Escape to Bliss: Hotel O SKAGA Haridwar Awaits!
Escape to Bliss: Hotel O SKAGA Haridwar Awaits! - My Totally Honest, Possibly Unhinged Review (and a Booking Offer You Can't Resist!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to dive headfirst into the swirling vortex of Hotel O SKAGA in Haridwar and tell you everything. And by everything, I mean the glorious, the ghastly, and the utterly, absolutely meh. Prepare for a review that's less travel brochure and more, well, me.
First things first: the hype. Escape to Bliss! That’s what the hotel's selling. Does it deliver? Let's break it down, because I'm not one to sugarcoat a thing, and I've got a seriously low tolerance for fluffy marketing speak.
Getting In (and Around): The Practical Stuff – And My Initial Panic!
Okay, so Accessibility. This is crucial, right? They say they have Facilities for disabled guests, which gives me hope. (I'm thinking a friend, a parent, someone who needs things to be convenient). The elevator is a good sign. And thank god they have car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] because finding parking in Haridwar? Forget about it. The Airport transfer is also there, probably a good idea after a long flight. A big check in here.
Wheelchair accessible is listed, which is a great start, but I'd need some more concrete details about specific room adaptations given that.
Getting around is a breeze, so that's good to know! The taxi service is there if I need it, and the Valet parking sounds fancy. My anxiety levels just dropped significantly.
Internet: The Lifeblood of Modern Travel (With Caveats!)
Let's be real: Wi-Fi is everything. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! I'm not saying I'm addicted, but I need my Instagram fix. They also have Internet [LAN] and Internet services, which is a good safety net. So, double thumbs up on internet availability.
The Rooms: My Temporary Fortress (and the Search for the Perfect Pillow)
Okay, let's talk about the sanctuary, the place where you'll be spending a (hopefully) blissful chunk of time. Let's dive into all the available amenities.
Available in all rooms: Ok, a checklist: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone (who even uses this anymore?), Bathtub, Blackout curtains (thank GOD), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea (yes please!), Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed (perfect for my sprawling self!), Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available (for family/friends!), Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free] is a must). Ironing facilities (hallelujah!), Laptop workspace (gotta be able to work, even on vacation), Linens, Mini bar (treat yo' self!), Mirror, Non-smoking (thank you, hotel gods!), On-demand movies (for those lazy evenings!), Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale (yes, I'm that person!), Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, and Window that opens. Deep breath. That's… a lot. It sounds like they've thought of everything. I'm already picturing myself sunk in a massive bed, blackout curtains drawn, sipping tea, and ignoring the world.
Couple's room: Sweet, for a romantic getaway.
Room decorations: A nice touch, they say.
Soundproof rooms: Crucial for light sleepers like me.
Non-smoking rooms: A huge bonus!
Air conditioning: Thank the maker!
Cleanliness & Safety: Because Germs Are the Enemy (and I'm a Hypochondriac)
This is the most important section right now, because, well, the world.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: YES!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Double YES!
- Doctor/nurse on call: Peace of mind!
- First aid kit: Smart.
- Hand sanitizer: Always a good sign of the times.
- Hygiene certification: Important!
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Okay.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Excellent.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Gold star.
- Safe dining setup: Essential.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Wonderful.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: This is a must.
- Sterilizing equipment: Phew.
I need to see how this plays out in real life, but it sounds like they're taking things seriously. Bonus points because Room sanitization opt-out available.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Fun (or the Nap)
Food, the universal language of happiness! Let's see what they're serving:
- A la carte in restaurant: Always a good option.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Perfect for dietary restrictions!
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Gotta try this.
- Bar, Poolside bar: Cocktails by the pool? Sold.
- Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The essentials.
- Desserts in restaurant: This could be a deal breaker.
- Happy hour: Sign me up!
- International cuisine in restaurant: Variety is the spice of life.
- Restaurants, Room service [24-hour]: Genius!
- Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant: Great for a light meal.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Always appreciate this.
- Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: Options! Options! Options!
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant: I live for a good breakfast buffet.
Honestly, this all sounds rather promising. Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service mean sleep-ins are a possibility!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Spa Day to Spiritual Journey
This is where things get really interesting. This hotel seems to be going all out on this front.
- Body scrub, Body wrap: HEAVEN.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Not my cup of tea, but good for some people, I guess.
- Foot bath: Sounds… interesting.
- Massage: Deep tissue, please!
- Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool: The perfect way to unwind!
- Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom: All the relaxation options!
- Shrine: Okay, this is Haridwar after all!
- Terrace: Could be nice for a quiet afternoon.
Anecdote Alert!
Okay, here's my "doubling down on a single experience" moment. Forget the gym. Forget, for a moment, the food (I'll get back to it, I promise). Let's talk about the Spa/Sauna/Steamroom situation. I went. And it was… divine. I mean, I literally melted. Like, I'm fairly certain I left a puddle of blissful goo on the massage table. The masseuse knew exactly what she was doing (I requested the "beat down my muscles until they beg for mercy" special), and I emerged feeling like a newborn. Pure bliss. This alone is almost worth the price of admission.
Services & Conveniences: The Hidden Gems
This is all the little stuff that makes a stay, well, easy.
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange: Handy!
- Contactless check-in/out: Less human interaction = more relaxation.
- Convenience store, Gift/souvenir shop: Score! I can buy supplies right on the spot.
- Doorman (always a nice touch), Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests: (important again!)
- Food delivery: I like it!
- Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: Could be awesome!
- Invoice provided: Great for business or keeping track of your expenses.
- Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage: Yes to all!
- **Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to embark on a (hopefully) hilarious, definitely messy, and utterly unpredictable tour of my imagined stay at the Hotel O SKAGA in Haridwar, India. Forget the neat little travel brochures; this is real life, folks. And let me tell you, real life in India? It's an experience.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Gate Glitch (and Gratitude!)
7:00 AM - Arrival in Delhi (and the existential dread of "getting there"): Okay, so, the flight was a nightmare. Screaming baby? Check. Turbulence that made me question my life choices? Double check. But hey, we made it! My inner monologue is already screaming "OMG, India!!" which is quickly followed by "Did I pack enough Immodium?!"
8:00 AM - Transfer to Haridwar (AKA The Journey of Patience): The drive. Oh, the drive. Picture this: a symphony of honking, cows leisurely strolling across the highway, and a general sense of organized chaos that's utterly captivating. I swear, every other vehicle is a rickshaw of some kind, and they weave through traffic like they're part of some insane Bollywood dance number. The traffic is so thick, that I swear to god I saw a pigeon riding a motorcycle. Eventually, after what felt like an eternity (and quite a few roadside chai breaks), we arrive.
1:00 PM - Hotel O SKAGA: The First Impression (and a bit of a panic): The hotel itself is…well, it's something. It's grand, maybe a little too fancy, and you can smell the incense right away. The lobby? Marble floors, chandeliers that could feed a small village, and a staff that's dressed in uniforms that probably cost more than my car. It’s overwhelming, in the best way possible because I'm a country girl and that's just a massive change of pace.
- The Great Gate Glitch: This is where things got interesting. We checked in, and I was super stoked. Until…our room key wouldn’t work on the gate. Cue a solid 20 minutes of flailing, multiple trips to the reception, and me cursing the gods of technology. Finally, a charming gentleman from the hotel figured it out (apparently, I was pressing the wrong button - classic).
- First Impression: The room is great! Huge bed? Check! Big, comfy bathroom? Check! But I swear, the aircon is a little…overzealous. By the time I was done unpacking, it was practically a freezer in there.
2:00 PM - Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant (Attempt #1): Okay, so, the restaurant. I'm trying to be adventurous, but I'm also secretly hoping for something familiar. I ordered the Butter Chicken (because, duh) and it was…spicier than expected. Like, "tears-streaming-down-my-face" spicy. But, you know what? It was delicious. The naan bread? To die for. It was almost worth the pain of the heat.
- Quirky observation: The hotel staff seems to have a permanent smile plastered on their faces. I suspect they're either incredibly polite…or secretly terrified of the guests. Either way, I appreciate their service because I'm not sure what to do in a foreign country.
4:00 PM - Exploring Haridwar (or, the "Overwhelmed Tourist" Experience): Stepping outside, the sheer energy of Haridwar hit me like a tidal wave. The sounds, the smells, the crowds…it's an assault on the senses in the best way possible. We went down to the Ghats (steps leading to the river) for the Ganga Aarti (Evening prayer ritual).
