O Apollo Ahmedabad: India's BEST Hotel? (You WON'T Believe This!)
O Apollo Ahmedabad: India's BEST Hotel? (You WON'T Believe This!) - My HOT Take!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea on O Apollo Ahmedabad. Is it India’s best hotel? That's a bold claim, and honestly? I'm still processing. This wasn't just a hotel stay; it was…an experience. Let's unpack this mess, shall we?
(Disclaimer: I might ramble. I’m naturally prone to it. Also, I'm not getting paid for this. Just fueled by copious amounts of hotel coffee. And possibly, a slight existential crisis.)
Accessibility: The Good, The Okay, and the "Needs Improvement"
Okay, let's be real, accessibility is HUGE. The O Apollo tries. They say they have facilities for disabled guests (under "Services and Conveniences" - gotta love those hidden categories!). The elevator is a definite plus, a huge win, especially if you get a room on a higher floor (which, by the way, try to get. The views… chef’s kiss). BUT, and this is a big but, I didn’t personally scout every inch. So, while the intention seems there, I can't give a definitive "all clear" on wheelchair accessibility. I'd recommend calling ahead and getting SUPER specific if that's a priority. Don't go in blind like I sometimes do!
Internet: The Untamed Frontier
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? YES! Praise the internet gods! And, oh, sweet mercy, there's even…Internet access – LAN?! Look, I'm old school. I like physical connections. I still have a dial-up modem in my garage. Kidding! Mostly. Anyway, the Wi-Fi was generally decent, particularly in the public areas (good for those sneaky work emails while sipping coffee – shhh!). The speed wasn't blazing fast, you know, the kind you dream about, but it got the job done. No major buffering disasters while binge-watching Bollywood classics. That’s a win in my book.
(Rant Alert: Anyone else find the constant password changes infuriating? It’s like a digital puzzle I’m not good at. And always on the verge of giving up.)
Things to Do to Chill Out Like a Boss (or at Least Try To)
Spa/Sauna - Now we're talking! I'm a sucker for a good sauna. The O Apollo brags about its Spa. Which, you know, I'm sold. However, I didn't actually use it. My bad. I was too busy running around, exploring the city, eating ALL the street food. Which, looking back, was maybe…a mistake? Could have used a massage after that. Maybe next time. (Mental note: prioritize spa time!) Pool with View - YES! I did manage to catch the pool. It was beautiful! The view from the pool was a perfect blend of city and sky. Though, beware: one day it was packed. It was the local holiday or something. No zen vibes that day. Just a lot of splashing. Ahh well.
Fitness Center - Tried to squeeze in a workout (bless my over-eager self). It was functional, not a state-of-the-art gym, but it worked. Got the blood flowing after all that delicious food.
(Emotional Reaction: Sometimes I feel like I'm on a mission to find perfection. It's exhausting. Do I need to get over it? Yes. Do I listen? Rarely.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Making Sure Your Stay Isn't a Biohazard
Okay, let's be real, post-pandemic, this is a BIG deal. The O Apollo seems to take it seriously. They trot out buzzwords like "Anti-viral cleaning products," "Daily disinfection in common areas," and "Rooms sanitized between stays." They even have "Staff trained in safety protocol!" (Thank god.) I saw staff wearing masks and using hand sanitizer everywhere. I didn't get the feeling that anyone was slacking. I felt safe, but, again, I'm not a germ expert, so take my word with a grain of salt.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (and My Insatiable Appetite)
Where do I begin?! The FOOD! This is where O Apollo shines, baby! Multiple restaurants, including "Restaurants." (Yes, I know, groundbreaking observation.)
- Breakfast buffet: Solid. Not the best I've ever had, but a good spread, and they have the "Asian breakfast" (which translates into a crazy delicious variety of options.) Also, Western breakfast!
- A la carte in restaurant: Didn't try everything.
- Restaurants: Good. Fine. (I'm simplifying, I spent most of my dining experience just trying to keep up to be honest.)
- Coffee/tea in restaurant Absolutely! Coffee was a must.
