Latest reviews by members http://www.holidayiq.com en <div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Magnificient hotel building. Great views all around the hotel. It was a privilege to have stayed in such an imposing edifice. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> My best experience was purely accidental. I bumped into Arun Govil (Ram of teleserial fame) in the hotel lobby. <br/></div>10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=2187&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=2&Destination_id=549&fromDest=Sam@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> When I got down from the car and climbed the flight of steps that led to our cottage I was dumbstruck. I could see snow clad mountains from the cottage. Hard to describe the exact feelings. For a guy like me from Mumbai, to be able to gaze on snowy peaks, was a real high. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> On the second day of our stay, we visited Rohtang Pass. It\'s a wonderful place. The view all along the climb was spectacular. We took off time from skiing to just sit on the snow and soak in God\'s magnificience. <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> It is advisable to hire your snow gear near Manali itself. As you travel higher, the rates also tend to climb and results in haggling which wastes your time and spoils your mood. <br/></div>10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=2628&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=2&Destination_id=451&fromDest=Sam@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Overall it was a very nice experience to spend time at this resort. The location is not exactly inside the jungle (it is on the highway at a very short distance from the jungle entrance). However, the overall package (Jungle safari, Nature walk) makes up for the same. The typical package is for one night in which you are able to do a safari in the evening and a nature walk in the morning. I would recommend spending at least two nights here. This would enable you to do multiple safaris (both morning and evening) and get a far more wholesome view of the forests. This way you can also visit some of the other tourist spots near here like the Gopalaswamy Betta. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> The people managing the resort are extremely helpful and go out of their way to ensure that you have a comfortable stay. On the safaris they take great pains to ensure you see more animals. Our great highlight of the trip was to actually view a tiger in the wild. I know this was an extremely lucky sighting but I heard that such sightings are quite common at Bandipur. In our case it was not a fleeting glance. We actually had a Royal Bengal Tiger lying by the side of the forest track less than 15 feet from our jeep. It laid there for about 20 minutes while we merrily took pictures of it. Only when another jeep (having been alerted by our driver) appeared on the scene that the tiger got disturbed and lazily sauntered into the trees. The rooms within the lodge are clean and airy. They are quite big and comfortable. <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> Nothing worth mentioning. Only aspect is that it is not really a jungle resort in the truest sense, since it is technically outside the forest. <br/></div>10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=1410&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=13&Destination_id=292&fromDest=Suryadipta@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> The hotel is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city on the way to Dodabetta peak . The view from the lush lawn is marvelous and you can spend the entire day just enjoying the scenic beauty from the garden . The hotel is built around the Sherlock Holmes theme with each room named after a Sherlock Holmes mystery book. The evenings can be spent in the cozy living room enjoying the freshly lit fire in the fireplace and reading books available in the library . Musically inclined people can try out the piano and guitar . There is a vast choice of food and the cooking is out of the world. All in all , really enjoyed the stay in Sherlock. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> The location was great and the view of the Ooty town magnificent. <br/></div>10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=8677&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=12&Destination_id=490&fromDest=Suryadipta@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> We were there last March. Overall experience was good. Hotel staff are good & professional. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> I found staff members are courteous & helpful. <br/></div>10 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=9451&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=20&Destination_id=550&fromDest=Taragupta Prasad@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Excellent place on your buiness trip <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=4045&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=4&Destination_id=385&fromDest=HIQMember@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> It was a pleasent stay <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> The service is very good. It was very comfortable <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=3893&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=17&Destination_id=514&fromDest=Kareem@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> On an average this resort is a great disappointment. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> nothing <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> Resorts website mentions two natural waterfalls, at actual these waterfalls are 10 and 18km away from this resort. This was very big disappointment. <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=3723&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=20&Destination_id=681&fromDest=Sachin@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Maravanthe is a great place. We spent 5 days at this place, to soak up the sun, the sea, the air. We also went around to closeby places on one of the days. The boat ride on the river was great. the location is very good. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> Very flexible. My car rear tyres got stuck in sand. I called the proprieter and he got a wooden plank from his house on a two wheeler, and helped to get the car out. Of course he charged for it, but it is good that he is reachable, and that he reached the car before it got dark. The beach is great, the \'resort\' is close by. <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> Bad service. Eg. how we get warm water for a bath. we need to shout out to get room service attention, because there are no phones etc. And usually they are out of hearing range. if you want better service go to a more expensive place. <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=1391&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=13&Destination_id=720&fromDest=Ravi@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> The experience was fantastic- Sattal is a beautiful lake surrounded with greenery and the mountains. It has only 2 hotels and couple of dhabas and hence, an ultimate hideout for people who want to run away from the city. Moreover, there is no network coverage, making it an absolute heaven! Since you don\'t have too many options, the KMVN TRH is economical and most appropriate for weekend travellers. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> We stayed in a log house for a mere rate of 980 bucks. Food is ofcourse vegetarian but on demand, the dhabas can fetch some chicken from the nearest town and make a full dish exclusively for you! I would definitely recommend Lucky Dhaba there (next to the lake) and don\'t miss Bhim at the Lucky Dhaba - he will not only serve you his favorite kadhi-chawal but also give you room service whenever required. The Log house was spacious, clean - had a geyser(you really need it there!). If you are planning to watch TV during your holiday, then it may be a problem for you as the tourist house has no TV or any other source of entertainment(Try the Country Inn next door - but you will be charged 3500/-). Sattal and the KMVN TRH is completely about the experience of staying in the middle of nature, enjoying the lake, riding shikaras, swimming in the lake and spotting some rare species of birds... It\'s truely worth an experience. <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> absolutely nothing! <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=1827&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=7&Destination_id=544&fromDest=Sunetra@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> With the orchards on either sides, the TRH\'s location attracts you the moment you enter the driveway. It is not only really economical but it also has very helpful people managing it. The guys are honest and will clearly tell you that the place is not fancy and they are awaiting maintenance from the government. But, if you take these words with a pinch of salt, you can really have the experience of a lifetime. The rooms are big and face the terrace - cut cliffs, the clouds cover the entire area and from far you can see ripe fruits hanging on trees - to be plucked by the locals. Since the toilet didn\'t look functional in the 530/- room, we moved into a 4 bed room (costing 720/-). Since there are very few visitors during non-seasonal time, you get what you order. The dinner is cooked based on your requirement - making you feel completely at home. There is Television with only 1 dish so you gotta see what the people at the reception will show you as the TV remote is in their control:(. The rooms are clean, the food is great and the service is very personalised. This place is highly recommended for a night\'s stay. It\'s totally worth it! <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> The pear and peach orchards near the hotel - they are mind-boggling! you can pick as many as you want but remember - they are the export quality ones and are extremely sweet, so don\'t forget to carry your fruit basked from home! Besides the locals and the tourists, there are Kumaon ants who love to eat them!! <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=1825&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=7&Destination_id=623&fromDest=Sunetra@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> it was nice and excellent place to have the stay..... It was a good stay over there and many more things which can\'t be expressed by words just go and experience the Dev Cottage..... <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=2377&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=2&Destination_id=351&fromDest=Nishit@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> it was nice and excellent place to have the stay..... It was a good stay over there and many more things which can\'t be expressed by words just go and experience the Dev Cottage..... <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=2377&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=2&Destination_id=351&fromDest=Nishit@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> it`s a simple, cheap but beautiful guesthouse. There is not much service but that`s always in guesthouses. But the owners are very nice, and if you want to go for some weeks somewhere you can even leave your havy suitcase there and pick it up later. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> the community, and people who stayed there, just fun. <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=10846&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=19&Destination_id=276&fromDest=john@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Overall it was an excellent experience, of me staying in Sagar Resorts. Resort\'s location was in Valley View (Before 2-3 kms of OOTY\'s main town) which is very peaceful and silent. All the rooms in the resort has a balcony, which has a view of the valley with privacy. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> - Bird\'s eye view from the room\'s balcony - Very peaceful and silent location of the resort - Good North Indian food - 24hrs hot water - Carrom,Chess, Billards(need to pay extra) <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> - As such none - Became too noisy when a crowd of 20 hit the resort (Bad timing for my stay I guess) - Need to climb steep staircase if you choose the last room,so confirm the room location if you have old people along with you <br/></div>09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=3046&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=12&Destination_id=490&fromDest=aceravi@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> My weekend at Lonavala was amazing especially having chosen the right time to visit the place (Just after the Monsoon started). It is a perfect weekend getaway with the place being located within 200 KMs from cities like Mumbai and Pune. The place is blessed with natural beauty, plenty of waterfalls and innumerable number of trekking routes. Thankfully all this beauty that compensated for the disappointment that I had with regards to the accommodation in Lonavala. I had booked for 1 night at Rajkiran resorts and the weekend tariff that?s advertised is Rs.5500/- for a simple deluxe A/C room. The room was spacious but shabby and ill lit. The first room that I was shown didn?t have a window to its name and the second one that was shown to me had a window for namesake which couldn?t be opened without a loud thud. The hotel staff were courteous and pleasant thru out my stay. The accommodation though named as a resort didn?t have any semblance of a resort. There was a small garden with a small kids play area, a small swimming pool (ill maintained) and that?s about it. The food available was terrible with the restaurant staff declining to get a toasted piece of bread instead of normal bread. Overall the place can be considered as a place which can serve as a resting point after busy sight seeing rather than a resort. The overall return on investment on the accommodation is very low and is not a value for money bargain. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> Nothing much. The hotel staff were courteous and though I was declined when I asked for a piece of toasted break at breakfast, it was done in a courteous manner. <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> Room. Ill lit room without windows <br/></div>07 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=6712&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=20&Destination_id=440&fromDest=Dinesh@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Our party of six had ust spent three nights at Corbett Ramganga Resort and wanted to visit Nainital (an oft visited place) before returning to Delhi. The road from Corbett to Nainital is via Ramnagar. We stopped at the Corbett Falls, 3 kilometres short of the Corbett Museum at Kaladhungi, where we turned left for Nainital. The Falls are worth a visit, but the Museum’s condition was depressing. The climb starts soon after Kaladhungi. The route is through sal forests gradually being replaced by pine and the road is good throughout. Having left Corbett at 9.30, we were at the Welcomheritage Palace Belvedere at about 2 PM. There was an initial hiccup when the Manager tried to palm off Rooms 1 & 2 on the ground floor and Room 22 on the first floor (we had prior booking for two rooms) and then reluctantly changed them to Rooms 14, 15 and 16 (all on the first floor) when we protested – he tried persuading us that the ground floor rooms would be good for the elderly of the troupe. Room 16 was a lake facing suite (Rooms 16 to 21 are the lake facing suites but the 2 nights 3 days package with all meals at 8500/- is not good value in April). Our booking was on a ‘subject to availability’ basis and thus we could’ve been given another suite at least as Rooms 19 to 21 remained vacant while we were there. The most interesting aspect of the hotel (the property belongs to an erstwhile prince) is the high ceilinged rooms (not the newly created ones) filled with old furniture contrasted with attached modern bathrooms. No two rooms are same. But there is no point staying here unless you are in one of the suites. Rooms 15 and 22 were verandahs before being converted into “lake facing” rooms – Room 22 is a pitiable 15’ by 8’ passage like thing and Room 15 is just barely acceptable as a lake facing room. The suites have an excellent view of the lake with the Mall on the left, which looks great when lit up at night. There is, however, a disadvantage in the suites in that the front deck of each suite alternates with the next suite’s bathroom and there is a substantial gap between the dividing wall and the front window/wall (the front porch was obviously part of a long open verandah, which was later covered and divided to provide attached bathrooms). So sitting out we could hear the gentleman next door singing to himself taking a shower, blowing his nose and making other unpleasant sounds on the throne! He soon realized that we could overhear him, which couldn’t have made him very happy! The food was simple (the breakfast sparse), but other than being overpriced for the quality, was quite alright. The staff obviously lacks formal training. In fact, the staff attitude is the main thing which distinguishes it from a classy place. The guy at the front desk, Mr. Ganga Prasad, is a sweet old man, sort of blending into the old world charm of the place created by animal trophies and faded paintings on the walls, brass bowls placed all over containing flower petals floating on water and a whole lot of wooden panelling. The piped music in the corridors, staircase, lobby and dining room of ‘50s and ‘60s numbers was incongruous but not unpleasant. There are no greens to speak of – the only patch being badly kept and being part of the portion occupied by the owner, although there did not seem to be any bar in going onto it. The only patch of dirt which could have been landscaped was being converted into a paved courtyard under the able supervision of the Manager. Possibly a good example of a potentially good heritage hotel being methodically destroyed to suit the taste of the Delhi summer tourist. We were here on the 6th and 7th April, 2006. The first afternoon we did the mandatory boating. On the 7th we set off for Mukteshwar (about 60 kilometres) for a ‘snow view’ but having got it halfway from a dhaba of the same name, we returned for lunch at a Bengali restaurant on the Mall (good only as a curiosity) and for a visit to the Naina Devi temple followed by a stroll down the Mall and a look-see at the two churches on it. This was our umpteenth visit to Nainital and we spent a lot of time in the suite playing cards. We left for Delhi at 9.30 on the 8th and were back home by 5.30 after stopping for lunch at ‘Godhuli’ at a place called Pakbara on the outskirts of Moradabad. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> Rating by Nandan Dasgupta, Member (the following is not for publication): The Rating process requires some explanation, particularly as we had not gone in with high hopes having seen the existing rating of 3.22: 1. Destination: It is a hill station like any other but the lake adds value - enough to make it a very desirable destination for the first time visitor. So I disagree with the present rating of 4 and would give it a 5. 2. Location - It is better than many in the town so could have been given a 5, but is average while compared to others in Mallital or Tallital. However, the approach is by a very steep and narrow road and that too coming up to the side of the hotel, so a more appropriate is 4, as a 3 would be misleading to a first time visitor. 3. Appearance: It claims heritage status but the facade has been ruined by the additions. The approach being from the side (which is a verandah without access) could have got 2.5. Since that is not an option, therefore 3. 4. Front office: The Manager needs to understand that he is in a topline chain. He’s a new employee of the Welcomeheritage group and cannot be doing its reputation any good. The only redeeming feature is Shri Ganga Prasad - thus 2. 