Dasara in Mysore runs 2–12 October 2026. Hotels fill up 6–8 months ahead. Your best luxury options sit within 3 km of Mysore Palace, rated between 8.4 and 9.1 out of 10. One is a genuine palace conversion. Here is exactly what each property offers and how they compare.
Which hotel is the actual heritage pick?
Only one property on this list is a converted royal building: Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel. Built in 1921 by the Wadiyar Maharaja for the Viceroy of India, it sits on a hilltop 6 km from the city centre. Rated 8.0/10 from 4,146 reviews — the largest review base of any hotel here. The rating is lower than rivals because the property is ITDC-managed and maintenance can be inconsistent. Rooms vary widely; ask specifically for a renovated room in the main palace block, not the annexe. The dome, the staircase, and the views of Chamundi Hill are genuinely worth it. For Dasara, they typically run special gala dinners. Book direct or via travel agents — this one books out by July every year for October dates.
Distance to Mysore Palace: 6 km. Factor in traffic during Dasara — the procession route clogs roads significantly on Vijayadashami (12 October 2026).
What is the top-rated luxury option near the palace?
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore scores 9.1/10 from 2,541 reviews — the highest rating in this list by a clear margin. It is a modern 5-star, not heritage, but the service consistency is the best you will find in Mysore. Located roughly 2.5 km from the palace on Nazarbad Road. Rooms are large, the pool is good, and breakfast is extensive. For Dasara, proximity to the procession route matters — Radisson Blu is close enough to reach viewing spots on foot or by a 10-minute auto. Expect Dasara-period rates to be 40–70% higher than standard pricing. Book at least 5 months out.
How do the other 5-star properties compare?
Here is a direct comparison of all five 5-star hotels available:
| Hotel | Rating | Reviews | Key advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore | 9.1/10 | 2,541 | Highest rated, consistent service |
| Hotel Southern Star Mysore | 8.7/10 | 1,934 | Central location, reliable |
| Fortune JP Palace, Mysore - Member ITC Hotels' Group | 8.6/10 | 2,463 | ITC brand reliability, good F&B |
| Grand Mercure Mysore- An AccorHotels Brand | 8.4/10 | 2,230 | AccorHotels points, midpoint location |
| Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel | 8.0/10 | 4,146 | Only genuine heritage palace |
Hotel Southern Star Mysore at 8.7/10 is the strongest all-round option if you want modern luxury closer to the city. It sits near Vinoba Road, roughly 1.5 km from the palace. Good Dasara viewing logistics from here.
Fortune JP Palace, Mysore - Member ITC Hotels' Group at 8.6/10 is a solid ITC-group property. The food and beverage quality is a genuine strength — ITC manages its kitchens well. If dining is a priority during Dasara evenings when you don't want to fight restaurant queues, this is a practical choice.
Grand Mercure Mysore- An AccorHotels Brand at 8.4/10 works well for AccorHotels loyalty members who want to earn points. Rooms are comfortable. Nothing stands out dramatically, but nothing disappoints either.
Is there a good 4-star option if 5-star rates are too steep during Dasara?
The Quorum Hotel is the only 4-star on this list, rated 7.8/10 from 1,871 reviews. It is a reasonable fallback if 5-star Dasara rates — which can hit ₹18,000–₹35,000 per night — exceed your budget. Service and facilities are a step below the 5-stars but it sits in the city and gives you functional comfort for the festival period.
What about 3-star options during Dasara?
For context, two 3-star properties have decent ratings:
- Parklane Hotel — 8.3/10 from 2,572 reviews. Consistently well-reviewed for its category. Central location. A good budget pick if you are spending most of the day outdoors at Dasara events.
- Jal Mahal Resort And Spa — 7.9/10 from 1,713 reviews. Resort-style, slightly outside the centre. Quieter, but adds travel time to procession areas.
These are not heritage or luxury, but if you are using a hotel mainly for sleep during a busy Dasara trip, Parklane Hotel's central location and rating make it the smartest 3-star choice.
What should you know about Dasara logistics before booking?
Procession route: The Vijayadashami procession (12 October 2026) runs from Mysore Palace to Bannimantap, roughly 5 km. The entire route is blocked to vehicles from early morning. If your hotel is on or near this route, you cannot move by car for most of the day. This is worth checking when you book — ask the hotel directly.
Check-in day: 11 or 12 October are the peak nights. Many travellers book 9–13 October to see the illuminations (palace lighting runs across the festival, not just the final day) and the procession. Minimum stays of 2–3 nights are common hotel policies during this window.
Getting to Mysore: Mysore is 145 km from Bengaluru via the Mysore-Bengaluru Expressway. Drive time is 2.5–3 hours normally, but expect 4–5 hours on procession day. The Shatabdi train from KSR Bengaluru is the more reliable option during Dasara — book rail tickets early. See our Mysore travel guide for full transport details, and check the best time to visit Mysore if you are flexible on dates.
Recommendation summary
- Heritage experience: Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel — book a main palace block room, accept the quirks
- Best service and ratings: Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
- Best central 5-star: Hotel Southern Star Mysore
- Best F&B focus: Fortune JP Palace, Mysore - Member ITC Hotels' Group
- Best value 3-star: Parklane Hotel
Book before end of May 2026 for October dates. Prices rise steeply after that.
FAQ
When exactly is Dasara 2026 in Mysore? Dasara 2026 runs 2–12 October. The main Vijayadashami procession is on 12 October. Palace illuminations happen every evening throughout the festival.
How far in advance should I book a hotel for Dasara? At least 5–6 months ahead for 5-star properties. Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel and Radisson Blu typically fill their Dasara inventory by June or July for October dates.
Is Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel worth the higher cost despite its 8.0 rating? Yes, if heritage atmosphere is your priority. The building itself is extraordinary. Just request a renovated room in the main palace wing when booking, not the annexe, and manage expectations around service consistency.
Can I walk to the Dasara procession from these hotels? From Hotel Southern Star Mysore and Parklane Hotel, the palace area is within 1.5–2 km — walkable. Lalitha Mahal Palace Hotel is 6 km away; you will need transport, and roads will be blocked late on procession day, so plan early.