Escape to Paradise: Shillong's Super Hotel O Am B&B Awaits!
So, You Think You Wanna Escape to Paradise? My Shillong Shout-Out: O Am B&B Review! (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, alright, buckle up buttercups! We’re about to dive headfirst into the misty, magical world of Shillong and, specifically, the "Super Hotel" they call O Am B&B. I’m gonna be brutally honest (because honey, who has time for fake reviews?), so get ready for the real deal. This isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure; this is me, your friendly, slightly sleep-deprived reviewer, unfiltered!
First Impressions? (Or, How I Almost Lost My Way Getting There)
Finding O Am? Well, let's just say my sense of direction is about on par with a goldfish. Getting to the B&B involved a winding drive up a hill that made my stomach do the cha-cha. But hey, the journey is part of the adventure, right? (Narrator voice: "It was." My voice: "Ugh, almost puked.")
Accessibility: The Good, the Meh, and the "Bless My Knees"
- Wheelchair Accessible?: Now, this is important. I'm putting it right at the top because, honestly, accessibility is a huge deal. This B&B is tricky… not ideal for full wheelchair users, especially navigating the hill, but the front desk is accessible and they have an elevator (praise be!). Always, always call ahead and double-check your specific needs. Let's face it, it’s a hilly city!
- Other Accessibility Stuff: I’m seeing "Facilities for disabled guests" – that’s good, but specifics are key. Call them, folks! I’m also seeing "Elevator" – THANK GOD! (The hill climb made me really appreciate this.)
Internet & Staying Connected: Pray for Wi-Fi! (Or at Least Free Wi-Fi!)
- Internet Access: Okay, look, I'm a digital nomad, so internet is life. They say "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" That is a win. But let’s be real: sometimes, the mountains and the Wi-Fi don't quite get along. Be prepared for spotty signal and the occasional, soul-crushing disconnect. But hey, what do you expect? You're, like, in the clouds!
- Internet [LAN] & Internet Services: The LAN thing? Probably useful for the very tech-savvy, but I don't ever use that. I need the Wi-Fi, people!
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Yup. More coverage is always good. Don't expect crystal-clear streaming while you're sipping your tea, okay?
Things to Do (And My Exhausted Musings on Relaxation… or Lack Thereof!)
Alright, so, the real draw for O Am is supposed to be the “Escape to Paradise” bit. Let's be real, that's what we're all looking for, right?
- Ways to Relax: This is where I hit a bit of a snag. I see…
- * Body Scrub, Body Wrap, Massage: Okay, now we're talking! That's the "Paradise" part speaking my language. I'm imagining myself getting all soft and relaxed. Sigh.
- * Pool with view: Yes, yes, yes! A pool with a view is my jam. (I'm picturing the misty mountains, the cool air…)
- * Sauna, Spa, Spa/Sauna, Steamroom: More relaxation options! These are the ingredients for serious chilling.
- * Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Okay, so, I'm not that into the gym while on vacation. But hey, people love it, and it's there.
- * Foot bath: That's a novel touch! Who doesn’t love a good foot soak after a day of trekking or exploring (or, you know, just existing)?
My big issue? I didn't get to experience enough of these!!! I was so busy trying to explore Shillong, I failed to even try some of these things. Facepalm. My honest mistake! I will, however, offer this advice: if these are your thing, plan it. Book that massage the second you arrive, because otherwise, life (and the mountains) will get in the way!
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Era (And My Slight Paranoia)
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Good. Very good.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Excellent.
- Hand sanitizer: Essential.
- Hygiene certification: Hopefully, they have it. This is 2024, people!
- Individually-wrapped food options: Makes sense.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Can't stress this enough.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: A MUST.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Okay, that’s interesting.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Awesome!
- Safe dining setup: Good.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: YES!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Another must, and a relief.
- Shared stationery removed: Perfect!
- Sterilizing equipment: Sounds high-tech!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Adventures (and My Carb Cravings)
O Am's dining options looked decent, but my stomach was more focused on the street food. So, here are the facts:
- Restaurants: They have them! Hopefully, with a variety of dishes.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: This is promising!
- International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: Good variety is good!
- A la carte in restaurant: Good! You can order what your stomach craves.
- Breakfast service, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: Breakfast is key. Especially with the hills! Fuel up!
- Bar, Poolside bar: Score! Cocktails and mountain views? Yes, please!
- Desserts in restaurant: Always necessary!
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Essential for me!
- Room service [24-hour]: Jackpot. Perfect for late-night cravings.
- Snack bar: Good for those mid-afternoon hunger pangs.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Always appreciated!
Services and Conveniences: What Makes Life Easier (And My Grumbling Less Severe)
This section is all about the nitty-gritty that can make or break a stay.
- Air conditioning in public area: Crucial for climate control.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, please! I make a mess.
- Elevator: LIFESAVER!
- Facilities for disabled guests: Double-check with the hotel.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Essential for all travelers.
- Luggage storage: Helpful!
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Car parking is ALWAYS a win!
- Concierge, Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, Safety deposit boxes: Good to see these extra services!
For the Kids: The Family Aspect (Or, "Is This Place Kid-Friendly?")
