Novotel Bengaluru ORR: Your Luxurious Bangalore Escape Awaits!
Novotel Bengaluru ORR: My Bangalore Bliss (and a Few Gripes!)
Alright, folks. Buckle up, because I'm about to spill the tea on my recent stay at the Novotel Bengaluru ORR. Forget those cookie-cutter reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all. Think of it as a travel diary entry, jumbled thoughts and all. Because let’s be honest, who actually writes a perfect review?
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First Impressions & the Accessibility Angle:
Arrival. The lobby, you know, the classic hotel entrance – shiny floors, slightly aggressive air conditioning. The Novotel at ORR immediately feels… big. Not in a bad way, just… expansive. And honestly, I was immediately relieved by the accessibility. This is HUGE for me. They’ve got ramps, elevators – the whole shebang. I’m happy to say, it felt properly set up for people with mobility issues, which gets a huge thumbs up from me. Made the entry less stressful which is always a winner after a long flight.
Getting Connected & Staying Connected – (Thank God for Wi-Fi!)
Let’s just say, I need reliable Wi-Fi. It's a lifeline. My entire life is online. And the good news?! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, plus Wi-Fi in public areas. Hallelujah! No agonizing over data plans or fighting over the strongest signal in the lobby. Smooth sailing. They also had Internet access – LAN if you're that way inclined. Me? Give me the wireless, baby. The Internet services were generally solid, if I'm honest, I had to reboot and switch to their wifi a couple of times. Annoying but not deal-breaking.
The Room: My Little Bangalore Bubble
Okay, the room. It was… comfortable. Really comfortable. Clean, well-lit, and with all the expected amenities. The air conditioning was a godsend, fighting off that Bangalore humidity. The bed, oh man, the bed! Extra long, seriously, I nearly did a starfish on the thing! Got a good night's sleep, and that's priceless. I loved the blackout curtains. Crucial for sneaking in a nap after that spicy lunch. The desk was perfect for hammering out some work. They have an awesome laptop workspace - even if I just end up watching cat videos on YouTube, it felt necessary. I was particularly thankful for the shower - piping hot after a long day exploring the city. I will say I was mildly disappointed with the view not the best, but honestly not going to gripe about that. And the bathrobes were the bomb.
Bathroom Breakdown & Hidden Gems:
The bathroom was modern and pristine. Toiletries were stocked, and there were plenty of fluffy towels. A hair dryer. (Hallelujah!) There was the standard bathtub with separate shower with a good water pressure.
The Restaurant & Dining Experience (and My Spicy Encounter)
Right, let's talk food. Because, let's be real, a hotel's only as good as its restaurant. Their main restaurant, The Square, offered a breakfast [buffet]. And let me tell you, they do a Western breakfast well. Scrambled eggs, bacon, pastries – all the classics. But, and this is a major "but," I'm an adventurous eater. Their Asian breakfast, was just the bee's knees. I was in heaven.
I also had lunch and dinner there. They had an a la carte in the restaurant list, and it was pretty great. The Asian cuisine in the restaurant was authentic and delicious. I highly recommend the butter chicken (mild for me). However, one time, I went for the spicy option – HUGE mistake. My mouth was on fire; tears were streaming down my face. I started waving my arms and desperately sought out the bottle of water, which was there to save my tastebuds from the heat! I mean, I enjoy a bit of fire, but… wow! I learned a valuable lesson that day.
They've got a poolside bar, which is great. And a coffee shop, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. I didn’t hit the snack bar.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa Dilemmas!)
Things to do: Well, for me, a busy work schedule does not leave much time for relaxing, but there a bunch of stuff! This hotel had a swimming pool [outdoor] – I absolutely intended to use it, but the Bangalore traffic played havoc with my schedule, and I was too drained. They have a fitness center which I did use, on a morning when I was more motivated. I was really tempted by the spa. I was so close to booking a *massage! But time conspired against me. I was also intrigued by the ideas of a *Body scrub* or Body wrap. Ah well, next time, Novotel, next time!
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, Hello… Pandemic!)
