As per my opinion, this is the best property maintained by Jungle Lodges. I mostly stayed at the Maharaja Cottage by the river side. The room was clean. One cannot expect the luxuries that you find in star hotels as this is a jungle resort. The view from the verandah is just beautiful. The staff are friendly but more friendly to foreigners.
The food I must admit is not the best. It was ok. The boat and jeep safaris are good. You cannot expect to see big cats in every safari but those who go there often will get to see these elusive big cats. I have been lucky to spot tigers, leopards and wild dogs during their safaris. You can get better sightings in the safari at Nagarhole. Forest around Kabini is beautiful, a little different from the Bandipur range though Bandipur, Nagarhole, DB Kuppe and more ranges all join to make it one big wildlife area.
If you get the opportunity make the drive from Kabini to Kerala through the Manathavady road. I have seen more tigers driving on this roads than those that I have seen during safaris.