Escape to Luxury: Delhi's Hidden Gem Hotel O Essendi
Escape to Luxury: Delhi's Hidden Gem Hotel O Essendi
Escape to Luxury? Delhi's Hidden Gem, O Essendi, Put to the Test! (Spoiler: It's Complicated…)
Right, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the chai on O Essendi, the Delhi hotel whispering promises of luxury. And trust me, the journey was far from a smooth, perfectly Instagrammable experience. It was real. Expect a rollercoaster, folks, because this hotel? This hotel is a mixed bag.
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Gotta do it, I guess…):
- Keywords: O Essendi, Delhi hotel, luxury hotel Delhi, accessible hotel Delhi, spa Delhi, swimming pool Delhi, restaurant Delhi, best Delhi hotel, Wi-Fi Delhi, accessible features, Delhi travel, O Essendi review, [Insert any specific feature you want targeted]
- Meta Description: A brutally honest review of Delhi's O Essendi hotel, exploring accessibility, dining, spa, and everything in between. Is it truly luxurious? Find out here!
First Impressions: The Grand Façade & the Initial Glitch
Alright, walking into O Essendi – wow. Marble, soaring ceilings, that "I'm important and rich" kind of vibe. The lobby itself practically screams "Luxury!" and I wanted to be swept away. The staff, mostly polite (which is a win in India!), but let me clue you in on a little secret: This is where things started getting a little… wonky. There was a slight issue with my booking, a minor detail that involved me staring at a blank screen for about 20 minutes before they sorted it out. A little less “Luxury” and a little more “Oh bother”.
Accessibility: Mostly Thumbs Up, But…
Now, as someone who occasionally needs to navigate the world with… extra considerations, accessibility is key. And blessedly, O Essendi has (mostly) got it right.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The elevators were spacious and actually worked. The hallways were wide, and the public areas were generally easy to maneuver. This is fantastic.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They have designated rooms and bathrooms. Kudos!
- Getting Around: Easy Peasy! Everything felt thoughtfully planned for guests of all abilities.
- The Big 'But': While the main areas were accessible, I didn't see any information about accessible routes to the pool area or the spa. That's a HUGE miss, and I don’t want anyone showing up and finding that they can’t enjoy the spa or the pool.
Rooms: Comfortable, But Not Without a Few Hiccups
Once I finally got into my room (after the booking saga), I was greeted with a well-appointed space. Think:
- Available in all rooms : Everything seemed pretty standard.
- Amenities: A comfy bed (extra long, even!), a decent desk, a mini-bar (duh), and a fantastic bathtub to soak in.
- Important Note: I loved the blackout curtains. Delhi's sun can be brutal, and those curtains saved my life (and my sleep schedule).
- The Downside: I'm a total wi-fi fiend, and while the free Wi-Fi was available, it was spotty at times. Grrr. You have the option of the internet [LAN], which I didn't use.
Dining: Culinary Adventures (with a few bumps in the road!)
Let's talk about the food, shall we? This is where O Essendi showed off some serious potential, and also where things took a few…detours.
- Restaurants: There’s a bunch. You get your typical choices here: the restaurant, the coffee shop, the poolside bar, the snack bar, and the 24-hour room service that I never actually used.
- The Good: The breakfast buffet was pretty magnificent. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, breakfast [buffet], all the classics (and some exciting Indian options!) – I loaded up on those crispy dosas and strong coffee. (They offered Alternative meal arrangement which is great for fussy eaters)
- The “Meh”: The main restaurant, a la carte, Asian cuisine, International cuisine, and serving salad, soup, and desserts was a bit inconsistent. One day the butter chicken was divine, the next…well, let’s just say I've had better. Service can be slow.
- The Unexpected Gem: The Poolside bar! This was fantastic. You could just kick back and relax. Cocktails with a view? Yes, please!
Spa & Relaxation: A Glimpse of Paradise (with a price tag!)
O Essendi really shines when it comes to those pampering extras.
- The Spa Experience: The spa is gorgeous. The Massage was heavenly. I treated myself to a body scrub and felt like a new woman. They also have a sauna, steam room, foot bath, and a spa/sauna. It's a splurge, but worth it.
- Poolside Bliss: The swimming pool [outdoor] is stunning, with those infinity views they always show in the brochures. It's a great place to chill out.
- Fitness Center: I took a quick peek. Looked well-equipped. (Confession: I stuck to lounging by the pool.)
Cleanliness and Safety: Ticking the Boxes (for the most part)
In the current climate, this is vital. O Essendi seemed to be trying hard:
- The Good: They had daily disinfection in common areas, professional-grade sanitizing services, rooms sanitized between stays, and staff trained in safety protocol.
