People follow a brand because they expect consistent standards no matter where the physical location is. You go to any Starbucks in the world, you would get the same taste and most importantly, service. That is because each one carries the name of the brand.
We recently went to Taj Mumbai for dinner and had a great time. However, some of our family members could not make it to Mumbai so, we decided to have a family lunch in Taj Vivanta Guwahati. We were looking forward to an exceptional experience as it is one the few international reputed brands, but, in reality it was far from it.
The entrance and way to restaurant was up to the standards of Taj. The guest services were courteous and helped us to the restaurant. Once seated we quickly ordered food for the kids as we wanted to get them fed and our order followed 15mins after (minus the look for the server time). Things were beginning to go down hill already, as our entire table literally was trying to get one eye contact with the server. Finally with the help of a large hanging mirror and hand waving we got the attention. Kids food,1 boiled fettuccine in butter, nothing else, took 35 mins (explanation: pasta takes time to boil). Really!
Our appetizers arrived in around the hour mark (fish fingers and veg pakora). I am a food enthusiast and for fish fingers and veg pakora the most important thing is fast fry to keep it crisp so not sure where the 60 mins were utilized by the kitchen. Just to be clear other then us there were only 3 more tables of 2, so busy is not the reason.
Main course was delivered promptly after the appetizers, and our mood was getting better. Better late then never... We ordered Goat Curry, Tiger Prawn, Fish in coconut milk and Malai Kofta and Tandoori Roti.
Key thing about Indian food is almost all our food are slow cooked as the plethora of spices we use need to shine in the meat or vegetable they are cooked in. What was served to us can only be understood be anyone who has lived in hostels/paying guests in India. When you pour the curry on white rice then it would slip through the rice without altering the original white color of the rice. And the roti, i am not exaggerating here but if i did not have my eyes open i would have though it was thick papad.
Over all it was a total disappointment. I really do not care that we wasted 10K on food there but the fact that our entire family had a disappointing get together makes me angry. I really wish for the sake of Taj Guwahati's reputation that they take notes and work on improving their daily experience and not just for...
   Read moreLovely place. But, lacks the charm that a hotel outside city limits, in the middle of a forest or natural environment. (Like Vivanta in Coorg..)
Excellent inside the hotel
Buffet ( dinner, breakfast) has a variety of food to cater to different palate . Better to go with north Indian food than South Indian tiffin items like idli, dosa, Pongal etc.
Curd is fresh and good. Amongst the desserts, moong dal halwa and banana coffee delight are worth a mention.
Service is good. Staff are friendly and polite.
Lotus in the garden outside are so big and brilliant .
Rooms are nice, view outside is limited to a normal city view. Fan may be good to have in the room, though the airconditioning is good.
Cons: Bathroom with a bathtub should not be given to senior citizens. For one, the height of the tub is too much to climb. One has to be extremely careful not to slip while climbing into the tub.
Check-in time of 2 pm ( though it's pretty much standard in the 5 star hotels) is a little late, considering the fact that the direct flight arrival time from Mumbai is before 10 am
Overall, pros outweigh the cons. Have an enjoyable stay in Vivanta by Taj, Guwahati
On returning back from Shillong, we stayed at Vivanta again. Very pleasantly surprised to get a free upgrade to the suite.
Suites, not only had bathtubs, but also shower rooms. Yay. Extra restroom. Humongous rooms. TV in all the rooms. Just like the previous stay, courteous staff, good food spread. Thanks to Leesha, found my charger, which I had left 3 days back in the room.
And this time, the suites had good outside view.
I couldn't find any cons, but for a very minor one. This is not only in Vivanta, but almost all the star hotels. The switchboard near the bed and the shower panel have markers or writings in the same colour, very small letters. I normally take a photo of the panel and zoom it on my phone to read.đ
I, once again thank everyone of Vivanta staff for their...
   Read moreI recently had the pleasure of revisiting Vivanta by Taj in Guwahati, and I must say, my second experience surpassed all expectations. My initial stay was decent, but this time around, I was blown away by their exceptional hospitality.
From the moment I walked in, the check-in process was seamless, making me feel immediately at ease. The morning breakfast spread was not just a meal but an indulgence, offering a delightful array of options to suit every palate. The unexpected treat of a tarot card reading, provided as a complimentary service, added a unique touch to my stay, leaving me pleasantly surprised.
The attention to detail in every aspect of service was commendable. Whether it was the prompt and efficient room service or the exquisite in-room dining experience, Vivanta ensured a level of comfort and satisfaction that was unparalleled. The fragrance of lilies in the lobby added a subtle yet elegant touch, complementing the serene garden just outside the hotelâan oasis of tranquility in the bustling city.
Moreover, their knowledge about the small things mattered; they even knew about the bath salts! I remember inquiring about them during my stay at another hotel, The Lalit, and the staff seemed clueless. Vivantaâs staff not only knew about it but also provided them promptly, enhancing the overall luxurious experience.
All these aspects, coupled with their consistently excellent service, leave me with no choice but to give Vivanta by Taj a well-deserved 5-star rating. Theyâve set a benchmark in hospitality that few can match, ensuring a memorable and delightful...
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