Tag: hotel review

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Relax Staycation

Evolve Back Resorts, Hampi- Modern day recreation of Vijaynagar empire.

With Evolve Back resort, relive the 14th-century Vijaynagar Empire. Just 4 km away from the UNESCO World Heritage site Hampi, it takes its inspiration from the ruins of Vijayanagar and it is evident in their arched hallways and Jal Mahal rooms inspired by Queen’s Palace. The resort is at a short distance from Vijayanagar ruins and Tungabhadra dam in the state of Karnataka. A six-hour drive from Bangalore will land you straight at the resort.

The entrance:  As soon as you enter those grand archways, you are received with their traditional way of greeting ‘Namaskara’ with towels, flowers and vermilion powder along with refreshment of Coconut Milk with jaggery. Their white corridors with floral arches and eardrop shaped balustrades give you the feeling of a royal palace.

Rooms: The rooms itself are huge and comfortable with an ensuite tub, twin Jacuzzi, and shower stand. The granite and wood floor add to the decor of the room. We had a private balcony as well as basic necessities like Flat screen TV, coffee etc in the room. But who would want to watch TV with such a great ambiance outside? The room itself has a big comfortable bed with a canopy and drapes hanging on the wall add to the royal vibe. We relaxed in the Jacuzzi before our night sleep. The Nivasa room that we stayed in is perfect for couples with a separate living, sleeping and dining area. It is very spacious as well as comfy.

Sites around: The resort is at a short distance from the UNESCO World Heritage site as well as Tungabhadra dam so a short drive will take you to all the site-seeing areas.

Other amenities: The Ayurvedic spa is absolutely delightful and relaxing. With the four-hand massage, all your tense muscles are loosened and as they chant Sanskrit chants in harmony, your soul feels lighter as well.

Food: For food, they have two options Tuluva Restaurant and Bahmani Speciality restaurant. Even the names of these restaurants are taken from the Vijayanagara dynasty. Tuluva restaurant offers a good view of the infinity pool while you enjoy a variety of food from their menu. The Bahmani restaurant looks like a mixture of Persian and Hyderabadi architecture and it has the same vibe of royalty. The food was included in our booking. We got the breakfast buffet which was usual eggs, bread, and the general breakfast.  For lunch, you can try the candlelight dinner at Bahmani. Try their variety of paneer cheese, dal, naans and Yakhni Lamb. Among Tuluva and Bahmani, we found Bahmani to be better with food. The flavor of the food was delicious and then we tried some Indian desserts which turned out to be good as well.

Final verdict: Evolve Back was a good resort and we were treated well by the staff who were good in their hospitality. The resort is beautiful to look at as well as at a short distance from the sights which saves a lot of time.

Cost: Three-day stay package at the place is more cost-effective and would end up costing 27000 INR per night. But for that comfort, you would easily pay that price.

P.S-> Recently they have changed their name from Orange County to Evolve Back Resorts.

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Central India Corporate Outings Staycation

Pench Tree Lodge – Home in the midst of jungle

Away from the hustle bustle of city life, we #ghoomophirosisters usually plan our weekends to the jungles of central India, and this time it was Pench Tiger Reserve for us. While we were shortlisting the place to stay, we could not stop ourselves from exploring Pench Tree Lodge supported by Pugdundee Safaris.
After a long 3.5 Hr drive from Nagpur, we reached to the Pench Tree Lodge and to our surprise the place has maintained nature in its best form. No destruction of the existing ecosystem has been made. As we reached, manager Amit Mukherjee with his staff gave us a warm welcome and briefed about the property. Few interesting facts include, do not leave the room or balcony slider open, reptiles might get in!! This itself suggested how close the place is to nature.

It is primarily an eco-conscious retreat spread over 36 acres and to your surprise has only 6 treehouse cottages. In rest of the place, one can see snakes, civets, foxes, jackals, wild boars, doves roosting in the trees, parakeets, and several other birds. The place also has kitchen garden wherein almost all seasonal vegetables you can find and it does sustain the kitchen of the property.