- The "Wait and See": I am always skeptical. They're offering safety, and it seems good. You just never know!
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- The Nice Touches: Concierge service (helpful), daily housekeeping, luggage storage, and doorman.
- The "Needs Improvement": The Wi-Fi for special events was spotty again. I can't tell you anything about the business facilities
- The "Meh": The gift/souvenir shop had the usual touristy things. I never used the dry cleaning nor the laundry service
Things to Do (Beyond Lounging):
- Location: The location of O Essendi wasn't exactly in the thick of things, which suited me. You could explore Delhi but that's up to you.
For the Kids:
- Babysitting service - This is great.
- Family/child friendly - Good to know.
- Kids facilities - Ok, but I didn’t see much.
- Kids meal - Seems normal.
Overall Verdict: Worth the Stay? (With Caveats!)
Is O Essendi a true luxury escape? It's complicated.
- Pros: The beautiful rooms, the stunning pool and spa, the accessibility (mostly), and the generally relaxed atmosphere.
- Cons: Inconsistent service, the Wi-Fi wobbles, and a few accessibility issues that need addressing.
- My Opinion: If you’re looking for a swanky Delhi hotel and are willing to overlook a few imperfections, absolutely. If you need perfect reliability and flawless service, you might want to temper your expectations. I'd return (once those Wi-Fi gremlins are banished!).
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars (with a mental note to check the Wi-Fi before recommending to a friend).
**Drury Inn & Suites St. Joseph: Your Dream Missouri Getaway Awaits!**
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This itinerary isn't some perfectly-manicured travel brochure. This is real life. This is messy Delhi, with me, your ridiculously enthusiastic and sometimes slightly overwhelmed travel companion. We're going to be at the Hotel O Essendi Hospitalities LLP in New Delhi and NCR India. Here we go… (and frankly, I'm already running late, probably.)
Day 1: Delhi Belly (and Beyond, Hopefully)
- Morning (Pre-Dawn, or "When Your Body Clocks Explode" Time: 5:00 AM -ish): The glorious (and terrifying) start. Flight lands in Delhi. Sleep-deprived me, probably still wearing my travel pajamas under a hastily thrown-together outfit, stumbles off the plane. The sheer volume of people, the noise… whoa. Uber booked! (Cross fingers it actually shows up and doesn't get lost in the chaotic poetry that is Delhi traffic.) My luggage is probably a mess.
- Destination: Hotel O Essendi. The Search for Decent Coffee and a Bed (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Find the hotel. Pray for a decent, strong coffee because I'm running on fumes. Check-in should be a breeze, hopefully. If it isn't, I'll probably channel my inner Karen. First impressions of the hotel is that it look comfortable and I have to remind myself that I'm supposed to be enjoying this adventure. Finding my room… more prayers that the AC works and there's no mysterious "Delhi Smell" (fingers crossed it's a good one!).
- Mid-Morning (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Breakfast. I'm going to attempt to be adventurous. I have to start with something mild, like a toast and a fruit plate, not something spicy and heavy. The hotel buffet? A battlefield of potential food poisoning, according to my overly cautious side. But, there's also a side of me that craves a taste of everything… perhaps a little bit of both? It is a risky move, you know.
- Late Morning - Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): THE RED FORT (LAL QILA). Okay, this is the biggie. The reason I even came here! I want to be stunned, awestruck, and possibly a little overwhelmed by the imposing structure that I see in all of the Instagram posts. I'm going to get a guide for sure. I hate missing details and I have to have all the stories behind all of these places. But the crowds? The heat? I'm expecting a sensory overload. We're talking history, architecture, and probably a bunch of selfie-stick wielding tourists (myself included, let's be honest). But no matter what happens, I'll be taking pictures. So. Many. Pictures.
- Afternoon Slump (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch… and a potential meltdown. The heat will be brutal, no doubt. I swear, I'm not even kidding. The heat in the middle of the afternoon will be intense. Hopefully, I can find a cool cafe to rest and recharge.
- Later Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Humayun's Tomb. It's supposed to be beautiful. I've seen the pictures. I want to wander through the gardens, feel the peace, and contemplate the meaning of life (or at least, the meaning of my travel choices).
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Back to the hotel. Dinner. Hoping for something amazing. Maybe I'll be smart and order room service. I'm thinking, a nice, gentle meal, and maybe, just maybe, an early night. (Don't hold your breath.)
