OMG! Delhi's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Om Plaza Review!)
OMG! Delhi's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Om Plaza Review – Buckle Up, Buttercups!)
Alright, people, gather 'round! I've just emerged from a deep dive, a sensory overload, a… well, let's just say a stay at the enigmatic Om Plaza, and I’m here to spill the tea. Forget those perfectly curated, sterile reviews. This is the real deal. Consider yourselves warned. This is gonna get messy.
First off, SEO folks, let's get this outta the way: this review is your Om Plaza Delhi deep dive. We're hitting Accessibility, Food, Rooms, Services, Relaxation, and everything in between. Because, honestly? This place is a whole EXPERIENCE.
Arrival & Accessibility: Getting In (and Out, Hopefully Not Stuck!)
Right, so first impressions. Getting to Om Plaza was surprisingly easy. The location? Pretty damn central, even for a Delhi newbie like myself. Airport transfer? Sorted. Taxi service? You betcha. They even have a free car park, which, let's be real, is a godsend in this city.
Now, the accessibility situation. Look, I gotta be honest, I wasn't specifically looking for a wheelchair-accessible room. But I did poke around, and the overall vibe felt pretty accommodating. There's an elevator, which is essential, and I spotted facilities for disabled guests listed, so I'd encourage a direct call to confirm specific needs. They’ve got CCTV in common areas which is a nice touch for safety.
Rooms & That All-Important Wi-Fi (Bless You, Free Wi-Fi!)
Okay, let's talk about the rooms because this is where things get… interesting. I opted for a standard room, and let me tell you, it was a room. A large room. Not swanky, not minimalist, but functional. You've got your air conditioning (mandatory!), a desk (important for pretending to work), a TV, and the holy grail: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! Seriously, the Internet access was decent, and I could actually upload those Instagram stories without wanting to chuck my phone out the window. They even have Internet [LAN] if you're still rocking that old-school vibe (respect). They really do offer Internet services the WiFi is Wi-Fi in public areas and is working pretty well too.
The bed? Comfy enough. The blackout curtains? Crucial for avoiding that brutal Delhi sun. The bathroom? Well-equipped. I particularly appreciated the complimentary tea and bottled water. And let's not forget the mirror, absolutely vital for assessing your post-Delhi-street-style-hairdo. They also have additional toilet, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathtub, coffee/tea maker, extra long bed, hair dryer, in-room safe box, interconnecting room(s) available, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, 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, window that opens.
Food, Glorious Food (Or at Least, Food)
Okay, let's be real. Delhi is a foodie paradise. And Om Plaza? Well, it’s got options. We're talking a restaurant, a coffee shop, and even a snack bar.
- Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Buffet in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Western breakfast, Vegetarian restaurant, Restaurant, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Room service [24-hour]…The buffet was… well, it was a buffet. A bit hit-or-miss, to be honest. I found the Asian breakfast options more appealing. They also offered Alternative meal arrangement if you have special requirements which is quite useful! The Bottle of water was a nice touch!
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking – (My Personal Mission!)
- Bar, Happy hour, and Poolside bar. I spent happy hour! Ah, yes, the Poolside bar. Picture this: hot Delhi sun, a refreshing cocktail (definitely needed!), and a general feeling of, “I need a break from the chaos.” The cocktails were… well, they served their purpose, let's put it that way. Don't expect mixology miracles, but they're perfect for a quick sundowner.
Relaxation & Things to Do: Finding Your Zen (Or At Least, Pretending To)
Okay, this is where Om Plaza almost won me over. Spa/sauna, they have a Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. There's an outdoor swimming pool: it's not the most luxurious pool in the world, but hey, it's a pool! And after a day of navigating the Delhi madness, a dip is a welcome treat!
- Massage. I had a massage. It was… ok. Not the best I’ve ever had, not the worst. The therapist was friendly, but the pressure was a little… inconsistent. Maybe I just needed to be more vocal.
Cleanliness & Safety: Staying Alive in Delhi (Kinda Important!)
This is HUGE. Let's be honest, when you're in a city like Delhi, you worry. Am I going to get sick? Am I going to be safe? Om Plaza seems to take it seriously: Rooms sanitized between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Anti-viral cleaning products, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even provide hand sanitizer everywhere. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. They had Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms. This gave me a bit of peace of mind.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
This is where Om Plaza really shines. Seriously, they've got everything: Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, and the all-important Cashless payment service. The doorman was always friendly and helpful. They have Front desk [24-hour]. The invoice provided was useful. I almost forgot about it, but they even had meeting/banquet facilities which is useful.
