Escape to Bliss: Harekrishna Hotel's Bhubaneswar Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Bliss: Harekrishna Hotel - Bhubaneswar: My Honest, Slightly Chaotic (But Ultimately Glowing) Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill ALL the tea on the Harekrishna Hotel in Bhubaneswar. Forget those cookie-cutter hotel reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all (and thankfully, there weren't many!). This "Escape to Bliss" promise? Let's see if it delivers…and let's see if I deliver a review that's actually helpful.
First Impressions (and the Uber Ride Debacle):
This place is supposedly an oasis, right? Well, after a two-hour flight delay and a taxi driver who clearly thought Google Maps was just a suggestion, I was DEFINITELY in need of an oasis. Finding the hotel was surprisingly easy, thankfully the Google Maps seemed to know where it was, once I switched taxi. From the outside, it looked clean and modern, a welcome sight after the pre-dawn scramble. The doorman was there (thank God!), helping with my overflowing suitcase (seriously, how much stuff does one person need?). Check-in was a breeze with their contactless check-in/out service – no fumbling with forms and pens while simultaneously trying to wrestle with my oversized bag. Points already!
Accessibility & Navigating the Labyrinth:
Okay, this is important. I don’t have any accessibility needs myself, but I did pay attention. The hotel boasts facilities for disabled guests, and I saw an elevator (a HUGE win!), plus the public areas seemed pretty easy to navigate with good CCTV in common areas, which is good for everyone. Though I didn't venture into the rooms for the disabled guests, it would be a great choice for a person with mobility issues. I didn't see any signs for the facilities for disabled guests but I’m sure they are available.
Rooms: My Sanctuary (and My Catastrophe):
My room…oh, my room. It was clean, which is always a GREAT start. Then there was the air conditioning – a lifesaver in Bhubaneswar's climate. The bed? Heavenly! I sank into the extra long bed immediately, and I think I actually let out a little sigh of pure bliss. I'm a sucker for good sheets, and these were crisp and cool. Bathrobes and slippers? Yes, please! Pure luxury.
Now, for the slightly less glamorous details. The Internet access – wireless, [free!] worked a treat. Thank goodness, because I needed to upload a very important selfie. The TV had plenty of channels – including the all-important movie channels, although there was on-demand movies, I hadn’t the patience for the set up. The hair dryer was functional, but you might consider bringing your own professional one if you are so inclined. The bathroom was decent, with a separate shower/bathtub. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were absolute lifesavers.
Oh, and the closet was roomy, with a handy ironing facilities, since no one wants to look like a crumpled mess. There was also a mini bar and refrigerator which was perfect for some midnight snacks.
Things To Do (and Ways to Relax) – The Escape Factor:
This is where Harekrishna really shines. Remember that "oasis" promise? They deliver.
- The Pool with View: Seriously, the swimming pool is stunning. The swimming pool [outdoor] felt amazing after a day of exploring. I definitely spent hours in the swimming pool just floating and staring up at the sky. There's also a poolside bar, so you can sip cocktails while you ogle the scenery: what's not to love?
- The Spa: Okay, I'm not a huge spa person, but this was tempting. With a Body scrub, Body wrap, and massage on offer at their spa, it was hard to resist. I opted for the full massage – it was incredible. I practically melted into the massage bed. The therapists were skilled and attentive.
- The Sauna and Steamroom: I’m not a fan of the steamroom, but the sauna, was a winner! They even had nice toiletries.
- Fitness Center: Didn’t go near it (exercise? In Bhubaneswar? Don't be silly!), but it looked… well-equipped.
- Things I Missed: I didn't get the chance to use the Foot bath, because I ran out of time.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking: Fueling the Fun:
Food? Yes, please!
- Restaurants: There are multiple restaurants at the hotel. There's an Asian cuisine in restaurant, a Western cuisine in restaurant and a Vegetarian restaurant. I really love Asian.
- Breakfast: The Breakfast [buffet] was HUGE. The Asian breakfast, Western breakfast and A la carte in restaurant are available. I’m not a huge fan of buffets, but this one was actually good. There was an array of choices, from parathas to pancakes. The coffee/tea in restaurant was strong – crucial for a caffeine addict like myself. I'd pick the salad in restaurant which was surprisingly flavorful.
- Other Options: There's a bar for evening drinks, a coffee shop for quick caffeine fixes, and a snack bar if you get peckish during the day. I didn't venture here.