- Poolside bar: The ultimate. Sipping a cocktail by the pool, soaking up the sun… pure bliss.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Yes, please! Perfect for those late-night cravings (speaking from experience). I may or may not have ordered a pizza at 2 am. Don't judge.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant Yes! Delicious!
- Western cuisine in restaurant also available.
- Vegetarian restaurant Awesome for health conscious eaters.
(Quirky observation: The waiters were incredibly polite. Almost to a fault. I felt slightly guilty asking for extra ketchup.)
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Some I Barely Noticed)
Okay, here's where the O Apollo flexes its muscles. They have everything. Seriously.
- Business Facilities: Yep, they seem to have a decent business center, but I spent most of my time away from my desk so…
- Concierge: Super helpful. They helped me navigate the city, find the best spice markets, and even book a taxi. Saved me a ton of time!
- Currency Exchange: Essential for a tourist.
- Daily Housekeeping: Impeccable. My room was constantly sparkling.
- Doorman: Very welcoming.
- Elevator: A blessing!
- Ironing Service, Laundry Service: You know, all those things that make life easier.
- Meeting/Banquet Facilities: Fine, if you need them
- Luggage storage: Very convenient.
- Safety deposit boxes: always a good idea.
- Air conditioning: Required, especially in Ahmedabad!
- Car park [free of charge]: HUGE plus! Finding parking in Ahmedabad can be a nightmare. This was a life-saver.
- Food delivery Yes.
(Messy Structure, Rambling: Okay, I'm realizing I'm barely mentioning the rooms! They were nice! Clean, comfortable beds, good air conditioning (essential!). I liked the "complimentary tea" – really good for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. There’s a "Coffee/tea maker" available in every room! But Honestly, there are so many things I am bad at, and being observant of the room features is one of them. So, sue me.)
For the Kids: (Not My Area of Expertise, But I Observed)
They have "Babysitting service". They seem to be family-friendly. I didn't see a ton of kids running around, but I did see some "Kids facilities," so, yeah, it seems good.
Getting Around: Navigating the Chaos (and Finding the Hotel)
- Airport Transfer: Definitely take advantage of this. Makes arrival and departure so much smoother.
- Car park [free of charge]
- Taxi service
- Valet parking
(Stronger Emotional Reaction: Finding the O Apollo was a bit of a challenge. Signage could be better. I almost missed it! But, hey, it added to the adventure, right?… Right??)
Available in All Rooms: The Essentials (and a Few Luxuries)
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Coffee/tea maker
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Mini bar
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the delightful chaos that is Super Hotel O Apollo in Ahmedabad, India. Consider this less a schedule, more a… vibe.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Encounters, and the Glorious Samosa Deluge
Morning (7:00 AM - Uh, Whenever I Wake Up, Basically): Landed at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in a haze of jet lag and general bewilderment. Found the pre-paid taxi stand – a miracle in itself! The drive to the hotel was a blur of honking, cows (seriously, cows!), and a driver who seemed to be auditioning for a Formula One team.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM -ish): Arrived at the Super Hotel O Apollo. The lobby shrieked "modern India" – sleek lines, a slightly bewildered Buddha statue, and a receptionist who looked like she'd seen it all (and probably had). Check-in took longer than expected because I couldn't find the booking confirmation email. Face palm. Finally, after a lot of frantic scrolling and a slightly mortified expression on my part, success!
Lunch (12:00 PM - Let's Just Say "Whenever Hunger Strikes"): Room check-in followed. Then, the hunger pangs hit, so I rushed down to the hotel restaurant – "The Apollo Cafe," which had a perfectly generic name, and a perfectly amazing samosa. I might have eaten about five. Don't judge me, they were like little golden pockets of happiness, and after a long flight journey, I needed to feel all the happiness that I could, and the Samosas did the job.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM -ish): The afternoon was a fog of disorientation. Tried to navigate the chaotic traffic outside the hotel. Fail. Resorted to a power nap in my room, dreaming of samosas. Woke up feeling incredibly gross and sweaty. This heat…oh man.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Decided to be adventurous and explore the local area. Found a chai stall and ordered a "masala chai." It was so good, a fiery explosion of ginger, cardamom, and heaven. Wandered into a bustling market – a sensory overload in the best way possible. The smells, the colours, the people – it was all utterly captivating. I also saw some really curious jewelry, but I'm not sure if they are the real deal, so I'm going back tomorrow to check it out again.
