“Sir Salman Khan stayed here”, said our driver as we were trying to locate this property after a long drive from Srinagar.
Probably set the expectations too high there my friend. Ihad a very bad experience at Heevan, probably the most unprofessionally handled situation relative to the highly well reviewed reputation this hotel seems to have.
We made a booking through booking.com and received confirmation, at least couple of times before arriving. When we arrived we were told that there is no booking in my name. Shocked, but Surprisingly there were more like us, arguing for the very same reason. Though I understand that peak tourist season sometimes creates confusions and difficult situations for the staff, but my grevience in this case is not the fact that we were denied a room despite booking confirmation.
It is how we were denied it.
It is the arrogance of the staff, the unprofessional attitude, the blunt reponses they gave us, which made it extremely clear that we had been potentially cheated or probably out room was given to someone else who paid more, or whatever else the reason may be. I had was a confirmation number, hearing which the staff stopped making eye contact with me and as if planned beforeour arrival, gave instant responses without even checking anything.
In the midst of this all, the hotel staff was interacting within themselves in their local language, and I was left standing there trying to make calls in a remote place with no signal or internet.They made us call their ‘reservation desk somewhere else’, who made us wait and again directed it back to the hotel staff, and then they disappeared into a room to have a discussion. This happened multiple times.
Not wanting to ruin the start of my trip, I did not have any argument. After a while, they thought of offering drinks and asking us to make a reservation somewhere else or have have lunch. By this time I was very clear to not give this place any business. We picked our bags on our own and walked out, getting looks of surprise on the long walk out across the bridge.
I had realised the intention of the staff was not at all to help tourists, and a stranded customer, as long as they are gully booked.
Anyway, it may seem teivial and I had a good Pahalgam trip overall. I want to save anyone one else from going through this experience. Heevan has a good location, only if you get river facing room, which probably depends on how much you can pay for it. You will never know, it changes everyday probably. You will never be sure if your room is booked or not, as there is no accountability and no professionalism at this hotel for trivial issues.
You can always enjoy this location by taking a walk by the riverside trail. Go to WelcomeHotel for a serene luxurious experience or Kolahoi Green for perfect hospitality and great rooms for a reasonable price. And best one if you are up for it, camp for free by the riverside parks. :)
Sincerely disappointed by the...
Read moreHotel Heevan Retreat, Pahalgam: A Mixed Experience
Location and Ambience: Hotel Heevan Retreat in Pahalgam is undoubtedly blessed with one of the finest locations in the region. Nestled on the banks of the picturesque Lidder River, the hotel offers stunning views and a tranquil environment. Being one of the oldest properties in the area, it exudes a certain charm and historical significance that enhances its appeal. The serene river sounds provide a soothing backdrop, ensuring a peaceful and restful sleep, especially for those in the river view rooms.
Accommodation: However, the rooms at Hotel Heevan Retreat leave much to be desired. Despite the allure of the location, the rooms are notably small, including the deluxe options. The lack of air conditioning is a significant drawback, especially during peak summer months when the provided table fans fail to suffice. This inadequacy makes the rooms feel overpriced for what they offer. That said, the panoramic views from the river-facing rooms do add a unique and redeeming aspect to the stay.
Dining Experience: The culinary offerings at Hotel Heevan Retreat are a highlight. Cafe Wilo, the Italian restaurant on the property, boasts excellent food quality and delightful riverside seating, making dining a pleasant experience. The in-house restaurant, Dilkush, also garners praise for its well-prepared dishes, adding to the overall positive dining experience.
Staff and Service: The hotel staff at Heevan Retreat are exceptionally courteous and well-behaved, enhancing the overall guest experience with their attentive service. Additionally, the provision of complimentary mineral water is a thoughtful touch that adds to guest comfort.
Facilities and Maintenance: The hotel premises are well-maintained and clean, with thoughtfully arranged seating areas by the riverbank. These spots provide guests with perfect opportunities to relax and take in the beautiful views of Pahalgam. The exterior spaces are inviting and add to the overall charm of the property.
Conclusion: Hotel Heevan Retreat, Pahalgam, is a place of contrasts. While its prime location and excellent dining options are commendable, the small, inadequately cooled rooms detract from the overall experience. For those prioritizing scenic beauty and a tranquil environment, this hotel is a suitable choice. However, for guests seeking comfort and value for money in their accommodations, the hotel may fall short of expectations. The courteous staff and well-maintained facilities do add to its appeal, making it a mixed but...
Read moreI recently had an extremely disappointing experience with hotel heevan, and I feel compelled to share my negative encounter with others. As a customer, I expect to receive the service I paid for, especially when I have a confirmed booking. However, this hotel failed miserably in meeting even the most basic expectations.
To begin with, I made a reservation well in advance and paid the confirmation amount, ensuring that everything was in order. My parents and I were looking forward to a pleasant stay at Hotel Heevan on our check-in day. Unfortunately, our excitement quickly turned into frustration when we arrived at the hotel.
Upon arrival, we were informed that the hotel was overbooked and they did not have any available rooms for us. This news was absolutely shocking and distressing. How could a hotel, which had taken a confirmation amount from us, not provide the promised accommodation? It was a clear violation of our agreement and left us feeling helpless and stranded.
The lack of empathy displayed by the hotel staff was equally disheartening. They seemed indifferent to our situation, showing no urgency in finding a solution or offering alternative options. We were left standing at the reception, waiting for an explanation that never came.
This ordeal caused immense inconvenience to my parents, who were already tired from their journey. We had to scramble to find another accommodation at the last minute, which was not only time-consuming but also much more expensive than our original booking. It put a significant strain on our budget, and the stress it caused cannot be overstated.
What makes this situation even more infuriating is the fact that we had already paid a confirmation amount, demonstrating our commitment to staying at Heevan. Taking a reservation and then failing to fulfill it is not only unprofessional but also unethical. It is an outright betrayal of trust and reflects poorly on the hotel's management.
I strongly advise potential guests to reconsider their choice when considering Hotel Heevan Pahalgam . The blatant disregard for customers, the failure to honor confirmed bookings, and the subsequent distress caused to us clearly indicate the hotel's incompetence in managing reservations and ensuring guest satisfaction.
It is my hope that the management of Hotel takes this feedback seriously and implements measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. As customers, we deserve better treatment and a reliable service that upholds the trust we...
Read more