Hotel O Shiva Palace Haridwar India

Escape to Paradise: Hotel O Shiva Palace, Haridwar's Hidden Gem

Escape to Paradise: Hotel O Shiva Palace, Haridwar - My Honest (and Slightly Rambling) Take

Alright, buckle up, because this ain't your average hotel review. We're talking about Hotel O Shiva Palace in Haridwar, and trust me, it's more than just a place to crash. It's an experience. And I'm here to spill the chai, the good, the bad, and the wonderfully weird.

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First off, let's get the basics out of the way:

Accessibility: Now, I didn't specifically need wheelchair access, but I always appreciate a hotel that tries. Shiva Palace gets points for Facilities for disabled guests, an Elevator, and, by the looks of things, at least attempts to make things navigable. (Hopefully, they're actually good!).

Accessibility in the Real World: I'll be honest, navigating India can be a trip, especially for anyone with mobility issues. This hotel seems to be trying hard, and that's a huge plus. It's a tricky area to get perfect.

Cleanliness and Safety – The Pandemic Age: Look, we're all COVID-paranoid these days. I'm no exception. Shiva Palace tackles this with Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the option to opt-out of room sanitization. They also have Staff trained in safety protocol, the ubiquitous face masks. That's all comforting. They also have Room sanitization opt-out available which I appreciate! The Safe dining setup is appreciated. The dedication to sanitization is great. They also had the doctor/nurse on call, which, well, hopefully I wouldn't need, but it's reassuring.

Rooms: A Mix of Comfort and Quirks:

The rooms themselves? Pretty standard, if a little… characterful. My room had the usual suspects: Air conditioning, Desk, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, Wi-Fi [free] (which, thank god, actually worked!), TV. And the bed. Oh, the bed. Okay, here's where it gets a bit messy, but that's how life goes. The Extra long bed. It was comfy. The Blackout curtains help. I am glad I had a Separate shower/bathtub, because after a day of dodging tuk-tuks, a good soak is vital.

The Room was well-prepared and there was Daily housekeeping which makes things easy. There was also Complimentary tea.

Let's Talk Food (Because, Duh!):

Breakfast was your usual buffet. I enjoyed the Asian breakfast options - the dosas were a win!! The Coffee/tea in restaurant was actually pretty decent.
Then there are the many Restaurants and an A la carte in restaurant. I thought Asian cuisine in restaurant was good for the price. The Vegetarian restaurant was a relief - I am mostly vegetarian.
There's a Poolside bar for those poolside drinks, and a Snack bar.
The best surprise? The Bottled water was readily available.

The 'Paradise' Bits:

Swimming pool - The water was a welcome escape from the Haridwar heat. The Pool with a view was a major selling point. It's not the biggest pool, but the atmosphere is top-notch.
Spa/sauna: They did a Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Spa, Steamroom. The spa had a good aura. If you are looking to unwind and relax properly, this is the thing to do.

Things To Do (Beyond the Room):

The Fitness center exists! I'm not a gym rat, but it's there if you need it.
Things to do, ways to relax: They really are a great idea!

Quirks and Quirks of Note:

Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!: The Wi-Fi was surprisingly good, the router was in my room.
The Staff: Mostly lovely, helpful, and patient with my terrible Hindi. Service was pretty good. The front desk [24-hour] and the concierge are there to help.
The Vibe: Think relaxed, a bit more laid-back than some of the flashier hotels. It felt like a genuine slice of Haridwar, not just a generic hotel chain.

Getting Around:

Airport transfer is available.

For the Kids:

Babysitting service, family/child friendly, kids facilities, kids meal, but I didn't need it.

The 'Almost Perfect' Bits:

It's not perfect. The building has seen some life, and there are small signs of wear and tear. It's not the Ritz, but that's part of its charm.
I wish I had a Terrace.

My Final Verdict:

Hotel O Shiva Palace is a solid, comfortable, and charming base for exploring Haridwar. It’s not flawless but it has heart. It's a great option for families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking for a more authentic Indian experience. I am going to visit again!

Here's the Deal – My Booking Recommendation to YOU!

