President Hotel, Vadodara: Your Luxurious Vadodara Getaway Awaits!
President Hotel, Vadodara: My Vadodara Getaway – The Good, The Quirky, and the "Eh, Not Bad"
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or maybe the chai, since we're in Vadodara) on the President Hotel. They bill it as a "Luxurious Vadodara Getaway," and well, let's just say my experience was more of a…mixed bag. But hey, that's life, right? And sometimes, those messy, unexpected bits are the most memorable.
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First Impressions & Accessibility – Smooth Sailing (Mostly):
Okay, credit where credit is due: the initial approach to the hotel was pretty slick. Finding it wasn't a nightmare – always a win after a sweaty flight. The airport transfer they offered was prompt and efficient, and the valet parking got me out of navigating the chaos that is Indian traffic immediately. Bliss. They were, generally, on it.
Now, let's talk accessibility. I’m not in a wheelchair, but I appreciate hotels that get it. The elevator was a godsend with my luggage (and my aversion to stairs). The facilities for disabled guests were definitely a thing, but I didn't use them, so I can’t vouch for their full effectiveness as a traveler that, I'm happy to say, had no need of them. That said, I did notice a few things: The access to the public areas was, on the surface, pretty decent. Wide walkways, ramps where needed. Good start.
Rooms – A Sanctuary (Mostly):
The air conditioning blasted the moment I walked in, blessedly banishing the heat. My room (non-smoking, thankfully) was…well, it was a room. Clean, with all the basics. A desk, a coffee/tea maker (essential), a refrigerator with a surprisingly decent mini-bar (though I steered clear, because, y’know, budget). The carpet was… well, it was there. And the blackout curtains were a godsend for shutting out those aggressive Vadodara sunrises. I’m giving it a solid…7/10.
However, let’s talk about the Wi-Fi. Supposedly, free Wi-Fi in all rooms. In theory, yes. In practice…let's just say I spent a lot of time staring at the "connecting" icon. And it was a real pain when I wanted to work or stream something. I ended up using my own hotspot, which was extra cost I wasn't looking forward to!
The Eating & Drinking Debacle:
Okay, here's where things get…interesting.
- The Restaurants: They boasted a few restaurants, including a vegetarian restaurant (good for me, even if I am not vegetarian often), and offerings of Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant. Plenty of buffet in restaurant, and for that, I am thankful! I tried it once for breakfast. The Asian breakfast was pretty good, though the Western breakfast was… well, it was what you would expect. The coffee/tea in restaurant was acceptable.
- The Poolside Bar: Ah, the dream! Relaxing by the pool, sipping something exotic. The reality? A bit… underwhelming. The poolside bar was there, but the atmosphere? Less “tropical paradise” and more “slightly bored staff.” I think that bar needed a little more love. Seriously, get some energy in there!
- The 24-hour Room Service: Now this was a lifesaver. Late night cravings? No problem. The room service [24-hour] menu was extensive, and the food – surprisingly – was quite good. It was a massive plus.
- The Snack Bar
- I didn't find the snack bar that appetizing at all. The food just seemed like it was sitting there and I don't like that.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & Fitness – Mixed Emotions:
- The Pool: The swimming pool [outdoor] was a definite highlight! It offered a pool with view, which was nice, and it was a welcome escape from the heat. I spent a good chunk of time just chilling there.
- The Spa: I ventured into the spa, and it was… fine. The décor was a bit dated, and the massage I got was okay, but not mind-blowing. They offered a Body scrub and Body wrap, Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, and Foot bath. I'm not really into all that stuff.
- The Gym/Fitness: I took a quick peek at the Fitness center. It looked well-equipped, but, I confess, I'm not a gym bunny. So, I am not the target audience.
Cleanliness & Safety – The COVID Chronicles:
Okay, let's be honest, we're all extra paranoid these days. President Hotel seemed to take Cleanliness and safety seriously. Plenty of hand sanitizer stations, and staff were masked up. They had anti-viral cleaning products in action. They also offered a Room sanitization opt-out available, though, I didn't even know that was a thing!