- Happy Hour: Sadly, I missed the Happy hour, but it sounded tempting.
- Room service [24-hour]: Yep, they have it. Thank God for that.
- Important Note: The Safe dining setup and the fact that the kitchen and tableware items were sanitized gave me peace of mind.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind (and Hand Sanitizer Everywhere!)
This is where Harekrishna Hotel really scores points. Hygiene certification is in place and they take it seriously. I saw hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff were diligently cleaning. The rooms sanitized between stays and sterilizing equipment were prevalent. It definitely made me feel safe and secure. They had Daily disinfection in common areas and the staff trained in safety protocol. They were also pretty helpful with the doctor/nurse on call when I needed assistance.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Doorman: Always a welcome touch.
- Concierge: Attentive and helpful with directions and suggestions.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Essential for a traveler like me.
- Cash withdrawal and Currency exchange: Super convenient.
- Food delivery: A handy perk.
- Gift/souvenir shop: A great place to grab something for back home.
For The Kids:
Not relevant to me, but they seemed to have the goods. They had Babysitting service, Kids facilities and a Kids meal.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: Available, and I highly recommend it.
- Car park [free of charge]: Big check!
The Verdict: Bliss Achieved?
Absolutely. The Harekrishna Hotel is more than just a place to sleep. It's an experience. It's a well-oiled machine with a dedicated staff that puts your comfort and safety first. Yes, there were minor hiccups (the taxi driver, some slightly dodgy Wi-Fi in the lobby), but overall, this hotel exceeded my expectations. It’s clean, comfortable, and offers a fantastic range of amenities.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
My Honest, Slightly Imperfect, But Totally Enthusiastic Recommendation: 9.5/10
SEO-Optimized Offer: Escape to Bhubaneswar's Oasis - Book Your Blissful Getaway!
Tired of the ordinary? Craving relaxation and rejuvenation? Escape to the Harekrishna Hotel in Bhubaneswar, your personal oasis of tranquility! Experience unparalleled comfort and service, curated for the discerning traveler.
Why Choose the Harekrishna Hotel?
- Unmatched Comfort: Sink into our luxurious rooms, featuring plush extra-long beds, air conditioning, and modern amenities. Enjoy a fully accessible experience, with facilities for disabled guests and an elevator for easy navigation.
- Spa & Wellness: Indulge in a rejuvenating experience at our world-class spa. Melt away stress with a Body scrub, Body wrap, and a relaxing massage. Unwind in our steaming sauna and enjoy the swimming pool with a view!
- Culinary Delights: Savor exquisite dining experiences at our diverse restaurants. From a tempting Asian breakfast to the delectable Asian cuisine in restaurants, we have something for every palate. Enjoy a refreshing drink at our poolside bar or a quick snack at the snack bar.
- Unwavering Safety: Rest easy knowing that your health and safety are our top priorities. We adhere to rigorous Cleanliness and safety protocols, including the use of
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is my Bhubaneswar-and-Harekrishna-Hotel-Restaurant thing, a messy, glorious, and probably slightly disastrous account of a few days in Odisha. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because frankly, that's what my life feels like most of the time.
Trip Title: Bhubaneswar Blowout & Harekrishna Hotel Hysteria – Pray For My Digestive System! (And My Sanity!)
Day 1: Arrival & The Holy Grail – Or, Where's the freaking room service?!
- Morning (or, more accurately, late morning):** Arrived at Bhubaneswar Airport. Which, let's be honest, felt like stepping out of a portal directly into a furnace. The humidity hit me like a wall of warm, wet blankets. My hair immediately declared war, transforming into a frizz monster. Took a rickshaw (bargaining skills – rusty) to the Harekrishna Hotel & Restaurant. The driver, bless his cotton socks, looked at me like I was a particularly bewildered cow. "Harekrishna Hotel?" he repeated, squinting. "You sure?" Pretty sure I am, pal. Pretty sure.
- Afternoon: Check-in. The lobby was a riot of smells: incense, something vaguely floral, and a pungent hint of… curry. Check-in took eons. I swear the receptionist was simultaneously sorting my paperwork, contemplating the meaning of life, and maybe, just maybe, fixing the leaky tap behind the desk. Finally, got the key. My room? Let's just say the "air conditioning" was more of a gentle suggestion. The view? Overlooked a rather lively (and noisy) street. Started mentally composing a strongly-worded email to the hotel’s management. (Spoiler alert: never sent it).