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The "Escape to Paradise" Package:

Up to 20% Off Your Stay: Book directly through their website (shiva-palace.com - hopefully!) and score a sweet discount.
Free Breakfast: Fuel up for your day of exploring with a delicious, complimentary breakfast (trust me, you'll appreciate it).
Complimentary Spa Treatment: Every booking receives a free, relaxing treatment at the spa (choose between a massage or a facial - perfect after a day of navigating the ghats!).
Early Check-in/Late Check-out: Enjoy more time at the hotel with flexible check-in and check-out times (subject to availability, of course - but worth asking for!).

Why Book This Deal?

Value for Money: You’re getting a great hotel, plus extras, without breaking the bank.
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Unforgettable Memories: Let the Hotel O Shiva Palace be your escape!

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Final Thoughts:

Listen, this isn't a paid ad. I actually enjoyed the hotel. It was a real place, with real people, and a real charm. It’s a great choice! And I absolutely recommend you check it out. You might just fall in love with Haridwar (and Hotel O Shiva Palace) as much as I did.

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Hotel O Shiva Palace Haridwar India

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is more like… well, let's call it "Operation Haridwar Hysteria," starring yours truly as the slightly-too-optimistic protagonist. We're at the Hotel O Shiva Palace in Haridwar, India. Expect chaos. Expect dust. Expect to, maybe, possibly, find yourself in a situation you'll be telling your grandkids about. Assuming you have grandkids after this… let's see.

Operation Haridwar Hysteria: A Rough Guide (and a Whole Lotta Hope)

Day 1: Arrival, Anxiety, and the Aroma of Incense

Morning (7:00 AM): Ugh. The alarm. Airplane mode off. My phone is already blowing up with "Are you there yet?!" texts from my perpetually worried mother. YES, MOM. I'M ALIVE. And on a plane. Or, well, was. Disembarkation. The Haridwar train station. The air hits you like a… well, like a humid, spicy brick. Smells incredible, though! Incense, burning wood, something vaguely floral… and a hint of… diesel? Ah, India. You can’t make this stuff up. Finding my driver, which was a real test of my "I can find a good deal on anything" skills.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): The drive from the station to Hotel O Shiva Palace. Look, I was hoping for a charming, rickety, painted-on-the-outside-to-look-like-a-palace hotel, you know? Something with character. This… well, it is Shiva Palace. It's clean, which is an immediate win. The lobby smells of cleaning products and something else… a hint of mothballs? Not ideal, but hey, I'm just glad the bed doesn't look like it’s been used by a thousand pilgrims. The room itself? Basic. Functioning AC? Check. No cockroaches on first inspection? Double-check. Feeling hopeful.
Lunch (12:00 PM): First meal! Finding a place nearby promised authentic Indian food, but more importantly, actual cleanliness. The food? Oh my GOD. Forget everything you think you know about Indian food. This was a thousand times better, more flavourful, more everything. I ordered a thali plate - a glorious array of curries, rice, and bread. Ate like a queen. Feeling giddy and slightly overstuffed. This could be the start of a real food coma.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The "Tourist Scourge" aka, the local markets! So. Many. People. So. Much. Noise. I got completely lost, nearly lost my mind, and probably burned a few calories dodging rickshaws. The smells! The colours! I haggled for a scarf, got it for a price someone slightly more street-smart could have done better, but I was just so overwhelmed. I did buy a small statue of Ganesha, though. He’s guarding my minibar water. Hopefully, I won't need it.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): The Ganga Aarti ceremony at Har Ki Pauri. This is why I came. Anticipation builds… and then… BOOM. A sensory explosion. The chanting, the smoke, the flickering flames… it's truly, utterly magical. I’m not the religious type, but seriously, it's moving. Got caught up in the current of humanity and dipped my toes in the Ganges. It was freezing. Possibly polluted. Doesn’t matter. Feeling… cleansed. Slightly. Definitely exhausted.
Night (9:00 PM): Back at the hotel. Ordered room service and a massive bottle of water. Feeling slightly less paranoid about the water now that I've seen the Ganges. Already mentally planning my escape route if I wake up with Delhi Belly. Praying to Ganesha for a good night's sleep… and no rogue cockroaches.