Let's be real, post-pandemic, we're all a bit neurotic about hygiene. I was SO pleased with the cleanliness and safety measures. Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff wearing masks. Rooms were well-sanitized I think. They had daily disinfection in common areas, which, I appreciated. I felt safe and secure. Staff trained in safety protocol. I felt this whole thing was done very professionally.
Services & Conveniences (The Perks of Being a Guest)
They had a ton of things, like a concierge, dry cleaning services. The luggage storage area was a lifesaver. They have facilities for disabled guests, which I didn't need but I thought was great. They also have a business facilities - but I didn't need any of them, and they have a gift/souvenir shop. I didn't use the food delivery or taxi service, but I found it great that it was available. They've got a smoking area, if that's your thing.
For the Kids (Not My Department, But Good to Know)
They have babysitting service, which is super handy. And they are very, very family/child friendly. There's kids facilities and kids meal options.
Getting Around (Traffic, Oh My!)
They offer airport transfer. But trust me, if you're heading into the city, factor in at least an hour for the traffic (and probably more). They have car parking on-site. They have car park [free of charge]. Didn't use Bicycle parking.
Overall… My Verdict
Look, the Novotel Bengaluru ORR is a solid choice. It's got a lot going for it – the accessibility is excellent, the rooms are comfy, the food is generally good, and the safety measures are reassuring. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the Wi-Fi, bless it, worked.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if that traffic gets sorted out. It's a great option for both business and leisure. It's not perfect. But where is? It's a place I felt comfortable, relaxed, and ready to face… well, whatever Bangalore threw at me next.
Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
(Post-Review Note: I'm already planning my next trip. Gotta try that spa!)
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Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road: A Week of Me, Myself & Bangalore (Mostly)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this is NOT your meticulously planned, bullet-pointed, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is real travel, the kind where your laundry ends up drying on the balcony railing, you accidentally order enough food for a small army, and you question all your life choices at approximately 3 AM while mainlining instant coffee. This is my week at the Novotel Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, warts and all.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Biryani Debacle (Spoiler: I Survived)
- Morning: Flight landed. Ugh, airport security. Why does everyone think they can just waltz through the metal detector without removing their belt? The sheer audacity! Finally, I'm through. Found a reasonably priced Uber (thank god for apps) and navigated Bangalore traffic - a beautiful, chaotic ballet of horns, scooters weaving in and out of the non-existant lanes and the odd sacred cow or two.
- Afternoon: Check-in at the Novotel. Sleek, modern, with that predictable, yet comforting hotel smell. Room's decent. A bit generic, but hey, it has a balcony. First mission: Locate caffeine. Found some Nescafé sachets. Proceeded to immediately make a cup of coffee to combat jet lag.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Okay, this is where things went sideways, and I'm not proud. My stomach demanded biryani, so I ordered the "signature" dish. The waiter, a sweet young man, kept emphasizing how spicy it was. (Little did he know I consider myself a seasoned heat-seeker.) What arrived was… nuclear. I mean, my eyes were watering. I tried to be brave. I ate about three bites. I then spent the rest of the evening with my face buried in a tissue, questioning my life and my spice tolerance. Verdict: I'm a wimp. Maybe. I'll give it another go later with a bit more restraint.
- Late Night: Watched Bollywood movies on the TV. Decided Indian movies are a genre all on their own.
Day 2: Exploring (and Failing Spectacularly at Navigation)
- Morning: Attempted to visit the Bangalore Palace. Got totally lost. Seriously, the Google Maps lady was taunting me. Ended up on some random side street, surrounded by what looked like a thousand motorbikes, a stray dog, and a very confused me. Decided to cut my losses and retreat to the hotel for a swim in the pool.
- Afternoon: Pool time! Glorious. The sun, the water, the utter lack of responsibility. Felt myself melting into a puddle of relaxation.
- Evening: Ordered room service (smart move, considering my biryani trauma). This time, a simple chicken curry. Perfectly adequate. Also, discovered the joys of Indian television: so dramatic, so ridiculous, so utterly captivating. Found myself completely engrossed in a show about a woman who could apparently control the weather with her mind.
- late night Attempted to explore around the hotel, getting a vibe of the surroundings.
