Hampi, South India, India

Housed in a multi-storey block at the bustling centre of Hospet town, the Malligi’s never going to get its own feature in Condé Nast, but provides a welcoming, comfortable and relaxed base from which to visit nearby Hampi.

At the end of the day, sun-weary travellers laze on the rear lawn, where you can ponder the day’s adventures over an ice-cool beer and tasty tandoori supper. The rooms come in various shapes and sizes but are all dependably clean and cool, with central air-con and modern plumbing.