- Contactless check-in/out was a life-saver!
- And for the business travelers, they have Business facilities, Meetings, and all the usual suspects like Xerox/fax in business center.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
I didn't travel with kids, but they do have Babysitting service, and it seemed Family/child friendly. There were signs of Kids facilities also.
Areas of Improvement (Because No Place is Perfect!)
- The decor. Okay, let's just say it: the decor isn't winning any design awards anytime soon. A refresh wouldn't go amiss.
- The noise. Delhi is loud. The hotel tried its best with Soundproof rooms, but you still get some street noise.
- Finding the entrance. It's a bit tucked back. Not a huge deal, but a better sign would help.
The Verdict: Is Om Plaza Delhi's BEST Kept Secret?
Look, Om Plaza isn't perfect. It’s not the Ritz. But it is a solid, reliable choice. It's clean, it's (mostly) convenient, and it provides a good base for exploring Delhi. The staff are friendly, the Wi-Fi is reliable, and the pool is a lifesaver.
And the PRICE! That, my friends, is the real "secret." Om Plaza is fantastic value for money. You won't find this level of service and amenities at this price point in many other Delhi hotels.
My Quirky Anecdote: I tried to order room service one night. It was a disaster of miscommunication and a bizarre pasta dish that resembled something that could crawl on the ceiling. But hey, it gave me a story!
So, should you book?
Absolutely! Especially if you're:
- Looking for
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because you're about to embark on a mental rollercoaster of a trip through my imagined stay at Hotel Om Plaza in… well, let's just say somewhere near New Delhi and the National Capital Region. This isn't your perfectly curated travel brochure; this is the raw, unedited truth!
Day 1: Arrival (and the Existential Dread of Baggage Claim)
- 7:00 AM (Roughly… who’s counting when jetlag's trying to murder you?): Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Oh, the joy. The glee. I swear, baggage claim is the ultimate test of patience and optimism. You're surrounded by a sea of weary travelers, the conveyor belt's a cruel tease, and you're internally screaming, “Where's my suitcase?!” (Side note: I’m convinced there’s a secret baggage claim deity who enjoys playing hide-and-seek with luggage. Mine, naturally, was late).
- 7:45 AM (ish, give or take): Finally, triumph. My questionable-looking suitcase emerges. Woo! Begin the agonizing search for the pre-booked taxi. The air already feels thick, a blend of exhaust fumes and… well, I’m not quite sure what else, but it's definitively "Delhi."
- 8:30 AM: Traffic. Glorious, beautiful, soul-crushing Indian traffic. The taxi driver's a blur of colorful fabrics and enthusiastic horn-honking. I try to channel inner peace, but all I can see is the chaos. It’s a symphony of beeping, weaving, and near-misses. I simultaneously want to laugh, cry, and maybe just take a nap.
- 10:00 AM: Finally arrive at Hotel Om Plaza. The exterior promised… something. Reception is bustling. Check-in goes smoothly, despite my weary state. It's the first official step in my adventure. I feel both excited and terrified. The hotel looks okay, actually the lobby is quite clean, with a large statue in the centre.
- 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Settle into the room. It's… functional. The bed looks comfy, thank goodness. The bathroom could use a good scrubbing, though. (Note to self: pack sanitizing wipes in the future).
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Lunch): Lunch at the hotel restaurant. The food is… well, it's food. I opt for something mild, in fear of a spicy overload. I suspect the buffet is a gamble. (I'm already regretting that second helping. Oh, the irony of an overly-enthusiastic buffet plate). The staff is lovely, though. Smiling, helpful… trying to understand my shaky Hindi, despite my non-existent response.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Jet lag hits hard. My brain feels like overcooked porridge. Take a nap. Dream about baggage fairies (apparently, they're real, just… unreliable).
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Attempt to venture out. Fail. The heat. The sheer mass of humanity. Turn back, defeated. Instead, watch some local TV. Learn a lot. Absolutely nothing.
- 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM (Dinner): Dinner at the hotel again. This time, I try some local delicacies. My stomach is doing battle. (Is it the spices, or is it the fact that I'm pretty sure I saw a fly land in my rice?).