Services & Conveniences – The Good Stuff:
They had a lot of services. Laundry service, dry cleaning, and a convenience store for those emergency toothbrush runs. The daily housekeeping was efficient. I also appreciated the concierge service for recommendations on where to go.
- Doorman
- They had a doorman, which made me feel secure.
- Cash withdrawal
- There was a cash withdrawal service.
- Luggage storage
- Luggage storage was also provided.
- Safety deposit boxes
- Safe deposit boxes was nice.
- Invoice provided
- They also provided invoices.
For The Kids:
- Babysitting service
- They had a babysitting service.
- Family/child friendly
- It was family friendly.
- Kids meal
- The restaurant offered kids meals.
- Kids facilities
- The hotel provided kids facilities.
Candid Observations:
- The Staff: The staff were generally friendly and helpful, but sometimes communication was a little tricky. There’s always that slight language barrier, but I am sure they are able to help you out.
- The Vibe: It's a functional hotel. Not necessarily brimming with personality. It has certain strengths and weaknesses.
- The "Luxurious" Bit: Let's be real. It wasn’t super luxurious, but more like comfortably upper-middle-class. Nothing wrong with that, just set your expectations accordingly.
The Verdict:
Would I stay at President Hotel again? Probably. It's a solid option in Vadodara. Not perfect, but ticks a lot of boxes. The downsides? The slightly dodgy Wi-Fi, and the occasional lack of pizzazz. The upsides? The generally good service, the decent pool, and the convenient location.
Would I call it a "Luxurious Vadodara Getaway"? Perhaps not quite. But it's certainly a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the city. And hey, sometimes, "not bad" is good enough.
Escape to Paradise: Hotel Las Ruedas, Bárcena de Cicero's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. We're going IN. Prepare to get a little… well, messy. This is my real attempt at President Hotel in Vadodara, warts and all.
President Hotel, Vadodara: My Unfiltered Indian Adventure (Probably With Too Much Chai)
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious Chaos
Morning (7:00 AM): Landed in Vadodara. Or rather, I thought I landed. Turns out my luggage had a different itinerary. Fantastic. Jet lag is already kicking my arse, but the upside? The air is thick, rich, and smells like… well, a whole lot of wonderful things I can't quite identify yet. And the heat? Oh, the heat hits you like a warm, slightly sweaty hug. Embrace it, they say. I try.
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Finally wrestling my way out of the airport. The taxi ride to President Hotel? A blur of honking, cows, and buildings that look like they've been standing for centuries. Absolutely mesmerized by the sheer audacity of it all. Seriously, how does anyone navigate this symphony of chaos? I am in love with this chaos.
Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Checked into the President Hotel. The lobby is grand, lots of marble and surprisingly cool air. Room is… well, let's call it “rustic charm.” The air conditioning sounds like a dying whale, but hey, at least it works. Unpacked, or attempted to: still no suitcase. The irony.
Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Needed coffee, badly. Found a little cafe near the hotel. Ordered a chai. Let me tell you, that first sip? It was a hug in a mug. Creamy, spicy, and perfect. Sat there just watching the world go by, feeling utterly overwhelmed and utterly thrilled. People are everywhere, laughing, arguing, selling things… It’s life distilled. Pure, unadulterated life.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel. The restaurant has a lovely vibe, a little bit of a respite. Ordered what I thought was a safe bet - chicken tikka. It was delicious. But, oh boy, the spices. My mouth is still buzzing. I’m pretty sure I saw color.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): A brief nap. Or, attempted a brief nap. The jet lag is winning. Constantly, the whale impersonating the air conditioner is a bit of a problem. Woke up feeling even more disoriented but felt that needed some time to adjust.
Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Lost in the streets of Vadodara. Wandered aimlessly, and finally, found the local market. The colors alone should be illegal: Vibrant saris, mountains of spices, fragrant flowers. People are so friendly, always smiling, even when I'm clearly butchering every attempt at Gujarati. Bought a few trinkets, a small bag, and felt a profound sense of culture shock and joy.