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: If you're traveling with kids, definitely check on the babysitting and kids facilities, but I didn’t see anything super-specific for kids, so be prepared.
Getting Around: Navigating Shillong (and My Existential Crisis)
- Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: Getting around is important!
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials (And My Personal Must-Haves)
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: I am honestly impressed!
My Final Verdict (And the Big, Bold Recommendation)
Look, O Am B&B isn't flawless. But it's charming, it's got potential for a relaxing escape, and it genuinely wants you to have a good time.
My Recommendation:
- **If you
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're not just going on a trip to Shillong, India, we're going on a VIBE. And that vibe will originate at the Super Hotel O Am Bed and Breakfast. Prepare for a rollercoaster of feelings and questionable life choices.
Shillong Shenanigans: A Messy, Glorious Itinerary
(Day 1: Arrival of the Lost Souls – Shillong's Embrace)
- Morning (or Whenever You Crawl Out of That Plane, Probably After Midnight): Touchdown at the Umroi Airport, which, bless its tiny heart, feels like a glorified bus station. Pray to the travel gods your luggage arrives. Pro Tip: Pack a small, desperate bag with essentials because, let's be honest, your checked bag will probably end up in Kathmandu. That’s just how life works, folks. Get a pre-booked cab to the Super Hotel O Am. The drive? Breathtaking, if you ignore the potential for altitude sickness and the fact that you're pretty sure you've inhaled a year's worth of pollution.
- Afternoon: Arrive at the Super Hotel O Am. It's…charming. In a "my grandma's spare room" kind of way. The view from the balcony? Stunning. Seriously, make a mental note to breathe it in. Immediately unpack, because the anxiety of living out of a suitcase for an entire trip is, frankly, debilitating. Plop down on the bed and stare into space for a good 2 hours due to jet lag which is not fun!
- Evening: First, a shower! Then, wander around Shillong. The market is a sensory overload of smells and sounds and people bumping into you. Find a little place to eat. It is an experience of a lifetime! You'll probably order something you can't pronounce, eat it with your hands, and secretly love it. Try the Jadoh. It's pork. With blood. Don't ask questions. Just…eat it. And after, head back to the hotel and fall into a coma (aka blissful sleep).
**(Day 2: Living that "Hill Station Life")
- Morning: Wake up to a cacophony of bird song (or maybe it's the neighbour's rooster). Breakfast at the Hotel. It's simple, but it's real. And the ginger tea? Oh, the ginger tea will make you forget all your problems. Do a little yoga, or maybe don't.
- Afternoon: Explore the town, visiting the Lady Hydari Park. It's pretty, but you will feel like an alien walking through it. Get weird looks from adorable children. Wander aimlessly through the market, pretending like you know what you're doing. Pick up some questionable “authentic” souvenirs. Buy a cheap scarf that'll probably fall apart in a week.
- Evening: Tonight, try the local Khasi food. It is so special! Be brave, order something you've never heard of. It's an adventure! Go to bed.
(Day 3: The "Lake of Dreams" and the Art of Being Lost)
- Morning: Okay, today we're trekking to Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani Lake. The sheer blue of the lake is so refreshing that it takes your breath away. I still am shocked by how much water there is.
- Afternoon: This is where things can get messy. Get lost. That is one of the most fun moments of travel! It's an opportunity to talk to strangers, learn a little bit of the local language, and have a story to tell. Maybe I'll get caught in a downpour and have to huddle under a tiny awning with a group of giggling teenagers. Laugh about it.
- Evening: Head back to Shillong. Eat something easy to digest and try to sleep.
**(Day 4: The Cherrapunjee Extravaganza!)
- Morning: Early start! Cherrapunjee (Sohra) is a must-do, known for being one of the wettest places on earth. You're probably gonna get soaked. Embrace the dampness. Head to the Seven Sisters Falls but it's probably foggy (it always is).
- Afternoon: Head to the double-decker living root bridge. The living root bridge is a must-see. It feels like stepping into another world. You and your crew will get to see the bridge.
- Evening: Back to Shillong, get a good sleep.
(Day 5: Goodbye, Shillong (Maybe With a Tear and a Curry Stain))
- Morning: One last leisurely breakfast. Savor it. Try to burn the memory into your brain. Do some last-minute souvenir hunting (because you're probably still missing a key present or two).
- **Afternoon: Leave Shillong. Head to the airport. And say goodbye.
Important Notes and Ramblings:
- Pacing: This itinerary is a suggestion, okay? If you want to spend an entire day staring at the clouds, do it!
- Food: Eat everything. Be open-minded. Don't be afraid to try new things. And maybe pack some Pepto-Bismol. Just in case.
- People: Talk to the locals. They're amazing. They'll probably tell you stories, laugh with you, and help you out when you inevitably get lost.
- Imperfections: Embrace them! The bus will be late. The weather will change on a dime. You'll probably say the wrong thing. It's all part of the adventure.
- Emotions: Feel them! Cry, laugh, get frustrated, be in awe. This trip is yours. Make it messy. Make it real. Make it unforgettable.