- 8:00 PM: Collapse in bed. Already questioning all my life choices. (But hey, at least I made it through Day 1!)
Day 2: Old Delhi and the Fear of Being Run Over by a Rickshaw
- 8:00 AM: Wake up! (Miracle!). Breakfast at the Hotel. The coffee is undrinkable, but the fruit is good.
- 9:00 AM: Taxi to Old Delhi. The plan? To face the chaos head-on. (Whispers: I'm not sure I'm ready).
- 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore Old Delhi by Rickshaw: The trip to Old Delhi is a descent into sensory overload. The narrow streets are packed. Every colour, every scent, every sound, everything is intense. Every moment is a symphony of horns and shouts. It's a whirlwind. It's exhilarating. It’s utterly terrifying.
- Chandni Chowk: The food stalls are a siren song to my hungry stomach. (I'm torn: to eat or not to eat? The risk is real). The smell of street food. The spices! The crowds! I tried some street food; it was amazing. One vendor was so enthusiastic. And, of course, I bought more. I feel like I gained 5 kg just from breathing the air.
- Jama Masjid: The massive mosque is breathtaking. I wander, feeling small. The history, the architecture… it makes me pause and just… breathe. I’m humbled.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: More Old Delhi. Attempt to buy some souvenirs. I have a terrible time haggling. I feel like people see me coming a mile away.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Lunch): Lunch in Old Delhi. Dare to eat at a local place. The food is divine. The stomach is still holding up.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Rickshaw breakdown. It was bound to happen. The rickshaw’s wheel goes flat. I ended up walking a bit, which ended up being the best discovery yet. I find a small mosque, very small and serene. It was a welcome respite from the chaos.
- 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Another taxi back to the hotel. Still processing the sheer volume of experiences.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Dinner): Dinner at hotel. I had a conversation with a few other tourists. They all know how I feel. The shared experience is oddly comforting.
- 8:00 PM: Reflect on the day. Realize my feet are killing me. Realize I'm absolutely loving this.
- 9:00 PM: Crash.
Day 3: South Delhi and The Quest for Spiritual Enlightenment (and a Decent Cup of Coffee)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at hotel. I decide to brave the coffee, but after the first sip, give up. I’ll accept instant coffee.
- 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Visit a temple in South Delhi. The calm is blissful. I observe; learning about the culture, the people. I feel calmer than I ever have before.
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM (Lunch): Lunch at a cafe in South Delhi. Finally, a decent cup of coffee! I almost cried.
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Explore more of South Delhi. I find some shops and spend way too much money on things I don't need.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Try to get a massage at the hotel spa. The booking is full. I’m crushed. I just want them to massage away all the stress.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Dinner): Dinner at the hotel, again. I start chatting to the wait staff, sharing my experiences.
- 8:00 PM: I wonder if I can stay here forever.
And so on…
The itinerary, as you can see, remains fluid. Things will go wrong. I’ll probably get lost. I’ll definitely eat something that disagrees with me. But that’s the beauty of it, right? It’s the imperfections, the unpredictable moments, the unexpected connections that make a trip truly memorable. So, keep your eyes peeled, because who knows what I may encounter. Wish me luck! And… stay tuned!
Escape to Paradise: Me Saigon Boutique Hotel, Ho Chi Minh City
OMG! Delhi's BEST Kept Secret Hotel? (Om Plaza Review! - Messy Edition)
Alright, folks, let's get messy with this Om Plaza review. Forget the polished travel blogs; you're getting the REAL DEAL. And yes, I'm still buzzing from my… well, let's just say *experience*.
1. Is Om Plaza *actually* a "secret"? And what *is* all the hype?
Secret? I'd call it *semi*-secret. It's not plastered all over Instagram, but enough seasoned Delhi travelers whisper about it to make you curious. The hype? Honestly, I get it. It's that whole "hidden gem" thing. You *feel* like you've discovered something. It's not the Ritz, far from it, but it's got a certain… charm. A slightly dusty, wonderfully chaotic charm.
My first encounter was purely accidental. Needed a room FAST after a truly disastrous train ride (don't even ask). Booked on a whim, and BAM! I was in. The lobby looked like something out of a Wes Anderson movie… if Wes Anderson had a budget of, like, 5 rupees. But in the best way possible, you know?