Day 2: Chaos, Colour, and Culinary Adventures
- Morning (Repeat of Day 1, sans the extreme jet lag anxiety): Coffee! More coffee! And maybe a preemptive antacid. This time I'm going to try the Indian breakfast options. I'm going in. I'm being brave. (Okay, maybe just a little brave.)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): OLD DELHI. The Crazy Zone. I'm going to brave the spice market, the street food, the rickshaws, the crowds… it's going to be total sensory overload. I'm both exhilarated and terrified. I'm going to try anything, from the street food to the hidden shops, the tiny alleyways. I’ll try not to get lost. (Likely failure.)
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Street food adventure - let's do it. I'm going to eat something from a street vendor. I'll be playing by the rules - the ones that say: "follow the crowds" and "eat with the locals". If I survive, I'll tell you the whole story.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Shopping! Possibly. I have a list of "things I might want to buy" but I'm more likely to just wander aimlessly, get distracted by the vendors, and buy things I didn't know I needed. I'm okay with this.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - onward): Time for some relaxation. Maybe a spa treatment if my budget allows.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Dinner. And again, fingers crossed for something delicious. Maybe a cooking class! Or perhaps a rooftop restaurant with a view of Delhi.
Day 3: The Road Not Taken (and The One I Probably Should Have Taken)
- Morning: A late start. My body will probably revolt.
- Morning (9:00 AM-12:00 PM): A Visit to Birla Mandir (Lakshmi Narayan Temple): I need a dose of serenity after the chaos of Old Delhi. It’s beautiful, serene, and a nice change of pace.
- Lunch (12:00 -2:00PM): The search for amazing food continues. Maybe I'll check out reviews and try to find a local spot that isn't too touristy.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Qutub Minar. I'm expecting it to be really cool. I'm also expecting to take a million pictures.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Dilli Haat (craft village). Time for some souvenir shopping. I’m going to browse, haggle (badly, probably), and try not to spend all my money.
- Evening (6:00 PM onwards): Last dinner in Delhi! I have no idea where, but it better be good. Maybe I will also go to a karaoke!
Day 4: Departure (and Memories… good, bad, and slightly indigestion-inducing)
- Morning: Pack. Sigh. Reflect on the trip. Realize I’m leaving with so many memories, a slightly confused stomach, and maybe a newfound love for Indian food (and a potential addiction to chai).
- Morning (9:00 AM): Final breakfast at the hotel. One last, desperate attempt to sample everything.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Final walk around the hotel. Check-out. Farewell to the lovely staff who have tolerated my jet-lagged shenanigans.
- Afternoon: Trip to the airport. Flight. The end… or is it the beginning of my trip?
Imperfections, Anecdotes, and Ramblings:
- The Traffic: Oh my god, the traffic. It's a constant source of amusement, frustration, and near-death experiences. I may or may not have started muttering, "Are you KIDDING me?" at my phone while stuck in a standstill.
- The Street Food: So far, so good. I am alive. But the spice level… I'm used to spicy, but this is a whole new level. I'm half-expecting to burst into flames.
- The Hotel: The staff are truly amazing and helpful! Even from day one, they have been super nice.
- The People: Delhi-ites are a mixed bag. Friendly, curious, and sometimes a little too eager to sell you something. A few times I felt like I was being followed.
- The Unexpected: I wandered into a small alleyway that was the scene of a movie, and then some locals just started following me and talking to me.
Final Thoughts:
This trip is more than just a list of places. It's about the smells, the sounds, the chaotic beauty, and the potential for food poisoning. It's about pushing my boundaries, embracing the unexpected, and learning to laugh at myself when I inevitably get lost. It's about coming back with a stack of stories and a slightly wider waistline. And it’s about the memories that I will remember and think about until later.
This is Delhi. It's a trip. It's
Oxford Street Luxury: 2-Bed Oasis Awaits!
Escape to Luxury: O Essendi – Delhi's Hidden Gem? (Spoiler: Maybe... Mostly...)
1. Is O Essendi *really* a hidden gem? I mean, the website makes it sound… perfect.
Okay, buckle up, 'cause "perfect" is a strong word. It's *mostly* a hidden gem, but gems, y'know, have facets. The website...let's just say they hired the right photographer. Trust me, the real thing has a certain... *je ne sais quoi* that the perfectly lit photos can't capture. Think of it like Instagram vs. Real Life. You'll get a good post, sometimes! But yeah, hidden? Absolutely. Found it purely by accident after another hotel booking went sideways (thanks, rain!). Gem? Eh, depends on your tolerance for a *little* bit of Delhi charm – which, let’s be honest, is sometimes code for "slightly chaotic, but in a lovely way."
2. Let's talk rooms. Are they actually as luxurious as they claim? And, uh, are the bathrooms clean? Because some reviews...