Day 3: Shopping, Samosas, and the Unexpected Beauty of a Bangalore Sunset
- Morning: Finally managed to get a cab and made it to MG Road, the shopping mecca of Bangalore. Overwhelming! But in a good way. So many colors, so many smells. I bought a ridiculously patterned scarf, a bag, and some spices. Bargaining is an art form, and I clearly have a lot to learn. The vendors are persistent – respect!
- Afternoon: Fuelled up with samosas and chai at a local tea stall. Pure bliss. The chai was spicy, sweet, and so damn delicious. It felt like I was having an authentic experience.
- Evening: Found a rooftop bar with a view of the city. The sunset was magnificent – the air turned a beautiful shade of orange. For a moment, everything felt right in the world. Even the chaos of Bangalore seemed beautiful.
- Late Night: Tried using hotel gym, which was nice place to get some exercise.
Day 4: The Bangalore Traffic Games: Level Pro
- Morning: Determined to conquer the traffic. Decided to explore the bustling streets of the city. It was a nightmare. I now have even more respect for those motorbike riders.
- Afternoon: Hotel Restaurant: Tried to take advantage of the buffet but it was a letdown.
- Evening: Decided to use the hotels facilities.
- Late Night: Watched some more Bollywood movies, this time a crime thriller. I have so much to learn about this fascinating form of storytelling.
Day 5: A Day of Rest and Reflection (and More Chai)
- Morning: Slept in. Need I say more?
- Afternoon: Book reading, lounging in the room.
- Evening: A long leisurely dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was… better. Progress? Decided to try some south Indian food, a nice change of pace.
- Late Night: More random channels and more Chai.
Day 6: Attempted Cultural Immersion (and a near-disaster involving a rickshaw)
- Morning: Decided to visit the ISKCON Temple. It was incredible. So much color, so much energy. The chanting was hypnotic. I even learned a few hand gestures.
- Afternoon: The rickshaw ride back to the hotel. This is where it got sketchy. The driver took us on what seemed like a joyride. I was convinced we were going to end up in another state. We survived, but I did tip him extra just to make sure I made it back back to the hotel safe.
- Evening: Tried to get some clothes laundered and failed. The hotel would not process.
- Late Night: Enjoyed the hotel bar, and I am getting to know the hotel staff better.
Day 7: Departure – Farewell, Bangalore, You Wild Thing!
- Morning: Packed. Said goodbye to my temporary home. Ate one last mango (so good!).
- Afternoon: Uber to the airport. Reflecting on my week. Bangalore, you are intense, chaotic, beautiful, frustrating, and absolutely unforgettable. You've given me a good run for my money
- Evening: Boarding the plane, I realized I wouldn't want it any other way.
Final Thoughts:
Bangalore (and my stay at the Novotel) was a rollercoaster. There were moments of pure joy, moments of frustration (the traffic! the spice levels!), and moments where I just wanted to hide in my room. But that’s the point, isn’t it? To embrace the mess, the unexpected, and the feeling of being completely out of your element. And for that, Bangalore, I thank you. I’ll be back. Eventually. Maybe with a slightly higher spice tolerance. Maybe not. We'll see. And who knows, maybe I'll even learn how to navigate.
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Novotel Bengaluru ORR: Your Bangalore Escape... Probably? Let's Dive In, Shall We?
Okay, Okay, So Novotel ORR – Is it *Actually* Luxurious? Because My Definition of "Luxurious" is... Questionable.
Alright, let's get real. "Luxurious" is a word bandied about these days like it's going out of style. Here's my take: Novotel ORR *tries* to be luxurious. The lobby is impressive – that soaring ceiling, light streaming in… it definitely gives you a "wow" moment when you first walk in. Remember that one time I went? Dragged in there after a horrendous flight delay, looking like I'd been through a washing machine. The lobby *instantly* felt calmer, even though I was a walking disaster.
The rooms? Pretty swanky. Clean lines, modern furniture... you know, the usual stuff. But, and this is a BIG but, I had a room with the *most* annoying flickering light by the bed one night. Seriously, it was like the hotel was trying to communicate in Morse code! Woke me up three times. Luxury fail, right there. And you know what? The AC unit in my room was way too loud. I'm a light sleeper, so it was pretty bad, but I was too tired to call.
