Kalinga Hotel

We were three in the family and stayed one night. They brought us an extra bed in good condition, and breakfast the next morning was good. The hotel felt worth the money, especially for a tourist spot, and it's very close to the railway station. Even so, we weren't disturbed by station noise at night.

If you only need a room, this may be fine. But I'd avoid it if you expect hospitality or any flexibility with charges or length of stay. The receptionists were arrogant and unhelpful, and there was no welcome drink or water bottle. The hotel charges heavily for every little thing after check-in, despite assuring guests before booking or arrival that the rates are good and reasonable. Prices felt like those for a five-star room, while the service was more like two-star. They charged for every member of our party but supplied low-quality bedding.

The Kalinga restaurant served delicious food, especially the non-veg dishes. Even if you aren't staying at the hotel, dinner there is worth planning. I had a superdelux room with a balcony, and it was an excellent stay. The room was very clean, neat, and well maintained, which added to the premium feel. The hotel is less than 100 meters from the railway station.

The staff were kind, and being close to the railway station is handy if you're arriving by train. But getting around on foot is less practical, and the area near the station didn't feel very safe, especially in the evening, so taking a tuk-tuk is advisable. The room's cleanliness was unacceptable. There were visible urine stains on the toilet, the small table looked as if it hadn't been cleaned for a long time, and the sheets weren't clean either. Breakfast was only for Indian guests, with no choices for Western travelers.