**Unleash Your Inner Maharajah: Stallion Hotel Haridwar's Royal Escape Awaits!**
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the… well, the Stallion Hotel Haridwar! "Unleash Your Inner Maharajah" they say. Honestly, after wading through the chaos of Delhi Airport (a story for another day, believe me…), I was hoping for a little less "Maharajah" and a lot more "tranquil oasis." Let's see if the Stallion Hotel delivers… This review is gonna be MESSY, just like my travel life.
First Impressions & The "Royal" Treatment (Or Lack Thereof):
Okay, so accessibility first, because hey, important stuff. Wheelchair accessible? YES! Elevator? YES! Phew. That lifts a weight off my shoulders. Always a win. They also boast Facilities for disabled guests, which is good to see. Now, did I personally use any of these things? Nope. But the important thing is the option is THERE.
The exterior? Well, it wasn’t quite the Taj Mahal, but it wasn't crumbling concrete either. Think… pleasant, modern, with a slight vibe of attempting grandeur. The lobby? Clean, yes. Grandiose? Debatable. The staff? Mostly friendly. The "royal treatment"? I’m gonna say, it was more like "efficiently friendly." Don't get me wrong, no major complaints, but don't expect them to start fanning you with peacock feathers just yet.
Now, let's get real. I'm not here for the perfect review, I'm here for the honest one.
The Room: My Personal Castle (Or, At Least, A Nice Room):
Alright, Room itself was Air conditioned, always a plus, and thankfully they had Blackout curtains. Gods, please, blackout curtains are ESSENTIAL after the Delhi airport experience. I was immediately thankful. Coffee/tea maker? YES! Free bottled water? YES! Hair dryer? YES! Standard stuff, but appreciated. Internet access – wireless? YES! (More on that later). They have a desk, which is… well, I wouldn't trust writing a novel on it, but perfect for answering emails (and writing this review!). Ironing facilities? Yep. In-room safe box? Good. Mini bar? Okay, that was a bit thin. I grabbed a water bottle from the mini-bar and it was like… half filled. Oh well.
The room was clean. Very clean. Daily housekeeping was efficient. I actually saw them sanitizing surfaces daily (like they claim they do). Rooms sanitized between stays. Good. I had a private bathroom, with a Separate shower/bathtub. Bathrobes and slippers, the works. The bed was comfy. I slept like a baby. Okay, a baby who had a slightly sore back from the airplane. But still - a baby.
However, the Internet access – wireless situation was a bit… flaky. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!! Yes, technically. But there were times when it was slower than a snail on a sugar rush. My advice? Don't book a video conference call. Send emails. Browse. Maybe download a movie before you get there. If you're a digital nomad, be prepared for a little frustration. (But hey, they do have Internet [LAN] as a backup, so that's something.)
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Fooood Glorious Fooood!
Okay, the most important part… the eating! They have Restaurants. Hooray! The Asian cuisine in restaurant was a star, I'm not gonna lie. I could eat their butter chicken until I popped. It was divine. The Vegetarian restaurant also got rave reviews from some people back in the hotel, but I'm a meat-eater myself. The Breakfast [buffet]? Standard fare. Asian breakfast! International cuisine in restaurant! Western breakfast! Plenty of options to get you going in the morning. They have a Coffee shop too, which is just brilliant.
I do have to say, the Happy hour was a real win. After a day of exploring Haridwar, a cold beer at the Poolside bar was absolute bliss. They also have a Snack bar. There's even a Desserts in restaurant. I swear, I must've gained five pounds. WORTH IT.
I remember one breakfast… I was hangry. I went down to the buffet, and there was a server with a tiny ladle, carefully scooping portions of scrambled eggs like he was performing brain surgery. "Sir," I thought, "I need more eggs. Now." (Okay, I didn't say that, I just thought it. Remember, "efficiently friendly"…) But, you know. The eggs were good! They were just… minimal.
Ways to Relax (aka, My Attempt at Zen):
Here's where the "Maharajah" potential comes into play. They have a Spa/sauna. A Steamroom. A Swimming pool [outdoor]. I hit the pool, and YES, the Pool with view was pretty darn good. The spa? Ah, the spa…
So, I went for a massage. I needed a massage. I'd been cramming myself into tiny, cramped spaces for days! The masseuse was… lovely. I'm not sure I achieved enlightenment, but my aching muscles did feel a lot better. The only problem? Well, the music. It was supposed to be relaxing, but it was this weird, echoey, pan flute version of… something. I can't even remember. It was so bad that it was kind of… hilarious. I was trying so hard to relax… and I ended up biting back laughter. But hey, the massage was good. They also have a Gym/fitness, but I’m not touching that…
Cleanliness and Safety: The COVID Considerations:
Okay, so obviously, in the current climate, this is HUGE. Anti-viral cleaning products. Daily disinfection in common areas. Staff trained in safety protocol. Hand sanitizer everywhere. They’re taking it seriously. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available. They seem to have jumped through all the necessary hoops. I felt safe. And that’s important. They have a First aid kit and a Doctor/nurse on call too, so you can be secure. Good on you, Stallion Hotel!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
24-hour Front desk? CHECK. Laundry service? Check. Concierge? Yep. Currency exchange? Good to know. Luggage storage? That was a lifesaver after my Delhi disaster. Car park [free of charge]? Another win! They also have a Gift/souvenir shop, which is handy if you've forgotten to buy gifts. There's a Convenience store too, so, all in all, pretty good.