So, luxurious? Mostly, yeah. But perfect? Nah. There's always *something*.
The Food! Tell Me About the Food! Because I Live to Eat, and Bangalore's Restaurants... Well, They're a Rollercoaster.
Food is EVERYTHING! Alright, the main restaurant, The Square, is solid. Buffet for breakfast? Absolutely. Omelettes made to order, dosas that are actually crispy… it hits the spot after a night of questionable Bangalore street food. The presentation is good. Not spectacular, but you won’t be disappointed. I mean, I've seen worse breakfast buffets, and I've seen better.
There's also a specialty restaurant, but honestly, I can't remember the name. I tried it once. The food was fine. Nothing blew me away. I think I had a steak? It was cooked, but not perfectly cooked, so I was just... meh. Sometimes I feel like restaurants play it too safe. They get too many people, and the focus moves away from the food.
My favorite thing? The pool bar! (More on that later). They serve some fantastic cocktails and decent snacks. Perfect for whiling away an afternoon… or recovering from the aforementioned questionable street food.
Alright, So What's the Deal with the Pool? Because a Hotel WITHOUT a Good Pool is a Dealbreaker for me.
Oh, the pool! This is where Novotel ORR *really* shines, in my humble opinion. It’s a good size, clean, and the staff is attentive. You know, the kind that actually *brings* you a fresh towel without you having to ask five times? That's a win in my book. I could spend hours there, just soaking up the sun and pretending I'm on a tropical island… even though I'm surrounded by Bangalore traffic. It is a nice retreat, though! It's a really well-designed space.
AND... the pool bar. Did I mention the pool bar? Because it’s *essential*. They make a killer Mojito, and the fries are perfectly salty. I once spent an entire afternoon by the pool, fuelled by Mojitos and a book. Literal bliss. Complete relaxation, which is exactly what you need if you're trying to get away from the city for a bit.
The Location: ORR. Isn't That...Traffic Hell? Honestly, I'm a Bit Scared.
Okay, let's not sugarcoat it. ORR traffic is legendary. It's a beast. Plan your travel accordingly. If you're trying to beat rush hour, you’re probably going to fail. I've spent more time sitting in traffic than I care to admit.
But here's the thing. The Novotel is *convenient*… if you're staying around the area. It’s close to a lot of tech parks, which is great if you're there for business. And, let's be honest, you're probably going to be stuck in Bangalore traffic *anyway*, no matter where you stay. Might as well be in a relatively nice hotel while you're at it.
And seriously, *that pool*. Worth the traffic hassle, in my experience.
What About the Staff? Are They, You Know, Actually Helpful? Or Do They Just Pretend?
Honestly, the staff at Novotel ORR are generally great. They're friendly, helpful, and they seem genuinely keen on making sure you have a good stay. The front desk is always responsive, and the housekeeping staff are always really lovely.
I remember this one time... I'd locked myself out of my room (don't judge, it happens!), and the staff was incredibly patient, even though I was probably acting like a complete idiot. They got me sorted out quickly and without making me feel like a total nincompoop. That kind of service really makes a difference. Little things, right? But they matter.
Parking? Do I Need to Worry About Parking (Because, Bangalore!)
Parking is on-site and usually not a problem. They have a decent amount of space, but during peak times, particularly during events, it can get a bit crowded. But hey, it’s Bangalore. You’re probably going to find parking a hassle *everywhere*.
The valet service is usually pretty quick, too. Less time spent circling around the parking lot is ALWAYS a good thing.
Room Service – Is It Worth the Price Hike? When Am I *Ever* Going to Leave?
Room service is... room service. The food quality is fairly consistent with the Square Restaurant, Maybe a bit more expensive, but after a long day, there’s nothing quite like ordering a pizza in your pyjamas. You know? That indulgent feeling. I remember after my flight delay, I ordered a burger and fries at midnight. It was delicious. It was the little comfort I needed. Okay, maybe I was really tired. My opinion probably isn't the most reliable.
Just check the menu, make sure you aren't paying a ridiculous premium, and decide if the convenience offsets the cost. For me? Generally, yes. Especially when I'm feeling lazy. And let's be honest, I’m usually feeling lazy, so it is a win-win.
