Shillong's BEST Kept Secret? Super Hotel O (Formerly Balaji) - Unbelievable!
Shillong's Super Secret: Hotel O (Formerly Balaji) - Unbelievable?! Buckle Up, Buttercups.
Okay, so I just got back from…well, let's just say it: Shillong's BEST Kept Secret? Super Hotel O (Formerly Balaji). And let me tell you, unbelievable doesn't even begin to cover it. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds; this is the REAL deal, warts and all. And trust me, those warts? They add character.
First off, accessibility? They've got it. I’m not talking just a ramp and calling it a day. While they may not be perfect - let's be real, nowhere is - they definitely try. I spotted an elevator, which is GOLD in a hilly place like Shillong. And hey, if you need a little extra help, the staff seems genuinely willing to lend a hand. HUGE points there.
Let's talk CLEANLINESS & SAFETY. Because, you know… life in 2024. They're clearly taking it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection? Check. Staff trained to avoid spreading germs? CHECK! I saw them sanitizing everything, even the pens at the front desk. Now, I'm not saying I licked the light switches to test it, but I felt safe. They even offer you the option to skip room cleaning, which is GREAT! They also had sanitizer everywhere and those annoying (but necessary!) social distancing markers. The food was handled carefully: lots of individually wrapped things and safe setups. And if you worry about that sort of thing: they're doing a good job.
The Rooms: My Sanctuary…Kinda. Look, the rooms aren't exactly the Ritz. But they are…comfortable. They had air conditioning, which is a blessing in the Shillong heat (or whatever passes for heat). My room had this amazing window that opened, which meant I could breathe in that crisp mountain air every morning and just LOOK, like, REALLY LOOK. I swear, sometimes I just stared out the window for like 20 minutes, it was so beautiful. I did appreciate the blackout curtains too – perfect for sleeping off those massive buffet brunches.
My room had a desk and a laptop workspace, which was surprisingly handy (I work on the road if you haven't gathered). They even gave me, like, free bottles of water. They also had a fridge and a coffee/tea maker. It's the little things, you know? I was happy they also included a safety deposit box! It felt comfortable, not exactly luxury, but it felt like a space I could relax in, no questions asked. I'm not sure how I felt about the additional toilet I didn't need, but hey, never hurts to be prepped, right? My room was clearly well-maintained. If I had one quibble, the Wi-fi wasn't always the fastest, but hey, you're in the mountains, not Silicon Valley.
Now, the FOOD. Oh, the food. This is where things get interesting. The Asian breakfast was the star of the show, hands down. Seriously, I became addicted to the momos. And I went back for seconds. And maybe thirds. Okay, I definitely went back for thirds. They had a breakfast buffet and I was in heaven: eggs, bacon, fruit (the pineapple was divine), and enough caffeine to power a small city. They also have an a la carte menu for lunch or dinner. They have a restaurant offering both Asian and International cuisine. I even spied a vegetarian restaurant if you're into that (I am not, clearly). There's a coffee shop and a snack bar, in case you get the munchies. And get this: room service, 24-hour. Game. Changer.
Dining, a very important aspect of hotel life. The place had everything. The restaurant had a great ambiance. They had a buffet and everything. The soup in the restaurant was amazing and so convenient. The whole setup made me feel like I was truly at home, and the service was lovely as always.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: This is where things get a tad…rustic. The fitness center is…well, it's there. My expectations weren't that high, so I wasn't too disappointed. (Okay, maybe slightly disappointed, but I’m a gym rat, what can I tell you?) They have a swimming pool, but it's the outdoor kind, and frankly, it was a bit too chilly for a dip when I was there. But the Spa? Now, that’s a different story. They offer massages and other treatments. Definitely worth checking out. If you're a sauna person, they have that too.
The Services & Conveniences: A Mixed Bag. The concierge was helpful. The daily housekeeping was impeccable. The luggage storage came in extremely handy. They arrange airport transfers, which is a MUST. They have a car park and a taxi service, so you can definitely get around. They also have facilities for disabled guests, and family and child friendly stuff too. But if you're looking for something specific, probably best to ask the front desk first; otherwise, they can't do much. The front desk is open 24-hours, which is a godsend.