Dinner (8:00 PM): Back at the hotel. The restaurant was still open. I tried the butter chicken! It was divine. Ate it slowly, savoring every bite, and thinking about how I was probably going to gain 10 pounds on this trip. Worth it.
Day 2: The Sabarmati Riverfront Fiasco and the Epic Mango Lassi Quest
Morning (8:00 AM -ish): Attempted to be a tourist, but failed the attempt. The hotel's complimentary breakfast was…well, free. The dosa was questionable, but the coffee was strong. Packed a bottle of water and headed off to my next adventure.
Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Sabarmati Riverfront. It was a beautiful concept, and the water was dirty. I was a bit disappointed, but It was still pretty on the eye. I felt like I wanted more.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The mango lassi quest had begun! Asked a hotel staff member where to find the best mango lassi in Ahmedabad. He directed me to a place that was "a bit of a walk." Took him at his word and set off. Ended up wandering around for an hour, getting horribly lost in the process. Finally found the lassi place. The lassi was liquid gold, a symphony of mango and sweet yogurt. Worth every single sweaty, frustrated step. I drank three.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Spent an hour in the hotel's (surprisingly nice) air-conditioned room. Researched the next place I would like to explore. Then, I ran off to find a tailor as I thought it would make a good souvenir for the girls back home. Apparently, its the hottest trend.
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The tailor was closed, but while I was there I could not help but notice that little snacks and drinks were being sold, so I got a bit. I was there for nearly an hour. The food was good, but the best part was seeing the staff work.
Dinner (8:00 PM - Late): Back at the hotel restaurant, I ended up ordering the same dish as last night, but this time I asked to make it mild. The waiter looked a bit confused, but I didn't want to take any chances. After an hour, I was still waiting. I was about to cancel when they gave me the dish. It looked and smelled so good!
Day 3: The Unforgettable Temple Visit and the Existential Crisis Snack
Morning (8:00 AM): Woke up feeling like I'd been hit by a train. Jet lag, food coma, and the general stress of being in a new place were all taking their toll.
Late Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): The day I visited a temple. The architecture was awe-inspiring. The energy was palpable. I sat, I observed, I tried (and mostly failed) to understand the rituals. I felt a profound sense of peace. I also got completely lost in the temple complex, and once I found my way out, I felt happy.
Lunch (1:00 PM): A small cafe nearby, a sandwich and a cup of tea. It was an unremarkable, but perfect, existential experience.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Woken up. I started packing for my next travel location. I'm probably going to eat a lot again.
Evening (7:00 PM onwards): Last dinner at the hotel. I had a very nice conversation with a family at the bar. I hope I see them next time I'm around here.
Final Thoughts (As Messy as the Rest):
Super Hotel O Apollo. Ahmedabad: a chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable experience. Did I stick to a strict itinerary? Absolutely not. Would I trade the spontaneous adventures, the culinary discoveries (and the inevitable food comas), the cultural immersion, and the moments of sheer, unadulterated wonder for a perfectly planned trip? Not a chance. This trip was just what I needed!
Escape to Paradise: GreenTree Eastern Quzhou Hewu Road Hotel Awaits!
So, uh... what *is* this thing anyway? Like, actually?
Okay, deep breaths. This is where it gets... complicated. Honestly? I'm still not entirely sure. It's like trying to describe the taste of purple. I *know* it exists, I *feel* it, but putting it into words? Forget about it. The best I can say is... Imagine a rubber ducky fighting a swarm of robot bees while wearing a tutu, and you're getting *close*. Very close. Okay, maybe not. That's my Tuesday, not necessarily this. See? Already rambling. Sorry! I guess the core point is that there is no single true or set definition.
How do I start? I feel lost, like I'm standing on the edge of a cliff.
Oh, honey, I *get* that. The cliff is a very real thing. I remember the first time... I was paralyzed. Actually, I was just eating ice cream and watching trash TV. But in my head, I wanted to do the right thing, and that was terrifying.
