Aurangabad's BEST Hotel Near the Railway Station: Hotel Natraj!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the whirlwind that is Hotel Natraj, Aurangabad’s self-proclaimed BEST hotel near the railway station. And let me tell you, after a recent stay, I'm here to untangle the good, the questionable, and the downright memorable.
SEO Jargon, Here We Go! (But Briefly, I Swear)
Let's get the boring bits out of the way. This review is optimized for your search queries. We're talking "Hotel Natraj Aurangabad review," "Best Aurangabad hotel near railway," "Aurangabad hotel with Wi-Fi," "Hotel Natraj amenities," you get the picture. Basically, if you're Googling, I want you to find this rambling, honest assessment.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, let's start with the practical. Accessibility is HUGE for me (and should be for you!). Hotel Natraj deserves props for having an elevator. Getting around the hotel itself seemed reasonably easy, which is a massive plus. They also mentioned facilities for disabled guests, though I wasn’t able to test them personally. More details on that would be amazing for future guests. There are also some non-smoking rooms, which is always appreciated – nobody wants to smell stale smoke in their sleep!
Food, Glorious Food! (With A Few Hiccups)
Right, the stomach is rumbling, so let’s talk about chow. Dining, drinking, and snacking is an entire universe at Natraj. They've got multiple restaurants, a coffee shop, even a poolside bar (more on that glorious pool later). Offering Asian, International, and Vegetarian cuisines should satisfy most palates. The breakfast was a buffet - a glorious, chaotic buffet. I made a beeline for the Asian Breakfast section that I can never say no to. Let me tell you, it was a delight! Though I did wish I could have gotten a Breakfast in room to avoid the chaos of other guests. While the food was mostly great, don’t expect gourmet. It's solid, filling, and convenient, which is precisely what you want after a long train ride.
The Room: Sanctuary or Slightly Dated Abode?
The rooms are… well, they are quite the experience.
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning - a lifesaver in Aurangabad's heat. Free Wi-Fi - yessss! Complimentary tea and electric kettles - a nice touch for the tea addicted. Everything else mentioned looks pretty standard (e.g., TV, safe, etc.)
But my room? It was a bit like stepping back in time. The carpeting was a tad faded, the bathroom a little… clinical. There are interconnecting rooms available, potentially great if you're traveling with a family or a rowdy group of friends. I did appreciate the the blackout curtains and the soundproofing.
The Spa: Where All My Woes Melt Away (Mostly)
Okay, here's where Natraj really shines. The Spa/Sauna is a must-try, even if it's just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I spent a glorious hour in the sauna, sweated out the travel grime, and felt reborn. They offer a range of treatments, including a Body scrub and Body wrap (I opted for the scrub and it was divine).
The Pool: A Slice of Paradise with a View (And Quirks)
The jewel in Natraj's crown is undoubtedly the swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with a view. This is where I spent most of a day, lounging, reading, and generally indulging in self-care. It’s a proper oasis and provides the perfect spot to relax after you explore the city.
Services and Conveniences: Your Wish is Their Command (Almost)
Natraj offers a ton of services and conveniences. The presence of Air conditioning in public area, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, and Currency exchange are welcome. Daily housekeeping keeps your room looking fresh, and the dry cleaning and laundry service are godsends for travelers on the go. I would also like to give a shoutout to Food delivery, I was too lazy to get more dinner, but they really helped me with this service.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Pandemic Factor
I'm always hyper-aware of hygiene these days. Natraj seems to take this seriously. I noticed they have Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas and staff who are trained in safety protocol. They are taking the steps to ensure that the place is safe.
Getting Around
Natraj makes travel a breeze. The Airport transfer and taxi service are lifesavers after a long flight or train ride. Plus, there's car park [free of charge] and valet parking.
For the Kids:
If you've got little ones, Natraj has a good selection. Babysitting service and kid facilities are available.
Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect!)
- The hotel shows its age in some areas. A bit of a refresh wouldn't hurt.
- The Wi-Fi, while Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, wasn't the MOST reliable.
My Emotional Reaction:
There are ups and downs to staying here. The hotel is generally clean and safe. The food is amazing, and the spa and pool are top-tier. The vibe here is relaxed and convenient. The imperfections added to the personality and charm of the place.
The Verdict:
Hotel Natraj isn't flawless. It's a bit frayed around the edges. But it's also a genuinely pleasant place to stay, especially if you're looking for convenience, a bit of luxury, and a relaxing escape from the city's chaos. It’s a great choice overall.
Here's the Deal:
Book your stay at Hotel Natraj NOW and get a free spa treatment on your first day! Make your trip a memorable one with a stay at Hotel Natraj!
Uncover Hidden Milazzo Gem: Agriturismo Il Gelsomino Ritrovato!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! This ain't your perfectly polished, brochure-ready itinerary. This is the REAL deal. This is me, surviving and possibly thriving, in Aurangabad, India, all while tethered to the unpredictable beast that is the Hotel Natraj (which, by the way, sounds way fancier than it probably is!).
