**Luxury Redefined: Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi - Your Dream NCR Getaway**
Ashoka Hotel, New Delhi: More Than Just a Place to Crash (My Honest Take)
Okay, so let's talk about the Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi. They’re billing it as "Luxury Redefined: Your Dream NCR Getaway" and, well, after my stay… let's just say it's a complicated love affair. This isn’t your sanitized, perfectly-polished travel brochure version. This is my experience, warts and all. (And trust me, there were a few… mostly tiny, thankfully!)
First Impressions: Grand, But a Little… Dated?
The Ashoka is huge. Like, you feel like you're wandering around a Mughal palace. The lobby? Opulent – marble everywhere, chandeliers that could probably fund a small country, and a palpable sense of history hanging in the air. You know, the kind that's been accumulating decades worth of… well, everything. So, accessibility is pretty good with elevators galore, and staff are always ready to point you in the right direction. They even claim to have facilities for disabled guests. (I didn't need 'em, but good to know!)
Navigating the Maze: Accessibility Woes (Minor) and Wi-Fi Bliss
Finding my room felt like a mini-adventure, and the long hallways, while beautiful, felt like a labyrinth. But honestly? No real complaints. The elevators worked, and that's what mattered. Now, the Wi-Fi situation? Glorious. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And not just the crummy, buffering kind. This was solid. I could stream, video call, and generally be glued to my screen without any major meltdowns. They also have Internet [LAN] and Internet services, but let's be real, who uses LAN anymore? The Wi-Fi in public areas was also pretty reliable, which is a huge plus.
Safety First (Mostly): Cleanliness, Security, and Quirky Rituals
Okay, so safety. They're trying. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays… the whole shebang. You can even Room sanitization opt-out available! Which, good for them for offering the option. I saw staff diligently wiping down surfaces, and that put my mind at ease. Security is definitely present – CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, 24-hour Security, and Fire extinguisher in place – I did feel relatively safe. But let me share a moment of panic: I was wandering around at 2 AM and the lights went out for like 5 seconds. It felt a bit… intense! (Side note: they really need to replace the bulbs, one of which seemed to be flickering like a dying firefly. I was tempted to bring a spare flashlight and install it myself because really, this place is HUGE!)
The Food Fiasco (and the Occasional Triumph)
Alright. Food. This is where things got… interesting. They've got a ton of options: Restaurants, Asian Cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar, A la carte in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and even Soup in restaurant. I thought, "Wow, options!"
The Breakfast [buffet] was a mixed bag. They do a Asian breakfast, Western breakfast and even offer Breakfast takeaway service and Breakfast in room. But the buffet setup itself felt a little… chaotic. Think a herd of hungry tourists descending upon the omelet station. But here’s a secret: the South Indian food was surprisingly excellent. I gorged myself on dosas and vada, completely ruining my diet. No regrets!
The rest of the dining options? Mostly okay. The Room service [24-hour] came in handy when I was feeling lazy, and the Happy hour was a definite plus. Honestly, the Bottle of water left in the room felt like a lifeline. Essential condiments were also available, which is a small but important win in my book.
Relaxation Nation: Spa, Pool, and My Failed Attempt at Zen
This is where the Ashoka really shines. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning – a beautiful oasis. The Pool with view is a real treat. It's perfect for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing and pretending you're in a movie.
And the Spa? Oh, the spa. They offer everything: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and a Gym/fitness center if you're feeling energetic. I treated myself to a massage. But, here's the truth, I’m not exactly a zen master. I'm more of a "wriggle and fidget" kind of spa-goer. I mean, the massage was divine, but I spent half the time trying not to giggle. The steamroom was a bit too steamy for me, like the lungs of a volcano. 2/10 would not recommend if you fear intense heat!
The Room: A Sanctuary (Mostly)
My room? Spacious, with Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, and a Coffee/tea maker. The Bed was mega-comfortable. I did appreciate the Bathrobes and Slippers. They even had Complimentary tea – a lifesaver. I do like the Extra long bed, High floor, On-demand movies, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Towels, and Wake-up service.
The bathroom had a Bathrobes, and those are always awesome. The Toiletries were decent enough. The Mirror was well-placed for maximum grumpy face reflection. I spent a lot of time lounging in my room. The Mini bar – wasn't cheap, but convenient. The only minor annoyance? The hairdryer. It was one of those things that just barely worked. I had to hold it at a specific angle to get any air flow and drying hair. It's probably a hazard!
Services and Conveniences: They Think of Everything (Almost)
They've got a ton of services: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Dry cleaning laundry service, Elevator, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Cash withdrawal, Contactless check-in/out, Currency exchange, the works. You can even have a Doctor/nurse on call. The Car park [free of charge], is an awesome bonus!
