Escape to Luxury: New Delhi's Hidden Gem, Hotel S&B East Inn
Escape to Luxury: New Delhi's Hidden Gem, Hotel S&B East Inn
Escape to Luxury? My Messy Affair with Delhi's S&B East Inn (The Good, The Bad, and The Sanitizing Spray)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a whirlwind trip to Delhi, and the S&B East Inn… well, it's a story. Picture this: me, fresh off a sleepless flight, craving a hot shower and a decent cup of coffee. This place promised "Luxury," and honestly? Sometimes, the only luxury I need is a clean toilet.
First Impressions: Chrome, Concrete, and Crushing Expectations (Maybe Too High?)
The exterior? A modern, angular sort of structure. Think chrome and glass, reflecting the Delhi heat back at you. The lobby was… impressive. Polished granite, gleaming surfaces, and a whiff of that vaguely citrus-y air freshener that always makes me wonder if they're secretly trying to mask something. Check-in was supposed to be "Contactless," which, in reality, meant a slightly awkward transaction involving a masked front desk agent and a lot of pointing at a screen. But hey, at least they had a 24-hour doorman, which is always a plus after navigating Delhi traffic, a feat in itself.
Accessibility – A Mixed Bag… Like My Wardrobe.
Now, as someone who occasionally relies on a little assistance, accessibility is HUGE for me. The elevator was a lifesaver, which is good. Wheelchair accessibility was advertised, but I didn't get the chance to test it out thoroughly. The corridors seemed wide enough, but I noticed a few little bumps and changes in levels that might be tricky. The staff seemed helpful so far, but ultimately it depends on what you need.
Rooms: Clean, Crisp, and… Lonely?
My room (a "Non-smoking" one, thank goodness) was a haven of beige and practicality. Air conditioning that actually worked? Bless. Blackout curtains, essential when you're battling jet lag and the Delhi sun? Double bless. The bed was comfy, the linens crisp and clean. I did a mental inventory: a fridge stocked with overpriced bottled water (and yes, free bottled water was also there, which I always take), a coffee/tea maker, and a laptop workspace (perfect for pretending to be productive). The Wi-Fi [free] was actually stable, unlike some hotels, so that was a big thumbs up. And the desk was perfect fit for my laptop.
However, I did stumble a bit on the 'essentials' - there was no additional toilet, so it's one and done.
Cleanliness & Safety: Sanitizing City!
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. S&B East Inn took this seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Rooms sanitized between stays? Check. I was practically drowning in hand sanitizer, and I appreciated the anti-viral cleaning products. They'd gone for overkill and I thought that was really good. I'd say they really are committed to making you feel safe and secure, and honestly, in that environment, that was a huge comfort.
Dining, Drinking, and the Great Buffet Dilemma…
The hotel bragged about its restaurants. The Asian cuisine restaurant was the place to be! The breakfast [buffet], I have to admit, was a bit of a letdown. It was decent, but didn't quite hit the gourmet mark, though I did manage to load up on fruit salad and coffee, which I really needed.
Poolside Bar? Maybe Another Day…
I was ready for a swim. The swimming pool [outdoor] was clean and inviting. I was dreaming about a drink at the Poolside bar. Unfortunately, I got distracted by the steam room.
Ways to Relax? Sauna, Spa, and a Very Steam-Filled Afternoon.
Okay, full disclosure? I went all in. The Sauna was hot in a good way, but the Steamroom, oh man, the steamroom. That's where I spent half the afternoon, contemplating the meaning of life and sweating out all the travel toxins. It was glorious, and I had the chance to take a foot bath. I love the hot spas!
Fitness Fanatic? (Kinda.)
Yes, there was a Fitness center. I peeked in. It looked… functional. Enough to break a sweat, if that's your thing. I'm not a big gym person, but I did admire the view from the window.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
Laundry service and dry cleaning were available, which was a lifesaver. The concierge helped arrange airport transfers, and the luggage storage came in handy when I had a late flight. They even had a convenience store for those last-minute snack cravings.
The Quirks, the Imperfections… The Real Stuff.
