EVOLVE BACK, HAMPI

We took a 4-day stay at Evolve back in Hampi in August 2021. There are a lot of positives and negatives to this place, and I think it's important to have the right expectations, to not be as disappointed as we were. For all those considering this place for vacation, here are some super important points to consider:Pros:1. The property is immaculate and the rooms are exactly as shown in the picture. We took 'Nilaya' with a jacuzzi and a bathtub and thoroughly enjoyed it.2. The architecture and the landscaping is really good, and a treat for the eyes.3. The spa service (Vaidyasala) though slightly expensive, was superb.4. We got a call from the place a day before to find out if we are celebrating anything special. we mentioned it was our anniversary - on the day of the anniversary, while we were down for dinner, they decorated the room with flowers, set up a cake, and put fresh water in the tub with flowers. my son was very kicked up about it, and we were frankly very pleasantly surprised that they remembered!5. Food at Bahamani restaurant was great - definitely recommended.6. Breakfast buffet at Tuluva restaurant was good.7.The welcome drink (tastes like hot rasam - yum!), the regularly replenished traditional sweet-box & dry fruits, and the complementary mini bar (with soft drinks) was well appreciated.Cons:1. Service at Tuluva restaurant - great, but again very slow. We ordered coffee with our breakfast and had to wait 30 minutes for it, and send out multiple reminders. The Lunch/dinner waits were also equally long. This could be because they are preparing every dish from scratch (that can the only reason to explain such a long time to bring simple items like coffee, tea, orange juice!). But, we made our displeasure known one evening, and the next day, we got our coffees within 15 minutes! So, now we are wondering whether it is a matter of the staff prioritizing a few guests or just a general laid-back approach?2. There is a clear lack of communication between the front desk, the special 1-on-1 host allocated, and the different sections (such as the historian & the experiences group). Some examples- We booked Bahamani for a second dinner after our experience with Tuluva, at the front desk. We gave all the specifications and were told it will be done. Then at dinner, we found that there was no booking.- We asked for the bar timings at the front desk and were told that its operational till 10. we come down at 9 to find that the bar closes at 9.- We really wanted to take one of the 'experiences' trails. however, the host and the front desk kept telling us whatever is already there . After asking some pointed questions (to our host on whatsapp) , we got the experiences team to call us back and give some details.- When we had to check out, we called the reception to say we are checking out and to prepare the documents. We came down with our luggage to find that our hostess had no idea we were checking out.3. Not sure if everyone had the same problem, but we had to reach out to the host proactively for any questions on WhatsApp during our stay. We had planned a strict "no device" vacation this time, but the hostess was not available in person most of the times, and also seemed to respond better on whatsapp. 4. Food range (for lunch/dinner) at Tuluva was disappointing. There are a lot of North indian dishes, with very few options for south indian dishes, and no continental (except for a pasta) . 5. The entrance pathway was back breaking! i read an earlier comment complaining about the same and the rationale was that this is in keeping with Vijayanagara construction. I humbly disagree - I went to the temple - these stone pathways are not meant to be driven on. 6. Apart from the room facilities, the place has little more to offer. The activity room has a gym (with cross-train and a treadmill), TT room, carrom board, chess and few board games. While I understand that COVID has put a dampener on some of the other activities, i think the owners should definitely consider adding few 'safe' +culturally rich activities, such as archery, horse riding, skits, sword fighting classes etc.Final word: This was our stay at any Evolve Back property. While we had a good time, we will definitely not come here for a second visit.

We stayed here for 2 nights and 3 days. The property is very well maintained. The staff would wear mask all the time. The staff are very friendly and welcoming. Food choices were limited but good. I liked the main course, but the starters were a little bland and tasted average. The desert choices can be improved. Overall it was a good stay. Special thanks to Pooja and Roshan Gupta for making our stay so pleasant and comfortable. My four years old daughter enjoyed every bit of stay in here.

it was castle experience and the best thing was the arrangements done for our anniversary with the cake and the flower, balloon decorations in the room food and the room and especially jacuzzi in the room

breath taking place with amazing hospitality. cant wait to go back. you will feel like a king staying in a place. rooms are beautiful neat and with private jacuzzi

Hotel was situated in isolated place, but it was nice. Most of the time we were outside so didn't availed food inside the property. Staff was polite and helpful.

This hotel is amazing. Housekeeping and hospitality is top notch. Really enjoyed my stay here. Will visit soon again.

Luxury stay is pricey but service is good. Food choice needs to be improved.

It's an awesome property for a premium getaway from Bangalore/Hyderabad