AJ Grand Hotel — Hotel in Karnataka

First the negatives, then the positives.

Negatives: We called up the hotel and among few questions, we asked if they have a parking for private cars. They smartly said "valet parking". We did not realise it was a loaded statement. On the first evening that we stayed in the hotel, the security guard initially refused to let us in, saying there was no parking. When I insisted that I had a booking to stay three nights, a valet arrived. I asked him if he could ensure a parking inside the hotel as I intended to stay for a few days. He assured me he would indeed park it inside. A few hours later, I had to go and collect some items that I had left in the car. When I asked for my car keys, I got to know that the car was not parked inside the hotel. Since some cars were parked just outside the boundary wall, I thought it would be parked there. I did not make a fuss and went there. My car was not there. I walked to the next property. It was not there as well. Then, I got really worried. I started asking around where my car was. One person came and showed me, way off in the far distance - several hundred metres away, barely visible in the night - my new car was dumped by the side of a main road in a dark place. This set off the wick that was burning slow all this time. I exploded and asked them why they had lied to me that they could ensure a parking inside the hotel. Their excuse was that because of some banquet, there were many guests. I understood that the hotel's policy is that resident guest's cars are not given priority to park inside the hotel. Short term visitors, e.g., to restaurants inside the hotel, were instead allotted parking spots. I asked them if the hotel will take responsibility if my car was hit by another car, or stolen or towed away by authorities. What really irritated me was that all along, the hotel management felt there was absolutely no fault on their part and kept on arguing with me.

Is it too much to expect a secured parking if I am staying three nights in a supposedly premium hotel?

I did finally get a parking slot in the basement, but the shouting and screaming spoiled my stay. In general, the attitude of the people in the front desk may require a bit of improvement.

Positives: The hotel rooms are very well furnished and spotlessly clean. The restaurant is a tad on the expensive side but is really good. We dined a number of times in the restaurant and every single time, we came out pleased. All kinds of food are available. We especially recommend the Mangalore style food e.g., Kori Gassi, Neer Dosa, etc. The waiters, cleaning staff, and all other attendants behaved well with us. The location of the hotel is really good as well.

Summary: I will take away one star for poor parking and one more star for the stubborn attitude of the hotel staff in insisting that it was absolutely fine to dump the car of a hotel guest far away from the hotel in a dark place on a main road. In my disillusionment, I thought of giving it a one star but it would be unfair on the efforts of the many others who are working in the hotel to make the stay...

During my recent stay at your hotel, I had an overall good experience, but I would like to provide some constructive criticism and recommendations for improvement.

Let me begin with the positives. Rooms were elegant and comfortable. Friendly staff. Fitness center is well equipped and the facility is well maintained. Hotel offers exquisite dinning options. Location is very convenient.

While there were many positive aspects, there are areas where the hotel could enhance the guest experience.

Rooms: I booked two rooms during my 3 days stay and the cleanliness of one of the room fell short of expectations. There was a musty smell/Odor as though the room was not used for a while. We had to request housekeeping to come and clean/change sheets. Improving the attention to details during the housekeeping process would greatly enhance the comfort and satisfaction of guests. The other room was nice and clean. I recommend you implement a quality control process for housekeeping, ensuring thorough checks before assigning it to the customers.

Insufficient Toiletries and Towels: Re-Stocking of toiletries and towels in the room was inadequate for the duration of our stay. Although the staff were quick to respond to the requests, guests should not be made to call front desk repeatedly and request.

I recommend proper training and coordination with housekeeping and the front desk so they are aware of number of guests in each room. e.g. if two guests are in a room, ensure there are 2 sets of towels etc. in the room.

Staff Training: While the staff members were friendly, there were instances where their knowledge and efficiency fell short. It would be beneficial to provide comprehensive training to ensure they are well-equipped to handle various situations and provide a seamless experience. e.g. check out experience was inadequate. Granted, we were checking out very early in the morning to catch a flight and you may not have your best employees at that time; the staff was very slow with the billing process in spite of us mentioning we were late for the flight.

Recommendation: Conduct regular training sessions to enhance the staff's knowledge about problem-solving techniques to ensure they can offer accurate and timely assistance to guests.

Internet Connectivity: The Wi-Fi connection in the room was unreliable, leading to frequent disruptions in online work and communication. A strong and stable internet connection is vital for business and leisure travelers.

Recommendation: Upgrade the Wi-Fi infrastructure to ensure consistent and high-speed internet access throughout the hotel, providing guests with a reliable connection for their needs. Simply the process to connect to the Wi-Fi network. e.g. issuing paper slips with instructions limiting to one device is primitive.

In conclusion, while there were several positive aspects to my stay, addressing these areas of concern would greatly elevate the hotel experience for guests. I hope you find this feedback valuable and consider these recommendations for the betterment of...

The AJ Grand Hotel in Mangalore is a true gem that embodies luxury, warmth, and a profound dedication to hospitality. The management and staff deserve the highest accolades for consistently delivering an exceptional experience to their guests. Their commitment to service is unparalleled, setting a remarkable standard in the industry.

The Executive and Suite Rooms, each adorned with distinctive themes—Kerala, Fusion, Moroccan, Rajasthani, and English styles—exude elegance and individuality. The attention to detail in these rooms is impeccable, providing a delightful and immersive stay for every guest. The fusion of cultural elements in each style is a testament to the hotel's appreciation for diversity and artistry.

The dining experiences at AJ Grand Hotel are second to none. "Grand Madhuvan NX" Veg restaurant is a culinary haven, offering a delectable array of vegetarian dishes that cater to diverse palates. The flavors and presentation are a testament to the chefs' mastery and the restaurant's commitment to excellence. "The Grand Kitchen" is a culinary adventure, providing an extensive menu that caters to every craving, ensuring a gastronomic journey that leaves guests thoroughly satisfied.

The array of exquisite lounges and bars—such as "MIXX - The Lounge Bar," "Grand 7 - The Pub"—offer an inviting ambiance for relaxation and socializing. Each space is meticulously designed to offer an immersive experience, be it a casual evening drink or a vibrant night out. The attention to creating these atmospheres reflects the hotel's dedication to providing diverse and exceptional experiences for their guests.

And let's not forget "Zest - Health Club & Spa." This sanctuary embodies rejuvenation and wellness, offering a respite from the bustle of everyday life. The impeccable services and serene environment make it a must-visit for anyone seeking relaxation and revitalization.

On the occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartiest wishes to the management and the diligent working staff of AJ Grand Hotel. May this festival of lights bring even more brilliance to your already shining establishment. Your commitment to excellence and dedication to providing an unparalleled experience to guests deserves boundless appreciation. Wishing you all continued success and prosperity.

In sum, AJ Grand Hotel stands as a paragon of hospitality, offering an unforgettable experience that blends luxury, culture, and exemplary service. It's a testament to the dedication and passion of its...