Day 1: Arrival & The Existential Dread of a Delayed Train (Plus Some Seriously Good Chai)
- 8:00 AM: Okay, so the "estimated" arrival time? Utterly laughable. The train, a clanking, groaning steel serpent, was supposed to hit Aurangabad at 6 AM. It's now 8, and I'm pretty sure the conductor's just doing laps around the same cows. Fine. I’ll meditate on patience… while devouring the last of my emergency biscuit stash.
- 8:15 AM: Finally! The platform, that glorious, chaotic hub of humanity, welcomes me. I step out, legs wobbly from sitting, ears ringing with the chorus of vendors. This is it. Aurangabad. Population: me. (For now.)
- 8:45 AM: The drive to Hotel Natraj. I'm expecting a charming little hotel, maybe a vintage vibe - I'm wrong. The taxi driver, a wiry chap with eyes that have seen things I can't even begin to imagine, navigates the crazy traffic with a skill that borders on witchcraft. The hotel itself…well, let's just say the brochure photos were generous.
- 9:30 AM: Check-in. The guy at the desk is, let’s be honest, a bit tired. But, the room… it's small, the AC sounds like a dying walrus, and the bathroom has…interesting plumbing. BUT. It's a bed, it has a window, and I'm alive. I will survive.
- 10:00 AM: The REAL salvation: Chai. Sweet, milky, spicy chai from the street vendor outside the hotel. This, my friends, is liquid gold. I swear, that first sip made me forget all my travel angst. This chai vendor is my new best friend.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: A stroll through the Aurangabad chaos. Markets, sounds, smells, colors! I get utterly, beautifully lost. See a cobler crafting shoes, buy some colorful bangles - this is sensory overload in the best possible way.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch! I dive headfirst into a thali at a nearby restaurant. Everything is spicy, vibrant, and delicious. I think I know what I'm eating. The language barrier makes it a game of delicious Russian Roulette. Fingers crossed it's not something that'll have me glued to the toilet all night.
- Afternoon: A nap. The air conditioning might be a dying walrus, but it also creates a lovely, chilly cocoon.
Day 2: Ajanta Caves – A Journey Through Time (And a Whole Lot of Crowds)
- 6:00 AM: Wake up call, because the tour operator said 6:30AM. He lied. Still, rise and shine! Today. Is. Ajanta. Caves. Honestly, I’m pretty sure I could sleep until noon.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. The hotel's breakfast is…well, let's just say they take "continental" very loosely. Toast that's more like stale crackers and some vaguely orange-colored juice. I'm going to need that chai again.
- 8:00 AM: Off to Ajanta! The drive is long. The roads are…interesting. The bus is packed. The driver seems to enjoy honking. But views!
- 10:00AM-1:00PM: Ajanta Caves! Okay, wow. Just… wow. These ancient Buddhist cave paintings are breathtaking. The colors, the stories, the sheer age of it all… it's enough to make you go all philosophical about the fleeting nature of existence. The crowds, though? They make it difficult to reflect. I find myself elbowing my way through the throngs. There's a kid who won't stop staring at me, another person who insists on giving me a running commentary in rapid-fire Hindi I can't understand. By the time I reach Cave 26 I’d almost had it. It was the last place I wanted to be. Then I had a deep breath and stared.
- 1:00 PM: Terrible tourist trap lunch spot. Seriously, the food tasted like disappointment seasoned with regret. I swear I saw a cockroach.
- Afternoon: Back at the hotel. Nap. More chai. Seriously, the chai is a life-saver.
Day 3: Bibi Ka Maqbara – The Taj Mahal's Imposter Sister (and More Chai)
- 9:00 AM: Bibi Ka Maqbara, the "poor man's Taj Mahal". Okay, it's not the Taj Mahal, but hey, it's pretty cool! The gardens are beautiful, the architecture is impressive. It's slightly less crowded than the Taj, which, let’s be honest, is a win in my book.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00PM: Explore! Wander around the surrounding areas. I find a tiny little shop selling the most amazing embroidered scarves. I bargain like a pro (or at least, I think I do).
- 2:00 PM: Lunch and wander and get utterly, gloriously, lost. The sights. The sounds. The smells. I start to just feel.
- 3:00 PM: CHAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!! Seriously, I'm going to start a chai-fueled travel blog.
- Evening: Pack, panic, realize I've forgotten something crucial (probably my toothbrush).
Day 4: Departure & Final Thoughts (and More Chai, Obviously)
- Morning: The chaos of checking out. Paying way to much for the hotel. Buying snacks from the street vendor. The taxi driver is there; ready to take me once again back to the railway station.
- More Chai: The final drink. It reminds me that everything is okay.
- The Train: The trip back goes as smoothly as you'd expect.
- And now: I am back, but Aurangabad has changed me. Or at least, it's made me realize how much I LOVE chai.
Hotel Natraj, Aurangabad: The Unofficial Guide (Because Let's Be Real, Nobody Reads Brochures Anymore)
Okay, Fine, You're SOLD on Aurangabad, Need a Place Near the Station... Hotel Natraj? Worth It?