Getting Around: They also provide taxi services, and they have bicycle parking. The hotel is located in quite a central area, so it's simple to venture out or stay inside.
For the Kids! Here's where it gets real: babysitting and kids meals. This hotel is really a kid-friendly place.
What to Know Before You Go (The Real Talk). Okay, here’s the deal: Super Hotel O isn’t perfect. It’s not the Four Seasons. There are some rough edges. The decor is…eclectic. You might hear some noise from the hallway. But that's part of the charm, right? The staff. I'd say they’re genuinely invested in making sure you have a good stay. They were incredibly helpful and kind. The staff alone makes this worth it.
The Verdict: Run, Don't Walk, to Super Hotel O!
Seriously, you need this. You NEED to experience this unique slice of Shillong. It's not just a hotel; it’s an experience. It's a place where you can relax, unwind, and maybe, just maybe, discover your inner momo aficionado.
Here's how to seal the deal:
LIMITED-TIME OFFER!
Are you ready to escape the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary? Book your stay at Shillong's BEST Kept Secret, Super Hotel O (formerly Balaji), NOW and receive:
- 15% off your stay!
- Complimentary Breakfast Daily! (Get ready to momo it up!)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms (for all those instagram updates!).
- Special Price on Spa Treatments
BUT HURRY! This offer is only valid for bookings made in the next [insert limited time frame, e.g., 72 hours]. Don't miss out on this chance to experience the magic of Super Hotel O!
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Escape to Paradise: River Vibes' Muzaffarabad Retreat
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly-curated travel brochure. This is the real, messy, possibly-slightly-deranged account of my time at the Super Hotel O Shillong (formerly the Balaji Guest House, which, frankly, feels like a whole other story waiting to be told). Prepare for tangents, existential crises about chai, and possibly… sobbing. Let's do this.
Title: Shillong Shenanigans & Semi-Existential Tea Drinking: A Super Hotel O Diary
Day 1: Arrival & Assam Tea-Induced Wonder
- Time: 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Ah, the glorious pre-dawn wake-up call. Except it wasn't glorious. It was the blasted alarm on my phone that decided to channel a banshee just as I'd managed to slip into a semi-conscious state after a night of train sleep. Delhi to Guwahati was a trial, let's just say that. A hurried taxi ride to the hotel… the anticipation was killing me.
- Time: 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: The Grand Entrance (or, the "Oh God, Is This It?" moment). The Super Hotel O. Honestly? The facade wasn't exactly screaming "luxury retreat." It's… functional? Let's go with functional. But the air! Oh, the air. Crisp, clean, and smelling faintly of pine and… potential. Checked in (surprisingly efficient) and got my key.
- Time: 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance and the Great Chai Revelation. The room was… well, it was a room. Clean-ish, maybe a tad dated, but hey, it has a bed. Crucially, it had a view. A misty green sweep of hills. I could live here. For at least a day. Then, the real magic. I ordered chai. Assam Chai. And it arrived. The aroma, the first sip… pure, unadulterated LIFE. Honestly, I think I might have shed a tear. This wasn't just tea; it was a moment of perfect, caffeine-fueled zen. I spent a solid hour just staring out the window, sipping chai, and contemplating the vastness of… everything. My existential dread was momentarily quelled. Victory!
- Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch at a local eatery. The name escapes me (honestly, I'm useless at remembering details, I just feel things, alright?). But the food? Spicy, vibrant, and cheap as chips. I'm talking a mountain of rice, lentils, and a mystery meat that tasted like…home. It was heaven on a plate! The people were amazing, and I did feel like a fish of the water, or in this case, a bit of a foreigner, and that feeling of being a stranger always is exciting.
- Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Wandering the streets, getting hopelessly lost. This is where the "adventure" started. Shillong is a maze of narrow streets, bustling markets, and the incessant thrumming of scooters. Lost my sense of direction in about five minutes. But, I saw the Ward's Lake, a moment of peaceful beauty in a chaotic world.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Back at the Super Hotel O. The tea-induced stupor was wearing off. Tried to organize my stuff. Failed miserably. Decided to embrace the chaos. Read a book for a bit. Failed miserably, the book was boring, or maybe it was because of the previous activities.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at, again, a place whose name I can't remember, but the momos were ridiculously good. And then… the rain. Oh, the glorious Shillong rain. It started as a gentle patter, then escalated to a full-blown deluge. Found myself sitting on the hotel's balcony, watching the world become a watery dream. This, my friends, is what it's all about.
