Ripon Palace Hotel India: Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!
Ripon Palace Hotel: My God, That Pool… (And Everything Else!) - A Review Like No Other
Okay, so, Ripon Palace Hotel. "Unforgettable Luxury Awaits!" they say. Right, right, every hotel says that. But listen, folks, I just got back, and… wow. Just. Wow. Let me try to untangle the glorious mess that was my stay, because honestly, it's still buzzing in my brain. This review? Buckle up, because it's gonna be a ride. And yeah, I'm gonna try and cover everything. Good luck to me.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Grand Entrance & (Almost) Seamless Entry
The drive in was… well, it's India. Expect a little bit of everything. But finally, you see it – the Palace. Architecture that just screams history, a proper "wow" factor. Now, being brutally honest, navigating India with mobility issues is… challenging. That's the elephant in the room, isn't it?
Accessibility (The Real Deal):
- Wheelchair Accessible: They say it's fully accessible, and I’d say 90% is. Getting around the main areas, like the lobby and restaurants, was a breeze. The elevators are spacious and smooth (a HUGE plus). However, some of the older wings might require a bit more help – but the staff were incredibly attentive and went above and beyond.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: I’m talking ramps, wider doorways, and helpful staff everywhere. They really seemed to care.
- Airport Transfer: Booking the airport transfer? Do it. Seriously. It saves you a world of logistical headache. The car was clean, comfortable, and the driver knew exactly how to navigate the chaotic streets.
The Room: A Sanctuary of Comfort (and Too Much Stuff!)
Ah, the room. Let's be honest: it needed a little bit of a refresh. The decor was… well, it was like stepping into a slightly over-the-top Bollywood movie set. But in the best possible way! Think heavy drapes, maybe a few too many cushions, and a bed big enough to get lost in.
Rooms That Spoils You
- Available in all rooms: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- The Wi-Fi: Free, yes! But sometimes a little…iffy. But at least it's everywhere.
- The Bathroom: They included all the essentials, and the water pressure was heavenly after a hot dusty day in the city.
Now, about the stuff: I’m a minimalist at heart. My first reaction upon entering my room was “Oh my god, how much do I actually need?”… The overabundance of pillows and ornate furniture made it feel a little overwhelming at first. But after a few hours, I found myself loving it. I was still skeptical about the bathroom phone…until about 3AM (jet lag, of course), when I couldn’t sleep. I called room service and received tea within 15 minutes. I felt like royalty!
Dining: A Feast for the Senses (and the Soul)
The food. Oh, the food. This is where Ripon Palace truly shines. Forget those bland hotel buffets. This was a full-blown culinary adventure.
- Restaurants: Multiple restaurants! I tried them all. My favorite was the [Insert name of restaurant]; the [insert food item they serve] was divine!
- Asian Cuisine in Restaurant: A must-try. The flavors, the presentation… chef's kiss.
- Vegetarian Restaurant: It was fantastic. I've never had better vegetarian food.
- Breakfast: The Asian breakfast was an absolute revelation. I ate so much, I thought I might explode.
- Room Service: 24-hour? Yes, please! Especially for those 3 AM tea emergencies. And the quality was exceptional.
The Pool: Where Heaven Meets Earth (Seriously)
Okay, let's focus on the pool. Because honestly? I spent a solid three hours there, barely moving.
- Pool with view: It's an infinity pool overlooking the city. Picture this: perfect turquoise water, soft sunlight, and the gentle sounds of birds. It was pure bliss. It was the kind of pool experience that lodges itself in your memory for years.
- Poolside Bar: Cocktails were pricey, but the view made up for it.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: And the sun!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: From Scrubbing to Steamrooms (So Many Options!)
- Spa: The spa was a sanctuary. I got a massage. I needed a massage. It was one of the best massages of my life.
- Sauna, steamroom: I spent at least an hour in the steam room, just letting all the stress melt away.
- Fitness Center: I took one look and retreated back to the pool. (I fully intend to use the fitness center on the next trip!)