Evening (6:00 PM- 7:00 PM): Back to hotel, desperate for a shower, the adventure is taking its toll. Still no luggage. Still tired from the flight. Trying to keep up with the adventure, but the jet lag is winning.
Evening (7:00 PM -onward): Dinner at the hotel. Another delicious, spicy meal. This time, I learned my mistake: ordered a lassi. (Not for the faint of heart, this one). Talked the hotel staff about everything. They are so kind, they make me feel welcome.
Day 2: Exploring and (Hopefully) Finding My Stuff
Morning (8:00 AM): Breakfast. Trying to keep a handle on the food: The sheer abundance is a little overwhelming. The hotel serves the best breakfast, so delicious.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Exploring the local sights. Went on a walking tour of the old city. Impressive temples, colorful buildings, and the constant, delightful hum of life. Felt like time-traveling.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at a small street-side restaurant. Ordered something I couldn't pronounce. It was the best meal I've had in my life.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The incident. Attempted to order another chai at a small shop, and spilled it all over myself. The shop owner, bless his heart, just laughed and made me another one. Felt like an idiot, but also utterly accepted.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Went to the hotel for a nap and a hot shower, was feeling the effects of the day.
Evening (6:00 PM - onward): Dinner. Exploring the city again, as the sunsets. Absolutely beautiful.
Day 3: Food, More Food, and Goodbyes (for now)
- Morning (8:00 AM): Checked out. The hotel staff sent me on my way, with warm wishes. Felt guilty for leaving so quickly.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Went to coffee with a local, exploring the city.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM): Flight.
The Undone Bits (because life is messy)
- The Luggage Drama: Still missing. The airline apologized about 10,000 times. But honestly, it’s kind of liberating to travel light. (Though I really miss my toothbrush).
- The Language Barrier: I speak about five words of Gujarati. It’s been… an experience. The universal language of smiles, hand gestures, and a shared love of food has worked wonders.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: One minute I'm completely overwhelmed, the next I'm beaming. I'm exhausted, exhilarated, and thoroughly changed.
- The Reality Check: This itinerary is a lie. I was completely lost at various points. I ate way too much food. I cried at a sunset. You know, regular human stuff.
Final Thoughts:
Vadodara and the President Hotel? An assault on the senses in the best possible way. This trip has been a reminder that the most memorable experiences are the ones you don't plan. Embrace the chaos, savor the food, and let yourself be utterly, beautifully lost. I'll be back. And next time, I'm bringing two suitcases. Just in case.
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President Hotel, Vadodara: Spill the Chai (and the Beans) - Your Real Guide Before You Go!
Okay, spill it! Is the President Hotel REALLY as fancy as the pictures make it look? (And will I need to sell a kidney to afford a samosa?)
Alright, truth time. The President Hotel? Yes, it's pretty darn swanky. The lobby sparkles, that's a fact. I’m talking marble floors you could practically ice skate on, and those gigantic chandeliers… well, they make you feel like you accidentally wandered into a Bollywood movie. My first thought? "Uh oh, wallet's gonna cry."
But here’s the kicker: It's not *bank-breaking* expensive. Vadodara isn't Mumbai, thankfully. You can definitely find rooms that won’t require a second mortgage. The samosa comment? Exaggeration...mostly. A decent meal will cost you a bit, but it’s not highway robbery. Think more "slightly above average" than "luxury yacht." I reckon you could score a stay without having to auction off any organs. Unless, you know, you *really* splurge on the suite with the jacuzzi… then maybe.
How convenient is the location REALLY? I don't want to be stranded in the middle of nowhere!
Oh, the location? Okay, this is a BIG plus. The President’s smack-dab in the city center. Think: "Easy access to everything." You’re close to the Sayaji Baug (that’s a HUGE, beautiful park, by the way), the railway station (essential if you're, like, coming by train), and a ton of shops and restaurants. I walked to a couple of places easily. Did I get lost once? Maybe. But hey, that’s part of the adventure, right?