Day 2: The Waterfalls, The Drive, and the Unexpected Epiphany
- Time: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Coffee, and yet another moment of staring outside at the glorious hills while the rain still poured, and a quick contemplation of my life choices. Yes, I'm still enjoying this, but the thought that I should have done something by now is always haunting.
- Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Hiring a car. It's crucial. You need to book a car. I hired one to go to the waterfalls.
- Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Drive to the Elephant Falls and Wei Sawdong Falls. The drive itself was an experience. Twisty, turny roads clinging to the mountainside. The driver, a lovely chap named David, regaled me with stories of Shillong, the Khasi people, and his fervent belief in the power of pineapple (don't ask, it's a long story). The waterfalls? Breathtaking. The Elephant Falls was majestic and a bit crowded, but seeing the force of nature was thrilling. Wei Sawdong Falls was even more impressive. The water cascaded down the rocks, it was a dream. I was speechless. I had to get wet in the water, and I did.
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch was a small shack. The food was surprisingly good for such a humble place, and I think I realized that I was starting to enjoy myself.
- Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM: Drive back, the traffic was terrible as always. I spent the drive back contemplating the meaning of life. Or, you know, maybe just dozing off after a long day, the driver woke me up, I was so embarrassed.
- Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. This time the rain wasn't there. So I decided to explore, and by exploring… I mean that I fell asleep.
- Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: This time I was planning to go to the local Shillong market. The market was packed, and the smell was a blast. I saw a lot of stuff. A very interesting experience indeed.
- Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local restaurant. The food was great, but the company was even better. Found myself chatting with a local family, sharing stories, and laughing until my stomach hurt. This is what travel is truly about -- the connection with people.
Day 3: The Farewell and the Unfinished Business
- Time: 7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: That final cup of Assam chai. The bittersweetness of a goodbye. Packing, trying to fit everything back into my bag. Realizing I bought way too many trinkets.
- Time: 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM: Last-minute stroll around the hotel, soaking up the last bit of the views.
- Time: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Checking out, saying goodbye to the helpful staff (who, bless their hearts, put up with my constant questions and general cluelessness).
- Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Taxi to the airport. A sense of melancholy, but also of deep contentment.
- Time: 12:00 PM onwards: Leaving Shillong, heading home. But I know… I’m not quite done with this place. It's burrowed its way into my soul.
Reflections (Or, My Post-Chai-Induced Rambling):
The Super Hotel O (formerly Balaji Guest House) wasn't perfect. It was a bit rough around the edges, a little quirky. But…it was authentic. It was a stepping stone to exploration, to connection, to a deeper understanding of the world. And the Assam chai? Still dreaming about it. I'm not sure when I'll be back, but I know this much: Shillong, you have a piece of my heart. And thanks for reminding me that sometimes, the messiest adventures are the best ones.
Post Script:
Next time, I will definitely try and figure out how to pronounce all the local food, learn some Khasi phrases, and finally manage to navigate the market without getting completely lost. But for now? Back to reality, with a heart full of Assam tea dreams.
Escape to Paradise: Jakarta's Hidden Gem - Magnolia 5 ApartHotel
1. Okay, spill. What's the big deal about Super Hotel O (Balaji, whatever!)? Why all the hype?
Alright, alright, settle down. The hype? Well, it's not just a hotel, it's an *experience*. Forget sterile, cookie-cutter stays. Think… maybe a slightly-unhinged, yet utterly charming, adventure. It's the kind of place that leaves you with stories, not just memories. People call it a "hidden gem", but honestly, the word "gem" doesn't quite capture it. It's more like a slightly tarnished, yet still unbelievably sparkly, piece of treasure. And it *IS* unbelievably sparkly! The views! The food! The sheer, unadulterated *vibe*… it's addictive. Prepare to be… well, prepared to be *unprepared*.