Here's where it gets messy. This wasn't a flawless experience. There were a few small hiccups. The service, while generally good, sometimes felt… strained. There were a few times when I asked for something and got a blank stare.
The Verdict: Would I Return?
Look, S&B East Inn isn't a perfect hotel. Some things are amazing (the steamroom), others are a little underwhelming. But it's clean, safe, and reasonably comfortable, and, let's be honest, sometimes that's all you need. It's a solid choice if you're visiting Delhi, especially if you value safety and convenience. I'd definitely consider returning!
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I hope you enjoyed my ramblings!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, and utterly unpredictable world of a trip to New Delhi and NCR, all based from the supposedly "cozy" confines of Hotel S & B East Inn. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotion, questionable decisions, and the occasional existential crisis, fueled by questionable street food and the constant hum of the Delhi belly.
Day 1: Arrival and Delhi Belly's Subtle Whispers (With a Side of Existential Dread)
- 10:00 AM: Touchdown at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). The air hits you like a brick wall, fragrant with diesel fumes and the faint, intriguing aroma of… well, I still don't know what it is, but I'm pretty sure it involves spices. Immediately begin sweating. Decide this is a good look, embrace the humidity.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi saga. Negotiating a price is a battle of wills. My "haggling" skills, honed from aggressively buying questionable souvenirs at the airport, are put to the test. Finally, we (me and my sanity) arrive at the hotel.
- 12:00 PM: Check-in at Hotel S & B East Inn. My first impression? It's… well, it's there. The lobby smells faintly of mothballs and old dreams. The friendly staff tries their best, but the AC is clearly on holiday.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. The hotel restaurant seems like a safe bet, right? Nope. I order the butter chicken, because, when in Rome, eat everything. The first bite is bliss. The second? A little… suspicious. The third? The whispers of Delhi belly begin.
- 2:00 PM: A nap. Mostly in the hopes of the Delhi Belly failing to settle in, a desperate attempt to try and sleep off the spicy uncertainty.
- 4:00 PM: Attempt to visit India Gate. But the heat. God, the heat! And the crowds! More people than I've ever seen in one place, all sweating and jostling. I make it halfway and retreat, defeated, back to the sanctuary of the (slightly less uncomfortable) hotel room.
- 6:00 PM: The Delhi Belly makes its triumphant return via a stomach cramp. I’m pretty sure I didn’t eat anything that would cause this to happen.
- 7:00 PM: Call the front desk. I attempt to explain my situation and ask for… well, something. Some kind of relief. They don’t seem completely sure of what I am saying, but they send up Pepto. A life-saver.
- 7:30 PM: Contemplate the meaning of life while staring at the ceiling. I’m beginning to suspect that the existential dread is the real culprit. Maybe I’m just not built for this.
- 8:30 PM: Eat more Pepto.
- 9:00 PM: Stare at the ceiling.
- 12:00 AM: Sleep. Or at least, try to.
Day 2: Old Delhi and the Joy of Overstimulation (Plus, More Delhi Belly)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up, feeling… well, alive. The Delhi Belly has seemingly taken a small vacation.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Cautious approach to the food situation. I stick to toast and tea, which I watch being prepared with an eagle eye.
- 10:00 AM: The Grand Adventure Begins! We brave the chaos of Old Delhi. God, I love, and hate, it all at once. The narrow streets, the overflowing shops, the honking rickshaws… it’s a sensory overload of the best and worst kind.
- 10:30 AM: First stop: Jama Masjid. The sheer scale of the mosque is breathtaking, but I’m more captivated by the street vendors selling… everything.
- 11:30 AM: Lost in the labyrinthine alleys of Chandni Chowk. I get separated from my group. Panic momentarily sets in. The heat, the crowds, the possibility of getting completely and forever lost… then, a delicious aroma wafts by.
- 11:45 AM: Samosa break. I couldn't resist. I know, I know… Delhi Belly round two, potential disaster. But the samosa. Glorious, crispy, spicy samosa.