The Kid Zone: For the Wee Ones (and Maybe the Grown-Ups Too)
For the Family/child friendly, they have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and a Kids meal.
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
They don't list any activities in their list, and that is a missed opportunity. The Hotel provides an incredible central location to explore the city!
The Verdict: Is it Worth It?
Look, the Ashoka Hotel isn't perfect. There are a few quirks, a few imperfections, and some minor glitches. But overall? Yes. Absolutely. It’s your Dream NCR Getaway if you want space, luxury, and a decent spa.
My Offer (Because You Deserve a Little Luxury!):
Book your stay at the Ashoka Hotel within the next week and receive a complimentary massage at the spa, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, and a guaranteed upgrade to a room with a view! Just use the code "ASHOKA_DREAM" when booking online.
Why you should take my advice:
- Honesty is the best policy: I'm giving you the real deal, not some PR-approved fluff.
- Spa Bliss: You'll get pampered with a free massage. Who doesn't love a free massage?
- Champagne Showers: Because you deserve to feel fabulous.
- View with a (Hopefully Working) Window: See everything!
So, go on. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
(Disclaimer: I'm not being paid to say any of this. I just really enjoyed my stay… mostly!)
**Amore Hotel Manila: Luxury Redefined (Premium 2 Suites!)**
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the swirling vortex that is my "Hotel Ashoka International, New Delhi and NCR, India" itinerary. It's not gonna be pristine, it's gonna be… well, me. And you'll probably need a map. Okay, here we go…
Day 1: Arrival & Delhi Delights… Mostly.
06:00 AM (ish) - Wake up call (or, more accurately, wake-up-screaming-at-the-alarm-clock call). Jet lag is a cruel mistress. Dragged myself out of bed in a fog of exhaustion and the vague memory of a questionable airline meal.
08:00 AM - Arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Whew! Made it! The air… well, it was air. Think humid, with a hint of something that might've been a spice market. Got through customs relatively unscathed, though I swear that customs agent gave me a look when he saw my passport photo. Said something about me not looking “enthusiastic enough” about India. Honestly, I was just trying not to burst into tears from sleep-deprivation. Picked up a SIM card – vital for staying connected (and avoiding getting completely lost).
09:30 AM - Transfer to Hotel Ashoka (NCR). Got a pre-booked car. The drive… Oh, the drive! Let's just say Indian traffic is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Honking is a language, and the rules? Well, they're more like suggestions. Saw a cow casually strolling down the highway. Iconic.
11:00 AM - Check-in at Hotel Ashoka International. Okay, the hotel itself… it’s impressive. Grand lobby, lots of marble, and staff that look suspiciously well-rested. My room? Actually, a decent size. A little bit of a dated charm in the decor. A big window with what seems to be an interesting view.
12:00 PM - Lunch at the hotel's restaurant - Samavar I'm starving. After a quick shower and a desperate search for coffee that wasn't the instant kind, I decided to try Samavar. The ambiance was fancy. The service was overly attentive (felt like they were watching me – maybe I just looked that clueless). Ordered a butter chicken and naan. The butter chicken? Magnificent. Seriously, possibly the best I've ever had. Naan was pillowy perfection. Decided to have a second helping. No regrets.
02:00 PM - Embark on a Delhi exploration(First go, I thought I knew what I was doing. I was wrong). "Old Delhi". I have to admit that I underestimated the sheer sensory overload. It was a riot of sights, sounds, and smells. And more people than I've ever seen in one place. First stop: Chandni Chowk Market. Good lord. Stalls overflowing with everything imaginable. Spices, fabrics, jewelry, electronics… you name it. The smells alone could feed a village for a week! Took a rickshaw ride – a thrilling, terrifying experience. Felt like I was playing a very high-stakes game of Frogger in the middle of the street. Almost got run over by a motorbike. Almost.
04:30 PM - Attempt to find the Red Fort. Well, I thought I was headed to the Red Fort. I knew I wasn't getting there. The heat was intense, the disorientation was real, and the sheer volume of people was overwhelming. Found myself wandering down a side street, completely lost, and starting to sweat profusely. Suddenly, a small, very friendly boy with a gap-toothed grin approached me and in perfect English asked if I needed help. I told him about my quest for the Red Fort. He insisted on taking me, on the condition that I let him practice his English. Best. Tour guide. Ever. He was maybe 8 years old, but he navigated the crowds like a seasoned pro. We ate street food – delicious, slightly questionable street food. He pointed out all the hidden gems, the little details I would have missed. He told me all the details of Delhi, local legends, and a lot about cricket. And, yes, he led me to the Red Fort. Or, rather, he led me to a much-needed ice cream stand near the Red Fort. Sometimes, the real treasure isn't the monument, it's the story you make on the way.