Day 2: River Adventures, Religious Overload, and a Near-Disaster with a Monkey (!!!)

Morning (7:00 AM): Woke up. Not dead. Success! Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet was… ambitious, to say the least. I stuck to the fruit. Playing it safe.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Okay, this is where things got interesting. This is where I went on a rafting tour on the Ganges. It was wild. I’m not gonna lie. The water was freezing. The rapids? Well, let's just say my scream was a little more embarrassing than I'd like to admit. I laughed the whole way through! A truly unforgettable experience.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Small cafe near the river. Decent Dal Makhani. Everything tasted so good here. The river air must make everyone's appetite soar like an eagle.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Visiting the Mansa Devi Temple via the cable car. The lines were long, but the view from the top was worth it. You can see the entire city below. I saw lots of tourists feeding monkeys. I wish I had more time for monkeys.
Evening (5:00 - 6:00 PM): Oh. My. God. The monkeys. As I was leaving, I was surrounded by them. Suddenly one of them leaps onto me! He's going for my bag! Panic. Pure, unadulterated panic. I'm swatting him away while he gets a hold of my water bottle. He stole my water bottle, drank some, and then threw it back at me! I still have no idea what he was after. But I am traumatised and slightly amused… but mostly traumatised.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and a walk in the market. Felt calmer once away from the monkeys. Picked up a few spices. This time I was a pro at haggling. Feeling more at home, and I am starting to get used to how to travel and stay safe in India.
Night (9:00 PM): Back to the not-so-palatial Palace. Checking for monkey spies. Praying for no nightmares. And maybe just a little bit of room service-induced bliss.

Day 3: Departure and Existential Dread

Morning (7:00 AM): Okay, last day. No monkey attacks overnight! Packing. The smell of incense has somehow permeated all my clothes. A little part of me is going to miss this, even though it's been utterly bonkers.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): One last stroll around Har Ki Pauri. Say goodbye to the holy river. Maybe it’s the lack of sleep, but I'm feeling unexpectedly emotional. Contemplating my life choices, questioning my sanity. Why do I enjoy this type of travel so much even though I'm half-convinced I'm going to die of dysentery?
Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A very safe lunch. Maybe a salad?
Afternoon (12:00 PM): Checking out of Hotel O Shiva Palace. Saying goodbye. I think I'll remember this trip for the rest of my life. It won't be smooth sailing but I'm always keen for an adventure.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Heading to the airport. Waiting for my flight. Slightly delirious from the lack of sleep and the sheer sensory overload, but somehow also… exhilarated.
Evening (6:00 PM+): Flight home. My brain's still processing everything. It's a mess. But it's my mess. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Until the next trip, India! You wonderful, chaotic, soul-stirring place. Until the next adventure!

This, my friends, is how you really experience Haridwar. And if you don't have a little bit of near-death terror and existential questioning, are you even doing it right??

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Hotel O Shiva Palace Haridwar India

Escape to Paradise: Hotel O Shiva Palace - Haridwar's Hidden Gem? (Let's See...)

Is "Hidden Gem" code for "Requires a Map and a Prayer?"

Okay, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" *always* throws up a red flag for me. It could mean charmingly secluded, or it could mean you'll spend an hour wandering dusty alleyways muttering about Google Maps' questionable sense of direction. Finding Hotel O Shiva Palace? Definitely falls into the latter. Found it after a wild auto-rickshaw ride, dodging cows and aggressive tuk-tuk drivers. My first impression? "Whoa, is this it?" It looks like a slightly fancier (and a bit less dusty) version of a typical Haridwar hotel. Not exactly the Instagram-worthy oasis I was hoping for, but hey, I'm in Haridwar, not Bali. Let's breathe, and maybe, just maybe, it'll grow on me.

The Rooms: Luxury or Just... Functional?