Here's the thing: you just... start. Like, today. Right now. Don't overthink it. The overthinking is the cliff. Put one foot in front of the other, even if it's the wrong foot. Make mistakes. Learn from them. And for the love of all that is holy, *don't* try to be perfect. Perfection is the enemy of... well, everything fun. Trust me, I've been there. I *tried* to be perfect once. I ended up crying in a Costco parking lot over a slightly bruised avocado. Let that be a lesson.
Just embrace the chaos. It's more fun that way.
Will I fail? Like, a lot?
Okay, let's be brutally honest here: yes. You will fail. Probably spectacularly. And you know what? That's okay! It's not only okay, it's *essential*. Think of it like learning to ride a bike. You're gonna fall. You're gonna scrape your knees. You might even cry a little (I still do!). But eventually, you'll find your balance.
My own epic fail? Oh, man. Let's just say I once tried to... never mind. I'm still blushing. The point is, failure is a learning opportunity disguised as a humiliating experience. Embrace the humiliation! Make it your friend! Tell stories about it at parties. It'll make you seem more... relatable. And honestly, way more fun.
What if I'm... not good at this?
That's the best part! Because who *is* good at everything? Seriously, the very idea makes me want to run screaming into the hills. If you’re not feeling amazing, then that means you still have room to grow. I am consistently terrible at a lot of things. But that's how you get better. Think of all the things you are not good at. What would you like to be better at? Then just start.
Look, there's a lot of pressure out there to be "amazing" and "gifted" and "a freaking unicorn." Ignore it. Just do your thing. Be messy. Be imperfect. Be authentically *you*. That’s the only thing that matters. And besides, the world is full of genuinely awful people. Be better than that.
How do I deal with imposter syndrome? It's eating me alive!
Oh, imposter syndrome. The bane of my existence, the voice in my head telling me I’m a fraud, a fake, a big ol' phony. You're not alone. Seriously, not even remotely. I tell myself this daily, but the voice is persistent. The best way to combat it? You gotta fight fire with fire, but in a weird, self-loving way. First, acknowledge it. "Yep, imposter syndrome is here. You got me." Then, ask yourself, "Why am I feeling this way?" Because maybe, just maybe, you're actually doing something *worth* feeling like an imposter about. That's right - you’re probably just scared about not being the best at something. The best way out? Do it anyway!
And when the little voice starts whispering its lies, remember this: Everyone else is probably faking it too. We're all just winging it, pretending we know what we're doing. It's a grand charade. Embrace the absurdity! Embrace the fact that you *don't* have all the answers. No one does. We're all just trying to figure things out as we go.
Is it a waste of time?
Honestly? Maybe. Everything is, in the grand scheme of the universe. We're all just tiny specks of dust hurtling through space. But here's the thing: time is the only thing we truly have. So, use it. Waste it. Fill it with things that spark joy, or curiosity, or even just mild amusement. If it ends up being a "waste"? Well, at least you wasted it doing something you *chose* to do. That's better than wasting it on something you *didn't* want to do, right?
Did I mention that I've spent hours scrolling through cat videos? Yes, yes, a lot of time. But am I sad about it? Never. Sometimes you've got to do what brings you joy and sometimes you just have to watch a cat try to squeeze itself in a box. Embrace all the madness.
What about the haters?
Oh, the haters. They're out there. I've had my share. They are loud and like to hide behind screens. Here’s my advice for tackling the trolls and the negativity: Don’t. Seriously, don’t engage. Don’t read the comments. Don't waste your energy on people who are clearly miserable. Their negativity is a reflection of *them*, not you. And if their opinion matters that much to you, then you shouldn't be doing whatever it is in the first place.
Unless the feedback is actually constructive, of course. Then, by all means, listen. But most of the online trash is just that, trash. And it’s not worth taking out the garbage when it will only accumulate more trash. I have wasted SO MUCH time getting into pointless arguments with people on the internet. Don't do it. They will suck the joy right out of you. Ignore the noise, and focus on what matters: your joy, your passion and your goals.
Okay, I'm convinced. Where do I start, *really*?
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