Varanasi's Hidden Gem: Hotel Roshan - Unforgettable Luxury Awaits
Hotel Roshan: My Varanasi Whirlwind – Unfiltered & Unrushed (Metadata Included!)
Okay, buckle up, because trying to review Hotel Roshan is like trying to herd cats wearing a saffron robe and chanting Om. It's an experience, alright, a glorious, maddening, utterly unforgettable experience. And I’m still not sure where to even start. So, let’s just free-flow… shall we?
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First things first: Accessibility. This is where I get a little… frustrated. Because while they say they cater to guests with disabilities (and the metadata screams it!), the practical reality is… well, let’s just say it's not quite polished. Elevator access? Check. Ramps? Mostly. But navigating some of the corridors, especially with luggage… and the "facilities for disabled guests" are, shall we say, subjective. More like "we tried, bless our hearts." So, if you're relying heavily on wheelchair accessibility, double-check specifics. Don't just trust the brochure, people. Talk to someone. Ask actual questions.
(Accessibility, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator)
Now, about the good stuff. Let's talk Dining, drinking, and snacking. OMFG. Breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Forget the "Asian breakfast" (which was decent, mind you) – go for the Western Breakfast. Seriously. The chef’s omelets were like fluffy clouds of deliciousness, the bacon… well, let's just say it was gone before I could blink. The buffet? A culinary assault in the best way possible. I did a full-on carb-fest, and I'm SO not sorry. The Poolside Bar? Heaven. Seriously. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sun set over the Ganges… pure, unadulterated bliss. (Though, I might have spent a little too much time there. The staff were starting to recognize me. “Another tequila sunrise, madam?” Sigh.) They claim a Vegetarian Restaurant, but being a carnivore, I am unable to comment
(Breakfast [buffet], Western breakfast, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Asian breakfast, Bar, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant)
And speaking of the sun… let's get to the Things to do, ways to relax. The Pool with a view? Stunning. The perfect spot to soak up the Varanasi vibes. And the Spa… let's just say I practically lived there. The Massage? I opted for the deep tissue. The therapist? A tiny powerhouse of knot-busting genius. I think I may have snored. Don’t judge. The Sauna, the Steamroom, the Foot Bath… pure indulgence. You know, I'm not gonna lie, I needed that after the sensory overload that is Varanasi. My only complaint? The flickering florescent lights in one of the treatment rooms. Seriously. It felt like a low-budget horror movie. I mentioned this to the front desk, and they promised immediate action. (Whether they did? Remains to be seen, but the promise was well appreciated.)
(Pool with view, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Steamroom, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Spa/sauna, Fitness center, Body scrub, Body wrap, Swimming pool [outdoor], Swimming pool)
Cleanliness and safety. This is where Hotel Roshan REALLY shines. Anti-viral cleaning products everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas. They take it seriously. I felt completely safe, even during this… you know, current time. Hand sanitizer? Everywhere. And the staff? Trained in safety protocol, attentive, and always wearing masks. The dining setup? Safe dining setup? Absolutely. I even saw some Individually-wrapped food options for those who might be a little wary (hey, no judgements here!). And the Staff trained in safety protocol were extremely helpful. The Rooms sanitized between stays put me at ease, and gave me the feeling of home.
(Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment)
Services and conveniences. This is where things get… a little inconsistent. Air conditioning in public areas, check. Concierge, check. Laundry service, check. The Wi-Fi in public areas? Okay, it's alright – and the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a big plus. But the Cash withdrawal machine was out of order three times during my stay. (Minor inconvenience, sure, but still…) The Luggage storage was helpful, but the access to it sometimes felt a little like you were entering a secret lair. The Doorman was always smiling and welcoming.
(Air conditioning in public area, Concierge, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Wi-Fi in public areas, Cash withdrawal, Doorman, Car park [free of charge], Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Invoice provided, Meeting/banquet facilities, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking)
Available in all rooms. Oh man, the rooms. They have their own quirks. Everything from Alarm clock to Bathtub to the Blackout curtains and Bathrobes. The Internet access – wireless was speedy. The Coffee/tea maker? Essential. The Mini bar was stocked (although I didn't really use it). The Air conditioning worked like a charm. The extra long bed was a game changer. The Slippers! YES! But the Soundproof rooms? Not so much. I could hear the aarti (prayer ceremony) from the Ganges clearly. Which, to be fair, was part of the charm. (And the occasional street dog bark, but that’s Varanasi for you!) The Towels? Absurdly fluffy. The Umbrella? Blessedly useful. (Varanasi can be scorching.) The non-smoking policy wasn’t always enforced, which made the terrace sometimes a little… smoky. Overall? The rooms are comfortable, and the amenities are solid. Nothing excessively lavish, but a solid, comfortable experience.
(Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Linens, Mini bar, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens, Internet access – wireless, Extra long bed, Desk, Mirror, Reading light, Safe/security feature, Smoke alarms, Sofa, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Laptop workspace, Microwave/oven, Towels, and many other useful features.)
For the kids… uh, well, I didn't travel with any, so I can’t personally vouch for the Babysitting service or the Kids meal. They say they're Family/child friendly, and the Kids facilities seem adequate. But be prepared. Varanasi is, frankly, intense.
(Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities)
Getting around. The Airport transfer was fantastic. Smooth, efficient, and a welcome relief after the chaos of the airport. The Taxi service was readily available, though the drivers can be… shall we say, persuasive about their rates.
(Airport transfer, Taxi service, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site])
My Final Verdict?
Hotel Roshan is not perfect. It has its flaws. The slightly wonky accessibility, the intermittent issues with the Wi-Fi, and the occasional quirky maintenance issues… but it has SO much heart. The staff is genuinely friendly and helpful. The food is excellent. The pool is to die for. The location? Perfect. (Close to the action, but still a little oasis of calm.) It's a place you can feel the warmth of the city, while still stepping away from the madness. The imperfections are part of its charm.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just pack your patience, embrace the chaos… and order that extra tequila sunrise. You deserve it.
Rimini's BEST Kept Secret? This Atmosphere Suite Hotel Will Blow You Away!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously crafted travel itinerary. This is…well, this is me, in Varanasi, at the Hotel Roshan. And trust me, it's a journey. Forget perfect timelines. This is about embracing the beautiful, chaotic mess that is India, and, you know, surviving it.
Hotel Roshan - Varanasi: A Whirlwind of Holy Water & Questionable Breakfasts (and Everything In Between)
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Cultural Overload (aka, My Brain is a Smoothie)
- Morning (6:00 AM -ish): Arrive at the Varanasi airport. My internal clock is screaming, "PREPARE FOR JET LAG!" and my stomach is already rumbling with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. The pre-booked taxi driver sort of finds the Hotel Roshan. It involves a lot of gesturing, me pointing at my phone screen with the hotel address, and the driver finally throwing his hands up in a move that seems to mean, "Just get in, we'll figure it out." Sound familiar?
- Breakfast (7:00 AM): First impressions of the Roshan's "complimentary breakfast" are… mixed. I'd been dreaming of fresh fruit and fluffy omelets. What I got was something that resembled fruit (maybe a mango?), and a samosa that could have doubled as a doorstop. Plus, the chai? Glorious. Unbelievably, heart-stoppingly good. I have never tasted chai like this. Made me forget the doorstop samosa. Maybe the chai is the whole point? I'm starting to think so. I also discovered the joy of eating with my hands… mostly.
- Check-in & Room Reconnaissance (8:00 AM): The reception staff are incredibly kind, if a little bewildered by my confused look. My room? Spartan but functional. The air conditioning is a sputtering champion, and the bathroom… well, let's just say I'm prepared for an adventure with the plumbing. But the view from the balcony? Oh. My. God. The Ganges. The ghats. The sunrise. It's the kind of view that makes you forget, for a moment, that you've just spent 24 hours traveling. It's the kind of view that makes you feel… something. Something big.
- Ghat-side Wanderings (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): (Or, Attempting to Walk Around Without Getting Run Over By a Cow). Okay, seriously, the ghats are overwhelming. The smells, the sounds, the people. It's a sensory explosion. Saw people bathing in the Ganges (I’m not brave enough yet, maybe after a tetanus shot). Witnessed a cremation. Honestly, it was deeply moving and I realized how little I really understand about life and death (and how to explain my emotions here). I got hopelessly lost multiple times. Took a wrong turn and ended up in a narrow alley where a monkey tried to steal my sunglasses (classic!). Met a friendly, chai-slinging old man who taught me a few basic Hindi phrases (I'm terrible at pronunciation, but he’s patient).
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place that served amazing thali. Okay I think my fingers are ready for this. The food was spicy, delicious, and made me sweat. I ate way too much. Stomach ache imminent. I think it's a good sign?
- Afternoon Nap & Existential Crisis (1:00 PM): Back at the Roshan. I desperately needed a nap after that morning's sensory overload. Then I woke up and realized I missed a flight. Then I cried. Then I drank more chai and felt almost as good about having a second samosa.