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind in a Chaotic World
In these times, safety is key. I was impressed.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Very evident. Everything felt sparkling clean.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They seemed genuinely committed to hygiene.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: A definite relief.
Services and Conveniences: Everything You Could Possibly Need (And More!)
From the moment I arrived, the service was impeccable.
- Concierge: They were brilliant. They helped me plan my activities, booked taxis, and had an answer for everything.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning: Worked perfectly, even though I had a few stains on a shirt from spilling that curry sauce.
- Cash withdrawal: Very useful.
- On-site event hosting: I didn't attend an event, but I saw set-ups that looked breathtakingly beautiful.
For the Kids: A Family Haven (or So I've Heard)
I didn't have children with me, but the hotel seemed to cater very well for families.
- Babysitting service: Available.
- Kids facilities: Present.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a plus
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Airport transfer: Book it in advance! It will take the stress out of your journey.
The Quirks (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- Smell of incense: The hotel had a pleasant, slightly overwhelming aroma of incense in the communal areas.
- Long walks: Some rooms are a fair walk from the main areas.
- The power outlets: European outlets. Consider packing an adapter.
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously.
Look, Ripon Palace isn't flawless. It's got its quirks, its slightly overwhelming moments, its…well, let's just say "Indian" level of organization (which, by the way, is part of the charm!). But the service is top-notch, the food is amazing, the pool is out-of-this-world, and it’s an unforgettable experience.
Here's my offer for you:
Forget the Ordinary, Embrace the Extraordinary!
Book your stay at Ripon Palace Hotel today and receive…
- A Complimentary Upgrade: Subject to availability, of course!
- A Free Spa Treatment: Choose from a relaxing massage or a revitalizing facial (based on your stay's length!)
- A Welcome Cocktail at the Poolside Bar: Because you deserve it.
- And, for a limited time, a special discount on your airport transfer: We'll make sure you arrive and depart in style and comfort.
This is not just a hotel; it's an experience. A chance to escape, to indulge, to create memories. Don't miss out! Book your unforgettable stay at Ripon Palace Hotel now!
Click here to book and use promo code "PALACEBLISS" for your exclusive offer!
(P.S. Tell them I sent you. Maybe they'll give me a discount next time!)
Escape to Comfort: Lombard's Best-Kept Secret Hotel!
Alright, grab your chai, because this itinerary for the Hotel Ripon Palace in India… is gonna be less "perfect brochure" and more "diary of a chaotic soul". Buckle up, buttercups.
Hotel Ripon Palace: A Soul-Searcher's Guide (Probably Messier Than My Hair)
Day 1: Arrival - Delhi Belly… and Beyond?
Morning (Like, REALLY Morning): Landed in Delhi. The air hit me like a humid slap in the face. Instantly regretted wearing that linen shirt. The airport… let's just say, it involved copious amounts of waving, sweating, and the distinct feeling of being utterly clueless. Found my driver – a wonderfully weathered man named Raj – who, bless his heart, seemed unfazed by my jetlag-induced panic. He kept saying "relax, madam," which, you know, great advice in a city that feels designed to un-relax you.
Afternoon: The Drive & That Damn Chai: The drive to Ripon Palace. Oh, the drive. Seriously, the traffic! Cows on the road, rickshaws buzzing, horns honking like a symphony of chaos. Raj, cool as a cucumber, navigated this madness like a seasoned pro. We stopped for chai. That first sip… pure, sugary bliss. I think I fell in love with it there.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Ripon Palace… & Initial Utter Confusion: Arrived at Ripon Palace! It's… grand. Like, seriously grand. But also… slightly faded. The wallpaper had seen things. The lobby? Imposing, yet somehow, felt… empty. Check-in was a process. The staff were lovely, but communication was a delightful dance of hand gestures and attempted Hindi – mostly by me, successfully. The room? Spacious, yes. The air conditioning? Well, that was a whole other adventure. It took three attempts, two phone calls, and a near-breakdown to get it working. Apparently, it "needed some… persuasion."