The room? Alright, let's talk rooms. The first room I was given...well, let's just say the air conditioning sounded like a dying walrus. I had to go back down to reception, which wasn't the easiest, given the slightly chaotic energy of the place. The second room? Better, but still...not exactly the Taj Mahal. Clean, yes, but it’s also a little "basic." Think functional furniture, a balcony overlooking...well, other buildings, and the constant hum of traffic (which is part of the Haridwar charm, right?). Oh, and don't get your hopes up about the wi-fi. It's spotty. Like, seriously, plan on detoxing from the internet, which, ironically, is probably a good thing for a spiritual retreat.

What About the Food? Do I Need to Pack Emergency Snacks?

The food...well, it’s a game of chance. Restaurant service is slower than a snail crossing a highway during rush hour. I waited for almost an hour for a simple plate of paneer. The food is decent, generally vegetarian, and the breakfast usually is fresh (plus, some amazing chai, which is basically a necessity in India). I recommend trying the "Hotel Special Thali" on the menu, the restaurant is also very cozy! But, and here's the kicker, don’t expect gourmet. Pack some backup snacks (biscuits and chocolates are always a good bet). Also, maybe learn a few basic Hindi phrases because getting the waiter's attention can be a feat in itself. Patience.... you will need lots of it. I learned that the hard way.

They Mention a Swimming Pool. Reality Check, Please?

The pool...ah, the pool! That's where things get interesting. The brochure photos? Glorious. Reality? Well, it *is* a pool. It's clean enough and you can certainly swim, you may not find the same pristine look that is often seen, but it's very refreshing on a hot day. The poolside chairs are a bit worn, and it’s more of a "refreshing dip" experience than a luxurious poolside lounging experience. Seriously though, I spent an entire afternoon just floating. And the best part? Almost no one else was there. It's a bit like finding your own private oasis. So yes, the pool is there. Manage your expectations, and you might actually enjoy it more than you think. I certainly did.

Is It Close to the Action? Or Do I Need a Sherpa?

Okay, location. This is where O Shiva Palace shines! It's a short-ish walk to Har Ki Pauri, the main ghat by the Ganges. That means you can witness the evening aarti ceremony, which is an absolute must-see. The atmosphere is insane – a sea of people, the chanting, the lights. Honestly, it's overwhelming (in a good way). You can also arrange for boat rides from there and get up-close views. Plus, shops, restaurants, and the general hustle and bustle of Haridwar are within walking distance. I found myself wandering around every day buying various things and exploring and this was because of its location! You won't need a Sherpa, unless you're trying to find a particular brand of incense. Which you might. I did.

Can I Book Tours to nearby attractions, temples or other attractions?

Of course the Hotel can arrange for you tours through their respective tour guides, or you can always opt to arrange your own, however this is a very common request and they will gladly take up the task. However, their prices might be slightly higher or vary from the other options available throughout the city, but its convenience is always appreciated.

So, Is Hotel O Shiva Palace a "Hidden Gem"? The Final Verdict, Please!

Alright, the million-dollar question. Is it a "hidden gem?" Honestly? It depends. It's not a luxury resort. It's not perfect. But, here's where the "gem" might lie: it's clean (mostly), it's conveniently located, the staff are (mostly) friendly, and if you go with an open mind it can grow on you. I went in expecting a certain level of luxury, and while I didn't find it, I found something else: a perfectly functional base for exploring Haridwar. And in the end, Haridwar is the real gem. So, maybe it's a hidden gem *adjacent*. A gem that requires some polishing, perhaps? But yes, I would go back. And that, my friends, is the real test.

What are the best times to visit?

I have a very strong opinion on this. Avoid the monsoon season like the plague unless you enjoy humidity, constant downpours, and the potential for flooded streets. Winter (October to March) is actually the best time to visit, with pleasant weather. The heat can be unbearable during the summer, especially for those used to milder climates. I would have preferred the winter for sure!

One More Thing, About the Noise (Because Seriously...)

Ah, the noise. Yes. Okay. Haridwar is a city that *never sleeps*. Expect constant honking, religious chants at all hours (which can be really quite beautiful, but also...loud), and the general cacophony of a bustling Indian city. Earplugs are your friend. Seriously. Bring them. They are essential. I did not, and I regretted it. My sleep schedule was completely wrecked for the first few days. But hey, you can always goStay Scouter

Hotel O Shiva Palace Haridwar India