2. Okay, spill the tea. What's good about this place, REALLY?
Okay, buckle up. Firstly, the location. It’s smack-dab in the middle of… well, *stuff*. Markets, restaurants, chaos. You're basically immersed. Secondly, and this is vital, the staff. They are genuinely lovely. Like, "Aunty bringing you extra parathas even though you're already stuffed" lovely. They're not always perfect – English isn't always their strongest suit – but their hearts are in the right place. That counts for a LOT.
Then there's the… *ambiance*. It's impossible to describe. Think: faded velvet curtains, mismatched furniture, a certain… *fragrance* of incense and old books. It’s not sterile. It’s not pretentious. It’s authentic. And honestly? Kinda cozy. I spent a whole afternoon just reading in the lobby, drinking chai, and watching the world go by. Bliss.
3. And the bad? Come on, there HAS to be a catch.
Alright, alright, fine. Let's get real.
- **The Rooms:** They're… basic. Real basic. Think slightly threadbare sheets, the occasional questionable stain (I'm being polite), and a shower that's more of a… *drip*. Don't expect luxury. Expect functionality. And hope for hot water. Sometimes you get it, sometimes you don't. Charm often comes at the price of creature comforts.
- **Noise:** Delhi is LOUD. And Om Plaza is in the thick of it. Bring earplugs. Seriously. You’ll thank me.
- **Cleanliness:** Let’s just say, it’s not a five-star hotel. It’s… lived-in. Things could be cleaner. They could, indeed. However, for the price... I'm willing to overlook a few dust bunnies.
- **The Elevator:** Oh, the elevator! It's a terrifying metal box from another era. I’d recommend the stairs. Trust me.
Look, it's not perfect. It's not meant to be perfect. And honestly, that's part of the charm.
4. The Breakfast? Tell me about the breakfast! (I MUST know about the breakfast).
Okay, the breakfast. Let's dive DEEP into this. It's… *variable*. One day, you get a glorious, spicy aloo paratha that makes you weep with happiness. The next day? A dry piece of toast and a questionable omelet. There *is* coffee. It is… caffeinated.
My advice? Lower your expectations, embrace the unknown, and order EVERYTHING. You might get lucky. You might not. But isn’t that what life is all about? (Okay, maybe I'm being dramatic. But I love paratha so I get worked up when it's not good).
5. What's the price like? Is it actually affordable?
Yes! It's genuinely very affordable. You're not going to break the bank. It’s a fantastic option for budget travelers, solo adventurers, or anyone who just… doesn't want to spend a fortune on a bed to sleep in. Check current online rates, which vary based on the season - but you can expect to pay a lot less than you would at a big chain hotel! You could probably stay here for, like, a month for the price of a few days at some of those glitzy places. Amazing!
6. Let’s talk about that *one* experience. The one you said made you "buzzing". Spill.
Alright, alright, you twisted my arm. Here it is. Okay, it was my second night. Jet lag was hitting HARD. I stumbled back to the hotel around midnight, utterly wrecked. I needed food, I needed sleep, I needed ALL the things. The lights were dim, the lobby felt deserted, and the only person around was the night watchman, a sweet guy who looked like he’d seen a ghost or two. He spoke very little English, me even less Hindi.
I tried to order room service (which was listed on a menu that frankly looked older than my grandmother). He looked puzzled, motioned to the empty dining area, and then… he started rummaging. Pulled out a *basket* – a wicker basket, mind you – and started pulling out things. First: a bag of chips. Then: a half-eaten packet of biscuits. Then: a mango… and an (apparently) hard boiled egg that looked like it had been there for a while.
I blinked. He was *offering me his dinner*. MY HEART. I tried to decline, mortified. He just kept gesturing, smiling, and pointing at the mango. Long story short, I sat there eating chips, questionable biscuits, and a slightly bruised mango in the middle of the night with this incredibly kind man, who then went to get out a bottle of water. We didn't share a language, but we shared *something*. Human connection. That’s what I’ll always remember. It was messy, it was weird, it was completely imperfect… and it was absolutely perfect. I mean, it was the mango I'll forever remember! It wasn't the fanciest dinner, but you know what? It beat a 5-star service I had many times! This is exactly why I'll go back, and why I’ll recommend this place to anyone who wants something *real*.
7. Who is this hotel FOR?
