Hotel Gandharva Shivajinagar

This hotel is highly regarded for its excellent central location, placing guests at the heart of the city with superb accessibility to various areas and markets. Its signature feature is its ability to offer a quiet retreat despite being in a bustling urban environment, making it an ideal choice for families seeking a peaceful stay, couples looking for a relaxing getaway, and solo female travelers who appreciate a safe and convenient base. Guests consistently praise the friendly staff, the overall cleanliness of the property, and the comfortable beds that ensure a good night's sleep. While many aspects receive positive feedback, some guests note that the hotel's decor and furnishings appear dated. To ensure a smooth experience, it is advisable to confirm any early check-in charges in advance and, if noise is a concern, inquire about room placement away from potentially louder areas.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities designed for guest convenience, including a hot water kettle and dental kit in rooms, and an underground parking lot capable of accommodating several vehicles. However, feedback on other facilities is mixed. Many guests experienced issues with the Wi-Fi, reporting it to be slow, unstable, or completely non-functional in certain rooms and common areas, which can be problematic for those needing to work. Some rooms lacked basic items like handwash or tissue paper, and there were complaints about insufficient power points and the absence of a side table. Additionally, some bathrooms were noted to lack an exhaust fan, and certain bathtubs were unusable due to disrepair. The hotel does not appear to have a gym, which some guests missed.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is varied. Many guests commend the hotel for its overall cleanliness, well-maintained rooms, and the comfort of its beds and air conditioning, contributing to a restful stay. Rooms are often described as well-sized and cozy. However, a significant number of reviews highlight issues, including concerns about the cleanliness of bed linens and washrooms, with some reporting unhygienic conditions, stains, and even a persistent "stinking" smell in certain rooms due to poor ventilation. Regarding comfort, some rooms were found to be too small or congested, and the presence of connected rooms with common doors led to considerable noise leakage, impacting soundproofing and privacy. Other issues included poor lighting, non-functional TVs, and outdated mattresses that affected sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, particularly the breakfast, receives mixed reviews. Many guests appreciate the food quality in general, describing meals as tasty and good, with a reasonable price for food and beverages. The complimentary breakfast spread is often noted as good and extensive. However, a recurring theme in feedback is the limited breakfast variety, with some guests desiring more options beyond traditional items. Specific complaints include overly oily food preparation, a lack of South or North Indian offerings, and unusual combinations like potato fritters served with sambar. Some guests found the breakfast quality to have declined over time and noted that the dining area seating was poor. Additionally, room service was sometimes criticized for a lack of variety in vegetarian dishes.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, making it exceptionally convenient for guests. Situated in the heart of the city, it offers superb accessibility to various areas, including nearby markets and the city center. This prime position allows guests to easily reach key attractions and business hubs. The hotel also provides an underground parking lot, which is a valuable amenity in a central urban setting. While the location itself is praised, some guests reported initial difficulties for drivers in finding the hotel entrance, occasionally being dropped off at an adjacent restaurant. There was also an isolated incident where a late transfer cab caused a guest to miss a flight, though this appears to be an external service issue.

Staff & Service
The staff at the hotel consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, courteous demeanor, and helpful and cooperative attitude. Guests frequently commend the excellent service provided, noting the staff's promptness and attentiveness. The check-in and check-out processes are generally described as quick and smooth, contributing to a positive arrival and departure experience. While many appreciate the room service, some guests mentioned that amenities like water bottles were only replenished upon request. There were isolated instances of miscommunication regarding early check-in requests and a lack of professionalism when guests requested packed breakfast, indicating some inconsistencies in service delivery or internal communication.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of certain hotel policies and potential issues that may arise during their stay. Some reviews indicate that the hotel charges extra fees for early check-in, which can amount to a significant portion of the booking price. There are also reports of additional charges for items like water bottles. A concerning issue mentioned by a few guests was the presence of insect bites, leading to suspicions of a bed bug problem. Furthermore, some guests experienced issues with booking confirmation not being honored upon arrival, or being allocated a standard room despite booking a deluxe category, suggesting discrepancies between online representations and actual room allocation.