Getting Around: Mobility is Key!
Airport transfer? YES! A big, beautiful van picked me up from the airport and all my fears of another Delhi situation vanished. Taxi service? Yep. And Car park [on-site]. Pretty useful.
Things to Do (Besides Eating, Sleeping, and Pan Flutes):
Haridwar isn’t exactly known for its nightlife (it’s a holy city!). So, the amenities inside the hotel are a huge draw. But you can get out and about. I went to a Shrine and it was beautiful. Honestly, an experience. But I will warn you… the Smoking area is an area. An area you might not want to be in, depending on what you think of smoke.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly Fun?
They have Babysitting service. Also, Family/child friendly is listed as a key feature. Haven’t got kids myself, but good to know, I guess!
The Final Verdict: Does the Stallion Hotel Deliver on the "Maharajah" Promise?
Alright, the truth? No, it's not quite a full-blown Maharajah experience. It's more of a… comfortable, well-appointed hotel with some nice touches. The food is great. The spa is worth trying (though brace yourself for the pan flutes!). The staff are friendly (if not overly effusive). The rooms are clean and comfortable. It's a good base of operations for exploring Haridwar, especially if you need access to wheelchair facilities.
My Recommendation: Book it if…
You're looking for a comfortable, clean hotel with good food in Haridwar. You want a pool to relax by. You need easy access to the city. You value safety and cleanliness.
My Caveat: Don't expect opulent luxury. Be prepared for slightly flaky Wi-Fi. And maybe, just maybe, bring your own relaxing playlist for the spa.
Now, for the Sales Pitch (Because You Made it This Far!):
Unleash Your Inner Maharajah (Well, Maybe Your Inner Chill Traveler) at the Stallion Hotel Haridwar!
Forget the endless searching and the travel stress. Escape to the
Uncover Marrakech's Hidden Gem: Your Riad Saba Adventure Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because we're about to embark on a chaotic, gloriously messy, and hopefully hilarious (for you, if not for me) jaunt through Haridwar, India, all with the Stallion Hotel as our somewhat shaky base. Prepare for opinions, tangents, and the emotional rollercoaster that is me trying to juggle travel, writing, and the sheer sensory overload that is India. Here we go:
The Stallion Hotel & Haridwar: A Journey Into Sensory Overload (and Maybe a Little Bit of Enlightenment?)
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and Curry-Induced Bliss (Maybe)
Morning (More like Late Morning, Let's Be Honest): Landed in Delhi. Okay, the air outside the airport hit me like a wall. Not the good, refreshing kind. More like a dusty, sweaty, insistent wall of… everything. The taxi from Delhi felt like a video game. Constant dodging, honking, near misses. Survived. God, I hope I survive this trip. Arrived at the Stallion Hotel, Haridwar. It looked… fine. The lobby had that slightly faded grandeur thing going on. The staff were super polite which kinda made me nervous. Am I supposed to be this polite back? Probably not, knowing me. Got checked in – thankfully, the room was cleaner than I expected. Small wins.
Afternoon: The First Meal, the First Impression, and the First Panic Attack (Kidding! Mostly.) After settling in, I braved the restaurant. The smell of spices hit me like a punch to the face – in a good way. I ordered a butter chicken. It was… phenomenal. Seriously the best I've ever had. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I sat there, slowly getting used to all the noises: the chatter in Hindi, the clanging of dishes, the distant chants. It was overwhelming, but strangely… comforting. Maybe I'm starting to get it. Or maybe its the copious amounts of butter in the chicken.
Evening: Ghat Gazing & Spiritual Snoozing (Don't Judge Me)
- Decided to walk to the Har ki Pauri ghat. The Ganges River. The air was thick with incense and the sound of bells. Seeing the evening aarti ceremony. Wow. Just… wow. A dazzling display of fire, devotion, and a crowd so thick I thought I was going to get swallowed.
- The whole thing was incredibly moving, and I felt this deep connection to the spiritual energy, and then… I got distracted by the sheer number of people, the pushiness of some of the vendors, and the sheer noise. I was exhausted. I found a quiet spot and just sat and watched… and maybe, just maybe…started dozing off a little. Hey, jet lag is a real thing! Ended the day with some ice cream that may or may not have disagreed with my stomach.
