If we were purely basing our review on the atmosphere and location we would give this hotel a 4. The rooms were nice, pool and outdoor area was nice to lounge at, but for this size of a property there wasnt much interesting offered.
We were most excited for this hotel on our trip and splurged as we were only in Aurangabad for a night. Our initial impression was positive. We were greeted immediately were offered a tour of the facilities. Because we arrived very early we were offered a room to clean up in before we hired one of their cars for the day for a tour. Their car prices were ok for tours but majorly overpriced for the short trip to the airport.Our driver was kind and knowledgeable and we had a good tour to attractions and the cave.
When we came back to the hotel our impression began to change. We had been assured that our bags would be moved to our permanent rooms but found them sitting in the lobby. We relaxed by the pool (there were two cleaners there in their boxers, it didnt really bother us but was odd). They apologized as we were leaving but not a huge deal. The poolside drinks took a very long time to come and we were never revisited for more. We were exhausted and had been suggested to attend their BBQ dinner. We waited until 7:30 when it began and got dressed up to head down, tired and starving. We were told that it was sold out and that we would have to eat at either their buffet or the empty standard Chinese restaurant. There was little interest in trying to solve the issue even though we explained that we weren't told we needed a reservation. We didnt have the energy to leave the hotel so we settled on the buffet. Turns out it was more underwhelming than the breakfast buffet, the first salad I ate was so spicy it burnt my mouth. Food was mediocre at best and very overpriced. Drinks tooo forever to come even though there were 3 tables in there and many staff. We watched as the BBQ filled up and then quickly drained. The service was so slow it took us just over an hour and a half to get out by that time all the guests had mostly left the special BBQ with festivities still going. It was clear that most of their effort went into that.
To top that off, when we used the shower that evening it flooded our bathroom as well as the next morning, even though the drain was working fine. Our key didnt work twice in our door.
Upon check out my boyfriend brought up our issues and was met with a defense of 'we didn't know a tour bus would book it up and not stay very long'. They even brought the chef up and made a fairly large deal trying to explain it away. They offered us 25% off our dinner only, when their buffet cost us $80 CAD for two people.. that was two buffets and non-alcoholic beverages.
We left our resort with a fairly sour taste in our mouth. Overall not huge problems but we expected more from such a nice resort. They could have easily handed all of the situations better and we would have left happy and willing to give positive word of mouth. We...
Read moreComing from Singapore, where the pace of lifestyle is very aggressive, hectic and stressful, the calmness of this Vivanta hotel, was refreshing and energizing. I will break down what I experienced so that it is well understood how the experience affected me.
The moment we stepped into the hotel, we were greeted with not one but multiple hotel staff with garland, refreshment drink and most importantly, a unique neck-wearing gift made out of Tulsi. That was amazing.
Our check-in was smooth and our request for early check-in was accommodated. The staff were graceful as we were even upgraded to a higher suite of rooms, just because they were available. Wonderful rooms and such a pleasant and engaging room service from Mr. Shivaji. The hotel staff were even accommodating and engaging to provide guidance and support on tourist areas we wanted to cover. With Mr. Vijay as our driver throughout the whole vacation period, our journeys were pleasant and comfortable. Our driver, Mr Vijay was very respectful and accommodating and knowledgeable.
Then we have Latitude dining area. Chef Sainath was a character. It was refreshing to see Chefs walk around engaging with hotel customers and engaging in discussions and asking for feedback. He was personally taking orders, even customised ones. I want to name some of the other staff who we have engaged extensively while there in Latitude - Rajinish, Vaishnavi, Vaishnavi from IHMA.
Travel desk was very responsive and accommodating. They were also very quick and detailed in giving us non-biased (in favour of the hotel) responses.
Everyone we engaged with, in all sectors of service in the hotel, were wonderful. This included the textile shop and the gift shop. While I can remember the person from Textile shop was Silin S, I cannot remember the gentlemen from the gift shop and I apologise for that. Kudos to them for helping to lift the service and reputation of the hotel through friendly, respectful service.
I would like to list some names down here for their exceptional service too. It was team effort and customer service from everyone at the hotel. IHMA: Divit 2nd Year, Adharaj, Arun (Front Office), Shresth (Housekeeping). Front Desk/Reception: Harshal, Janvi, Kishor Others: Doormen, Suresh Yadav, Shital Shingare, Yasmeen and everyone else.
One last thing to mention. Other than the TV checking out with credit cards, there was no reason to use technology anywhere, not even using QR codes to order food in the hotel. It was always about talking directly to people and explaining our requirements. I found the service and engagements in Vivanta Aurangabad too good to be true and energizing.
I have stayed in many hotels, but this was a game-changing experience which I have not experienced before and one that will be used as a benchmark in hotels I book in future. I will be...
Read moreAwesome hospitality!
This stay was arranged by my wife for my birthday celebrations. Believe me it was the best stay ever. Thanks for the hospitality showered on us and made our stay the most memorable. Let me take a tour of their hospitality: 1. The reception counter : We were greeted with the usual Taj warmth. A tilak and a Tulsi Mala. Ms. Kaajal should be mentioned here who took us around showed us the place where we should dine and what other activities one should experience. It was a detailed briefing! She,in tandem with my wife saw to it our room was decorated beautifully! Thanks Kaajal. 2. The Room : Undoubtedly, the room was spotless a Taj speciality - Detailing to the last T and dot i. Hats off to housekeeping team led by Ms Adhya. she was there at the right time whenever we needed something. Here I should mention her traits in understanding what the client needs. She along with Sandeep saw to it that the room was decorated with coloured balloons. As I entered the room i was greeted with rose petals and flower arrangement on the floor. A small elephant made out of the towel , bed strewn with rose petals and a lovely chocolate Cake on the centre table. The cherry on the cake was the hot bath tub loaded with bubbles and bathing salt and rose petals made my day. Thank you both Adhya and Sandeep. 3. Property : Its a huge property. Greenery everywhere. Nice sight specially during summer. A walk around the swimming pool eases ones tiredness. What is remarkable about this property is the silence! Away from the noisy cacophony of Traffic and city life we feel serenity and calm once we are on this property. Why I say serenity and calm because along with chirpiness of various birds you are awake with the light music of the flute played by the person rightly sitting beneath a huge foliage of trees!!! Should sit here for at least 10mins to get yourself energised!!! 4. Coming to the main item Restaurant: We had the pleasure of visiting their Restaurant The Latitude. Well for the Gastro it was the testing time. The breakfast spread was limitless. it was real tasty, felt one shouldn't get full at all!! Here I should make it a point to a) special mention to the Chef Mr. Sainath Rathod. He saw to it that we don't miss any of the savouries. He arranged for a sp. Cake to be cut in the restaurant, though I felt a little embarrassed, I am 69 you know, but enjoyed the attention!!! 😊 Thanks to the other Chefs too Gajanan and Abhijeet. Lastly, here is gentleman my the name Ritesh at the Hotels entry point showing you the place to park and giving finer points of the places near and about. This was one stay in our life felt we could have stayed a bit longer. Felt saddened leaving but happy with all the lovely memories we are going carry and tell the world. Keep it up...
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