07:00 PM - "Relax" back at the Hotel. Bathed in sweat, full of street food, and completely and utterly exhilarated. Tried to process everything I’d seen and done. The hotel felt like an oasis. Ordered a (very overpriced) gin and tonic. Needed it.
09:00 PM - Dinner at the hotel restaurant, again. Back at Samavar because, lets be honest, I was too tired to venture out. Ordered something different. Another fantastic meal. Felt the gentle hum of exhaustion.
10:00 PM - Collapsed in bed. Dreaming of spicy food and the gap-toothed grin of my young guide.
Day 2: Splendor & Spiritualism (Maybe?)
07:00 AM - Attempt to wake up, actually wake up. Slept like a log. Even after a crazy day. Still jet-legged but much better.
08:00 AM - Breakfast at Samavar (again). The pastries were… fine. The coffee was still passable. But the buffet felt a little repetitive.
09:00 AM - Visit to Humayun's Tomb. Now, this was stunning. The architecture was breathtaking. The intricate detailing was phenomenal. Spent a good hour just wandering around, soaking it all in. Took far too many pictures. Felt a genuine sense of awe. It was like stepping into a different world.
11:00 AM - Attempted visit to India Gate. Another chaotic experience. The traffic was insane. Got out of the car, took a quick photo, and then, decided to retreat. It was just too much for my fragile state.
12:00 PM - Visit to the Lotus Temple. This was supposed to be a spiritual experience, a moment of peace. And it was, for about ten minutes. The building is breathtaking, a marvel of modern architecture. The atmosphere was serene. Then… a swarm of Instagrammers arrived, and the tranquility vanished. Suddenly, I was surrounded by selfie sticks and shrieking laughter. Tried to meditate anyway. Failed.
01:00 PM-Lunch at local café Found a small café, tried the local food, wasn't the best but it was a nice experience.
02:00 PM - Shopping at Dilli Haat . This place was a delight! A collection of stalls representing different states, selling handicrafts, clothing, and food. Found some amazing souvenirs (and spent way too much money). Enjoyed a delicious thali. Tried bargaining, not so successful.
05:00 PM - Return to Hotel, and the Spa Went for a head massage. Needed it. Felt all the tension drain away. Almost fell asleep.
07:00 PM - Dinner at hotel's restaurant, this time trying a new restaurant I'm starting to think I should branch out more. But, exhaustion. The food was fine. The service was good. Nothing spectacular.
08:00 PM - Staring out the window, reflecting on my day, and fighting jet lag, again. Started jotting random thoughts on the hotel stationery. Felt a great sense of exhaustion, and also a great sense of awe.
Day 3: Departure and a lingering feeling of wanting more.
09:00 AM - Breakfast. Same as yesterday. Seriously considering just ordering room service for the rest of the trip.
10:00 AM - Quick dip in the hotel pool. The water was a delightful temperature. Spent an hour just floating, trying to mentally prepare myself for re-entry into the real world.
11:00 AM - Check out of Hotel Ashoka. Said goodbye to the friendly staff. Got the taxi back to the airport.
12:00 PM - Flight. On the plane. Tired. Reflecting on the sensory overload of Delhi. It was overwhelming but, in its own way, beautiful.
After Trip Thoughts: I learned that I love Indian food. That I need to learn to embrace the chaos. And that a little bit of preparation would've gone a long way. The hotel was a haven and a great base. But India – India is a vibe. And I, for one, can't wait to go back and lose myself in it again. This was a truly amazing
Okay, Ashoka Hotel. Is it *really* "luxury redefined," or just...expensive air conditioning?
Alright, let's rip the band-aid off right away. "Luxury redefined" is a *bold* statement. I mean, I've seen dust bunnies that could be considered "luxury" compared to some hotels I've stumbled into.
The Ashoka? It's…pretty darn good. The AC? Absolutely top-notch – a crucial detail in Delhi, let me tell you. But is it *redefining* luxury? Hmm… probably not. "Luxury, mostly delivered" or maybe "Luxury, slightly above average" might be closer to the truth. But hey, the marble in the lobby is legit impressive. I almost tripped over it, actually. Twice.
What's the *vibe* like? Is it stuffy, or can I actually, you know, *relax*?
Okay, vibe check. This is a tough one, because it fluctuates like Delhi weather. Sometimes it's *definitely* on the stuffy side. Think polished shoes, hushed conversations, and waiters who could probably critique your posture. I swear, at one point I felt judged for ordering a burger in the fine dining restaurant!