Rooms

They were simple elusive rooms with all modern facilities that you can ask for. A small welcome note from Pugdundee caught our eyes and was indeed heart warming. Our cottage was supported by big Mahua tree. Interiors of rooms were beautiful. Small hand made paintings of birds added the charm to the room. Must congratulate the masterminds behind the architecture of these tree-houses to come up with such marvelous tree-houses.

Iron rod bed stuffed with cushions of all sizes, what more one would want as part of the luxury stay.Lighting in the rooms was dim and sufficient enough to charge up your mood.

Small video as we explored room is here, that will definitely inspire you to pack the bags and rush for wilderness.

Smallest care was taken not to play around with nature and hence two steel water bottles were kept instead of plastic bottles. Alongside, kettle tea bags, milk powder were stacked for the convenience. A beautiful balcony with coffee table and an unimaginable view wait for you in the evening, where either you can sip a coffee or read a good book or simply gaze the nature and enjoy the parakeets, civets or other wild animals. We never found ourselves as close to nature as stay in this property made us to.

Dining Experience

We must thank chef Pankaj and his team for some delicious fusion vegetarian meals. It was just perfect. With every meal served to us, our benchmarks increased and they never disappointed us. We liked all our meals from breakfast to dinner to high-tea. Not to miss was dumplings, corn kebabs, Onion soup, beetroot pudding and the list is endless. To top it all, the presentation was icing on the cake. Needless to say, our dining experience were redefined at Pench Tree Lodge.  Overall staff was courteous and was available for our help anytime.

It would be the injustice to the team if we do not mention the breakfast in the jungle and moonlight dinner. Both of them were well executed by everyone in the staff. In the former, we were served the buffet of breakfast in the midst of jungle whereas in the later, there was small kerosene lit lamps were hanging to the trees and dinner was served under the stars. Believe us, it could not more romantic as it was.

What to do

You may customize your itinerary during your stay with the manager as they have activities lined up for you. This list includes jungle safari to Pench Tiger Reserve, Walk to the nearby Village, cycling sessions, Birding, Night Safari or simply relax in the pool.

We must say, the Pench tree lodge gives you endless opportunities to interact with yourself, stay close to nature and definitely, you are going to treasure the experience for long. The retreat is the best example of how man and nature co-exist in harmony. Needless to say, it is indeed a plush and romantic escape.. Get your bookings now!!

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation

Hyatt Place, Goa – Review

Hyatt place is located in the serene beach of Candolim. Within 5 kms of range places of attraction includes St. Anthony’s Chapel, Candolim Beach, Calangute Beach. Sinquerim Beach and Fort Aguada. Transport facility for tourists is well available here and hotel is well connected to railway station and around 1 hr drive from Dabolim airport. Drive is smooth with greenery around and is picturesque.

Food, Amenities and Services – There are around 145 rooms, divided in various categories. One thing that will attract you is the small creative iron man kind of structures throughout the building. Lobby is okayish, and breakfast is served there itself. Lot of open space near pool to laze around. The Gallery Café offers a delicious selection of Indian and international cuisine for lunch and dinner, while the convenient 24/7 Gallery Market provides takeaway snacks, salads, sandwiches and beverages. In room dining is available. Rooms are ok with LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, complimentary bottled water, locker safe, and slippers. Bathrooms are decently designed and fitted with latest fixtures.

Stayfit gym is there, in case you don’t want to miss out your work-out session.  Other unique facilities includes free access to wifi and computer systems kept in lobby. Overall a place for vacation with family where you can relax, meet, dine and explore.

