Yelagiri - MariGold Ridge, A Sterling Holidays Resort

The balcony was a lovely spot for views of the hills and sunrise, and the fresh air and greenery made us feel relaxed almost immediately. Sterling Yelagiri sits in a peaceful area among hills, a welcome break from city life. Our room was clean, spacious, and comfortable, and the property was well maintained. Staff were welcoming, polite, and helpful throughout. The restaurant food was good, with a decent range of dishes. There were indoor games and other activities, along with well-kept open spaces and a swimming pool. A pleasant place for families, couples, or friends wanting a quiet vacation.

For the price and the resort’s star rating, I left feeling the stay fell short. Service needs to be more consistent, especially at the front desk and restaurant. My room was very clean, and staff throughout the hotel were kind and friendly, but they didn’t proactively tell me about amenities such as the spa, pool, or common areas when I checked in. I booked a Mountain View Classic room for one night. The view is of a very small peak, so don’t expect a dramatic mountain panorama. I had breakfast and dinner. Dinner was simple, with no distinctive dishes, but I was satisfied. Breakfast had a fairly good selection. In the dining area, though, no one explained the menu or what food was available, which made the experience feel disorganized and unprofessional.

The in-house restaurant served delicious food in a lovely setting, though it was expensive. Reshma in dining gave superb service, and the chefs were happy to customize dishes. Every staff member was excellent, and help with technical, plumbing, IT, or general needs came lightning-fast. Water supply, including hot water, was very good, with only minor, temporary issues. Housekeeping was top-notch. Sara checked in every evening to ask how our day had gone and whether we needed anything. That personal care felt unusually genuine. The mountain-view rooms, especially 1414-1417 on the 4th floor, had pleasant views, though they weren’t breathtaking. Rooms were well maintained, with excellent toiletries and accessories, better quality than I’ve seen in many five-star hotels. Sterling Yelagiri surprised me with how strong its hospitality was for the franchise, even if the overall feel wasn’t as luxurious as its top properties. Areas to improve: internet connection, the lobby’s tidiness and appearance, and the additional elevator that’s being built to improve the outside look. Highly recommended.

The restaurant food was outstanding, with a rare balance of great taste and attentive service. The front desk and reception team also deserve special mention for being helpful and coordinating everything so well. Please pass my thanks to the entire team for making my recent stay in Yelagiri so pleasant. Totally recommended.