Day 2: The Spiritual and the Sensory Overload
Morning (The One Where I Try to Be Up Early): Tried to hit the gym at the Stallion Hotel. "Gym." Let's just say it's equipped. I lasted 20 minutes. Switched to a walk. Aimed to visit the Mansa Devi Temple, but my navigation skills failed me. Got lost. In India. Shocker. Found a street vendor selling the best chai – spicy, sweet, and almost medicinal. This might become a daily ritual.
Afternoon: Temple Hopping & Tourist Trapping (and enjoying it!)
- Finally made it to Mansa Devi Temple. The cable car ride up the hill was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time. The view was incredible, the temple itself was… intense. So many people pushing, prodding, praying. The atmosphere was thick with devotion. I felt a vague sense of guilt for not being fully "there", but hey, I'm trying.
- After the temple, I got thoroughly lost again. Ended up in a bustling market. The smells, the colors, the chaos - it's a sensory overload to the max. I bought two ridiculously bright scarves I'll probably never wear, but whatever, I had to, it felt required.
Evening: Restaurant Roulette and a Cultural Clash
- The hotel restaurant seemed a little disappointing tonight. Ordered something with paneer, and I actually got something very bland. Decided to try a small local place, which turned out to be a significant cultural experience. The food was fantastic again, but wow, the staring! And the complete lack of personal space!
- I ended up wanting to hide but now know I want to get more intimate with the culture.
Day 3: Rishikesh Day Trip… and Regrets (Maybe a Few, but Hopefully Not Too Many)
Morning: Travel to Rishikesh and the Reality of the Road
- Packed a bag, and hired a driver, expecting a magical journey to Rishikesh. It was beautiful, and the hills filled me with an emotion I'd somehow managed to forget.
- The car was slightly beat up, but it got the job done. Had an interesting conversation with my driver – a charming guy with the most expressive eyebrows I've ever seen. He told me stories, shared music. He made me feel less alone and more willing to open myself up to this very different world.
Afternoon: Rishikesh Adventures (and Near-Disasters)
Rishikesh was… well, it was Rishikesh. A mix of spiritual pilgrims, yoga enthusiasts, and backpackers. The atmosphere was definitely more "Westernized" than Haridwar. The Ganges here was much more beautiful. I tried (and failed miserably) to do some basic yoga poses.
I decided to try to do some whitewater rafting. It went great. Then one of the guides told me to jump in the water, and I thought "what have I done?". I found myself in the water, and couldn't find the boat. The current hit me so hard, and with a moment of panic I felt the river could carry me away. I fought it, and started to swim. Everyone around me was calm. I saw the boat, and swam over to it. That was an experience.
Evening: Back to Haridwar, Exhausted and Slightly Changed?
- Back at the Stallion. Crashed. And here I'll stay-
Day 4: (The Day I Lose Track of Time and Maybe Myself)
Morning (It's Probably Afternoon): Slept in. The jet lag is a relentless foe. Wandered around, did nothing. Which, honestly, feels like its own kind of accomplishment.
Afternoon: The only one thing to do in Haridwar, is to see all the temples there.
- I went everywhere and saw everything. The temples are still interesting, but not as moving.
Evening: Still here. The last night. I ordered something I couldn't pronounce in a restaurant. I'm going to sleep.
Day 5: Departure (and the lingering scent of spices).
- Morning: Packed, checked out, and said goodbye to the staff. They seemed genuinely sad to see me go, which was… oddly touching.
- Afternoon: Off to the airport. The air smells again.
Final Thoughts:
Haridwar (and the Stallion Hotel) was an experience. It was overwhelming, beautiful, frustrating, and utterly unforgettable. Did I find enlightenment? No idea. Did I eat too much butter chicken? Absolutely. Would I go back? Probably. Maybe I'll bring earplugs. And maybe a therapist. Stay tuned.
Chonburi's BEST Sea View Patio: High Floor Paradise Awaits!
Unleash Your Inner Maharajah: Stallion Hotel Haridwar's Royal Escape Awaits! - FAQ (Because Let's Be Real, You Have Questions)
Okay, So... Is This Place *Actually* Royal? And I Mean, *Really*? Like, Am I Going to Trip Over a Crown Jewel?
What About the Food? I'm Always Skeptical of Hotel Restaurants. Do I Need to Pack Emergency Rations?
How's the Spa? Because Royal Escapes NEED a spa, right? (And is it *actually* relaxing, or just a glorified massage parlor?)
Is it Family-Friendly? My Kids Are... Let's Say, Energetic.
What's There to *Do* Besides Eat Paneer and Lounge Around? I Get Bored Easily.
What's the Wi-Fi Like? Gotta Stay Connected (Unfortunately).
Is it Worth the Price? I'm Not Exactly a Maharajah (Though I Wish I Was).
Any Hidden Fees or Annoying Surprises I Should Know About?