Seriously though, convenience is key. Especially in a city where you’re trying to cram as much sightseeing and food-eating into your trip as humanly possible. You're not going to be spending hours getting around. I’d say it’s a solid 8/10 for location. The traffic around there *can* be a nightmare at peak times, so pack your patience along with your luggage.
The rooms… are they actually comfortable? I’ve seen some hotel photos that promise the world and deliver a glorified shoebox. The horror!
Ah, the room drama. Look, I'm a picky sleeper. I'll admit it. I need a decent bed, a working AC, and a bathroom that doesn't look like it was designed in the Stone Age. The rooms at The President? Okay, here's the deal... they ARE comfortable. The beds were actually *amazing*. I mean, I could have happily slept there for a week straight. The AC worked like a charm (thank GOD, because Vadodara gets HOT).
The bathrooms were clean, modern… not exactly luxurious, but perfectly functional and, most importantly, the shower had good water pressure. Huge win! My only real gripe? Some of the decor felt a *little* dated. Think: a touch of 80s glam that hasn't *quite* aged gracefully. But hey, it's clean, comfortable, and the bed alone is worth the price of admission. I'd give the room an 8.5/10. Just don't expect ultra-modern minimalism.
The food! What’s the deal there? Is it worth eating at the hotel restaurant, or should I just venture out into the wild?
Okay, the food situation… this is where things get interesting. The President has a few restaurants. I tried the... *ahem*... "multi-cuisine" restaurant. Let's just say it was a mixed bag. The breakfast buffet? Pretty darn good. Lots of options, everything fresh, the dosa guy was a rockstar. Seriously, he was flipping those things like a culinary ninja. And the coffee? Surprisingly good, which is a huge deal for a caffeine addict like myself.
Dinner, however… well, it wasn't *bad*, but it didn't exactly blow my socks off. The menu was a bit ambitious, trying to cover everything from Indian to Continental, and sometimes that just doesn’t work. I had a pasta dish that tasted… well, let's just say it wasn't authentic Italian. The Indian dishes, on the other hand, were much better! Stick to the local fare, and you’ll be fine. Otherwise, Vadodara has some amazing street food and restaurants. Get out and explore! Food is about an 7/10. Buffet breakfast is a 9/10 though – *definitely* worth it!
Speaking of exploration… what if I want to use the hotel as a base for my Vadodara adventures? Will they help me?
Absolutely! The staff at the President are generally helpful. I mean, it's not the Four Seasons, so don’t expect miracles, but they’re definitely willing to assist. They can help you book taxis, provide information about local attractions, and even arrange tours. I asked them about a specific temple, and they got me the directions. Not perfect, but overall it’s a 7/10 in terms of help. They're not intrusive, either - which can be a blessing. The front desk is usually pretty efficient.
What about the facilities? Do they have a gym/pool/that fancy stuff?
Okay, this is where things get *slightly* less exciting. They *do* have a gym. I peeked inside. It looked… functional. Probably not the kind of gym you’d spend hours in, but hey, if you *have* to get your sweat on, it'll do. And a pool? Yep, they have one. It looked inviting enough! I'm not a swimmer, so I didn't dive in. But I saw people using it. Consider it a bonus, not a highlight. And the lack of a hot tub? Minor disappointment, maybe. But this isn't a resort. It's perfectly adequate for the price.
Okay, final verdict! Should I stay at The President Hotel?
Alright, the big question! My honest opinion? Yes. If you're looking for a comfortable, well-located hotel in Vadodara that won’t completely empty your wallet, The President is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, but it’s clean, the beds are amazing, the staff are helpful, and the location is brilliant. The breakfast buffet alone is almost worth staying for.
Just don't go expecting ultra-luxury. Go expecting a pleasant, easy, and convenient stay. And go exploring! Vadodara is a fantastic city, and The President is a great base camp for your adventures. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes (lots of walking!), and be prepared to be utterly charmed by the local culture. Oh, and try the *garam masala* at the breakfast buffet. You can thank me later.
