Dec 01, 2010 01:14 PM
54513 Views
Last November,me and my hubby went for a trip to Chamba. We booked hotel Aroma palace for two days in advance,through internet. The price and room types were discussed through e-mail, and we deposited the booking amount in their bank account by September end. We reached Chamba by HRTC bus on 13th Nov, 2010. After we got down from the bus, we had a little difficulty to find this hotel, as there was no board, or any kind of sign outside. We walked a lot carrying our luggages, and near the Chowgan end we asked the traffic police about the hotel. They told that we have to walk back!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally we found the hotel with the help of a local person,and climbed a very high road dragging our trolley bags,which made us very tired. Here comes the description of the hotel.
The Hotel Reception:
Not very attractive, just above average. Saw very few people around, only a receptionist in casual dresses, and from his attitude it was clear that he is not a professional one. From the reception no one can get an idea that it's a big hotel. We had booked a Honeymoon special room, and once my hubby filled up the required details in their ledger, the key was given to us. A small boy appeared and he carried our luggages upstairs. No separate bellboys or something,this small kid is going to serve us duringf our stay.
The room:
It will be better if I stop noticing things. The room is not very large,once one enters, can see a king size bed, two side tables, a TV cabinet, and a dressing cabinet with chair. That's all. The furnitures are made of heavy wood,with a fine coating of dust on them. The room smelt quite bad as we entered, may be they didn't clean it properly. Well, no prob. We tried to open the windows, and got the next shock. The adjacent house was very near, and from that house a lady was staring at us with great interest. We didn't dare to proceed anymore, also for avoiding the curtains,which made me sneeze several times. the floor was covered with a dirty carpet, so we planned to step on the floor wearing slippers only. The AC shaft fell on me as soon as I touched it, so I didn't dare to touch it anymore. There were a mini freeze and a coffee maker also,but both smelt horribly,so we didn't go near those things also. A nice blanket was on the bed, we settled on the bed covering us with that. Some extra blankets were inside the wardrobe,but we didn't need them during our stay. The smell bothered us, so we managed with deo spray, and kept the door open. No complaint about the bathroom,it was clean and a good one.
Guest Services:
The people we saw in the hotel are shy, they never keep eye contact with you! This thing surprised me . Whenever we needed something, we just had to ring the bell in our room,the service was very prompt. But no warm smile,that we generally expect from the people in hospitality industry..........it seems either they are shy, or scared of something. God only knows. At the days of our arrival and departure, they served us well, we didn't face any prob about check in and check out. Only one thing,when you are planning to stay here, carry enough cash, the card swiping machine doesn't work all the time. But don't worry, the SBI ATM is just close to the hotel.
Food and Presentation:
Plan before if you don't like veg food, this hotel is a vegetarian one. We had no prob as we enjoyed the veg meals here. The food is quite good, and hygienic too. The kitchen was small, but it didn't affect the taste or the quality. In-room dining service was available. I liked the Egg paranthas and club sandwiches very much, and also the tea. Our plan was MAP, and compared to the other places like Dalhousie and Khajjiar, food price is quite moderate here.The food doesn't burn your stomach or pocket,so u can enjoy it well.
Ambiance and decor:
Moderate, like any budget hotel. They have a open air sitting arrangement, which overlooks the Chowgan and GPO. Even the Akhand Chandi palace could be seen from here. The cane furnitures here were not in very good condition. We had a feeling that some construction works were taking place here, so the hotel was looking very gloomy. Many rooms of Maharaja and Maharani suite were not occupied. It gave a scary feeling when I tried to visit the open terrace one night. An iron Jhula was here which I liked very much, and spent an entire morning sitting there. This place would be great if maintained properly. Very few occupants were in the hotel at that time, so it gave a vacant look. The people from next house caused a lot of nuisance, sometimes by playing loud music, sometimes burning firecrackers for hours, they just made us mad. That's the largest drawback. But I think the hotel authority has nothing to do with it...........what they can do?
Value for money:
Seeing the quality of the room, shall I say it's overpriced? No, I won't. The service was good, people tried to do their level best. They can't help what's not in their hand. But I would appreciate if the rooms were cleaned properly, and things fixed to their appropriate places. Rest is fine.......... I hope the hotel should finish all the construction works before next season, otherwise it will bring negative effects. Don't know whether I will come back again, that really depends on its improvement.
Overall rating I will give to this hotel is 3.5 out of 5.