2. The rooms… are they… *clean*? Because some reviews...
Okay, look. Let's address the elephant in the room. And yes, *some* reviews mention the cleanliness level. Let's be honest. Super Hotel O isn't a five-star resort. Think of it as "charmingly rustic". My first time, I saw a small, *tiny* bug. I swear it was a *tiny*, tiny spider. After the initial freak-out, I chuckled. It's part of its *character*. Cleanliness isn't necessarily the focus, it's more about the *ambience*. Honestly, the beds are comfy, the view from the window is breathtaking, and the entire air smells of the forest surrounding Shillong. And sometimes, you just HAVE to *let go* a little, yeah?
3. Tell me about the food. I'm a foodie. Should I bother?
Oh. My. God. The food. Listen. I am a *massive* foodie. And the food at Super Hotel O… is… well, it's legendary. Forget those fancy Michelin-star places. This is soul food. This is comfort food. This is the kind of food that makes you weep tears of joy (or, you know, maybe just a sniffle). They make the best momos - the *best*! I've seriously considered going back to Shillong just for another plate. And the pork is incredible. Incredible! One night I ate so much pork, I could barely walk. Best. Night. EVER. Don't even get me started on the breakfast. It's a carb-lover's dream. Just. Go. Eat. Now. Seriously. Just go.
4. Is it hard to get a room? I don't want to be disappointed.
Okay, this is the *real* secret. Yes. It *can* be. It's popularity is growing, like some kind of delicious, slow-moving avalanche. Book in advance, especially during peak season. And be flexible. Maybe take the first room they offer, even if it's not facing the view everyone raves about. Because honestly, even if you end up in the back room, the *experience*… it's worth it. Trust me. Trust me. This is the kind of place you'll want to be the one *telling* people about, not the one *waiting* to get in. Seriously, put a deposit down. Do it now.
5. Anything crazy happen while you were there? Spill the tea!
Alright, here's my story. Grab a beverage, this might take a minute. I was there last year. It was pouring rain, the kind that *soaks* you to the bone within seconds. I had a gorgeous view room, but I was stuck inside, which, honestly, wasn't the worst. I'd already eaten, a mountain of momos and pork. It was heaven. Later, I was sitting by the window, watching the rain lash down. Then the power went out. Complete darkness. Okay, no biggie, right? Except then I heard a *rumble*. Loud. Like… thunder, but *inside* the building. I swear, the structure was shaking. I thought, "Right, this is it. This is how it ends." But then, a voice called out from the hallway - the hotel owner (who may or may not have been wearing a bathrobe). "EVERYONE! DON'T WORRY! IT'S JUST THE GENERATOR! COME, WE HAVE CANDLES AND TEA!" And seriously, that's exactly what happened. We all huddled in the dining room, drinking tea, eating biscuits by candlelight, and laughing like maniacs while the storm howled outside. It was… surreal. And beautiful. And it's *that* kind of experience that makes Hotel O so magical. Is so it is.
6. What's the best part about staying there?
For me? It's the feeling. It's the feeling of being completely… *unplugged*. You’re away from the chaos, you're surrounded by this incredible beauty, and you're immersed in this quirky, vibrant atmosphere. You’re not just a guest, you're part of a story. You can hear the chatter of the staff and other guests. Everyone shares their travel stories, laughing in the halls, and creating a warm environment. It’s the kind of place where you can be yourself, imperfect and authentic, and completely okay with it. It's soul-restoring. It's the feeling that you've stumbled upon something truly special… even if it's a little rough around the edges. So, yes, maybe it's not perfect. But that’s the perfection of it. That messy, glorious imperfection? That’s the magic.
7. Is there anything I should bring that isn't obvious?
Absolutely! Okay, besides the usual travel stuff… Bring a small flashlight (just in case the power goes out again!) and a book. A really good book. And a journal. You'll want to write down your thoughts, because you're going to have *a lot* of them. Bring a small first-aid kit with some basic things, you know, just in case. Bring a healthy appetite. And most importantly? Bring an open mind, a sense of humor, and the willingness to embrace the slightly chaotic. Because that's the *real* secret to enjoying Super Hotel O. Oh, and bring a good camera for those views. Trust me. You’ll want to capture them. And then, you'll probably want to come back for more... probably a lot more.
