Unbelievable Luxury: Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh - Delhi's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Luxury: Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh - Delhi's Hidden Gem!
Unbelievable Luxury: Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh - Delhi's Hidden Gem? (My Unfiltered Take)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I've just emerged from the… well, the “Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh” – what a mouthful! Seriously, someone needs to streamline that name. But hey, if the hotel itself delivers on the "unbelievable luxury" promise, I'm willing to forgive a clunky moniker. And, spoiler alert: it’s complicated. Really, really complicated. This is going to be a long one, so grab some chai (on the house, hopefully, after this review!) because we’re diving deep.
SEO & Metadata Stuff Before We Get Real (Ugh):
- Keywords: Delhi Hotels, Shalimar Bagh Delhi, Luxury Hotel Delhi, Spa Delhi, Swimming Pool Delhi, Restaurant Delhi, Family Hotel Delhi, Wheelchair Accessible Delhi, Wi-Fi Delhi, Business Hotel Delhi, Weddings Delhi, Events Delhi.
- Target Audience: Travelers seeking luxury, accessibility, families, business travelers, event planners.
Accessibility: The Good, the Bad, and the Slightly Confusing
Right, let's start with important stuff: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and thankfully, the hotel mostly delivers. The elevator is, thankfully, present, and that's a massive win. There seem to be ramps where needed. However, I will say it: it's not ALWAYS easy to navigate. At times, it felt like I was on a treasure hunt to find the right route. While they say they have Facilities for disabled guests, I wish some signage was better. Some areas felt a teensy bit cramped, which could be problematic for wheelchair users. Still, generally speaking, it's better than some other hotels I've seen around here, but maybe more improvement on the directional aspect would be appreciated.
Internet Access: Speed, Please!
Internet Access. They have it. They totally have it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank goodness. Otherwise, I would have gone crazy. Internet [LAN], too, for those who still want that old-school connection (who are you?). Wi-Fi in public areas also – crucial for those Instagram moments! But, honestly, the connection speed? A bit glacial at times. And no, not the trendy, "artisanal" kind of glacial. More like the “I’m-waiting-for-the-dial-up-modem-to-connect” glacial. I tried to update my blog and I’m still waiting to upload a photo of that incredible dosa!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa-tacular (or Not?)
This is where things get REALLY interesting. Let's begin with the Spa. Oh, the Spa. The brochure promised paradise. I'm happy to admit that I wanted to be in paradise. I craved it. I got myself to the Spa/sauna. I was determined for a Body scrub and a Body wrap (because, you know, I'm all about self-care). And then… something happened. The music. Oh, the music. It was… how to put this… elevator music with a tabla beat? It was jarring! And the sauna, sadly, wasn't hot enough, so I ended up a little disappointed, because, again, I wanted to LOVE it.
But the Massage? Now, that was great. I'll give them that. The therapist was incredibly skilled, and finally, the world went still for an hour. The Pool with view was lovely, even if it felt a bit small. And there are lots of other options: Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Foot bath. I would be happy if everything lived up to the massage!
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID-19 Factor
Okay, let's be honest, this is a MAJOR concern right now. And "Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh" seems to have taken it seriously. I saw signs everywhere about Hygiene certification. They claim to use Anti-viral cleaning products. There are Hand sanitizers everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? I hope so – everyone seemed to be following the rules. I mean, there was even Room sanitization opt-out available, if you're THAT brave. And they have Physical distancing of at least 1 meter (mostly observed, though some guests seemed to forget!).
Now, the tricky thing: I'm a bit of a germaphobe. I mean, I wouldn't say I'm OCD, but I’m aware. While they have Rooms sanitized between stays, I still brought my own wipes. I'm just saying, they say they do all this, and I hope they do. I will say I appreciated the effort.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Buffet of Experiences
Alright, food. Always a critical area, right? The restaurants here are numerous! There are Restaurants, Coffee shop, Poolside bar, Snack bar. The Buffet in restaurant was impressive. And with options like Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, there's something for everyone.
But let's get to the heart of the matter: the breakfast. I adore breakfast. It sets the tone for the entire day. And the breakfast here was… inconsistent. The Buffet in restaurant was chaotic. There were a few times when I had to wait for someone to refresh the options. I loved the Coffee/tea in restaurant, but even that was unreliable. One morning, the coffee tasted like dishwater. However, I went back to bed and ordered Breakfast in room. And that… that was a game changer. The room service was spot-on. They brought me a massive tray, with hot idlis, a South Indian breakfast, and a fruit platter. It was heavenly.
And the desserts! My God, the desserts! I'm a sucker for a good dessert. The Desserts in restaurant were glorious. The best part? They had ice cream!
Other highlights: Happy hour at the bar was decent, though service was a little slow. Room service [24-hour] is a lifesaver. The A la carte in restaurant options are decent, too, but I always lean towards the buffet, if I may be honest.
Services and Conveniences: The Usual Suspects
Most of the standard services were available: Air conditioning in public area, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Safety deposit boxes. Not bad. Not bad at all.
For the Kids: Babysitting, Anyone?
I can’t vouch for the For the kids section (I don't have kids). They do offer Babysitting service and have Kids facilities, so if you're traveling with little ones, it appears to be a good option.
Rooms: The Real Test
The rooms. My room! It had Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, Interconnecting room(s) available,additional toilet.
It was a very nice room, I can tell you that much. Big windows. Clean. The bed was comfortable. But… the décor? It felt a little… generic. Like it was aiming for luxury, but just missed the mark by a hair. It was nice, but not unforgettable.
My biggest gripe? The Soundproofing was a bit lacking. I could hear the people in the hallway. And that’s never ideal when you're trying to relax.
Getting Around: Taxi, Taxi!
