Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hotel O Apollo, Ahmedabad's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of Hotel O Apollo in Ahmedabad. Forget perfectly polished travel blogs; this is the real deal. No sugarcoating, just my unfiltered take on this… well, let’s see if it’s a hidden gem or just a glitter-covered turd.
First Impressions (The Messy Truth):
Let's be honest, Ahmedabad is a vibrant city. That's code for chaotic, right? Finding the O Apollo was an adventure in itself. Signage? Let's just say Google Maps was my best friend. The exterior? Not exactly Instagram-ready, but hey, I'm not judging a book by its cover (unless the cover is a neon sign promising "MASSAGE" – then, yeah, I’m judging).
Accessibility – A Big Tick? (Mostly, Kinda):
Okay, this is important. Accessibility is a HUGE deal, and O Apollo tries. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and the elevator is a definite plus. They also have a car park [free of charge], which is handy in a city where parking is a contact sport. BUT, and it's a big but, I'm not an expert on accessibility. I'd urge anyone with specific needs to contact the hotel directly and ask detailed questions. Don’t just take my word for it. Get it confirmed and reconfirmed.
Inside the Fortress of Lounging (My Room – Yay or Nay?):
Alright, let's rip open the curtains on my temporary abode. Air conditioning? Check. Thank God, because Ahmedabad heat is no joke. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver, too; allowing me to get a sleep in past 6am – a true rarity! A desk, a laptop workspace (though the lighting could be better… and who even uses LAN anymore?) and the all-important Wi-Fi [free] (thank you, baby Jesus, for the Internet access – wireless!) were all essential.
The room itself? Clean, which is always a plus. The slippers and bathrobes were a nice touch, but honestly, I’m more of a “jump in and get comfortable” kinda gal. The in-room safe box gave me peace of mind… though I mostly used it for hiding my stash of imported Reese's peanut butter cups. Don't judge!
Rambling Thoughts on Comfort – More Like, Comfort-Adjacent:
I'm not going to lie, after a long day, I was yearning for one thing: a long, hot shower. The shower was hot enough, that's a win. But, the bathtub? I was going to relax in it, but it looked a bit… used. Okay, a lot used. So I skipped it. The room also featured a mirror, mirror, mirror and other things.
The Food Follies: Eating My Way Through Ahmedabad!
Let’s talk grub, because, let’s face it, that's a big part of the hotel experience.
- Breakfast Buffet – The Good, The Bad, and the Scrambled Eggs: Okay, the breakfast [buffet] had its moments. There was the usual Asian breakfast, which was definitely a hit. I loaded up on the coffee/tea in restaurant because, well, I'm a caffeine fiend. The Western breakfast was alright, but not exactly Michelin-star material (the scrambled eggs were… enthusiastic, let’s say).
- Dinner Adventures - A Culinary Odyssey: The restaurant had the usual suspects on the menu. There was Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, and other things, including salad in restaurant and desserts in restaurant. I sampled some of the International cuisine in restaurant, and the vegetarian restaurant had some interesting options. The Room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver.
- The Bar – Happy Hour Dreams: The Bar was a comfortable spot. I did, however, take advantage of the happy hour. Now, I'm not usually one for Poolside bar, but it really was what I needed! It was just really nice.
What About the Amenities? (And Did I Use Them?):
- Relaxation Station: Okay, so the Spa was calling my name. I wanted a Body scrub and Body wrap, but I had to actually find it first. Some of the amenities weren’t clear how to reach. But, I heard the other amenities. Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool were there, and I was certainly tempted by the Pool with view, especially when the sun went down.
- Fitness Frenzy (Or Lack Thereof): The Fitness center was available, but let's be honest, after all that food… I mostly just napped.
Safety and Cleanliness - Do They Care?
Cleanliness and safety are crucial. I did see the following: Hand sanitizer, Daily disinfection in common areas, Individually-wrapped food options, and Staff trained in safety protocol. That definitely put my mind at ease.
Services and Conveniences – The Nitty Gritty:
- Quick Check-In/Out – It was definitely fast.
