Hai friend,
still A9 road is not good condition,but repair works are going on,but u can no problem to travel this road.
expolanka also nice place to stay there but little expensive,Hotel Gnanams is there (0212220630-3)Blue Heaven is there(0212229958,0776139898) or US guest House (0212221017) so many hotels are there to stay.
good to drive in night bcoz u can avoid the Tippers & other big vehicles.