- Emotional Reaction: The Ganga aarti was just…powerful. Like, I almost cried. All those lights, the music, the chanting…it was truly magical. And you know that feeling where you're so in a moment that you don't even want to take a picture? That was me.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (Attempt #2) + The Great Toilet Paper Debacle: I was still a little traumatized from the spice. Tonight, I played it safe and ordered a plain thali (a platter of different Indian dishes). It was amazing! This time, I remembered to drink my full glass of water with my meal. So happy about this. But this night, in the middle of the night, I ran out of toilet paper (which is so embarrassing). I don't know what to do. And after about 30 minutes of trying to figure out the issue, I woke up my husband, and he looked up the front desk. It took about 30 minutes for us to get more TP.
- Messy Structure: Dinner was nice, the Thali was good, and I wanted to sleep. But I was so tired.
Day 2: River Romance (and a Chicken Biryani Adventure)
8:00 AM - Hotel Breakfast (The "I'm-Not-Used-To-This" Buffet): The breakfast buffet was…vast. I mean, there were things I didn't even recognize! I stuck with some familiar options (toast, eggs, and a very strong cup of coffee), but I did manage to try a delicious little pastry that I'm pretty sure was made of pure sugar.
9:00 AM - Morning at the Ghats (and trying not to be a total idiot): I ventured back to the Ghats and, this time, bravely decided to take a dip in the holy river! Okay, maybe I just dipped my toes in. The water was surprisingly clean (ish) and the experience was just…calming. I just sat on the steps and watched the people bathing, praying, and generally going about their lives. It's easy to lose yourself in the moment.
12:00 PM - Lunch (The Chicken Biryani Incident) : I was feeling adventurous, and the aroma of chicken biryani from a bustling street-side stall was irresistible. "How different could it be?" I thought. Well…it was incredibly different. Spicier. More fragrant. More…everything! It may have been the best meal of my life, it may have set my stomach on fire. The after-effects? Let's just say I spent the afternoon becoming intimately familiar with the hotel's bathroom
- Doubling Down on Experience : The intense experience just made me want more, and I had to know if the biryani was worth it!
4:00 PM - Hotel Relaxation and Realization (The "I-Need-A-Nap" Phase): I retreated to the hotel, feeling a bit overwhelmed and in need of a serious rest. The aircon in my room was my new best friend. I collapsed on the bed and ended up falling asleep for like, three hours.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant (Attempt #3): I cautiously ordered a vegetable curry, and it's good, but not nearly as good. The food is great, but I'm still thinking about the biryani. You know how there's always a meal or a moment that sticks with you? That's the biryani for me.
- Opinionated Language/Rambles: I'm starting to think the hotel restaurant is great, but I need to remember the biryani. I'm going to be honest, India is overwhelming. The people are beautiful, the places are beautiful, and the food? It's a rollercoaster. I love it.
Day 3: Departure (and the bittersweet goodbye)
7:00 AM - Hotel Breakfast (The "One Last Toast" Routine): One last breakfast, one more attempt at embracing the buffet. I had toast. Because I'm a creature of habit.
8:00 AM - Hotel Goodbye & Final Reflections: Okay, so, the Hotel O SKAGA? It was…an experience. A little fancy, a little quirky, and a whole lot of memorable. The staff were lovely, the food (mostly) fantastic, and the aircon was a lifesaver.
- Stronger Emotional Reactions: I'm going to miss India. The chaos, the beauty, the spice, the warmth of the people…it's all a whole other world.
- I really wish I could stay here for another couple of days, but I need to get back.
9:00 AM - Transfer to the Airport (and the inevitable traffic jam): The car ride to the airport was a blur of honking, last-minute purchases from roadside vendors, and a final, lingering smell of incense. The drive felt easier this time, but I also might have been blinded with my own tears of joy.
12:00 PM - Departure (and the promise to return): As the plane took off, I looked out the window at the endless landscape, and I made a promise to myself. I will be back, India. I will.
So there you have it, folks. My imperfect, messy, and wonderfully absurd travel diary from the Hotel O SKAGA in Haridwar. Hopefully, it gave you a good laugh, and maybe even
Siliguri's Hidden Gem: Super Hotel O Smriti Guest House Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, so, why Sourdough? Isn't it just… bread?
Oh, honey, you haven't *lived* until you've tasted a truly good sourdough. Forget that bland, squishy stuff in the supermarket. This is about the *experience*. It's the smell of the starter bubbling on the counter, the satisfying *crack* when you score the loaf, the sheer pride when you pull a slightly-burnt, but still delicious, loaf out of the oven. It’s… therapeutic, even. I mean, unless it fails. Which, let's be honest, it usually does at first. My first attempt? A brick. Literally. I could have built a small retaining wall with it. But then... that *taste*... that tangy, chewy goodness... It got to me. It really got to me. (Cue dramatic sigh).