- Luggage storage – Essential for travel.
- Concierge – Very helpful with recommendations.
Things to Do (Beyond Eating and Sleeping – Kinda):
I'm a big fan of meeting/banquet facilities, and there were other services, like Indoor venue for special events and Outdoor venue for special events, but I didn't get to use them.
The Verdict: Worth the Plunge? (Maybe…)
Alright, so is Hotel O Apollo a hidden gem? It’s probably not a diamond, but maybe a really nice piece of quartz. It's got its quirks, for sure. The rooms are comfortable enough, and the amenities are decent. The staff? Generally friendly and helpful.
The Biggest Hurdle: The Price:
Hotel O Apollo isn't going to break the bank. Check out the deals and offers.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Reese's Cups. (I’m generous.)
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Kulim's BEST Family Homestay: Hi-Tech Luxury Awaits!Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-curated travel brochure itinerary. We're diving deep into my (slightly chaotic, inherently dramatic) Ahmedabad adventure at the Hotel O Apollo. Get ready for a ride.
Hotel O Apollo: Ahmedabad - The Diary of a Hot Mess Traveler (and occasional food coma victim)
Day 1: Arrival, Confusion, and the Search for the Perfect Chai
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Arrival…or rather, near-arrival. Landed in Ahmedabad, feeling like a crumpled tissue. Immigration was…efficient, let's say. My luggage, however, seemed to have taken a detour to Narnia. Spent a glorious hour sweating, gesturing wildly, and trying to explain in charades that my bag contained, and I quote, "essential emergency chocolate." The airport staff mostly stared, bless their hearts. Finally, triumph! Bag retrieved. Slightly mangled. Chocolate intact. (Victory!)
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Hotel Check-in & First Impressions - Blessedly A/C. The Hotel O Apollo! It's… well, it’s clean. Let's lead with that. The lobby felt like a calm oasis after the airport chaos. Found the receptionist lovely, genuinely helpful. Room is… acceptable. Okay, the stained carpet isn't ideal, but the A/C is blasting like a hurricane, which is frankly life-altering in this heat. Plus, the view of whatever-that-is-across-the-street is…something. Let's be polite.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Chai Chase - The Holy Grail. Okay, first order of business: chai. Like, NEED chai. Asked reception for a recommendation and got sent to a "very good place, close by." My heart soared. Then I walked. And walked. And got lost. I somehow ended up in a bustling market, surrounded by more colours and smells than my brain could process. Found some chai… eh, not the perfect chai. Delicious, warm, good. But it didn't quite hit that soul-soothing spot. The search continues tomorrow. I swear.
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Accidental Temple Adventure and Existential Dread. Wandered aimlessly (my superpower) and stumbled upon a stunning, ancient temple. Beautiful, peaceful, and totally overwhelming. Spent a good hour just… staring. Felt a sudden, unexpected wave of both awe and crippling self-doubt. What am I doing with my life? Am I properly appreciating the beauty around me? Am I drinking enough water? (These are the big questions, people.)
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant Ok, after the existential meltdown, I decided to try the hotel restaurant. The waiters, bless their hearts, appeared busy. I order the butter chicken. The butter chicken, arrived after a wait. It was…fine. Edible. The naan was good. The dessert, a weird, sugary thing I cannot identify, but which I definitely devoured. I am now in a slight food coma.