The rooms... they're pretty darn good. Remember what I said about the Instagram vs. Reality thing? Well, the rooms *mostly* deliver. I stayed in the "Executive Suite" – because, treat yo' self! – and it was, overall, lovely. Spacious, good AC (essential in Delhi, trust me), comfy bed. The bathroom? Yeah, the bathroom. Here's where the "charm" really kicks in. It *was* clean, in a general sense. Fresh towels, no obvious horrors. But... the grout could've used a little... attention. And the water pressure? Let's just say I took a 'gentle drizzle' shower experience one morning. I did, however, have a killer bathtub to soak in. So...win some, lose some. You're not in a sterile, impersonal chain hotel here. You're in a place with character. And, sometimes, a slightly dubious grout situation. Embrace it!
3. The food! Is the restaurant as amazing as people rave about? I'm a foodie, so this is crucial.
Okay, the food... the food is a *thing*. The restaurant, called, I think, "The Veranda," is legitimately excellent. Like, melt-in-your-mouth butter chicken levels of excellent. Their breakfast is a *masterpiece*. I’m talking fresh fruit that *actually* tastes like fruit (a rarity in certain parts of Delhi, let me tell you), phenomenal omelets, and the kind of coffee that makes you want to throw away your instant stuff forever. But here’s a crucial piece of Intel: service can be, shall we say, *relaxed*. Don't expect lightning-fast refills on your chai. Embrace the leisurely pace. Order another naan. Enjoy the view. You’re on vacation! (It's worth the wait, I promise.)
4. The location seems kinda out of the way. Is it actually a pain to get around?
Yes. Okay, it's *relatively* out of the way. It's not smack-bang in the middle of Connaught Place. You’ll need to factor in travel time. Uber and Ola (the local ride-sharing apps) are your best friends. Traffic in Delhi is a special kind of hell, so brace yourself. But the upside? It's a haven of peace once you're *in* the hotel. It's tucked away, feels calm, and is a million miles from the ear-splitting chaos of the city. Is it perfect for a last-minute shopping spree? Nope. But for a relaxing retreat? Absolutely. Think of it as a reward for surviving the Delhi traffic. You earned it!
5. What's the vibe? Is it romantic? Family-friendly? Somewhere to just chill?
O Essendi has a very specific vibe. It's... romantic-ish. Chill-ish. "Escape-from-the-madness" friendly. I didn’t notice tons of families (which suited me just fine), but I can't *guarantee* a screaming-kid-free holiday. It's absolutely a place you can just *chill*. Curl up with a book (they have a small library), sip your coffee (or a cocktail, because, vacation!), and just… breathe. The atmosphere is relaxed, sophisticated, and definitely designed for a slower pace of living. It felt like a proper getaway from the city's hectic rhythm. If you're looking for a banging party, it's not the place. But if you crave quiet luxury and a chance to recharge, it's spot on.
6. Okay, spill the tea! Any absolute deal-breakers I need to know about?
Alright, honesty time. My biggest – and this is a *personal* issue – my biggest problem was the Wi-Fi. It was... spotty. Very. Sometimes it worked beautifully, sometimes it’d vanish into the ether. If you absolutely *must* be connected 24/7 for work, this might be a problem. I managed okay because I was on vacay, but it caused some minor freak-outs when I needed to contact people. Also: the pool. I didn’t actually swim in it, but it looked a tad... shady (as in, possibly not cleaned that often). But other than that? I’m clutching at straws. The service is mostly excellent. The staff is generally attentive and lovely. If you're the type of person who lets minor imperfections ruin your day, maybe this isn't the hotel for you. But if you embrace the quirks and the imperfections, and you're looking for somewhere to truly *escape* the chaos of Delhi… give O Essendi a shot.
7. Tell me more about this butter chicken! Is the hype real?
Okay, so the butter chicken. This deserves its own paragraph. Its *own* chapter, actually. I dream about it. I’m not even kidding. The Veranda’s butter chicken… it’s a religious experience. The chicken is tender, fall-off-the-bone, practically melts in your mouth. The sauce… oh, the sauce! Creamy, rich, with a hint of spice, it's the kind of flavor that makes you close your eyes and moan with pleasure. I ordered it three times during my stay. THREE TIMES! And each time, it was pure perfection. I’m not normally one to gush, but this butter chicken… this is the reason I would go back. This is the reason I'm writing this FAQ, even though I should be working. If nothing else, book a room for the butter chicken. You won't regret it. (Just maybe ask them to check the grout while you're at it.) This is probably the one bit of praise that doesn't feel like Instagram-hype: The butter chicken is legit. The best I have ever had in my life, probably. Now, I'm off to search for a close-enough recipe online...
Post a Comment for "Escape to Luxury: Delhi's Hidden Gem Hotel O Essendi"