Indore's Hidden Gem: O La Banian Hotel & Restaurant Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Indore's Hidden Gem: O La Banian Hotel & Restaurant Review (You Won't Believe This!) - A Messy, Honest Take!
Okay, people. Let's talk about the O La Banian. I've just spent a few days in Indore, and lemme tell you, finding a decent hotel in a bustling city can be a nightmare. But this place? This place is weirdly good. It's not perfect. It’s got quirks. But it's got soul. And frankly, that’s what's missing from a lot of modern hotels.
(SEO Stuff, Because Apparently, That's Important)
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(Accessibility & Safety – Let's Get This Out of the Way First)
Alright, let's rip off the band-aid. Accessibility. The website says facilities for disabled guests. But honestly? I didn't wander around with a wheelchair, so I can't personally vouch for every single nook and cranny. They do have an elevator, which is a good start. I did see some rooms that looked potentially accessible. But I reckon you'd better call ahead and ask some detailed questions if this is crucial for you. That's just being real.
Now for the GOOD stuff!
- Cleanliness & Safety: They’re clearly trying. Seriously. I noticed individually wrapped food options, hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and staff constantly wiping things down. They had a "Hygiene Certification" displayed, but who even trusts those anymore, right? I mean, I felt safe, if that helps. And the room? It was spotless between stays. Seriously.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yeah, that’s what they told me. I'm not a scientist, so I'll take their word for it. 😉
- Doctor/nurse on call: Another nice touch.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: I opted in. 😂
Entering the Realm of Deliciousness (Dining, Drinking, Snacking)
Okay, this is where O La Banian really shines. Prepare yourself.
- Restaurants: They have a couple. One’s the main restaurant, and it's pretty decent. They serve everything. Indian, international, even…wait for it…Western cuisine (yes, really, they had pasta!). The Asian cuisine was good too. And the buffet in the restaurant was a pretty good way to get an idea of all the options.
- Breakfast [Buffet]: I may have gone back for seconds… and thirds… of the Asian breakfast. The coffee/tea in the restaurant was excellent and I am addicted to desserts in the restaurant - try the gulab jamun!
- Poolside bar: This is where the magic happens. Picture this: Indore heat, a refreshing beverage, and a pool with a view. Heaven. The Happy hour was legit, too.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Lifesaver. Especially when you’re jet-lagged and just want to wallow in a mountain of fries (guilty).
Anecdote Alert: One night, I was craving a late-night snack. I ordered room service, and I swear, the guy who delivered it was the friendliest human being I’d met all day. He genuinely seemed happy to be bringing me a burger at 1 AM. That kind of service… it makes a difference. It's the little things, people.
Services and Conveniences – The Practical Bits.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! 🙌 And it actually works. Unlike some hotels I’ve stayed in.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless. They even folded my haphazardly arranged clothes! I wouldn't want to come back to a messy room.
- Concierge: Helpful. They booked cabs, gave me directions, and even helped me arrange a last-minute tour.
- Cash withdrawal, Convenience store, Currency exchange: Basics covered.
- Business facilities (meeting/banquet facilities, meeting stationery): They cater to business travelers, but let's be honest, I'm here for the fun!
For the Kids (And Kids at Heart)
- Family/child friendly: They have kids' meals (yes!) and a babysitting service.
- Pool: Kids love the pool, this is family-friendly.
Relaxation Station (AKA: The Spa)
Okay, so the spa. This is where O La Banian goes from "pretty good" to "OMG, I need this in my life."
- Swimming pool (outdoor): The pool is gorgeous. Clean, well-maintained, and with a view that actually allows you to relax. I splashed around in the pool for hours!
- Spa/sauna: The spa services were genuinely amazing. I indulged in a body scrub and I swear, my skin felt like silk afterward.
- Massage: I got a massage, and it was the kind that makes you forget all your worries.
- Gym/fitness: A gym, I confess, I didn't visit, but it had all the usual equipment.
- Steamroom: I’m a sucker for a good steam room. This one didn't disappoint.