- Evening (or, when my stomach started to rumble like a grumpy god): The quest for food began. I'm starving. And here's the problem: the Harekrishna Restaurant, being attached to the hotel, is pretty much my only option. This is when my faith in the universe REALLY got tested. Thought I'd order some room service. Ha! "Unavailable, madam." "The kitchen is closing soon, madam." "You want what, madam?" Apparently, room service is a mythical creature at this place. Wandered downstairs, desperate. The restaurant was surprisingly busy. The menu was, let's say, extensive. (Ten pages, mostly in a language I couldn't read.) I spotted a "Vegetable Biryani." I took a deep breath, crossed my fingers, and ordered it.
- Mealtime Disaster: The Biryani arrived. It looked… intimidating. I dug in. It was… glorious. Rich, spicy, fragrant… possibly the best Indian food I'd ever had. I ate the entire bloody plate. Then, I lay back, a happy (and very full) human. Hours later, my digestive system revolted. Spent the rest of the evening clinging to the toilet, wondering if I'd survive. Note to self: Go easy on the spices.
- Night: Slept fitfully. The street noise was relentless. The AC was… well, it was there. I woke up at one point absolutely convinced a monkey was trying to break into my window. It turned out to be a particularly insistent pigeon. Bhubaneswar, you are a place.
Day 2: Temples, Tea, and the Torture of Toothpaste
- Morning (Post-Biryani Recovery): Crawled out of bed. I was alive! My stomach was… still rumbling, but in a slightly less hostile way. Decided to be a tourist! Braved the furnace, took a rickshaw (same driver!), and saw the Lingaraj Temple. It’s undeniably beautiful, and I felt a weird sense of peace standing there. I loved the energy.
- Afternoon: Explored some other temples. Lost in the heat, overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, the smells, the colours… it was sensory overload in the best way possible. Needed a break. Found a tiny tea stall, grabbed a chai. It was heavenly. But the tea was too good. The tea left me with a very strong need for the bathroom. That need made me more stressed.
- Late Afternoon: Stumbled back to the hotel, craving a shower. The shower. Ah, the shower. This is where the real drama unfolded. The water pressure was… enthusiastic. The temperature was… a gamble. But the toothpaste. Why did the toothpaste have to be so strong. I brushed my teeth, got distracted by the chaos, and immediately found myself gagging. It was like my taste buds had declared war.
- Evening: The restaurant. Again. I’m starting to think I'm the hero of some weird, low-budget movie. I ordered something simple. Dal, rice, the safest bet in the world. It was fantastic.
- Night: Decided on an early night. I needed to rest.
Day 3: The Grand Finale: Markets, Misunderstandings, and a Moment of Zen
- Morning: Hit the bustling market. So much to see! So much to smell! Spent a ridiculous amount of time haggling over a scarf, almost got scammed by a charming little boy. Bought some spices. Got lost. Found my way out.
- Afternoon: The worst happened. Packed my stuff. Then, I got the bill. The bill had extra charges from the minibar. The minibar I didn't even use. (See? I did say I would not write the email). I attempted a conversation with the receptionist. The language barrier, the noise, the sheer chaos of the reception area… it was a perfect storm. Then I just gave up and paid it.
- Late Afternoon: Right before departing. I went to the rooftop. I remembered how to breathe. I laughed. I sighed. I smiled.
- Evening: Headed to the airport. Bhubaneswar, you were a lot. And yes, the Harekrishna Hotel was an experience. Maybe I'll be back, in a few years. Just as long as I don't have to brush my teeth again, maybe.
- Night: Back home. My bags are mostly clean. My stomach is finally getting some peace. I'm considering opening a travel blog…
Overall Rating: 3/5 (Would recommend with a HUGE side of caution and a strong anti-diarrheal agent.)
Escape to Paradise: Unbelievable Jeju Bom Stay in South Korea!
So, Harekrishna Hotel in Bhubaneswar… is it actually, you know, blissful? The name's a *little* on the nose, right?
Okay, the food. You teased it. Spill the beans. Was it all…vegetarian, like, *religiously*?
Speaking of service, what was the staff like? Helpful? Annoying? Somewhere in between?
The room itself. Was it… clean? And what about the air conditioning? A crucial question, especially in Bhubaneswar!
Let's talk location. Was it convenient for sightseeing? Getting around?
Okay, the *one thing* that really stood out to you, good or bad. Lay it on me.
Anything else you think people should know? Any hidden gems or warnings?
So, would you go back?
