Nath Palace Varanasi: India's Hidden Gem? (You Won't Believe Room #7!)
Nath Palace Varanasi: India's Hidden Gem? (Room #7… Oh. My. God.) – A Review That's Actually Real
Okay, so you're thinking about Varanasi. You’re picturing the ghats, the swirling Ganga, the… well, a sensory overload honestly. And you need a place to crash that doesn't feel like you're sleeping in an alleyway. Enter: Nath Palace Varanasi. They call it a "hidden gem." After my stay, I'd say it's more like a… slightly tarnished, yet incredibly sparkly gem. Ready for the real deal? Because this ain't no sugar-coated travel brochure.
Accessibility & Getting There (and Getting In!)
First off, let's be real. This ain't the easiest place to get to. Varanasi itself is a whirlwind. Accessibility is… challenging. I mean, India in general is, right? But the hotel itself, thankfully, has an elevator, which is a godsend. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, but I didn't get a chance to investigate that fully, mostly because I was too distracted by, well, everything else.
Getting Around: They offer airport transfer, which is essential. The traffic is a nightmare, and you NEED someone who knows the ropes. They also have taxi service, and can arrange bicycle parking. Didn’t see a car power charging station, but who's bringing their Tesla to Varanasi anyway?! I'd still give it a solid B+ for access because let’s be honest, you're going to be walking – a LOT – once you're there.
Check-in: The Welcome… and the Mild Chaos.
Check-in/out [express]? Nope. Check-in/out [private]? Maybe if you're important. It's more like a friendly, slightly disorganized hug of a welcome. The staff is genuinely lovely, eager to please, and, at times, hilariously inefficient. But hey, that's India, right? The doorman is always there, ready to greet you with a smile and help with your luggage. They also have the usual front desk [24-hour] setup, which is a comfort.
The Rooms (And the Legend of Room #7!)
Okay. This is where things get interesting. Because I’m talking about Room #7. The one that’s probably going to haunt my dreams (in a good way!).
First impressions? The room was… spacious. Really spacious. It wasn’t just a room; it was a suite. A suite with air conditioning (Hallelujah!), a desk to pretend to work at (I didn't), a mini bar (for those late-night tiger-striped-stomach moments), and a separate shower/bathtub. They also have non-smoking rooms, which is a huge plus. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver when I needed to sleep off the chaotic Indian sunlight.
But Room #7… it has a vibe. It’s probably the best description for it. It had a sofa, a seating area, and a huge window that opens onto… well, a slightly less-than-glamorous view. But it was clean. And that's sometimes all you need. The bed was comfy, the sheets were clean, the towels were fluffy. They provided complimentary tea and water. Oh, and yes, the Wi-Fi [free] actually worked. (And thank GOD for that. I was relying on it to text my mom that I was still alive!)
But back to Room #7…
The best bit was the bathroom. Seriously. It was BIG. There was an additional toilet (always a bonus!), a mirror that actually showed what I looked like, not a funhouse version, and plenty of toiletries. The bathtub was deep. It wasn't necessarily the most luxurious bathroom I've ever seen. But it was functional and clean. And after a day dodging tuk-tuks and smelling incense, it was heaven.
The Imperfection: The Room Decor.
It’s worth mentioning that the room decorations… they vary. Let’s just say they have a certain… charm. And by charm, I mean a slightly dated, slightly mismatched aesthetic. But hey, you're not here for the interior design magazine cover, are you? You’re here for Varanasi. And for the sheer, unadulterated experience.
The Food & Drink: Fueling the Adventure
Okay, food. This is important. Nath Palace's restaurants are decent. They have restaurants, a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. (More on the pool later). You can get room service [24-hour], which is fantastic after a tiring day of exploring.
The breakfast [buffet] was… okay. (Remember, this is India, expecting perfection is a mistake). The Asian breakfast and Western breakfast both have their appeals. There was the usual breakfast [buffet] selection of fruit (be careful with the fruit juices), eggs, toast, and some Indian dishes. It was enough to set me up for the day. They even had vegetarian options, and they provided alternative meal arrangements if requested. The a la carte in restaurants options were a welcome change too, with plenty of choices. They also had desserts in restaurants, which were pretty standard.
The bar served a decent Kingfisher, and the poolside bar came in handy. They even have Happy hour, a welcome feature at a place like this. They had coffee/tea in restaurant if you need it. They also provide bottle of water for free. They claim to have Asian cuisine in restaurants, but not all flavors are Asian to me. The salad in restaurant was a bit disappointing.