- 12:00 PM: Another taxi saga. This time, the driver tries to sneakily add extra rupees. Another battle of wills. I’m starting to think I should’ve taken a class.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at Karim's. Legendary restaurant, famous for its Mughlai cuisine. Despite the impending doom of Delhi Belly v2, it's worth it. The Galouti kebabs literally melt in your mouth. Pure, unadulterated, greasy perfection.
- 3:00 PM: The inevitable. The Delhi Belly is back in full force. I spend the next few hours holed up in the hotel room, nursing my tummy woes and reevaluating my life choices.
- 6:00 PM: Watch the setting sun. Not much else I can do.
- 8:00 PM: Order a bland dinner from room service. Beg the gods for a peaceful night. The Pepto Bismol is now my best friend.
Day 3: Akshardham and a Glimmer of Hope (and a Bit of Culture)
- 9:00 AM: Wake up feeling human! Praise be!
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast. I eat with caution.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Akshardham Temple. It's truly stunning. The intricate carvings, the sheer scale of the place… wow. A welcome respite from the chaos.
- 12:00 PM: Lost in the exhibits, it's like being transported to another world. The sheer beauty of the place is inspiring. A real moment of awe.
- 1:30 PM: Return to the hotel for more tea. I’m beginning to feel really fond of the hotel staff.
- 3:00 PM: Think about going to a museum. Decide against it. I'm not feeling the culture today.
- 4:00 PM: Try to relax, which I struggle with.
- 6:00 PM: Room Service for dinner. Butter Chicken. I'm a glutton for punishment.
- 7:00 PM: Sleep!
Day 4: The Qutub Minar and the Final Farewell (Plus, the Aftermath)
- 9:00 AM: I make it! I made it through three days without the Delhi Belly striking.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast is a victory toast.
- 11:00 AM: Visit the Qutub Minar. It is a sight.
- 12:00 PM: A quick final shopping spree. The trinkets are not as cheap as I thought, but I buy a hat.
- 2:00 PM: Back to the hotel. Check out.
- 3:00 PM: Taxi ride to the airport. Farewell, Delhi.
Important Considerations/Ramblings/Lessons Learned:
- Delhi Belly: Be prepared. Pack Pepto, Imodium, and a healthy dose of fatalism. Maybe invest in a personal hazmat suit.
- Heat: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. And try to embrace the sweat.
- Transportation: Learn to haggle. Or hire a friend who knows how to haggle.
- Food: Be adventurous, but also be cautious. Stick to cooked food and water.
- Flexibility: Things don't always go to plan. Embrace the chaos.
- Hotel S & B East Inn: It’s… an experience. Pack earplugs.
- Emotional State: A whirlwind. There were moments of pure joy, moments of despair, a whole lot of sweat, and a lingering fear of future bathroom visits. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Maybe. Ask me again in a week.
This trip was messy, imperfect, and completely, utterly unforgettable. It's a story I'll be telling for years to come, filled with laughs, tears, and a healthy dose of probiotic supplements! And you know what? I'd do it all again. Maybe next time I'll pack more Pepto. And a hazmat suit. And maybe a therapist.
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Okay, Okay, Spill the Tea: Is the S&B East Inn REALLY a "Hidden Gem?" I'm Skeptical.
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is thrown around more than a chapati on a busy street. And look, S&B East Inn? It's not like you stumble upon it in a back alley *a la* Indiana Jones. It's in East Delhi, which, depending on who you ask, might be considered hidden from *everything* interesting in Delhi. But here's the thing...it *kind of* is a gem, but a slightly tarnished one! You discover it more through word-of-mouth or a lucky Google search, not flashing billboards. It's got a charm that kinda grows on you, like a particularly persistent Delhi belly (hopefully minus the belly part!). So, gem-ish? Yep. Perfect? Heck no.
The Rooms: What's the Deal? I’m Talking Cleanliness, Space, and That All-Important Air Conditioning.