Alright, alright. Let's get this straight. You're fresh off the train, probably covered in that lovely post-journey dust (bless you, Indian Railways!), and the first thing you need is a bed. And Hotel Natraj? Well...it *is* near the station. Like, practically a stone's throw, assuming you have a strong arm. That's the main selling point, honestly. It's proximity is its superpower, saving you from a potential auto-rickshaw negotiation war at 6 AM. But is it *amazing*? Hold your horses.
My first trip? Ugh. I was exhausted, the train was late, and I just wanted a shower. Natraj, bless its slightly faded pink facade, was *there*. The lobby smelled a bit of disinfectant, which is a good thing, I suppose. The check-in? Smooth-ish. The guy behind the counter looked like he'd seen a LOT of weary travelers. He probably had. It's a mixed bag, like that last piece of cake nobody *really* wants, but you eat it anyway.
So, Proximity Aside, What's the Vibe? Is it... Clean?
"Clean" is a relative term, right? Let's just say it's 'serviceable'. It's not the Ritz, people. Expect a certain... patina. Think of it as a lived-in experience, a testament to years of weary travelers just like you. I vividly remember the one time I went, there was a mysterious stain on the carpet in my room that looked suspiciously like… well, I'm not going to speculate, but let’s just say I avoided looking at the floor after that.
The sheets? Generally clean, but I always double-check, you know? And the bathrooms? Functional, but packed with that faint, lingering odor of... well, let's just say Indian plumbing can have a personality. Nothing that a little soap and some strong will can't handle! Honestly, I've stayed in worse places. Much worse. Look, it's about managing expectations. It's a budget-friendly hotel, not a spa retreat. You're there for the *history* (of Aurangabad, not the hotel's carpet!).
The Rooms! What are They Like? Size? Amenities? (And the *Important* Question: AC?)
The rooms are... well, they're rooms. Not palatial suites, let's be clear. Think compact. Think enough space to walk around the bed and maybe, *maybe,* stretch your arms. Amenities? Don't expect a minibar stocked with artisanal chocolates. You'll get basic stuff: a bed (hopefully), a TV (probably with a million channels you don't understand), and a bathroom (see previous answers).
AC is CRUCIAL. Aurangabad gets HOT. Like, scorching, melt-your-face-off hot. Confirm the AC *works* before you unpack. Seriously. One time? The AC in my room sputtered and died at 3 AM. Do you know what it's like to be sweating in a budget hotel room at 3 AM? It’s not a spiritual experience, I can tell you that. The management, bless their souls, eventually sorted it out... after I'd spent a good hour contemplating the meaning of life while drenched in perspiration. Carry some extra cash for tips... these guys need and *deserve* them.
Breakfast? Dining? Any Good Food Nearby?
The in-house breakfast is... well, let's just say it fuels you. Don't go expecting award-winning gourmet. Expect a basic Indian breakfast: paratha, maybe some upma, definitely a strong cup of chai. Perfect pre-sightseeing fuel! It's included, which is a plus.
But HERE'S THE REAL TEA: The *street food* around Natraj is AMAZING. Seriously, some of the best you'll find in Aurangabad. Walk outside, get lost in the chaos, and embrace the flavors. There's a little stall near the station that makes the most INCREDIBLE samosas. A word of advice: bring some antacids. Your stomach will thank you later.
Location, Location, Location! The Station's Convenient, But What's *Around* the Hotel?
Okay, the station is *right there*. Like, you can probably smell the diesel fumes from your room. Which, depending on your perspective, is either a blessing or a curse. It's GREAT for easy arrivals and departures. You can practically roll out of bed and onto the platform.
Beyond the station, you've got a typical Indian city center. Shops, restaurants, auto-rickshaws honking constantly. It's a sensory overload, but that's part of the fun, right? You're within easy reach of the main attractions by auto-rickshaw. Negotiate the price *before* you get in. Learn from my mistakes! Or, you can just download the apps and embrace the ease of ride hailing.
The WiFi: The Modern Traveler's Achilles Heel. Good? Bad? Non-Existent?
WiFi... Ah, the bane of my existence! In my *experience* (and this changes constantly), the WiFi at Natraj is... *variable*. Sometimes it's fine. You can check your emails, do some basic browsing. Other times... it's a slow, sputtering, frustrating mess.
I remember *one time*, desperately trying to book a train ticket and the connection was so slow I wanted to scream. I paced the room, swore under my breath, and eventually just gave up and went to explore. Consider getting a local SIM card for data to avoid the potential WiFi-induced rage. Seriously. Pack your patience.
Anything *Really* Bad About Hotel Natraj? Be Honest!
Look, no place is perfect. One thing that can be a bit of a pain is the noise. Being near the station means you'll hear trains. You'll hear auto-rickshaws. You might hear the enthusiastic calls of vendors. Light sleepers, bring earplugs.
And, yes, sometimes the service can be a little... slow. Remember, you're on Indian time. Things might take a bit longer than you're used to. Try not to get too stressed. And that mysterious stain on the carpet, that's worth a mention!
