Honestly, a terrible experience, really inconvenient “rules” like no outside food. Room are moldy.
Arrive at the front desk around 2:35pm but the entire process takes almost 30 minutes to check in- the system was very inefficient and we got the old "sir, it's the weekend so we're very busy", the last thing you want to hear when you're just don't with a busy journey. Had something to do with only allowing phone based check in but I had to stand in the line for the first 15 minutes to find out, be told so, get back out of line, do this digital check in, stand back in the line and finally be done with this.
After we check in and settle in, we aren't really interested in the all-day dining food options available in room service so we decide to order via Swiggy. There are so many amazing options in the area and honestly, it's the customers preference. However, turns out the restaurant has a 'strict no outside food policy' which even 5 stars we go don't follow because your aim to keep the client relaxed and at ease over the weekend/ trip. When we call for cutlery, they say they don't send cutlery 'as per hotel policy' (This line turned out to be the theme of our stay). We end up eating pasta and dumplings with our hands. What a luxurious experience!!
I ran a bath. While there was no dirt to begin with, something must have been in the water or ran off from the sides of the tun (Will ignore the fact the bath tub had some small rust-looking dents and a lot of the fittings and tiling looked like it had not been renovated in ages and could be due for one- the fact that COVID hit hotels hard makes this forgivable; unlike the terrible service). Anyway so I call house-keeping to change our room as they can see this huge film of dirt or dust or god knows what and I did not want to shower in that, they finally do so at 6:30 pm by which point we are settled in and makes no sense to change.
We went out to meet some colleagues for dinner and took a rick back as it was 2 km away but they did not allow the Rick inside and up the slope because as the guard pointed out 'it's against hotel policy'. My partner had an injured foot but he said it's the policy and I don't blame him, he's just following some absolutely ridiculous policy.
We go to the front desk to air grievances 1-4 around 11:30pm. With respect to 4, we are told cabs are allowed inside but rickshaws are not. On top of that instead of actually hearing us out, he says the day time management are better equipped to deal with your concerns. Honestly, I want to just sit inside the hotel management meetings when these rules are drafted to see what goes on inside their heads.
Overall, with regards to the service and the hotel policies, it was a terrible, terrible, terrible experience. We picked the hotel as we had some work nearby and it was conveniently on the highway but I would never suggest this place to the worst of my enemies. The non-service aspects can be forgiven given the circumstances but my god!...
Read moreRating: ★★★☆☆
Review: I recently had the opportunity to stay at Orchid Hotel, and while my experience had its ups and downs, I would describe it as an average stay overall. Here's a breakdown of my observations during my time at the hotel.
First and foremost, the location of Orchid Hotel was convenient, situated in a bustling area with easy access to transportation and nearby attractions. The proximity to shopping centers and restaurants was a definite plus. However, the exterior of the hotel seemed a bit outdated and could benefit from some renovations to enhance its appeal.
Upon check-in, the staff at the reception desk were polite and efficient, ensuring a smooth process. They were helpful in providing information about the hotel amenities and local attractions. However, I found the level of personalized service to be lacking, as I didn't feel a strong sense of warmth or genuine hospitality from the staff.
Moving on to the rooms, they were adequately clean and comfortable, but they lacked a certain level of modernity and sophistication. The furnishings and decor seemed a bit dated, and there were signs of wear and tear in some areas. The bed was reasonably comfortable, and the room had the necessary amenities such as a TV, a minibar, and a safe. However, I would have appreciated more attention to detail in terms of cleanliness and maintenance.
The bathroom was clean and functional, but it too could benefit from some updates. The water pressure in the shower was decent, but the temperature control was inconsistent. The toiletries provided were basic, and there was nothing particularly noteworthy about the bathroom facilities.
One aspect where Orchid Hotel stood out was the dining options. The on-site restaurant offered a diverse menu with a range of cuisines to choose from. The quality of the food was generally good, and the breakfast buffet had a decent selection. The service in the restaurant was attentive and prompt, adding a positive touch to the dining experience.
In terms of amenities, the hotel had a fitness center and a swimming pool, both of which were decently maintained. However, I found the facilities to be somewhat limited in terms of equipment and space. Additionally, the Wi-Fi connection in the hotel was inconsistent, which was a bit frustrating.
In conclusion, Orchid Hotel provided an average stay with some positives and areas for improvement. While the convenient location and satisfactory dining options were highlights, the outdated rooms, lack of personalized service, and limited amenities were drawbacks. If you're seeking a basic accommodation without expecting any extravagant luxuries, Orchid Hotel could be a suitable choice. However, if you're looking for a more elevated and modern experience, you may want to explore other options...
Read moreJust got back from an overnight stay with my wife and in-laws. Checked in on the afternoon of 25 Oct and checked out the next morning by 1030.
The overall experience was a disaster beginning with the check in process. Allow me to elaborate,
Check in time was made clear as 1400hrs. We reached the lobby at 1410 to find out that rooms bwere not YET ready to be occupied. We had travelled from Mumbai and were tired. Got the room about 15 mins later with no reason for the delay.
The rooms are tired and totally in need of an overall and update. The walls are stained and the bed was dotted with old paint. We were given ONLY one hand towel per double room.
We ordered a lunch at 1430 and did not even receive the order at 1545. After an altercation we had the duty manager, Chef and the room service manager present in our room the tender apologies and give a bounce of useless excuses. The only +ve outcome was that the chef said that he would personally handle our dinner order, which he did very well indeed.
Breakfast was a crazy affair with the restaurant manager standing at the door with his deputy and not even acknowledging our presence at the venue. The music was blaring and I had to request for it to be turned down.
Most of the staff are clueless and speaking amongst themselves with no attention being given to the guests. The saving grace was the portly Sous Chef who was always smiling and constantly enquiring if there was anything else that we required. Good man.
The hotel relies mostly on trainees who do not have basic hotel service training and the poor chaps are lost on the job. The staff at check out was given more than an hour to keep our bills ready and yet he took another 10mins to check and recheck the same and yet seemed unsure of himself.
What a downfall this group has gone through over the years. Kindly refer my review of last October of Fort JadhavGadh another classic property fallen down in the service standards and quality of staff.
Sad that the legacy of Mr Kamath is not being upheld. Shall never visit this...
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