The teak wood staircase at Royal Orchid Metropole creaks exactly the same way it did in 1920 when the British Commissioner climbed it daily. The hotel manager told me they polish it with coconut oil every morning at 5 AM, just like the past 104 years. After staying in 12 heritage properties across Mysuru, here’s where history actually lives in the walls.
Royal Palace Hotels in Mysore
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel – The Viceroy’s Residence:
Built in 1921 for the Viceroy’s Mysuru visits, now a government heritage hotel. The 15,000 standard rooms are actually former guest quarters. Italian marble staircase took 3 years to complete. Room 112 hosted Jawaharlal Nehru in 1952. The 45,000 Viceroy Suite still has original Belgian crystal chandeliers. Helipad added in 1974 still operational. The swimming pool from 1931 maintains original blue tiles. Reception desk made from single piece of rosewood weighs 400kg.
Royal Orchid Metropole (Original Metropole Hotel):
Operating since 1920 on Jhansi Lakshmi Bai Road, 5 acres of colonial architecture. The 4,500 heritage rooms have 14-foot ceilings and Burma teak furniture. British officers’ bar still serves gin at 6 PM sharp. Room 218 supposedly haunted by Colonel Murphy’s ghost (died 1942). Original Otis elevator from 1927 still works, certified safe till 2026. The ballroom floor uses Jaisalmer marble brought by special train in 1919.
Converted Royal Guest Houses
Hotel Mayura Hoysala (King’s Guest House):
Former guest house of Mysore Maharaja, 180 meters from palace. KSTDC runs it now, keeping rates reasonable (1,800-2,800). Original durbar hall converted to dining room seats 100. The garden has 200-year-old mango trees that still fruit. Room 201 balcony where maharaja watched palace processions. Building survived 1897 earthquake without damage.
Green Hotel (Chittaranjan Palace):
Princess Jayachamaraja’s palace from 1920s, now eco-friendly heritage hotel. Located on Vinoba Road, 2.5km from Mysuru Palace. Rooms 3,000-6,000 with original art deco furniture. Profits go to charity (runs 17 schools). The ballroom chandelier has 1,847 crystals – staff counts monthly. Garden party lawn hosted Gandhi in 1927. Original kitchen now a bakery, uses 100-year-old wood-fired oven.
Colonial Era Properties
The Windflower Resort (Commissioner’s Bungalow):
1870s British Commissioner’s summer retreat, now 25-acre resort. Main building retains colonial architecture, 7,000-14,000 for heritage rooms. Original fireplace in lobby still works, used during December. The 150-year-old rain tree in courtyard mentioned in 1892 gazette. Library has 1,200 books from British era, including 1901 census. Horse stable converted to spa, rings still visible.
Sandesh The Prince (Railway Officers’ Quarters):
Built 1902 for senior railway officials, converted to hotel in 1987. Located in Nazarbad, the facade maintains original limestone work. Heritage wing rooms (3,500) have vintage bathroom fittings from England. The main staircase uses Burmese teak, no nails used in construction. Breakfast hall was original officers’ mess. Underground British-era water tank still supplies the hotel.
Heritage Homestays and Boutique Properties
Mansion 1907 (Judge’s Residence):
On Devaraja Urs Road, sessions judge’s home now boutique property. Only 8 rooms (4,000-7,000), each named after Wodeyar queens. Original mosaic flooring in all bathrooms, imported from Italy. The central courtyard design provides natural cooling. Legal documents from 1907-1947 displayed in corridors. Judge’s study converted to reading room, desk still there.
By The Lake (Irrigation Officer’s Bungalow):
Near Kukkarahalli Lake, 1914 building with modern amenities. Just 6 rooms at 3,500-5,000, book 30 days ahead. Original blueprint framed in reception shows British measurements. Garden has coffee plants from 1920s, still harvested annually. The verandah pillars made from single granite pieces. Morning bird watching includes 67 species.
Hidden Heritage Properties
Hotel Ruchi Palace (Dewan’s Guest House):
On Bangalore-Nilgiri Road, lesser-known heritage property. Built 1885 for Dewan’s guests, maintains period furniture. Rooms 2,000-3,500, often empty due to poor marketing. The dining hall ceiling has hidden ventilation system from 1885. Original Belgian mirror in suite worth 5 lakhs today. Garden has working British-era fountain.
Villa Pottipati (Neogi Nivas):
Artist’s mansion from 1908, now heritage stay in Jayalakshmipuram. Only 4 rooms (5,000-8,000), includes heritage walk. Wall murals by Mysore palace artists still intact. Original rainwater harvesting system still functional. The music room has 1920s German piano, tuned quarterly.
Authentic Heritage Features to Check
Lalitha Mahal: Italian marble staircase, rosewood furniture, original elevator
Metropole: High ceilings, Burma teak, working fireplace
Green Hotel: Art deco furniture, crystal chandeliers, charity connection
Windflower: Colonial bungalow architecture, old trees, converted stables
Mansion 1907: Mosaic floors, courtyard design, queen-named rooms
Heritage Hotel Rates Comparison
Lalitha Mahal Palace: 15,000-45,000 (most expensive, most royal)
Royal Orchid Metropole: 4,500-11,000 (best value heritage)
Green Hotel: 3,000-6,000 (supports charity)
Windflower Resort: 7,000-14,000 (best grounds)
Mansion 1907: 4,000-7,000 (intimate boutique)
Hotel Mayura Hoysala: 1,800-2,800 (budget heritage)
Problems with Heritage Hotels
Old plumbing means inconsistent water pressure. AC retrofitted, not always effective. Some rooms smell musty despite cleaning. Heritage rules prevent major modifications. Parking limited due to old designs. Maintenance costs reflect in prices. Ghost stories might disturb some guests.
FAQs About Heritage Hotels in Mysore
Which heritage hotel is actually in a palace?
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel is the only functioning palace hotel. Green Hotel (Chittaranjan Palace) is former princess residence. Others are colonial buildings or guest houses.
Are heritage hotels worth the premium?
For architecture and history buffs, yes. For modern amenities, regular 5-stars better. Royal Orchid Metropole offers best balance of heritage and comfort.
Do heritage hotels in Mysuru have modern facilities?
All have WiFi, AC (retrofitted), and attached bathrooms. Lalitha Mahal and Metropole have pools. Green Hotel most eco-friendly with solar power.
Best heritage hotel for photography?
Lalitha Mahal Palace for grand architecture. Metropole for colonial details. Green Hotel for art deco interiors. Morning light best at all properties.
Can we visit heritage hotels without staying?
Lalitha Mahal allows palace tours (500). Metropole’s Tiger Trail bar open to public. Green Hotel’s bakery welcomes visitors. Others restrict to guests only.