Final Thought: Shillong is a place that gets under your skin. It’s not perfect, but it's beautiful, and it’s real. You will have a blast if you let your hair down and just be. Now get out there and make some memories!
Vienna's HOTTEST Hotel Near Westbahnhof: Mercure Awaits!
Alright, so... what *is* the deal with these FAQs anyway? Are we talking about answering questions about, like, *life*? Because my therapist is already booked solid.
Good question! Honestly? I'm not entirely sure *what* the 'deal' is. It's like, we're supposed to be answering questions. About... stuff. I think the stuff is supposed to be somewhat related to a given topic. But really, I'm just winging it. Like that time I tried to make a soufflé for a dinner party and ended up with, well, a *deflated* disaster. Let's just say the guests were VERY polite. So, yeah. FAQ is short for Frequently Asked Questions, so *someone* must have asked. I'm here to… pretend to know the answers. Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it.
Okay, okay, I get the general gist of FAQs. But LIKE, what kind of *tone* are we going for here? Upbeat? Serious? Theatrical? I need to know before I, like, commit to my *tone*!
Oh, the tone. Right, the tone. That elusive, ever-changing beast. Look, frankly? We are aiming for "authentically human." Which means… all of the above. Upbeat sometimes. Serious when the mood strikes. Theatrical when I feel like putting on a show (because, let’s face it, I *love* drama). Think of it as a rollercoaster ride for the heart, the mind, and the occasional spilled coffee. Honestly it's like getting a puppy... you think you know what you're in for, but it's just going to be pure chaos. Probably a lot of it.
So, are we talking about, like, a *specific* topic here? Like, are these FAQs about, I don't know, *how to bake a perfect croissant*? Because I've failed at that about ten times.
Okay, alright, you caught me. I was hoping to keep the croissants a secret. (Just kidding! I can't bake a croissant to save my life.) No, not croissants specifically. But maybe. Who knows? The beauty (and the terror) of this whole thing is that the topic is fluid. Open to suggestions, I’m basically just bouncing whatever feels right in the moment. So, yes... maybe croissants. Maybe existentialism. Probably both, at some point. And likely with a side of my personal, often-misguided, opinions.
Real talk: How honest can we get? Like, can we talk about the times we messed up *big time*? Because I've got some stories.
Oh, my sweet summer child. HONESTY is the name of the game! Messing up? That’s the entire point! We’re building a monument to imperfection! My personal hall of shame is, I admit, impressively large. Think of the time I accidentally set the microwave on fire trying to reheat leftovers? Yeah. Good times. We're celebrating the messy, the awkward, the downright embarrassing. So bring on the stories! Spill the tea! Let the world know we've all been there, done that, and probably burned a few things along the way. We are going to be brutally honest. Brutally. (And probably a little silly.)
Okay, so, what if I don't like the answers? Will I get a refund on the existential dread I'm undoubtedly going to experience?
Hahaha. Oh. Oh dear. A refund? Buddy, my therapist doesn't even offer a refund. The existential dread? That's a bonus feature! Think of it as… a package deal. Look, I’m not responsible for the inner workings of your soul. I’m just a person on the internet… who is trying to answer questions. Try to enjoy the ride! Or at least, don't blame me if you suddenly feel the urge to question everything. I didn't even invent questioning things. But, if you find something valuable, you are welcome. And if that is not the case? Well, you are free to run screaming into the night. I won't judge. (Okay, maybe a little.)
Alright, let's say I'm feeling *particularly* brave. Can I ask *anything*? Like, even the really weird stuff?
Why not? Why not indeed. The weirder, the better. Honestly, I thrive on the bizarre. The totally random. The questions that make you think, "Wait, did I *really* just think that?" The deepest corners of the internet are now accessible! I'm ready. Bring on the weird stuff! Just promise me you won’t ask me to explain quantum physics. I got a C in Physics in high school, and I don’t think my brain has fully recovered. But everything else? Fire away! I might not have answers, but I promise I'll have *opinions.* And that's half the battle, right?
This is all sounding suspiciously like... fun? Are you sure you know what you're doing? And are we talking about topics or just a series of existential ramblings with some pretty pictures?
Fun? Maybe. I *hope* so. If "fun" means a slightly unhinged journey through the human condition, peppered with questionable metaphors and the occasional tangent about the existential angst of a houseplant, then YES. This is fun. Am I sure I know what I'm doing? Absolutely not. But hey, at least we're learning together! And you know, who's to say what we're discussing. I am not sure! Pictures are a great idea, I will try my best to get you some! I am not a fan of structure, so I will try my best to keep this as open as possible. So yeah, lots of topics, lots of tangents, probably a few typos, and hopefully? A few laughs. (And if not? Well, at least we'll commiserate together.)
Since we're on the topic, what's the absolute WORST thing that could happen during this FAQ experience? Like, the catastrophic, the utter disaster?
Oh man. Okay, let me think. The absolute WORST thing? Hmm... *Probably* the internet collapsing during a particularly insightful moment. Or maybe me accidentally revealing all my deepest, darkest secrets. Or perhaps discovering that this whole thing is just a simulation, and our overlords are *Delightful Hotels
