Hotel Royal Retreat

From outside, it looks good, and the car parking is very large, with room for 100+ cars. If it's full, people can park in the little space beside the highway and walking footpath. I mean alongside it, not in the middle of the highway, where people do leave cars. The place is a bit far off and on the expensive side, so it could be a good choice if you can afford it. I only saw it from outside, so I can't comment on the rooms, their cost, or the service.

The staff at the swimming area weren't there to help, and towels weren't available. The AC wasn't cooling properly and needs servicing. The kitchen closed at 10:30, and even basic food items weren't available at the hotel. Breakfast didn't meet the expected quality.

The place looks beautiful, and a wedding reception was underway when I arrived, with really royal-looking decor and atmosphere. The restaurant itself has an attractive, aesthetic ambience, and it's a trendy spot for photos. Service was good, and the bill for three of us was 880. We came for appetizers and ordered chicken 65, corn papadi, and veg kulhad kabab. The chicken 65 had eight soft, tender, well-seasoned pieces with balanced spices, 9/10. The corn papdi was crispy and crunchy, though I've had a little better, 8/10. The veg kulhad kebabs were the reason we came. One serving had eight pieces, with a crunchy base and savoury, sour and spicy filling. Good, 6.5/10. Great place and vibe, a must visit.

The rooms are spacious and well done, with enormous parking space and lovely greenery. Our room rent was around 3k, and both the food quality and prices felt like good value. Mutton and chicken were about 250-360 rs. Hirakud dam is approx 18km away.