Rooms. Ah, the rooms. Let's start with the good: The air conditioning? Gloriously effective. Delhi heat is NO JOKE, people. Seriously, you'll be eternally grateful for that. The mattresses? Surprisingly comfortable. I slept like a baby. A baby who, admittedly, woke up at 4:00 AM thanks to the delightful symphony of Delhi traffic, but that's not the *hotel's* fault, is it? (Though the thin walls might deserve some side-eye.) Space? Decent enough. Not palatial, but you're not tripping over your luggage.
Now, the less exciting stuff: Cleanliness is... well, it’s alright. It's not *pristine*. It's the kind of clean where you *maybe* wouldn't eat food directly off the floor (but hey, I've seen worse street food!). Dust bunnies might occasionally stage a coup. But generally, it's safe and functional. One time, I found a rogue hair in the bathroom. Not *my* hair, mind you. That was a bit... unsettling. I made a mental note to bring more hand sanitizer next time.
My main takeaway? Don't expect a five-star hotel experience. Expect a solid, comfortable basecamp from which to explore the amazing (and sometimes overwhelming) city of Delhi. Also, bring some Clorox wipes, you'll thank me.
Location, Location, Location: Is it actually *convenient* for, you know, sightseeing? Or am I going to spend all day stuck in traffic?
Ugh, Delhi traffic. It deserves its own circle of hell. The S&B East Inn is, well, in East Delhi. Which, as I mentioned earlier, is not in the center of all the major tourist attractions. You're looking at a solid 30-45 minutes to get to Old Delhi (where you REALLY want to go for the sights, the sounds, and the incredible food). Depending on traffic, and the time of day, it can be much longer. The Metro? A lifesaver! It's a much more efficient, and less teeth-grinding experience. But factor in a bit of a walk to the station.
It's not ideal for a super-convenient, hit-everything-in-a-day itinerary. But it does make it a lot easier to escape the noise and chaos, which, by the way, you REALLY want to do at the end of a day of exploring!
Breakfast Included? And More Importantly, Is the Food Any *Good*? Because a Bad Breakfast Can Ruin a Whole Day.
Breakfast is included. Hallelujah. And honestly? It's not bad. It's not mind-blowing, life-changing cuisine, but it's a solid start to your day. They'll often have a selection of Indian dishes (aloo paratha – YES PLEASE!), plus some more Western-style options like toast, eggs, and sometimes even cereal. The coffee? Drinkable, but don’t expect gourmet.
Here's a confession: One morning, I was feeling particularly adventurous (read: jet-lagged and slightly manic), and I tried everything. *Everything*. I looked like a walking buffet by the end. It was glorious. Highly recommend (if you’re feeling brave).
The restaurant in general is OK, but don't go expecting Michelin stars. It's convenient, and the staff there are very nice.
The Staff: Friendly Faces or Soul-Crushing Bureaucracy? I Need the Honest Truth!
The staff are a mixed bag, like every hotel. Most of them are super friendly and helpful. They really try to make you feel welcome. They may not be fluent in a dozen languages, but they'll go out of their way to assist, and that matters a lot.
I had one minor issue where -- long story short -- my laundry didn't come back as expected. But, and this is important, they fixed it with a genuine apology and went the extra mile to make things right. That kind of customer service, even in the face of a small hiccup, is what makes the S&B a good choice.
Okay, Spill the Tea, Part Deux: Is There Anything That Really *Sucked* About This Place? Be Brutally Honest!
Alright, here's the brutal honesty you crave. The noise levels? Can be a problem. As I mentioned, Delhi never sleeps, and sometimes, it feels like *your* room never sleeps either. You’ll hear everything – traffic, dogs barking, someone's phone ringing at 3 AM. Bring earplugs. Seriously. Invest in good ones.
And the internet? It's… variable. Sometimes blazing fast, sometimes frustratingly slow. If you absolutely *need* reliable internet, this might not be your best bet. But hey, it’s an opportunity to disconnect, soak it all in, and connect with the *real* world. (Though, let's be honest, I spent most of my time refreshing Instagram).
The view from my room wasn’t exactly postcard-worthy. More a collection of other buildings and the occasional stray dog. Not the most inspiring start to the day. But honestly, I wasn’t there for the view.
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