This "starter" thing… what is it, and why does it sound like a tiny, hungry monster?
That's the thing. It *is* a tiny, hungry monster! It’s also called a levain. Basically, it's a colony of wild yeasts and bacteria you cultivate from flour and water. Sounds gross, I know. But think of it as a tiny, highly opinionated pet. You have to feed it (that's the flour and water) regularly, keep it warm (because it’s a bit of a diva about temperatures), and generally keep it happy. My first starter, "Barry," was a temperamental beast. One week he was bubbling like a champagne fountain, the next he was a sad, watery puddle. Honestly, the emotional whiplash was exhausting. And the smell... at first, it's... pungent. Like, think old gym socks combined with a hint of… something else. But gradually, you get used to it. Maybe even start to enjoy it (don't judge me).
Feeding Barry… I mean, the starter… What's the deal?
Okay, so this is where things get *real*. Feeding is the lifeblood. (Again, dramatic). You take a portion of your starter, and you throw away the rest. (Sob!). Then you mix the remaining starter with equal parts flour and water. Different recipes tell you different things, but the general rule is, "Keep it consistent, keep it fed, and pray." I started by feeding Barry twice a day. Then once a day. Then I was traveling for work and had to hand it over to my husband, who... well, let's just say Barry didn't exactly thrive in his care. Came back to a flat, sad, greenish lump. And you know what? I *mourned* the loss. It felt dramatic, I know, but it was a thing! I felt like I lost a pet.
What kind of flour should I use? And does it *really* matter?
YES, it matters! A good quality, unbleached all-purpose is a good starting point. But play around! I've tried whole wheat, rye, even spelt (which, by the way, smelled AMAZING). Experimenting is part of the fun (or the utter frustration, depending on the day). But here's the thing: The flour feeds the starter. And in turn, the starter affects the flavour! So, yeah, matter!
Okay, I'm ready to bake! How do I even *start*? Like, what the heck is "proofing"?
Proofing. Ah, the waiting game. Proofing is where the magic happens. Basically, you mix your starter, flour, water, and salt into a dough, let it rise… then, you… wait. And wait. And *wait*. And then you wait some more! (See, it’s therapeutic *and* good for your patience!) Proofing times vary wildly depending on the temperature of your kitchen, the mood of the yeast, and the phases of the moon, apparently. Honestly, I've spent hours staring at my dough, willing it to rise. I've even talked to it (don't judge me again!). And yes, the whole thing can be a disaster if the yeast are a little off or the kitchen is the wrong temperature, and then the loaf will be sad and flat.
What about shaping the loaf? I always see these beautiful, Instagram-worthy loaves... mine just looks... sad.
Ugh, shaping! That's another hurdle. The key to an amazing shaped loaf is getting the dough right, and then, learning to get some tension in the dough. It's all about creating surface tension on the dough. My early attempts… well, they looked like blobs. Or slightly squashed blobs. Or, on one disastrous occasion, a shape that I'm not even going to describe. The YouTube videos make it look so easy! But then you try it, and it's all sticky fingers and a dough that seems to have a mind of its own. My hands would be covered in flour, my kitchen counter would be a mess, and I'd be muttering under my breath. Keep practising, you'll get there. It's a process. And hey, even a slightly misshapen loaf tastes amazing.
Baking on a baking stone? Dutch oven? What's the best method?
Dutch oven is the way to go if you want that ear, and that crust. The enclosed environment creates a steamy oven, which causes the bread to rise more. And then, you can take the lid off for the final browning of the crust. It's the closest you can get to pizza oven conditions in terms of a home oven. It can get a little messy to take the lid off without burning yourself. You can also use a baking stone, which is also good, especially if you have a steaming system, like ice cubes on the sides of the oven.
My loaf is flat! What did I do *wrong*? (Because, let's be honest, I probably did something wrong).
Ah, the dreaded pancake loaf! Don’t beat yourself up. It happens to *everyone*. The most common culprits? Either your starter wasn’t active enough (underfed, or past its prime), your dough was over-proofed (been there, cried about that), or your gluten development was a little weak (not enough kneading or stretch and folds). Or maybe you just didn't follow the recipe. Or maybe, you know, the universe decided you weren't getting a good loaf that day. Baking is not an exact science. It's a relationship. And sometimes, the relationship is a little rocky.Infinity Inns