Cleanliness & Safety: My Biggest Worry – Relieved!
This was a massive concern for me leading up to the trip. But Nath Palace really stepped up. They really emphasized Hygiene certification and they provided hand sanitizer everywhere. They use anti-viral cleaning products, and offer room sanitization opt-out available. They were doing daily disinfection in common areas. The staff are trained in safety protocol, and the premise has CCTV outside property, and CCTV in common areas. The hotel is also equipped with Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour] which helped put me at ease. They also have a doctor/nurse on call, and a first aid kit.
The Pool (With a View!)
Okay, the pool. This is where things get truly special. Not because of the pool itself (which is perfectly fine, a decent swimming pool [outdoor]). But because of the view. Seriously. It’s a pool with a view. You can sip a beer, float in the water, and watch the sunset over… well, somewhere in the midst of Varanasi. It's magical.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day, Anyone?
Okay, here's where Nath Palace tries to be a bit more fancy. They have a spa, a sauna, and a steamroom. I tried the massage, and… it was good. Not the best I've ever had, but definitely a welcome respite from the chaos. They offer body scrub and body wrap too. The foot bath was amazing. There's a fitness center/gym/fitness (I peeked in, didn’t venture in). They are also a spa/sauna.
Services & Conveniences: They Think of Everything
They do a decent job of the essential stuff. Daily housekeeping is excellent. They have laundry service, dry cleaning, an ironing service, and luggage storage. They had a concierge, a convenience store, and a gift/souvenir shop. They provide essential condiments and free bottled water. Also, they have a safe/security feature. They even have a shrine which is a thoughtful touch. They offer food delivery, and invoice provided for a convenient experience. It's everything you need without being over the top.
Internet Access: Don’t Worry, You're Connected!
The Internet [LAN] access was available, and they have Internet access – wireless, and access – wireless. They have Wi-Fi [free] in all the rooms! The Internet services are acceptable.
Business Facilities
They provide Business facilities, meetings, and meeting/banquet facilities. They also have audio-visual equipment for special events, projector/LED display, seminars, and a Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids:
They are family/child friendly. However, they have babysitting service, and a kids meal.
Overall Vibe & My Honest Verdict
Look, Nath Palace isn't the Ritz. It's not perfect. But it's got heart. It
Escape to Paradise: Luxurious 2BR in Ho Chi Minh City's Heart!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't a polished brochure. This is my trip to Nath Palace in Varanasi, India, and it’s gonna be gloriously messy. Consider this your pre-emptive apology for the grammatical train wrecks and wildly fluctuating emotions.
The Nath Palace Chaos: A Varanasi Pilgrimage (and Potential Meltdown)
Day 1: Arrival and Holy Cow (and Not in a Good Way)
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Travel Mishap & Arrival Madness:
- The Drama: Okay, so getting OUT of Delhi's airport was a saga. Picture this: me, slightly jet-lagged, wrestling with a beastly suitcase and a rogue tuk-tuk driver who thought "negotiation" meant “screaming in Hindi until you cave.” I swear, my blood pressure spiked just from the sheer sensory overload.
- Then there was the train. Oh, the train. Let's just say it involved more chai tea spills than a Bollywood dance sequence, a near-miss collision with a rogue goat on the tracks, and the constant, relentless, yet strangely comforting, hum of the Indian railways.
- Arrival at Nath Palace: Finally! After a journey that felt like a lifetime, I'm here!
- Nath Palace itself looks beautiful. The architecture is stunning. But the lobby is… well, the air conditioning is playing hide-and-seek. I'm sweating like I've run a marathon. At least the staff are friendly, if a little bewildered by my rapidly crumbling composure.
- The Room: The room is… adequate. Don't get me wrong, the carved furniture is gorgeous, and the balcony promises a killer view of something-or-other. But the shower pressure is a trickle and the "complimentary bottled water" is, apparently, the size of a thimble. This is going to be fun.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast (and Breakfast-Induced Existential Crisis):
- The breakfast buffet. Where to begin? I filled a plate with what I hoped would be "safe" options: toast (burnt), fruit (questionably ripe), and a suspiciously green yogurt. I managed two bites before I realized I missed my home & my dog too much.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Getting My Bearings (and Possibly Losing Them Too):
- The Ghaats: Okay, this is where the magic could happen. I mean, the Ganges is right there. But the sheer intensity of it all… Woah. The sights, the smells (yes, there are smells), the thousands of people… It's overwhelming. I felt… a bit lost.
- Anecdote: I saw a guy, knee-deep in the river, trying to wash a chicken. A live chicken. I swear, I’m not sure if I’m hallucinating the whole thing.
