Hotel Siva AVM Grande

I stayed on two separate nights in Oct 15, in a 4 bedded Executive Suite on a different floor each time. Both rooms and toilets were spacious and clean, the bed linen was fresh, and room service was prompt. The location is a plus, and although the hotel is on the main road, traffic didn't disturb us inside. Free WiFi was available, but very slow. Breakfast was complimentary but only South Indian, and the restaurant staff didn't seem very enthusiastic about serving. I got a good bargain after my Goibibo discount, though at the original price it might not have been such a good deal.

I booked a one-day stay through a booking platform and called the hotel to confirm first. They explained the difference in booking times, and I agreed. I arrived an hour early for check-in, but was told nobody had checked out and to come back in an hour. I returned after 6.30hrs, then they said the platform hadn't paid them, so they couldn't give me the room unless I paid them directly. Their price was double what I'd already paid through the platform. I asked why they hadn't told me earlier, either on the phone or when I tried to check in that morning. They said they didn't have my number, even though they had my reservation details. It felt like something unusual was going on. I contacted the platform's customer care and got a refund plus an inconvenience fee in app points. The receptionist's attitude at the end was basically, pay us and check in or leave the area.

For a short stay, it's a pretty decent hotel. The rooms are well lit and maintained, with a comfortable bed and an attached bathroom that has the basics. There's no single room option, only doubles. One time, the bathroom ceiling leaked in room 112. Breakfast is included and always South Indian, usually pongal or upma, idli, poori masala, tomato and coconut chutney, sambar, and vada, with tea or coffee. The TV is large but doesn't have a good streaming, cable, or DTH service. WiFi is very slow at about 50kbps, though enough for chats.

We stayed with a group of friends and had a very comfortable visit. The rooms are huge, with an option for two double beds that works well for wedding groups. The hotel is just opposite the bus stand, close to the city Centre and a stone's throw from the bus stop and the ever gracious vellore Fort. There's a restaurant on the first floor, and the staff were friendly and hospitable, with regular reminders to have breakfast. Our AC temperature control wasn't working because the receiver was faulty. We called reception close to midnight, and someone came right away and fixed it quickly. Another person brought a new remote. A pleasant stay to remember our visit to vellore.