Day 2: Market Madness, Textile Triumphs, and the Chai Awakening
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast Debacle (and a Coffee Conspiracy). Hit the hotel's breakfast buffet. The only thing I really wanted was coffee, yet, it was… terrible. Seriously, the most anemic excuse for coffee I've ever encountered. I think they might be watering it down. Conspiracy theories swirl… Was forced to wander around, trying to find stronger coffee.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: A Deep Dive into the Market of the Absurd. The market! Oh, the market. I braved the chaos again. This time, I knew it. Navigated the crowds like a seasoned pro (okay, maybe stumbled a little less). I'm talking piles of spices, mountains of fabric (seriously, the textiles here are insane), and enough trinkets to furnish a small palace. Bargaining is an art form, a dance, a full-contact sport. I ended up buying a silk scarf and a headache. Worth it.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Textile Heaven (Seriously, I'm Still Obsessed). Spent two blissful hours in a textile shop. Felt like I was drowning in colours and textures. I. Bought. Everything. Well, not everything. But a lot. I am now seriously considering adding a second, larger suitcase to my luggage collection.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM: The Chai Awakening (Finally!) Remember the chai quest? The quest that has haunted me since yesterday? Well, I found it! Tucked away in a tiny, unassuming stall, a weathered old man with a twinkle in his eye served me the most incredible chai I have ever tasted. The perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and pure, unadulterated comfort. I could have wept. I might have, slightly. The world is a better place.
3:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Exploring the Architecture. Visited the beautiful Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. The intricate carvings were stunning!
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner Debauchery I got some local food from the market. And I got a stomach ache. A small price to pay for the tastes.
Day 3: Farewell Ahmedabad (with a heavy heart, and a slightly lighter suitcase)
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: One Last Chai (and a Minor Breakdown). Begged for the chai guy to make me one last cup of chai. It was bittersweet. Goodbye, glorious chai. Goodbye, Ahmedabad. The emotions were high. I just didn't want to go.
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM: Late Checkout and Hotel Reflection. Okay, the Hotel O Apollo… It wasn't perfect. Stained carpet, questionable coffee, and all. But the staff were lovely, the A/C was divine, and it was home. I'm a sucker for those things.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Airport Debrief and Luggage Lament. Back to the airport. Praying my luggage makes it this time. Contemplating the meaning of life and the true value of emergency chocolate.
12:00 PM onward: The Journey Home. Off to the next adventure!
So, there you have it. My Ahmedabad experience. A messy, imperfect, and utterly human adventure. Would I recommend the Hotel O Apollo? Yes, but bring your own coffee. Would I recommend Ahmedabad? Absolutely. Just be prepared to get lost, get overwhelmed, and fall head-over-heels for the chai. And, y'know, maybe pack a spare suitcase. You'll thank me later.
Hualien's Hidden Gem: Chic Mini Loft (NO AC!) - Unbeatable Price!Okay, Spill the Beans! What *Actually* Makes Hotel O Apollo “Unbelievable Luxury”? Is it Hype?
Alright, alright, let's be real. First off, it’s NOT just about gold-plated taps, okay? (Though, I *think* I saw some pretty fancy ones...). It's more… the vibe. I’d been traveling for a week, a complete mess, seriously. Flights delayed, bags lost, and my usual travel-sized shampoo exploded all over my favorite shirt. Arriving at O Apollo felt… different. It was like exhaling for the first time in ages. The lobby wasn't just a lobby; it was a haven of cool shadows, soft music that didn't sound like elevator muzak, and staff who actually *smiled* like they meant it. No, seriously! They actually *looked* happy to see you AND remembered my name, a feat considering I arrived looking like I’d wrestled a badger. Is it all perfect? Nah. Once, the wifi sputtered for a hot minute, and I internally *raged* (because, deadlines). But they fixed it pronto and even sent up a complimentary plate of amazing samosas. So, yeah, not hype. It’s… curated calm, punctuated by seriously good samosas.
What's the Deal with the Rooms? Pictures Never Tell the Whole Story.
Oh, the rooms! Okay, this is where the "luxury" part truly kicks in. I had a suite (splurge! I know, I know...) and it was... ridiculous. Seriously, my *closet* was bigger than my entire first apartment. But the best part? The bed. Oh, the bed. It swallowed me whole in the best possible way. Like sleeping on a cloud shaped like a giant marshmallow. And the bathroom! Massive marble, a rainforest shower that could probably drown a small dog (in a good way), and more fluffy towels than I knew what to do with. Look, I’m not a huge “luxury” person, usually; I'm more of a "hostel with questionable plumbing" kind of traveler. But even *I* felt pampered. The only tiny *minor* issue? I nearly lost my phone behind the enormous headboard, which involved some serious contortion and a lot of panicked sweating. Lesson learned: bring a flashlight for the inevitable retrieval mission. And make sure your phone is charged!
