I recently had the opportunity to stay at the Village walk in Sonmarg, and while the location and amenities are commendable, I am compelled to share my concerns regarding some unwelcome encounters we experienced during our stay.
It appears that the hotel has a troubling practice of allowing external salespeople on the premises, who are selling clothing and other items to the guests. Not only does this compromise the tranquility and privacy of our stay, it also raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the goods being sold and the price point at which they are offered.
These individuals, far from being local artisans or villagers seeking to promote traditional wares, seemed to be middlemen capitalizing on the lack of local market knowledge among guests. The items, while presented as genuine and high-quality, were, in fact, inferior in quality and sold at exorbitant prices, reportedly six times their original worth.
Such practices are unfair and unethical, creating a breeding ground for exploitation and deception. Guests stay at hotels like Village walk for relaxation and peace, not to be swindled by sharp operators.
I urge the management of Village walk to review their policies concerning the admission of external salespeople onto their premises. Future guests should be protected from such unscrupulous activities. The hotel's reputation and credibility are at stake here, and immediate action is necessary to preserve trust among its clientele.
In the absence of such measures, potential future guests should be aware of this issue and take precautions against these middlemen. Always cross-verify the authenticity and price of the products before making a purchase.
This experience significantly dampened our otherwise pleasant stay, and I hope that Village walk hotel takes our feedback seriously. They must prioritize customer satisfaction and protection to ensure a safe and relaxing environment for all...
Read moreWe nailed on this place, after searching a lot on the internet and then reading a couple of reviews. When we went there, we were first of all, awed by the beauty of the location where this hotel is situated! We were given a free-upgrade to our room and the view from where was to like literally die for! The entire valley of Sonamarg was seen and that to how! It had the most astounding view and that itself was a huge delight! Another plus point - specially in terms of the view - is that of the peak that has the Thajwas Glacier! The rooms were clean, spic and span! Mr. Abid and his team really manage things very well - when it comes to housekeeping! They are super quick and maintain the premises really tidy!
Now, coming over to the food - we had the best vegetarian food there! The head chef - Mr. Raju cooks really amazing Kashmiri food - despite being from Kolkata himself! The Nadru Yakhni that he had cooked for us, was simply the best - probably not many 5* hotels also would provide this quality! He would come over to personally check with all the guests on the food served and if there was anything required! Mr. Asif - who was the steward at the restaurant - was so super quick in serving the food and the plus point was his knowledge about the various places in remote Kashmir - totally offbeat - which one could go to - to literally gather the true Kashmiri experience!
Finally, a word for Mr. Tanveer - the manager of the hotel - he was so kind and helpful and was at our service for every small thing - from helping us get the taxis to go till Zogilla pass and Zero Point - to guiding us with the trek routes and the speaking to the horse owners for getting us the horses to go till the glacier - he would do it with a huge smile on his face!
A huge recommendation for all those travelling to Somamarg to stay at this...
Read moreFrom the moment we arrived at Hotel Village Walk in Sonamarg, we were embraced by the breathtaking beauty of the location. Nestled amidst pristine landscapes, this hotel offered us a serene retreat unlike any other. The staff, known for their kindness and soft-spoken nature, made our stay exceptionally comfortable. A special shoutout to Mohammad Rafiq from the hospitality team who went above and beyond to ensure our needs were met with warmth and efficiency.
The only hiccup we encountered was with the reservation team regarding the child policy, which could have been smoother. However, this was a minor issue in the grand scheme of our wonderful experience.
The food at the hotel was pretty decent, offering a good mix of local and international cuisine that catered to our taste buds well. But the real crown jewel of Hotel Village Walk is undoubtedly its location. The panoramic views of Sonamarg are a feast for the eyes, making every moment spent there a memory to cherish.
It's important for future guests to note that traveling to and from the hotel can be a bit of a challenge, as normal cars are not allowed. This minor inconvenience, however, is a small price to pay for the tranquility and beauty that awaits at the destination.
In conclusion, Hotel Village Walk is a decent place to stay, offering a mix of warm hospitality, decent food, and an unbeatable location. Our experience was truly enhanced by the hotel's dedicated staff and the stunning natural beauty of Sonamarg. For the location alone, it deserves a 10/10. We look forward to returning and soaking in more of what Sonamarg...
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