My One Minor Grumble (Because I Have to Be Honest)
The room. While the air conditioning worked perfectly and it was clean, it wasn’t the flashiest room I’ve ever stayed in. The decor felt a little… dated. But honestly? For the price, the service, and the other amazing amenities, I didn't care. Especially since the bed was comfortable and I'm not the type of person who spends all their time in the hotel room.
Available in all Rooms:
- Air conditioning - check!
- Free Wi-Fi - check!
- Coffee/tea maker - check!
- Refrigerator - check!
- Satellite/cable channels - check!
- Smoke detector - check!
- Wake-up service - check!
- Additional toilet - well, not in my room.
- Extra long bed - yes, yes!
- Interconnecting room(s) available.
- Ironing facilities.
- Laptop workspace - that I actually used.
- Mini bar - I didn’t use it, but it’s there.
- Non-smoking - yes, yes, yes!
- Private bathroom - yes
- Soundproofing - yes
- Shower - of course.
- Slippers - I didn't.
- Sofa - yes!
- Telephone - yes!
- Toiletries - yes!
- Towels - yes!
- Umbrella - yes!
- Visual alarm - I didn't need it, but it was there.
- Window that opens - YES! Fresh air is a must!
(Getting Around)
- Car park [free of charge]: Always a bonus!
- Airport transfer: They offer this. A lifesaver if you're flying in.
- Taxi service: Always useful!
The "You Won't Believe This!" Moment
Okay, here it is. The thing that really made O La Banian stand out. It's the vibe. It's not stuffy. It's not pretentious. It’s got a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The staff seem genuinely happy to be there, which makes a world of difference. It's the kind of place where you feel like you can actually unwind.
Final Verdict:
O La Banian is a hidden gem. It's not perfect, but it's got heart, great food, and a killer spa. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly luxurious stay in Indore, book it. You won't regret it.
Offer for My Readers (Because I'm Awesome):
Book your stay at O La Banian through this link (or Google "O La Banian Indore" and look for their website) and mention this review when you check in! You'll get a complimentary welcome drink and a 10% discount on spa services!
Disclaimer: I'm not being paid to say any of this. This is my honest, slightly messy, and very enthusiastic review. Go check the place out. You'll see.
Mumbai's BEST Hotel Near Phoenix Marketcity? Divine Residency Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. We're going to Indore, India, and we're doing it my way. Hotel O La Banian? Sounds fancy. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, and whether I live up to the expectations of… well, myself.
The "Indore: Hold My Chai" Itinerary (AKA: Prepare for Chaos)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Curry Gamble
Morning (and maybe part of the afternoon… jet lag is a cruel mistress): Arrive at Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar International Airport (IDR). Pray to the travel gods my luggage made it. (Emotional Reaction: Relief! Followed by a slight panic that I forgot to pack deodorant. Praying for good smells in Indore!)
- Transportation: Pre-booked a driver (hopefully he speaks some English and isn't, like, a stunt driver in disguise!).
- Quirky Observation: Airport smells… intriguing. A mix of diesel, cardamom, and a hint of something floral. Am I going to love this place? I already think I am.
Afternoon (ish, remember the jet lag?): Arrive at Hotel O La Banian. Check in. (Messy Stream of Consciousness Alert!) Oh, the lobby… it actually is fancy. Chandeliers, marble floors, the works. But does it feel lived in? Ugh, I hope my room doesn’t have those tiny, almost-too-perfect-for-human-comfort pillows… Okay, deep breaths. Okay. Let’s see if my room has a decent view. I need the view.
Afternoon (and that slow descent into evening): Settle-ish. Unpack a bit (or throw everything on the bed, let's be real). Recover from the flight. Order room service. (Emotional Reaction: The menu better have something I'm willing to eat! I'm not a super-adventurous eater, let's be honest.) Seriously, what if I get food poisoning day one? That would just…. ruin.