Food! Food! Tell Me About the Food! Is it Instagram-Worthy or Actually Edible?
Okay, the food. This is where O Apollo truly shines, and I'm a tough critic, let me tell you. I love my food. The breakfast buffet was a thing of beauty. Freshly squeezed juices, an omelet station where the chef actually understood "no onions, extra cheese" (a miracle!), and more varieties of dosas than I knew existed. I went a *little* overboard – don’t judge me. The lunch and dinner menus were equally impressive, with everything from traditional Gujarati dishes (which were AMAZING, by the way – try the Undhiyu!) to international fare. One night, I ordered a pasta dish that was… well, let’s just say it was *slightly* undercooked. But honestly, it was so delicious, I just… ate it anyway! And the waiters? Attentive without being overbearing. They remembered my coffee order by the second day. It was the little things, you know?
Location, Location, Location: Is it Actually Convenient?
Yes! (Cue triumphant music). O Apollo is surprisingly well-situated. You're close to the historical city center, which is brilliant for exploring the beautiful places. I walked (mostly, it was hot) to some of the famous markets and historical sites. There are auto-rickshaws available too, which is something which is convenient to reach to places. Though some might find it slightly tricky with the traffic, It’s a great starting point for a lot of things, and yes, easy to get around. You can easily get your transport to the sites using the hotel's services.
The Negatives: Don't Sugarcoat It! What Were the Downsides?
Alright, alright, I'll stop being such a cheerleader for a sec. Honestly, there weren't many *major* downsides. The wifi hiccup I mentioned earlier was annoying, and I kind of wish they had a slightly bigger pool (it’s nice, though!). I'm used to being a cheapskate. But the cost? It's definitely not budget. But, in my opinion, the quality justifies the price of staying there. The only major thing I can think of is the noise sometimes. There was a wedding party going on one night and it kept me up a little and had to take a while to get the sleep. But nothing completely ruined my experience.
What Do I *Really* Need to Pack?
Okay, packing advice. Firstly: sunscreen. Ahmedabad is hot. Seriously, HOT. And bring a hat. Maybe two. Comfortable shoes, you'll be doing a lot of walking. A swimsuit for the pool. And… a really good book. Trust me. (I devoured three!). Oh! And a small first-aid kit. Better safe than sorry. Mostly though, prepare for comfort.
Would You *Actually* Go Back to Hotel O Apollo? And Why?
Absolutely. In a heartbeat, yes! Look, I'm not one to gush, but O Apollo genuinely surprised me. It's not just the fancy rooms or the amazing food (though, those are definitely perks). It's the feeling of being… taken care of. I left feeling refreshed and ready to take on the world (or at least, the next leg of my trip). And that, my friends, is worth every penny. Seriously. And I’m already contemplating my return! I’m thinking about it right now!
Okay, I'm Curious About THAT Samosa Plate You Mentioned. Tell me More!
Right, the samosas. Okay, this is where it gets a little… obsessed. Remember when I said something about the wifi? Well, about fifteen minutes after the connection died (which, to be fair, was a total first-world problem), I was ready to throw something (probably my phone). I was on a deadline, you see. Then, a knock at the door. A waiter, holding a plate. And on that plate? A magnificent pyramid of golden-brown, perfectly crisp samosas. The smell alone was enough to make my stomach rumble. They were served with three dipping sauces: a sweet tamarind chutney, a fiery green mint chutney, and a cooling yogurt raita. I swear, I forgot all about the internet. The first bite… pure bliss. The perfectly spiced potato filling, the flaky pastry, the explosion of flavor… I actually closed my eyes and groaned. Honestly, it was a religious experience. And yes, I asked for seconds. And thirds. And maybe, just maybe, I snuck one on the way out the door. DonFindelicious Hotels