5. Service: The spirit is somewhat willing but the flesh is weak. Apart from lack of training, the staff also seemed tentative and tense. Just a 3. 6. Room: There are some terrible ones and some excellent, so could have got a 4, but this would be misleading for the first time visitor, thus a 3. 7. Food: Overpriced for the quality but passable, so 3. 8. Activities: None, so 1. 9. Heritage: A few skins do not heritage make, just a grudging 3. <br/></div>06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=1815&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=7&Destination_id=620&fromDest=HIQMember@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> It was a great/awesome/wonderful/magnificient/superb/breathtaking/fantastic/astonishing/splendid/outstanding/bravura/exceptional experience . If MS word had given me more synonyms, i would have mentioned those too. The hosts were very professional and their hospitality was the best. It is really a value for the money. We would like to plan another trip some time again during rainy season with a larger crowd. Any one planning to visit this place, dont think twice. I will guarantee you will have a great time. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> * Hospitality tops the list * Great Food * Professionalism * The ride to/from the pick up points :-) (Thanks to Arun) <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> fortunately None <br/></div>06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=9611&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=13&Destination_id=339&fromDest=Pattabhi@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> benn to goa twice now. Loved every minute. Going back on xmas day 08 <br/></div>06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=2665&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=19&Destination_id=319&fromDest=billybluenose@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Great location but the room a bit cramped up. need to improve room service. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> great pool & activities for kids <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> very poor room service for snacks. room to same for 3 persons <br/></div>06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=2346&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=19&Destination_id=299&fromDest=sanjay@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> It was a hostel experience and the restaurant experience was like a mess at the hostel. Totally a disgusting period of stay at Grange. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> Nothing at all, eccept for moments that were disgusting and you keep cursing your stars <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> Room was not cleaned, bedspreads not changes during our 2 days stay. No Grievances are acknowledged. People never bother to intimate you of shut down of restaurant at 8.30 p.m on a saturday. Went without food that evening. <br/></div>06 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=2403&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=12&Destination_id=598&fromDest=vicki@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> it was very goog experience at the htl stayed for the first time & would liked to stay again. simran <br/></div>05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=7251&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=19&Destination_id=611&fromDest=prince@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> hotel is good service is good food is good <br/></div>05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=5013&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=20&Destination_id=499&fromDest=boo@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> This place stinks. Don\'t go there. Terrible place, can\'t stay there. Will spoil your mood. I had a booking done for 2 days with a offer of free stay and still I checked out on the same day and moved into another hotel for which I paid. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> - Bad location with no natural view. Over 1KM for steep uphill walk from the Mall. - No maintainence done for ages. - Stinking rooms. - Water dripping from the roof of rooms with seepage all over. - Not so friendly staff. Clearly, the worst hotel I have seen for ages. <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> This place stinks. Don\'t go there. Terrible place, can\'t stay there. Will spoil your mood. I had a booking done for 2 days with a offer of free stay and still I checked out on the same day and moved into another hotel for which I paid. - Bad location with no natural view. Over 1KM for steep uphill walk from the Mall. - No maintainence done for ages. - Stinking rooms. - Water dripping from the roof of rooms with seepage all over. - Not so friendly staff. Clearly, the worst hotel I have seen for ages. <br/></div>05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=3589&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=7&Destination_id=620&fromDest=AJ@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> Mukteshwar is a silent place with great views of the Himalayan high ranges. <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> - Excellent property and very well maintained. - Very well done rooms. My wife even took some ideas to be implemented at my home. - Apple trees within the resort. How about a fresh apple straight from the tree dipped in the morning dew. - Excellent Food and services. - Good recreational activities. Come here and forget your day to day tensions. Just relax. <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> None <br/></div>05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=3008&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=7&Destination_id=467&fromDest=AJ@holidayiq.com<div> <strong>Comments:</strong></h> At first you do not sport the place when you drive by, but once you are inside you are in for a little suprise. The resort has green lawns which are soothing to eyes.. the room was well maintained with A/c working perfect. overall a rating of 6/10 on the relaxation factor. The Kerala massage parlour was really a good discovery and I am a life long fan of kerala massages now. :) <br><strong>Best Experience: </strong></h> The message at the kerala ayurveda centre located right inside the resort <br> <strong>Worst Experience:</strong></h> calling up the room service and being told that please walk down to the restaurent or you need pay the service charge...as if we were asking to get something totally exotic or out of the way <br/></div>05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMThttp://www.holidayiq.com/resortinfo_review.php?Resid=1979&fromState=yes&destName=&stateid=20&Destination_id=602&fromDest=Mak@holidayiq.com