Evening: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ordered something… vaguely familiar off the menu ("Butter Chicken," how original!). Ate it. It was… okay. The lighting was so dim, I could barely see what I was eating. Felt a pang of loneliness, then decided to embrace it. Journaling under the glow of a single lamp, listening to the distant sounds of the city… this might just be the start of something interesting.
Day 2: The Taj Mahal… and My Existential Crisis
Early Morning: Wake-up call (or the insistent crowing of a rooster, who even knows?) Got up at 4:30 AM. For the Taj Mahal. Because, bucket list. The drive was even more hazy.
Mid-Morning: The TAj Mahal. My God. The Taj Mahal. Okay, forget everything I said. It’s… unreal. Seriously. My jaw dropped. I actually started to cry. Not a cute little sniffle, a full-blown ugly cry of pure, overwhelming beauty. People were staring. I didn’t care. It was more than just a building; it was an experience.
Afternoon: More Taj Mahal, More Tears, and the Vendors. Spent hours wandering around, getting lost in its beauty. Found a sneaky little corner to sit and just… be. The vendors outside? Persistent. The pressure to buy… intense. I bought a small, slightly gaudy, but utterly charming, carved elephant. Its name is Bartholomew.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Return to Ripon, and More Chai. The drive back to Ripon was quiet. I was emotionally exhausted. Back in my room at the hotel. Then the familiar urge kicked in… I felt the need to get a cup of chai and sit in the garden. My "garden" turned out to be a rather bare patch of dirt.
Evening: The Hotel's Charm and the Stray Dog: The restaurant for dinner again. The menu was the same as last night. I ended up watching a stray dog try to sneak into the kitchen. He didn't succeed.
Day 3: The Hotel's Charm and the Cultural Immersion
Morning: I decided to try the hotel's pool. It was cold. Really cold. I went for a swim and quickly got out.
Afternoon: The Hotel's Charm in the Laundry: I got my clothes laundered. It took four hours for them to be delivered back to my room.
Evening: Dinner, and a Bad Decision I went back to the hotel restaurant for dinner. The menu was exactly the same. I tried something new - a weird bread dish. It was absolutely terrible.
Day 4: Departure - Farewell, Ripon!
- Morning: Packing. Again. Saying goodbye to Bartholomew the elephant.
- Afternoon: Quick walk around, trying to absorb the last moments.
- Evening: Goodbye. I hugged Raj. The chaos, the beauty, the weird food… It all felt real. The journey was about to come to an end.
Postscript:
India… it’s not just a place; it’s a feeling. It's overwhelming, challenging, utterly beautiful, and probably messier than my suitcase. I'm leaving with a heart full of memories, a belly full of questionable food, and the lingering scent of chai clinging to my soul. Would I go back? Absolutely. Am I still processing it all? Definitely. Now, where's that chai…?
Escape to Paradise: Ipe Hotel, Brazil's Hidden Gem
Ripon Palace Hotel India: Unforgettable Luxury... and Maybe a Little Bit of Chaos!
Okay, seriously, is the Ripon Palace *really* as luxurious as the photos make it look? Or is it just Instagram-fied?
Right?! I went in with my guard up, ready to be disappointed. 'Cause, let's be honest, those perfect pictures? Yeah, they're usually lying. But... Ripon Palace? Okay, hold on, let me get a grip. It's... pretty damn close. The lobby? Jaw-dropping. Massive, marble floors, those chandeliers... like something out of a Bollywood movie.
BUT (and there's always a but, isn't there?)… our room? Magnificent, yes. Overlooking the gardens, with this ridiculous four-poster bed. BUT the air conditioning took, like, an hour to kick in. An hour! And in the Indian heat? Let me tell you, patience wore thin, fast. We may or may not have had a minor argument about who was more responsible for booking the "luxury" room. Verdict: It was my fault. Worth it though.
What's the food situation like at Ripon Palace? 'Cause I'm a foodie, and I'm *picky*...
