Varanasi, with its rich spiritual heritage and vibrant cultural tapestry, has always been on my bucket list of places to visit. To make my journey unforgettable, I decided to stay at Hotel Saman, a charming boutique hotel nestled in the heart of this ancient city. My experience at Hotel Saman turned out to be nothing short of delightful, and I'm excited to share my review with you.
Arrival and Location (5/5): Upon arriving in Varanasi, I was greeted warmly by the hotel staff, who provided a smooth and hassle-free check-in process. What struck me immediately was the hotel's prime location, just a stone's throw away from the holy Ganges River and within walking distance of the bustling Varanasi Ghats.
Ambiance and Design (4.5/5): Hotel Saman boasts an aesthetically pleasing blend of traditional and contemporary design elements. The lobby's elegant décor exudes a sense of tranquility, which perfectly aligns with the spiritual vibe of Varanasi. The courtyard garden, adorned with lush greenery, provided a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city's chaos.
Accommodation (5/5): I stayed in a deluxe room that was not only spacious but also tastefully decorated. The room featured modern amenities such as air conditioning, a comfortable bed, and a clean, well-equipped bathroom. What stood out was the attention to detail in preserving the city's heritage; the room's artwork and furnishings reflected Varanasi's rich cultural history.
Service (5/5): The staff at Hotel Saman deserves special commendation. They were courteous, attentive, and always ready to assist with any requests or inquiries. Whether it was arranging a boat ride on the Ganges, suggesting local dining options, or providing guidance on Varanasi's must-visit places, their service was impeccable.
Dining (4/5): The hotel's restaurant offered a decent selection of both local and international cuisine. While the breakfast buffet was satisfying, I couldn't help but venture out to nearby eateries to savor more of Varanasi's local delicacies.
Overall Experience (4.5/5): My stay at Hotel Saman was a memorable one. Its strategic location, charming ambiance, comfortable accommodations, and exceptional service made it a perfect base for exploring Varanasi's treasures. The only minor setback was the limited dining options, but given the abundance of nearby restaurants, this wasn't a significant issue.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of Varanasi, Hotel Saman is an excellent choice. Its blend of modern comforts with traditional charm and the warmth of its staff ensures an authentic and enjoyable stay in this ancient city.
I hope this review helps you plan your own Varanasi...
Read moreI had an extremely unpleasant experience with Hotel Samman in Varanasi.
Firstly, it's important to clarify that this is not a hotel but rather a dharamshala that has been repurposed into hotel rooms.
Upon my check-in on April 5, 2024, I had booked a "STANDARD DOUBLE ROOM" through MakeMyTrip, specifying "1 ROOM 3 GUESTS" with the expectation of an additional bed being provided. However, upon entering our room, we were dismayed to find it was a non-AC room. When we brought this issue to the attention of the receptionist, we were directed to speak with the owner, who insisted on providing a non-AC room despite our booking indicating otherwise (refer to Pic No. 1). Despite our persistence, the owner was unwilling to accommodate us in an AC room.
Eventually, after numerous requests, we were allocated a room (refer to Pic No. 2) that was far from what we had expected. Essentially, we were provided with a room containing two single beds joined to form a double bed, leaving no space for the third guest. Please see the amount of gap between the two beds (refer to pic no. 7) . ("Bhaar me jayega third guest. Sofa me soyega Reception ke"). We were only given a single piece of mattress, which was highly unsatisfactory. In my experience staying in various hotels with family, it's customary to either provide an extra bed, a folding bed with a mattress, or at least a well-cushioned mattress on the floor. However, the mattress provided was extremely uncomfortable (refer to Pic No. 3 and the video). When I inquired about the third bed, the receptionist claimed that all three-bed rooms were booked, despite the hotel appearing largely vacant during our stay. Or I think these beds don't exist on this Dharamshala (refer to Pic No. 4 & Pic No. 5). Additionally, the television and geyser in the room are show piece (refer to Pic No. 6). Despite requesting the geyser to be switched on, But the staffs slept until 8 am, resulting in no hot water being available.
I kindly urge the owner to update the information provided on all hotel websites to avoid confusion and conflicts with customers. Furthermore, I suggest considering additional facilities such as arranging for rickshaw or cab services for drop-off and pick-up. Every time we inquired about such services, the receptionist informed us that they were not provided and directed us to speak...
Read moreDuring our recent visit to Varanasi, we had the pleasure of staying at Hotel Samman, a budget-friendly accommodation located at the bustling Godowlia Chauraha. Overall, our experience was positive, and we found the hotel to be a convenient and satisfactory choice for our stay.
One of the highlights of Hotel Samman is undoubtedly its excellent location. Situated at Godowlia Chauraha, the hotel provided easy access to various attractions, including the renowned Vishwanath Temple and Dasaswamedh Ghat. We were delighted to find ourselves just a short walk away from these iconic landmarks, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the spiritual and cultural essence of Varanasi.
We booked a room with 5 beds. The room was surprisingly spacious and clean, offering enough space for all of us to move around comfortably. While the room itself was well-maintained, we encountered a minor issue with the bathroom's cleanliness. However, upon bringing this to the attention of the hotel staff, they promptly sent someone to clean it, and within five minutes, the problem was resolved to our satisfaction.
One of the few downsides we noticed was the absence of a kitchen service. Nevertheless, we appreciated the efforts made by the staff to accommodate our needs. We had an infant with us, and even though there was no official kitchen, they arranged tea for us and milk for the little one, which was a thoughtful gesture.
The hotel staff was helpful and polite throughout our stay. They were always available to assist us with any inquiries or requests, making us feel welcome and valued as guests.
Considering its budget-friendly nature, Hotel Samman provided us with good value for our money. It allowed us to spend our days exploring the city's vibrant streets and experiencing its rich culture without breaking the bank on accommodation.
In conclusion, Hotel Samman in Varanasi is a viable option for those seeking an affordable and well-located place to stay. While there are minor issues, but the friendly staff and the convenience of the hotel's location near major attractions made our stay enjoyable and hassle-free. If you're looking for a very budget-friendly option in the heart of Varanasi, Hotel Samman...
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