 

 

 

 

Categories
Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejuvenate Staycation

Luxury Vacation at Taj Exotica at Goa

Taj Exotica is located at Benaulim in South Goa. Popular sightseeing places close to the hotel are Varca beach(6 km) and Colva beach(5 km).  It is like 45 min drive from Dabolim airport. For me, it is one of the best properties in Goa, which is truly luxurious due to its exotic location, grand architecture and a sun drenched atrium. Once inside, you wouldn’t like to move out due to the ample number of activities place can keep you indulged in

Food, Amenities and Services – Taj Exotica has around 140 air-conditioned guestrooms with personal balconies or patios. The room category can be sea-view/garden –view or pool view. We took sea-view room. Bathrooms are spacious with separate bathtubs, showers, designer toiletries, bathrobes and makeup/shaving mirrors. Basic amenities like tea/coffee makers, color television and complimentary bottled water in addition to complimentary newspapers and desks. Interiors of rooms are neutral and exotic. Housekeeping is available round the clock. You can spend the sunny afternoon by lazing around the beach or by playing golf or rejuvenating yourself at Jiva spa or playing indoor games or reading a book on the hammock.

Taj Exotica has event space as well consisting of ballroom, banquet facilities and conference/meeting rooms. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle which is available on request. Additional hotel amenities comprise a library, a coffee shop, and a concierge desk. Special arrangements can be done for birthdays and anniversaries on payment. The experience at the Taj becomes all the more special with the variety of cuisines place has to offer. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood at the beachfront Lobster Shack while Mediterranean cuisine is served at Miguel Arcanjo. Traditional Goan dishes are offered at Allegria. For a nightcap, Adega Cameons Bar serves a variety of drinks. In case, you would want to go ahead with traditional Indian food in Goa, Eugenia should be a good choice.At Eugenia, guests can explore multiple cuisines from Indian to south-east Asian. Buffet breakfast is served at Eugenia and the spread is quite large. An overall property gives an amazing and luxurious ambience to unwind and relax.

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Beaches Hotel Reviews Rejoice Staycation

Ramee Guestline Hotel Juhu – Review

Ramee Guestline is located in the prime location of dream city Mumbai, i.e Juhu. Situated just 8 KMs from Airport, the hotel provides easy accessibility to several tourist places like Juhu Beach,Iskon Temple etc.

Food, Amenities, and Services – There are total 88 rooms, divided into various categories. Rooms are ok with LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, complimentary bottled water, locker safe, and slippers. Bathrooms are decently designed and fitted with latest fixtures. Writing desk is available. The hotel also has a spa where one can have holistic experience in Moroccan Hammam and different other treatments can relax you.  Other facilities like salon, gym, 24*7 travel desk, laundry, free wi-fi is available. The swimming pool is nice, in case you want to spend some quality time relaxing.  Free pick up & Drop available from the airport. Hotel staff is humble and courteous. Travel desk and laundry is available .The ambience revitalizes your stay and makes it calm and relaxing. Overall quality of neatness and cleanliness is maintained across the hotel.

The in-house dining options include Its Mirchi, a traditional Indian restaurant that is famous for its Kebabs and Biryanis; Buffet Breakfast is served here. Rock Bottom, the hip and happening discotheque that serves drinks too. Overall, budget property for a pleasantly perfect stay in Juhu. The place is well suited for corporate, or leisure requirements.

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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Staycation

The Pride Hotel, Bengaluru

The Pride Hotel, Bengaluru, is located on Richmomd Road. I had to stay here, during one of the personal visits. Situated at 40 Kms away from airport, it took me 25 min to reach to the hotel, where I was welcomed with warm and courteous staff. Tourist places located close to the hotel include Ulsoor Lake, Cubbon Park, M Chinnaswamy stadium, Bangalore palace and Lal Bagh. This hotel is easily accessible to various key tourist destinations like Bangalore Aquarium and Bal Bhavan.

Grand Lobby

Food, Amenities and Services – I chose to stay at deluxe category room, which is very spacious, clubbed with all modern amenities that includes LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, free bottled water, locker safe etc. Bathrooms are lavishly designed and fitted with latest fixtures. Jacuzzi present in suites.

