RNS Highway Hotel

We stayed over Christmas because we couldn't find another room, and my spouse, who's from coastal Karnataka, had wanted to check out this old famous property for a while. We booked online. The festive rate was around 2.5k, while as of today you can get it for Max around 1.5k. It's easy to spot on NH 66 Kochi - Panvel, and there's plenty of parking. Rooms were big with nice interiors, and you don't need to put a key in a switch to turn on the lights like at a budget hotel. Service was among the worst I've had in a star hotel. Check-in took a long time because they asked for everyone's identity proof. I don't know whether the law requires that, but nobody offered senior citizens a seat. No one helped move bags to the second floor, even home stays nowadays offer luggage help. The balcony was dirty, with food plates and leftovers from somebody that hadn't been cleaned before we checked in. That says a lot about how well rooms are maintained in this star hotel. There was no water or towel in the room. The reception phone didn't work, so I mentioned it when we went out. They brought only one towel for one room even though I'd clearly given the room numbers. Next day the phone still didn't work. I reported it again in person, but they still didn't provide the items. Breakfast was complimentary with tokens at check-in. They had idly, dosa, upma, sweet and tea and coffee, and the food was good. But reception staff didn't listen or smile. They seem untrained or maybe underpaid. It's sad to see a good property being distorted like this. With better service it could be definitely 5 stars, but I will never visit again.

At 12.30 am last night, I came with my family to ask about a room. Staff first quoted ₹2500 per night, and I agreed. After we brought our luggage and were ready to check in, they suddenly changed it to ₹2650. When I politely reminded them what they'd just said, a staff member rudely told us to “get out.” That disrespectful, arrogant behavior toward a family is unacceptable. I've just finished a South India tour, and this was the only place where I encountered such mannerless, unprofessional staff. The hotel looks big and impressive from outside, but their attitude ruins the experience. The owner should ensure proper training and supervision. I'd advise families to avoid it, since this could happen to others too.

My train reached Murudeshwar at 3:30 AM, and I needed to check out by 1 AM the next day. When I asked the staff about a room, they said, “it’s not about your timing, it’s about our timings.” Their policy was 12 AM check-in and 12 PM check-out, so I would have had to book two days. That left me with no flexibility as a tourist and caused significant inconvenience. The staff seemed more focused on revenue than helping guests with unusual travel hours. Hotels should make room for travelers arriving at odd times, or at least offer alternatives, instead of applying rules so rigidly that a stay becomes difficult. I hope they reconsider how they handle tourists and help guests feel welcome outside standard timings.

The area is very clean and big, the food was nice, and the staff tried their best. Rooms were clean too, but the mattress wasn't good. It was ok ok.