- Evening Ganga Aarti (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): The Ganga Aarti. The fire, the chanting, the incense. It's… well, it's indescribable. It’s a spectacle. Even I, a cynical city dweller, found myself mesmerized. The energy is palpable. The crowds are intense and a little pushing and shoving (it's India!) but the feeling of… unity?… is incredibly strong.
- Dinner(8:30 PM): Found a restaurant recommended by a fellow guest. I was too tired to argue with something on the internet. Actually, I think I liked this place!
Day 2: The Boat Ride & the Unexpected Poetry of Being Lost
- Morning (6:00 AM -ish - okay, maybe 7:00 AM): Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Must do. It's not cheap, but oh-so-worth-it. The water is misty, the light is astonishing. I saw the sun rise over the ghats and all sorts of rituals. The boatman, whose name I can't even pronounce (because the English language is failing me) was a quiet, weathered man who seemed to understand the river's secrets. I feel less lonely here.
- Breakfast (8:00 AM): The Roshan's breakfast situation still needs work. But the chai is still a godsend. Honestly, that chai might be the only thing keeping me sane.
- Exploring "Old Town" (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ventured deep into the old city. It's a labyrinth. A glorious, chaotic, utterly disorienting labyrinth. Got lost (again). Which, I now realize, is the point. I stumbled across a tiny shop that sold handmade jewelry. Spent way too long haggling (it's part of the fun, right?). Then I met a woman who made flower garlands, and watched a funeral procession go by. Then I cried a little more.
- Lunch (12:30 PM): Forced myself to find a new spot. I think it had a roof over my head. Food was pretty decent, especially compared to the samosa.
- Afternoon: The Sacred Cow Encounter (1:30 PM- 3:30 PM): Okay, this deserves its own category. I'm wandering around, feeling slightly less terrified, and suddenly… a cow. A massive, magnificent, sacred cow. I’m not sure what to do. The cow looks at me with utter indifference. I stood frozen thinking "should I bow?" then the cow nonchalantly sauntered past, leaving behind a… well, a cow pie. I almost tripped but I was busy staring and thinking, "Did that just happen?”
- Afternoon: Visiting Golden Temple: My first time in a very sacred temple, I don't have a guide, I'm just looking. It was incredible.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Pizza restaurant with other travelers. It tasted like a slice of home!
Day 3: Contemplation, Chai & Departure (Possibly Covered in Dust and Wonder)
- Morning (7:00 AM): One final chai. Sitting on the balcony, watching the Ganges. Reflecting. Thinking about how much I've seen and experienced in just a few days. Thinking about how much I still don't understand. I’m strangely okay with that.
- Quick souvenir shopping(8:00 AM): Found some cool things for my friends.
- Farewell breakfast (9:00 AM): Maybe the Roshan's breakfast has improved? Maybe I'm just getting used to it. The chai is perfect as always.
- Check-out & Airport Transfer (10:00 AM): Packing. Trying to figure out how to get all that incredible spice back home. Saying goodbye to the wonderful staff at the Roshan (they seemed to have gotten used to my chaos). Getting into the taxi, preparing for my flight home.
- The Rest of the Day: I'm not even bothering to plan this part. I'm exhausted. I'll be at the airport, I'll probably eat something that isn't chai. And I'll be thinking, "Varanasi. Wow."
Post-Trip Thoughts (because honestly, I'm still processing it):
- The Good: Varanasi is truly a singular experience. It's loud, it's vibrant, it's challenging, and it's breathtakingly beautiful. The people, the food (mostly!), and the spirituality of the city are unforgettable.
- The Less-Good (or, Let's be Honest): The chaos. The heat. The occasional questionable stomach ache. The fear of getting lost (which, spoiler alert, will happen). But honestly, even the "less-good" things are part of the experience.
- The Lesson(s): Pack light. Embrace the mess. Trust the chai. Be open to everything. And maybe, just maybe, bring an extra pair of underpants. You never know.
- Will I return?: Absolutely. I'm already planning my
Hotel Roshan: Varanasi's Secret (and I'm Probably Gonna Regret Telling You This)
Okay, spill the beans! What's the big deal about Hotel Roshan? Seriously, is it *really* worth the hype?
Alright, alright, fine! The hype... look, it's real. Honestly, I was skeptical. I mean, Varanasi? Luxury? My inner travel cynic practically shrieked. But then I saw the pictures... and that rooftop... and then, well, I took the plunge. Let me tell you, it's not just "worth it," it's like... you've wandered into a parallel universe where Varanasi smells of jasmine and the chaos is meticulously curated.