But! And this is important. Other times, it's surprisingly chill. Especially if you get away from the power-lunch crowd. The pool area, for example, is surprisingly laid-back. You know, until that guy starts doing swan dives directly into your cocktail. (Seriously. That actually happened.) It's a mixed bag. Prepare for both extremes, and maybe pack a chameleon suit to blend in.
The rooms. Are they worth the price tag? Spill the tea!
Alright, the rooms. This is where things get interesting… and also potentially bank-breaking. Because, let's be honest, it *is* pricey. My first reaction? "Whoa, fancy!" My second? "Wait, is that a *single* mini bar cookie?"
The rooms themselves are generally spacious and well-appointed. The beds? Heavenly. The view? Depends on your luck, but often pretty stunning. (Unless you're facing the giant AC units. Then, less stunning.) The bathrooms are gorgeous. The *problem*? The little things. The slightly threadbare towel. The iffy water pressure at peak hours. The aforementioned single cookie. For the price, you *expect* perfection. And you don't always get it. But hey, the plush robes are a definite win. I practically lived in mine.
The food. Is it bland, boring, or a culinary adventure? (My stomach is *demanding* to know.)
Oh, the food. Now we're talking! And my stomach? It is *always* talking. The Ashoka's a bit of a mixed bag in this arena too. The breakfast buffet? Glorious! A glorious, calorie-laden adventure. I may or may not have eaten approximately seventeen croissants one morning. Don't judge me.
The fine dining restaurants? Generally good, but as I mentioned, sometimes with a side of judgement. The food is *delicious*, but it can feel…a little pretentious, you know? Like you're supposed to analyze every single spice. The room service? Hit or miss. One night it was Michelin-star worthy, the next…well, let's just say I've had better from a questionable street vendor. So, adventure? Sometimes. Bland? Never completely. Worth it? Depends on your standards (and your budget for antacids).
Tell me about the spa! Is it worth the hype (and the price)? Because massages are important. Very important.
Okay, the spa. Deep breaths. Because… it's phenomenal. Seriously. Worth every penny. Don't even think about the price, just DO IT.
The atmosphere is incredibly relaxing. The therapists are skilled. The treatments are divine. I had a deep tissue massage that practically melted my stress away. I nearly fell asleep mid-massage, which, honestly, is the highest compliment I can give a spa. Afterward, I floated out of there, feeling like a new person. It really rescued me after the ordeal with the pigeon and the balcony... I'll tell you about it later. For now, just picture this: peaceful, scented oils, and pure bliss. Highly recommended. Maybe budget for two?
What's the pool scene *really* like? Is it crowded with screaming children, or a tranquil oasis? (Asking for a friend…who is me.)
The pool... hmm. This is where my experience went from "luxury" to "slightly stressful, but in a fun way." Okay, so it's generally pretty lovely. Beautiful water, nice loungers, and a decent bar. But, and there's always a but, right?
It *can* get crowded. Especially on weekends. And those perfectly-posed Instagram influencers are *everywhere*. I almost lost an eye dodging a selfie stick. But, and I can't stress this enough, the pool staff is *amazing*. They're incredibly attentive and, bless them, patient. One day, a family of small children decided the pool was their personal splash zone. The staff somehow managed to keep everything under control. They even brought me extra towels to barricade my personal space. I'd call that a win.
Anything else I should know? Any hidden gems or disastrous pitfalls?
Okay, here's the real, unfiltered scoop.
Hidden gem: The little coffee shop tucked away near the lobby. The pastries are surprisingly good, and it's a great place to people-watch. Also, the staff is incredibly friendly. Pitfall: The elevators. Be prepared to wait. A *long* time. Consider bringing a book. Or a small trampoline to entertain yourself while you wait. Also, the pigeon incident. Okay, I'll tell you. I was on my balcony, enjoying a cup of tea, when a particularly bold pigeon *attacked* my breakfast pastry. It was a full-on aerial assault. I lost. My pride, and my croissant. It was a low point. So, yeah, watch out for pigeons. They're ruthless.
Ultimately, is the Ashoka Hotel worth the splurge? Would you go back?
Alright, the million-dollar question. Is the Ashoka Hotel worth the price? Honestly? It depends on your priorities. If you're looking for perfect perfection, with zero imperfections, you might be disappointed. If you're looking for a luxurious experience, with a few quirks and a healthy dose of Delhi charm, you'll probably be delighted.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I’d go back for the spa alone! The friendly service, the beautiful pool, and the general… fancy-Book Hotels Now