They offer Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking. Convenient. Easy. No major complaints here.
The Emotional Rollercoaster:
So, would I recommend "Unbelievable Luxury: Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh"? That’s the million-dollar question. This hotel is a paradox. It's got a lot going for it: the spa, the room service breakfast, the massage, the commitment to safety. But there are also these niggling little issues: the iffy internet, the inconsistent breakfast, the lack of excitement.
I'm going to give it a solid three and a half stars. It’s not quite “unbelievable,” but it’s definitely a solid choice. It’s a good option for relaxation, for families. Be prepared for a slightly uneven experience. But don’t let that totally deter you. With a few minor tweaks, this
SleepOver Lanseria: Your Johannesburg Getaway Awaits!Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, messy, chaotic adventure that is… my trip to Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh in New Delhi! (Or, as I'm now calling it, "The Bollywood Hotel"). Prepare for a journey that's less "bullet points and perfect timing" and more "winging it with a side of existential dread and a whole lotta chai."
Day 1: Delhi Belly (…and a Whirlwind of Arrival)
7:00 AM (ish): Ugh. The alarm. That soul-crushing, ear-splitting bleat of "Wake Up!" (which, ironically, doesn't wake me up instantly). Drag myself out of bed, bleary-eyed and clutching my phone. Gotta catch that pre-dawn flight to Delhi. Praying the airline food is… well, edible this time. My last flight involved a chicken dish that looked suspiciously like a biological experiment gone wrong.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: (ish): Holy cow, the Delhi airport! It's a sensory overload, in the best way possible. The smells of spices, the chattering of a million different languages, the sheer buzz of a city that always wakes up. After almost missing grabbing my luggage, I somehow actually cleared customs. Hallelujah! Now, the real fun begins: finding my pre-booked taxi. Let's pray they actually ARE there!
- Anecdote: The taxi driver… bless his heart… barely spoke English. The whole conversation was a glorious mix of hand gestures, raised eyebrows, and me yelling "Shalimar Bagh!" like I was auditioning for a Bollywood film. Eventually, we made it. Victory!
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: (ish): Check-in at the Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh. Ok, first impressions: the lobby! It's… well, it’s bright pink. I expected a more muted palette, so I would be wrong, as it turns out. The staff are super smiley and attentive. The room… slightly smaller than I expected, but hey, it's clean, and the AC works (a HUGE win in Delhi!). Unpack. Briefly. Mostly just throwing everything onto the bed and hoping for the best.
- Quirky Observation: Shower situation: a whole 'nother adventure! The hot water is "sometimes" hot and "sometimes" lukewarm. I'm embracing the unpredictability. It's character-building, right?
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: (ish): Lunch. Restaurant recommendation? I'm famished! Let's find a street food stall nearby to taste the real side of Delhi. I tried a samosa. The first bite was almost too much to handle. The spices hit my tongue like a culinary explosion. The flavor was so intense… and the heat! By the end of the meal, the sweat was pouring off my forehead. I felt alive!
- Messier Structure: A quick nap. Jet lag is REAL. Then wandering aimlessly, slightly disoriented but fueled by pure curiosity and a desire for a hot (and spicy) meal.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: (ish): Explore the neighborhood surrounding the hotel. Walking around is a real eye-opener. The sheer energy of Delhi is intoxicating. The vibrant colors, the music, the constant flow of people. I'm pretty sure I saw a cow chilling on a traffic island. Welcome to India!
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM : Dinner. Okay, I'm getting my bearings. Let's find some local restaurants, and I've gotta master the art of ordering, which means I will need to get my "Indian accent" and confidence on. Let's get some "butter chicken" which is something I will start enjoying a lot more!
Day 2: Dilli Dilwale (Delhi Hearted) & Cultural Chaos
- Morning (ish): The morning ritual starts. The hotel's breakfast buffets are a chaotic delight. Food everywhere. I'm in heaven! Now ready to get my travel on!
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: (ish): Okay, let's do this! Plan a visit to a local market. This is where the REAL Delhi unfolds. The crowds, the haggling, the sheer volume of goods on display. It's going to be insane and I'm completely here for it!
- Anecdote: I attempted to haggle for a scarf. I'm pretty sure the shopkeeper was laughing at me, but I got a good deal (I think). It was a complete comedic performance.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: (ish): Lunch at a traditional restaurant. The menu is packed with dishes I can't even pronounce. I just pointed at pictures and hoped for the best. The food was amazing. Spicy, flavorful, and everything I'd dreamed of.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (ish): Take an adventure in culture. Let's take a trip to places such as The Red Fort. You can't go to Delhi and skip the culture!
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (ish): Return to the hotel. I can feel the exhaustion hitting, but I'm also buzzing with excitement.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (ish): Dinner. I'm starting to learn my way around the local cuisine. I want to try something new tonight!
Day 3: The Emotional Rollercoaster & Farewell
- Morning: Breakfast. One last glorious buffet of delicious chaos. I'm going to miss the food!
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: (ish): Well, my flight is later today, so I'm going to take one more walk and enjoy!
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: (ish): Lunch.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (ish): Final hours at the hotel, packing, and feeling a mix of emotions. Sad to leave but also overwhelmed from all the culture.
- 4:00 PM (ish): Farewell India. It was unforgettable.
- Opinionated Language: Super Collection O Shalimar Bagh? A solid choice. The staff are fantastic, and the location is decent. But, let's be real, it's the vibrant chaos of Delhi that makes this trip.
Important Disclaimer: This itinerary is a suggestion, people! Your trip will be different. Embrace the unexpected. Get lost. Eat the street food (carefully!). And remember, sometimes the best memories are made when things go hilariously wrong. Enjoy the madness!
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