Grand Washrooms
Lavish Bedrooms

Hotel offers services like Direct STD and ISD dialing facility, Broadband internet connectivity, Doctor On Call, Travel Desk service, Valet service, gift shop, money exchange, baby sitting laundry and dry cleaning. Ora Spa is a complete experience in itself and helped me in rejuvenating by providing health treatments. The Pride Hotel has a slew of banquet halls and conference rooms each designed for different needs. The Crystal hall features wooden panelling and discreet lights. The Imperial conference hall at The Pride Hotel is an idea venue for business meetings, conferences and seminars. Office staff is humble and courteous. The ambience revitalizes your stay and makes it calm and relaxing. Overall quality of neatness and cleanliness is maintained across hotel and this is evident from the lobby itself. Café Treat is 24 hour coffee shop where one guests can grab quick munchies along with sipping mocktails and unwind themselves. Restro bar is multicuisine restaurant for lunch and dinner. A well thought property for both business travelers and vacationers.

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Ghoomophiro Blog Staycation

Hotel T.A.P. Gold Crest, Bangalore

Located at a mere distance of 35 Kms approx from airport, and away from city traffic and pollution, TAP gold crest is decent choice for business travelers. It is located on Minerva circle and hence has easy access to Kormangala. Major Tourist destinations around the place includes Cubbon Park (03 km), Lokmanya Tilak Park, Lalbagh Gardens (01 km), M G Road (03 km), Bull Temple, Freedom Park, Bangalore Palace and the MG Road, the city centre of Bangalore.

Food, Amenities and Services – The rooms in the hotel are comfortable and decent to unwind yourself after a hectic day.  All the rooms are neat and clean with attached bathroom that have quality toiletries and shower. Rooms have basic amenities and decent décor. The other facilities include free internet access, newspaper, satellite television and in-room safe, tea coffee maker etc. Highlight of the hotel is 24 hours check in service, that makes stay more comfortable and hassle free for business travelers. Hotel offers business centre which can be used for meetings and conferences. Staff is simple and available 24*7.

Entrance Gate
Hotel Lobby

Facilities like travel desk, which helps your travel across the city and currency exchange is also present along with laundry and dry cleaning service. Iron board can be provided on request.  An oval shaped Atrium is maintained with pool table and billiards table, where-in guests can relax and make them comfortable. In house restaurant is available, which serves quality and healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner. Buffet spread is value for money and food quality is decent. Staff is courteous and quick to respond to the requests. My locker was not working; they change it immediately when asked for. Overall it gives you a good deal in the low budget. It is a budget hotel with value for money.

Well Maintained Bed Room
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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Staycation

Courtyard By Marriott, Ahmedabad

Courtyard by Marriot is located at RamdevNagar cross roads, which is like 20Kms from airport. The places of attraction near the hotel are Gandhi Ashram at an approximate distance of 10kms, Kankaria Lake (12kms), Sidi Saiyad Masjid at an approachable distance of 8kms .

Food, Amenities and Services – I stayed at deluxe room which has carpet flooring and is centrally air conditioned. Room has queen bed, rollaway beds permitted, cribs, pillow top mattress, duvet and chic furniture like chair and desk with ergonomic chair for comfort. Alarm clock, safe , & electrical outlet, iron & ironing board, complimentary bottled water, coffee/tea maker, facility of voice mail, speaker phone, and television with remote control, premium movie channels, cable/satellite & iPod dock are the additional benefits. Bathroom has marble base with shower, hair dryer, robe and slippers, and mirror High speed wired & wireless internet is provided to help the guests.O2 Spa helps to unwind and relax after  hectic day and offers several treatments. I tried their body scrub, which was rejuvenating. Hotel also boasts of having outdoor swimming pool, hot tub and sauna for a relaxing vacation. Gymnasium is also available for fitness freaks. Meeting rooms and conference halls with all audio visual equipment are available. Weddings, receptions can be planned with the help of in house expert who can help starting from deciding the budget to execute the event. Staff is cooperative and cordial. Place is clean and hassle-free. Hotel offers various dining options keeping to woo its guests. Momo Cafe is an in house coffee shop that serves buffet breakfast, lunch, dinner,Sunday brunches and alacarte’. Buffet spread is vast. Shakahari is a fine vegetarian restaurant that offers Avadhi and Hyderabadi dinner. Java+ is an all-night café for party folks.

