hotel Vyshak Residency (Nazarbad): 650-750
Best value in this range. Room service till 11 PM. The 750 deluxe rooms have bathtubs from 1990s that still work. Manager Prakash gives 10% discount for 2+ nights. Parking space for 8 cars only, first-come basis.
Hotel Ashtavinayak (Shivarampet): 550-700
Near Devaraja Market. Renovated in 2023, still smells of fresh paint. AC works too well – carry blanket. They have deal with nearby Annapoorna Restaurant for 100 unlimited meals. Rooms 201-204 have small balconies.
Ruchi Comforts (Sayyaji Rao Road): 700
Opposite Fire Station. Checkout extends till 2 PM without fuss. Geyser hot water 24/7. The “complimentary breakfast” is just bread-omelet but served hot. WiFi actually works (2 Mbps).
750-1000 – Almost Mid-Range
Hotel Maurya (CFTRI Road): 850-950
CFTRI and Infosys employees’ regular spot. North Indian restaurant attached. AC switched on only after 11 AM “to save power.” Security guard Raju helps with taxi booking at fair rates. Rooms ending with 08 are bigger.
Hotel Suvarna Regency (Gandhi Square): 900-1000
Newly opened branch of Suvarna group. LED TVs with 100+ channels. Lift available (rare in budget hotels). Morning breakfast buffet 7-10 AM worth room price alone. Books full on weekends.
Location Analysis for Budget Stays
Near Railway Station: Hotel Dasaprakash (800) and Nanjangud Ayurvedic Lodge (500) within 500 meters. Auto drivers demand 100 to city center, but bus number 4 outside station costs 8.
Near Palace: Hotel Indra Bhavan (600) in Nazarbad, 12-minute walk to palace. Hotel Dasprakash on Gandhi Square (750) has palace view from terrace.
Near Bus Stand: Kairali (450) and Hotel Ramanashree (900) within 5 minutes. Convenient for early morning buses but noisy till 11 PM.
Money-Saving Tricks
Book directly and save 15% OYO commission. Ask for “walk-in rate” even if you called ahead. Paying cash gets 50-100 discount at smaller hotels. Non-AC rooms in October-February are perfectly fine, save 200-300. Single occupancy in double rooms costs same as single room – always book double.
What to Avoid
Hotels in Metagalli area look cheap (300-400) but auto fare adds 200 per trip. “Lodges” near Mandi Mohalla are hourly-rental places. Properties showing pool photos use stock images. If reception asks for advance before showing room, walk out.
Bathroom Reality Check
Hotels under 600 rarely have consistent hot water. Carry bucket from reception if needed. Western toilets standard above 500. Exhaust fans work in 50% properties. Hotel Maurya and Vyshak Residency have best bathrooms in budget range.
FAQs
Which budget hotel has best location?
Hotel Indra Bhavan in Nazarbad – walking distance to palace, market, and food street. 600 for non-AC, 900 for AC.
Do budget hotels provide toiletries?
Only soap. Carry shampoo, towel, and toilet paper. Hotels above 750 provide towels.
Is advance booking necessary?
Only during Dasara and long weekends. Walk-ins get better rates on regular days.
Which budget hotels accept unmarried couples?
Hotel Vyshak Residency, Suvarna Regency, and Maurya don’t create issues with local ID proof.
Safe for solo female travelers?
Hotel Gayathri, Kairali Lodge, and Suvarna Regency have family atmosphere and female staff. Avoid ground floor rooms.