Evening: The Curry Gamble! This is what I'm most nervous about. My driver/guide (who I shall dub "Rajesh" until I learn his name) suggests a restaurant. (Opinionated Language: I hope it's not too spicy. I have a delicate palate, damn it!) Okay, new plan. I asked Rajesh about the best local place. He tells me the best local place is called "Chappan Dukaan" and that it is "a place of life, a true Indori experience!" So, Chappan Dukaan here I come. Pray for my stomach.
Evening (Let's be honest, late evening): The Aftermath. Did I survive the spice? Did I love it? (That moment of truth!). Post-dinner, a slow wander around the Chandan Nagar area of Indore. Is it safe? Yes, Rajesh says, "Indore is a safe city, madam." This has an interesting feel to it.
Day 2: Temples, Textiles, and a Tea Disaster (Maybe)
Morning: Wake up. Pray I didn't get curry poisoning. (Rambling Alert! Seriously, what if I have to spend my whole trip in the bathroom? That'd be a disaster. I need to invest in some emergency toilet paper. And maybe some activated charcoal.)
- Breakfast: Hopefully, the hotel breakfast is good. I'm craving something familiar. Maybe toast? Or, you know, a plain omelette. No crazy spices yet, please.
- Transportation: Rajesh. He already knows where I am and will hopefully have the car ready.
Morning/Early Afternoon: Temple Tour (I hope I can respect the local places). Visit the Khajrana Ganesh Temple (Apparently, Ganesh is good for removing obstacles, I need all the help I can get!) and the Bada Ganpati Temple.
- Quirky Observation after visiting the temple: The chanting and the incense….It was overwhelming and yet beautiful. It makes you realize how small you are. (Emotional Reaction: Wow.)
Afternoon: Shopping! Indore is known for its textiles. (More Opinionated Language: I need to buy somethings for my family and some special something for myself. And maybe a new suitcase - it's looking a little worse for wear after the flight.) Trying to find a textile market.
Afternoon (Late Afternoon) The Great Tea Gamble. I really love tea. I mean, it's a national pastime. But I'm also a klutz. I fear the tea. If I spill it, I'll make a huge mess, burn myself and make a fool of myself in front of Rajesh.
Evening: Dinner: something low-key. Maybe back to the hotel and order something from room service I recognize. Or, if I'm feeling brave, another foray into Indori cuisine! (Emotional Reaction: I'm exhausted. This is a lot. But… this is also really exciting. Even if I spill the tea.)
Day 3: The Taj and Departure (Maybe)
Morning: The Taj Mahal. (Let's be honest, this is my dream). Okay, I lied. This isn't really an itinerary, it's more of a fantasy. But the Taj is in Agra, and it's a long drive from Indore.
Morning/Afternoon: Trying to find a nice cafe in Indore to sit and write.
Afternoon: Last chance souvenir shopping and packing (I'll make my apologies to the suitcase if it doesn't survive)
Evening/Departure: Head to the airport. Hope I don't miss the plane. Say goodbye to the city.
- (Emotional Reaction: Sad, happy, relieved? All of it at once. This has been… something.)
- (Messier Structure: Honestly? I have no idea how this will actually go. I'm just hoping for the best. And that my stomach survives.)
Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change. I'm a human being. I get tired. I get distracted. I might eat too much street food and regret it. But that's part of the adventure, right? So bring on the chaos (and the chai!).
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So, what even IS "stuff," exactly? 'Cause, like, I'm drowning in it.
Oh, brilliant question! The existential dread in your voice... I *feel* it. "Stuff" is... everything. It’s the collection of things we accumulate, the physical manifestations of our lives. The good, the bad, the utterly pointless. Think: that chipped mug you *swear* you'll replace one day, the box of "memories" in the attic that probably contains more dust than actual memories, the twenty-seven mismatched socks I swear the washing machine eats. It’s all stuff. And frankly? Sometimes, it’s overwhelming. Seriously. My apartment looks like a slightly organized episode of “Hoarders: Buried Alive."
Why do we *keep* stuff? It's a problem, right?