Buffet Spread at MOMO Cafe.

Hotel promises luxurious and relaxed stayJ

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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Staycation

Grand Bhagwati, Ahmedabad

Grand Bhagwati hotel is at the heart of the city. The premises are well connected to important locales and famous landmarks. I stayed at the hotel during the business visit. It took me around 20 min to drive from the airport to reach here. Apparently it is 12 km from the railway station and 1Km from Lad society bus stand. Nearby places include Gandhi Ashram, Akshardham Temple and Kankaria Lake.
Food, Amenities, and Services – I stayed in the deluxe room. The hotel offers spacious and gracefully designed Rooms with all modern facilities like LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, free bottled water, locker safe, etc. Bathrooms are neat and clean with lavish fixtures. Guests can pen down their notes by using executive desks kept in all rooms. Free Wi-Fi enables guests to be online always. The office staff is humble, courteous and ensures to give personal attention to guests.

The hotel provides services like Travel desk, laundry, florist, valet parking, money exchange, luggage storage etc. Overall neatness and cleanliness is maintained across the hotel. The Grand Ballroom is a perfect place for Weddings, exhibitions, receptions, anniversaries due to its beautiful ambiance. Ambiance and MEMORIES are the other two halls designed to organize special ceremonies and conferences, whereas CHANCELLOR’S Room is suitable for intimate get-togethers. The hotel also offers services like wedding planning or event planning to its guests.

The Hotel boasts from the luxurious fine dining restaurant to the young age coffee shop, to the most happening open-air restaurant with its unique A La Carte, each with its own style & identity, to satiate its visitors’ craving. Be it café piano which is 24- hour coffee shop to have chit chat over coffee or Mr & Mrs Somani, which serves traditional Indian cuisine.

Overall, the blend of impeccable facilities to give you a luxurious and privileged stay

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Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Staycation

Tulip Inn, Ahmedabad

Few kms from Chandlodia Railway Station, 8.6 km from Sabarmati Ashram, few steps away from Sola Cross BRTS Bus Stop, Tulip Inn Ahmedabad enjoys accessibility to important corporate offices, shopping malls and entertainment hubs of the city and hence is amongst visitor’s choice. It took me 15-20 min from airport to reach to the hotel

Food, Amenities and Services – I stayed at deluxe room during my business trip. Room is with all modern amenities like LCD, electric kettle, refrigerated mini-bar, free bottled water, locker safe, DVD player etc. Attached bathroom has rain shower, bathrobe, slippers, shaving and dental kit, to give complete experience to its guests. All toiletries were of natural product like shea and cocoa. An executive desk to pen down notes is also available. 24*7 room service and reception desk with courteous staff improves the overall experience. The hotel offers roof top gymnasium for work-out enthusiasts and has all modern equipment. Concierge services like Travel desks, doctor on call and laundry is available. Venue and Avenue are meeting rooms where-in business conferences can be conducted. Both of them provide high quality tech support and audio-visual equipment. Hotel has in-house event planning team, which can plan end to end event/meeting for the guests as requested.

Hotel has The Red Sun restaurant, which offers decent buffet breakfast layout. Interiors of the restaurant are stylish and contemporary. It has theatrical lighting with a large window providing a striking city view. This was something really peculiar I liked about the place. It serves both Indian and international cuisines on ala carte basis. Food quality is good and waiters are helpful and give due diligence to guest service. Cheese chilli toast is quirky bite to try.  Overall good budgeted hotel that can promise comfortable, relax and peaceful stay in Ahmedabad.

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