Food, food, food. This is where Ripon Palace, in my humble opinion, shines. And where it occasionally hiccups, because, well, *India*! The main restaurant? Spectacular. Buffet breakfasts? Overwhelmingly good. Honestly, the sheer *variety* is insane. I swear, there were at least five different kinds of eggs. And the fresh fruit? Oh, the fruit! Mangoes the size of my head. Watermelons that tasted like sunshine. I think I gained five pounds just from breakfast alone.
Dinner? Ah, dinner. The a la carte options were divine. I had this lamb dish one night... I'm still dreaming about it. But listen, here's a little tip: the service, sometimes... it's slower than a snail on a sugar rush. Don't be in a hurry. Bring a good book. Or, you know, just people-watch. It's a great place to observe the glorious chaos of Indian family dinners. And the occasional, uh, *misunderstanding* about what you ordered. Just smile, eat what they bring, and embrace the experience! (And maybe order a second drink.)
They say the spa is amazing... true? Or overhyped? And what's the vibe like?
The spa... Okay, so the spa. It's supposed to be an oasis of tranquility. And it *is*, mostly. The decor is all calming, earthy tones, soft lighting, the works. I got a massage. Which was heavenly. Truly, I melted into the table. The masseuse? Amazing. She knew exactly where all my knots were hiding (and trust me, there were *plenty*).
But, and of course there's a but, the air conditioning wasn't quite up to par. A slight issue in a room dedicated to relaxation when it's baking outside. Not ruin-the-experience bad, but definitely... noticeable. And the music? A little repetitive after an hour. But overall. Bliss. Absolutely recommend. Especially after that insane buffet breakfast. You'll need it.
Is the pool worth it? Is it crowded all the time?
The pool! Oh, the pool. It *looks* incredible in the pictures. And it *is* pretty spectacular in person. Large, sparkling, surrounded by lush greenery. The perfect place to spend an afternoon, right?
Sometimes. During our stay, it was a *madhouse*. Kids screaming, splashing, cannonballing... Not exactly the zen experience I was hoping for. Let's just say "tranquility" and "cannonballs" don't exactly go hand-in-hand. But, hey, you’re in India! Embrace the energy! If you're after peace and quiet, definitely check the crowds first, or opt for an early morning swim. I did manage to sneak a few very happy moments in.
What's the best way to get around the city from the hotel? Taxis? Are they trustworthy?
Okay, transportation is a major thing in India. Getting around Ripon, that's a little less crazy. They have hotel taxis, which are generally the safest and most reliable. They're a little more expensive, of course.
I tried a regular taxi once, ventured out feeling adventurous. BIG MISTAKE. Negotiating the fare? Stressful. The driver? Seemed to be constantly looking for a more interesting route. Plus, the traffic! Oh. My. God. It's an experience, for sure. But honestly? Stick to the hotel car, especially if you’re new to India. It's worth the extra rupees for peace of mind. And if I'm really honest I really wanted to just get back and order room service.
Any tips for dealing with the service? Because I've heard Indian service can be... different.
Okay, this is important. The service at Ripon Palace (and pretty much everywhere in India) is... Well, it's not always what you're used to. It's not a rude thing, just different. Expect it to be slower than you think. And they’re incredibly polite, sometimes to a fault!
My advice? Be patient. Be polite. And learn to embrace the chaos. Order your drinks in advance. Ask for extra water before you even need it. A little bit of kindness and a smile goes a long way. Trust me, the staff are genuinely trying to help. And if someone messes up your order? Don't sweat it. Things happen. Just tell them, and they'll usually fix it with apologies and more smiles. And a little extra attention.
What's your overall impression? Would you go back?
Would I go back? Absolutely. Despite the air conditioning drama, the occasional slow service, and the cannonball-induced pool chaos? Yes. A thousand times yes. Because the good stuff? The sheer beauty of the place, the incredible food, the genuinely kind staff (most of them!), the feeling of being transported to another world? It outweighs the little glitches.
Ripon Palace is an experience. It's not perfect, but it's real. It's a little bit messy, a little bit unpredictable, and a whole lot of memorable. Just... pack your patience, a good pair of walking shoes, and be ready for an adventure. You'll need it!