It's not a sterile, generic luxury either. You feel like you've stumbled into a forgotten palace, a beautiful ruin lovingly brought back to life. The staff? Utterly charming, like they've been hand-picked for their ability to anticipate your needs *before* you even realize you have them. (Serious talent, those guys.) I swear I saw a waiter materialize with a steaming cup of chai just as I was thinking, "Man, a cuppa would be nice..." Creepy but amazing.
Seriously, what's the *actual* room situation? Are we talking tiny shoeboxes or palatial suites?
Okay, so, the rooms... they're not *massive* in the way a Vegas suite might be. But they're comfortable, beautifully decorated with a tasteful blend of modern and traditional, think rich silks, polished wood, and those little details that make all the difference. My room? I had a balcony overlooking the Ganges. I spent an embarrassing amount of time just staring at the river. It's mesmerizing, and the sounds of the city drift up... it was pure magic. Some rooms, apparently, have these incredible bathtubs – I'm still kicking myself for not booking one of those! Next time... oh, yes, there WILL be a next time.
Let's talk food. Is the restaurant good? Or just fancy-looking and overpriced? Because I'm all about delicious... maybe even cheap, if we're lucky.
Okay, the restaurant... it's a whole other level. Forget "fancy-looking and overpriced." This is the kind of place you just *have* to eat at. The chef is brilliant! They use the freshest ingredients, the flavors are just... *chef's kiss*. Seriously, I'm not exaggerating. I think I had the best butter chicken of my *life* there. And the breakfast? OMG. Fresh fruit, fluffy parathas, and amazing coffee. I was worried I wouldn't like it because I'm a picky eater. It was so much better than anything else. I actually ate almost every meal there! Trust me, splurge a little. You won't regret it. (Unless you're allergic to deliciousness, which, if you are, then... you're on your own, pal.)
Rooftop. Everyone raves about the rooftop. What's the deal? Does it actually live up to the photos?
THE ROOFTOP! Okay, buckle up. Yes, it *absolutely* lives up to the photos. Maybe even surpasses them. The view... oh, the view. You're looking out over the Ganges, the ghats, the boats, the burning pyres... it's powerful. It's beautiful. It's humbling. And at sunset? Forget about it. I sat up there with a glass of wine (they have a surprisingly decent wine list, by the way) and just... watched. I felt like I was seeing the soul of Varanasi. It's a truly special place. It's also where I decided I needed to rethink my life choices... in a good way. Seriously, just go. Book a stay *because* of the rooftop. You won't find a better view in Varanasi.
Okay, real talk: What's the *catch*? There's gotta be a downside, right?
Alright, the catch. Hmm... well, it's not *cheap*. Luxury never is. Also, it’s in a very dense part of the city. You can get a rickshaw or walk to many attractions, but getting to the hotel with your luggage can be slightly chaotic, but the staff are amazing and always help you.
Oh, and one other thing: The bed was *so* comfortable, I almost missed my flight because I didn't want to get out of it. That's a downside, right? (Kidding... mostly.)
Are there activities or tours the hotel can arrange? I'm not just looking to hang out in my room and eat butter chicken (though that does sound tempting).
Yes, absolutely! They can arrange pretty much anything. Sunrise boat trips on the Ganges? Yep. Walking tours of the ghats? You got it. They can even set you up with a knowledgeable guide for a deep dive into the history and spirituality of Varanasi. I did a boat trip at dawn, it was amazing. I'd be lying if I said that experience didn't lead me to believe everything said about the river.
How difficult is it to get to the hotel from the airport/train station?
Okay, getting to the hotel... It involves a bit of a rickshaw ride, particularly in the heart of Varanasi, where the streets get very narrow. From the airport, it's best to arrange a private transfer with the hotel. They'll handle the logistics, and it’s the easiest way. From the train station, it's similar. I suggest letting the hotel arrange transportation - it reduces stress! The last stretch of the trip is a bit of an adventure. But honestly? It's part of the charm. Embrace the chaos, and know that you’re heading to an oasis.
What's the vibe of the hotel? Is it more of a peaceful retreat or a lively social hub?
It’s both, surprisingly! During the day, it's a peaceful retreat. You can find quiet corners to read, relax, and soak in the ambiance. But in the evenings, especially on the rooftop, it gets more social. People gather for drinks, to chat, and enjoy the incredible views. There's a lovely balance. You can easily find your own space, or mingle with other travelers. I'm usually an introvert, but I found myself chatting with other guests, which was a testament to the welcoming atmosphere.
If you *had* to pick one thing that made Hotel Roshan unforgettable, what would it be?
That's hard! Okay, I'm going to have to say... the combination of everything. The view, the food, the service, the *feeling* of the place. ButStay Collective
