The doorman at Lalitha Mahal Palace wears a turban worth 12,000 and speaks five languages. When I visited last Tuesday at 3 PM, he remembered my name from a wedding I attended there in 2019. That’s the luxury hotel standard in Mysore – where 8,000 per night gets you more than just a room.
The Big Four of Mysore Luxury
Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel: 15,000-45,000
Former guest house of Maharaja, now run by Jungle Lodges. The 45,000 Viceroy Suite is where Rajinikanth stayed during 2018 shoot. Breakfast costs 1,500 for non-guests but includes 27 items. Swimming pool closes at 6 PM sharp – no exceptions, even for honeymoon couples. Helipad works but needs 48-hour permission.
Radisson Blu Plaza: 5,500-12,000
Opposite JSS Hospital, opened in 2018. The infinity pool on 7th floor faces Chamundi Hills. Room 509 has best sunset view. Their Mysore Masala Dosa at 450 made it to Karnataka Tourism’s must-try list. Valet parking included but tips expected (50-100).
Grand Mercure: 6,000-15,000
Only international chain with local art collection – 47 Mysore paintings in lobby alone. Executive lounge (4 PM-7 PM) serves unlimited drinks and snacks for suite guests. Chef Raghav from their Spice It restaurant trained at Taj Mumbai. Wedding hall books 8 months in advance.
Royal Orchid Metropole: 4,500-11,000
Heritage property from 1920s British era. Room 112 is where Queen Elizabeth stayed in 1961. The teak wood staircase gets polished daily with coconut oil. Poolside barbecue every Saturday (1,800 per person). Ghost stories about Room 218 are marketing gimmick – I checked.
New Luxury Entries
The Windflower Resort & Spa: 7,000-14,000
25 acres property near Srirangapatna Road. Bullock cart rides at 5 PM for kids. The Ayurvedic spa uses oils from Arya Vaidya Sala. Minimum 2-night booking on weekends. Their shuttle to city runs thrice daily.
Silent Shores Resort: 8,000-16,000
On Kabini backwaters, 45 minutes from city. Speed boat transfers from parking. No mobile network is the selling point. Solar-heated pool water. Restaurant serves fish caught that morning. Peacocks wake you up at 5 AM.
What 8,000+ Actually Gets You
24-hour butler service that remembers your coffee preference. Pillow menu with 7 options including buckwheat and memory foam. Bathroom toiletries worth 2,000 (Forest Essentials or Kama Ayurveda). Fresh flowers changed twice daily. Newspaper ironed before delivery. Fruit basket worth 800 replenished daily.
Hidden Costs at Luxury Hotels
Taxes push final bill up by 28%. That 6,000 room becomes 7,680. Breakfast for extra person costs 1,500-2,000. Airport transfer: 2,500 one-way (Uber costs 900). Laundry: 200 per shirt. Minibar water bottle: 150. In-room dining adds 10% service charge. Spa treatments start at 4,000.
Best Rooms to Request
Lalitha Mahal: Turret Suite has 360-degree city view
Radisson Blu: Odd-numbered rooms 7th floor face hills
Grand Mercure: Pool-facing rooms on 3rd floor
Royal Orchid: Heritage rooms with original furniture
Windflower: Villa 8 and 9 have private gardens
Insider Booking Tips
Book directly for upgrades – OTAs never get suites. Corporate rates available with any business card. Honeymoon packages include 3,000 worth decorations and cake. Members of Rotary/Lions Club get 15% discount at Royal Orchid. Government employees get special rates at Lalitha Mahal (8,000 for standard rooms).
Dining Without Staying
Sunday brunch at Radisson (1,600) includes unlimited alcohol. Grand Mercure’s Thursday seafood night (2,200) brings fish from Mangalore. Lalitha Mahal’s high tea (800) at 4 PM includes palace tour. Royal Orchid’s Tiger Trail bar has 1920s cocktails starting 450.
When to Book Luxury Hotels
April-June: 40% discounts, but pools under maintenance
Dasara season: Triple rates, 60-day advance booking needed
December: IT crowd books for year-end parties
February: Weather perfect, moderate rates
FAQs
Which luxury hotel is best for families?
Windflower Resort has kids’ play area, pet zoo, and babysitting services. Grand Mercure offers interconnecting rooms and kids’ menu.
Do luxury hotels allow day visitors?
Yes, with minimum spending. Radisson pool access: 1,000. Lalitha Mahal palace tour: 500. Spa day packages: 8,000 onwards.
Which property has best wedding venues?
Lalitha Mahal Palace for royal ambiance (15 lakhs+). Grand Mercure for modern facilities (8 lakhs+). Windflower for outdoor ceremonies (10 lakhs+).
Is Lalitha Mahal Palace worth the premium?
For Instagram and once-in-lifetime experience, yes. For comfort and facilities, Radisson or Grand Mercure offer better value.
Pet-friendly luxury options?
Windflower allows pets under 15kg with 2,000 deposit. Others don’t allow pets but Radisson can arrange pet boarding nearby.