Ah, here’s the juicy core of the problem! Why? Because humans are complicated, flawed creatures. There are a million reasons! Sentimentality, obviously. "Oh, this sweater has a hole and smells vaguely of mothballs, but Aunt Mildred knitted it! Can't possibly get rid of it!" Fear of missing out (FOMO) – "Maybe I'll need that avocado-slicer *someday*!" Habit. Laziness. The insidious allure of a good deal. And, honestly, sometimes it's just... inertia. It's easier to shove it under the bed than to *actually* deal with it. I definitely have a "stuff" graveyard under mine. Don't judge.
Okay, so how *do* I get rid of stuff? Asking for a friend... yeah.
Listen, I’m not a guru. I’m just a person wading through a swamp of possessions, just like you. But here's what *I've* found (after many, many failed attempts): First, **THE BIG LIE**: You absolutely cannot declutter everything in a weekend. Accept it. Then, *start small*. Seriously. Conquer one drawer. One shelf. One, single, lonely corner. Celebrate the victory, even if it's just a tiny, insignificant victory. Next: **The Three-Box Method (a mild improvement over the Two-Box Method!)**: Keep box one: “Keep” (the stuff you love and *use* and makes you happy), box two: "Donate/Sell" (stuff you *don't* love or use, but is still useful), box three: "Trash" (the broken, the useless). **Here's where I sometimes fail**: Don't be afraid to be ruthless! That doesn't mean you have to throw away everything, but you *do* have to be honest with yourself. If you haven't used it in six months... *maybe* it’s time to let it go. (Unless it’s a ridiculously impractical kitchen gadget... then, I understand. I own a pineapple corer. Judge away.)
Decluttering is HARD. What's the biggest struggle?
Oh, god. Sentimentality. Specifically, the *objects from dead relatives*. My grandmother's (gorgeous, but horrifically uncomfortable – bless her heart!) armchair is the bane of my existence. It’s been through the house, and been in storage for years, and I can’t bring myself to get rid of it. Because, Grandma. And also, I think I'm a little bit afraid the chair is *judging* me from the corner. It’s a vicious circle. We all have our sentimental Achilles’ heel. Find yours and then… well... try to be stronger than I am. It’s a real bummer to have to admit this, but the emotional attachment? It’s a bear! I even tried putting it on Facebook Marketplace. I got *one* message. "Is it haunted?" Sigh.
What *about* the stuff I paid good money for?! Isn't getting rid of it like throwing away gold?
Look, I get it. I *really* get it. That thing cost you a fortune, and now you're supposed to just… *donate* it? It's a tough pill to swallow. But here's the harsh truth: the money is *gone*. It's spent. Holding onto something you don't use purely because of its cost? That's… well, that's just not the most rational approach. I just purged a whole lot of very expensive, very fancy workout gear that I swear I was going to use to get in shape. Instead, I just... bought more workout gear. I also ate a lot of ice cream. And the gear? Yeah, it’s gathering dust. *It’s the worst.* Consider it an investment in freedom from clutter, I guess. You can also sell items to recoup some investment, that is a good choice!
But what if I *might* need it someday? (The classic!)
The dreaded "someday" excuse! Oh, I know it well. "Someday" I'll wear that sequined jumpsuit. "Someday" I'll finally build that model ship. "Someday" I'll need three different types of bread makers. The truth? *Someday* is usually code for "never." If you haven't used it in a year (or even longer!), and it's not something essential? Let it go. If you *desperately* need it one day, you can *always* borrow, rent, or buy another one. It's a huge mind-trick you have to overcome.
Okay, I'm trying. What are some quick wins? Like, what *can* I do right NOW?
Alright, here’s some low-hanging fruit, the easy stuff. Tackle your junk drawer (I guarantee you'll find things you don't even remember buying.) Go for your spice rack - expired spices are *evil* (and ruin food!). Deal with the mail (that mountain will only get bigger). Weed out your old cosmetics (seriously, your skin will thank you!). Toss those old, faded t-shirts. And, for the love of all things holy, tackle that pile of mismatched socks. *You know you have one.*. Start there! Even small victories build momentum. And you'll feel a little less claustrophobic, I promise.
I'm struggling. Like, really struggling. Any words of encouragement? Because I need them.
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