- Emotional Reaction: Tears come to my eyes for the sheer beauty surrounding me. I am terrified. I am humbled. This is the moment I feel my soul is going to shift in the greatest way.
- 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch & the First Tourist Trap Trauma:
- Lunch: A restaurant, slightly more civilized than the breakfast ordeal, offered some tandoori something. It was… edible. That's the best I can say.
- Tourist Trap: We were bamboozled to a shop that sells handspun silk. Oh, the colours! The designs! But then the prices… and the insistent saleswoman… I escaped with my wallet, but barely. I need a drink (probably multiple).
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Wandering and Wondering (and Maybe Slightly Panicking):
- Just aimlessly wandering the narrow streets. Every turn offered a sensory onslaught; incense, spices, flowers. I bought a scarf that I am pretty sure is made of rainbows and fairy dust. Then I saw a cow. A real cow. Just chilling. In the middle of the street. I’m sure the cow is smarter than me.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Evening Aarti Ceremony on the Ghats:
- The Experience: This. This is why I came. The aarti ceremony. The chanting, the fire, the incense, the sheer devotion… It was the purest experience. I felt my soul crack into a thousand glittering pieces.
- Emotional Reaction: I cried. I laughed. I felt a connection to something bigger than myself. This is what it feels like to touch the divine.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner and Early (Very Early) Night:
- Dinner: a tiny delicious restaurant and I actually felt like I had a good meal.
- Early night. Exhausted but also strangely energized. I need to write all this down, before the jet lag/culture shock/general existential crisis washes over me again.
Day 2: The River, the Temples, and the Unexpected Friendships
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Sunrise Boat Ride (and the Price of Serenity):
- The Ride: A boat ride on the Ganges at dawn. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. At sunrise the light, the colours, the people… It was a perfect moment.
- The Price: the boat man tried to scam me. I'm getting better at this.
- 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Temple Hopping (and Begging for Blessings):
- Visited a few temples. The smells of incense, the chanting, the sheer density of belief in the air… it was all quite extraordinary. And intense. I think I might have begged for a few blessings just for the hell of it.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Rickshaw Ride & A Mishap:
- The Rollercoaster Ride: Hopped in a rickshaw to get to the next temple. I'm pretty sure my driver was training for the Olympics. The traffic was a nightmare, the dust was choking. But the ride… the ride was a roller coaster of near-misses and ear-splitting horns.
- The Mishap: Managed to drop my phone at the market. Thankfully a kind woman returned it. I am learning to trust again.
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Lunch & the Unexpected Friendship:
- The Restaurant: Wandered into a small, dusty café. Ordered some thali. I was skeptical, but it tasted amazing!
- The Friendship: Started chatting with a woman at the next table, she and her husband. They were lovely. We talked about life, loss, and love, and she told me to embrace my chaotic journey.
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: The Burning Ghats (and a Lesson in Perspective):
- Visiting the burning ghats… it was hard. Extremely sad, but also incredibly moving. It really makes you reflect on the impermanence of life.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Relaxing & Journaling (and the Power of Chai):
- Went back to the hotel. Journaled. It was the best. Then I had a cup of chai (the BEST I’ve Ever had).
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner with New Friends:
- Went to the cafe to share some Indian food and drink.
- It was very comforting to be in the company of others, even if we shared only the language of a smile.
Day 3: Departure (and a Promise to Return – Eventually):
- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Last Sunrise on the Ganges:
- One last early morning boat ride.
- Emotion : So grateful to have seen this with my own eyes.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Farewell Breakfast
- One last attempt at breakfast. Actually, the food was better today.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping & Goodbyes :
- 12:00 PM: Departure:
- Goodbye, Varanasi! I'm leaving with a suitcase full of memories, a slightly lighter wallet, and a soul that feels like it's been through a washing machine. It's a mess. It's chaotic. But it's mine.
This itinerary is probably not the right way to see Varanasi, but it's my way. And honestly, that's all that matters. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. And perhaps a stiff drink.
Escape to Paradise: Jurata's Best Western Awaits!
So, this whole… *thing*… what *is* it, exactly? Like, what are we even doing here?
Why are these FAQs so… *weird*? Is that intentional?
Can you give me a definition of *insert random topic here*? Because, ya know, context is key.
How do I deal with [insert vague, relatable problem here]? Life is Hard!
What's your favorite thing to do?
What are the things you absolutely hate?
What is your opinion on… [insert controversial topic]? Be honest!
Why do you keep rambling?
