Escape to Paradise: OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam, Raipur Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam, Raipur – A Review That Doesn't Pull Any Punches (And Maybe a Few Random Jokes)
Okay, so I just got back from Raipur and… dude, the heat! But also, I stayed at OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam. The name? Sounds promising, right? "Anandam" – suggests bliss, a little slice of paradise. Did it deliver? Well, buckle up buttercups, because this review is gonna be as honest as a politician promising lower taxes (sorry, couldn't resist).
First Impressions & Accessibility – Did My Wheelchair Even Fit?!
Right off the bat, let's talk about accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and it's where things started, shall we say, a little uneven. Wheelchair accessible? Well… kinda. The website says it, but I’m not entirely convinced. Getting into the lobby was okay, thankfully. But some areas felt a bit tight. The elevators? Managed, but I had to maneuver and I imagine it would be a challenge for a larger power chair. I am talking to you, OYO, I want specific information on the dimensions of the doors, ramp or elevator, please! As for the Facilities for disabled guests, the room itself was… mixed. The bathroom? Maneuverable-ish, and grab bars were there. But some things felt like they were just tacked on as an afterthought; not a seamless, considered design. This is definitely an area where Anandam needs to up its game big time. Exterior corridor as well as it's not a maze to get around!
Internet – Bless the Wi-Fi Gods!
Internet access? Yes! And praise be to the Wi-Fi gods, because Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! And it actually worked (most of the time!). Look, in this day and age, a decent internet connection is a basic human right. So, bravo Anandam for delivering. Internet [LAN] for the techies, I guess. I, however, just needed to scroll through Instagram. And that mission was accomplished.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Safe and Sound (Mostly)
This is crucial. Rooms sanitized between stays is reassuring, and they have Daily disinfection in common areas which is good news. Anti-viral cleaning products are the new normal, thankfully. And the hand sanitizer stations? Plentiful. They even had staff trained in safety protocol. They're taking things seriously, and I felt pretty comfortable. First aid kit, doctor/nurse on call, and smoke alarms are there to complete all the essentials.
The Room – A Tale of Two Halves (and a Little Bit of a Mess)
My room… well, it was a room. Non-smoking was great. The Air conditioning was a life-saver. Air conditioning in public area really saved my day. Alarm clock was there, but I think it was permanently set for 3 AM. Complimentary tea? Yes! That's an immediate win. Free bottled water? Double win! Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries were there. The private bathroom, shower, and separate bathtub were a nice touch. The desk, laptop workspace, and functional internet access – wireless made getting some work done easy.
Now, for the less glamorous part. Blackout curtains? Yes, but some light still managed to peek through. The mirror was in a weird spot (where am I looking, the ceiling?). The closet, perfectly acceptable. The seating area.. well, let's just say it was more like a standing area unless you were REALLY adept at arranging the pillows. I really could use an extra long bed. The furniture, a bit dated but the room itself was pretty clean. I'd also appreciate is some room decorations. I felt like I was in a hotel room. Socket near the bed was a lifesaver. The window that opens was a blessing; I definitely cracked that one open to let some fresh air in. The TV with on-demand movies was a major pro.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Fueling the Raipur Explorer
Alright, food! Here's where Anandam really tried, and… well, the results were mixed again. They had Restaurants, Bar, and a Coffee shop, but the options varied. Asian breakfast? Available. International cuisine in restaurant? Check. A buffet in restaurant and also an a la carte in restaurant. The restaurants were well-stocked and the desserts in restaurant were a sweet treat at the end of my day. Coffee/tea in restaurant was a plus. Breakfast [buffet], was pretty standard, and I had a tasty Asian cuisine in restaurant. One thing I thought was genius – Bottle of water left in the room. But sometimes I just craved some Soup in restaurant.
Unfortunately, I didn't see the Poolside bar. No Happy hour to be found.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Bliss? Maybe Not Quite.
Okay, so Anandam has big aspirations, the Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, and a Fitness center which is a big deal. They also feature a Swimming pool, Pool with view, Spa/sauna, and Footbath.
I really wanted to try the Body scrub and Body wrap but sadly, the place was missing, so I had to pass on it.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
Daily housekeeping – YES. Laundry service – also YES. They have a Concierge, always a good thing. Cash withdrawal is available if you need it. The Elevator was there. The Car park [free of charge] was great. They also had a Taxi service which made traveling easy. Food delivery was also available.
For the Kids
I didn't see any kids because I was not accompanied by any, but they had Babysitting service and they advertised being Family/child friendly. Kids meal was also an option.
Getting Around
Airport transfer was available, which is super handy. There's Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge], which is convenient.
The Verdict
Look, OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam had its ups and downs. It's trying to be a luxury experience, and in some areas, it succeeds. The effort is there. The staff were generally friendly and helpful. The room itself was adequate, the food decent, and the location seemed pretty central. The accessibility, however, and some of the amenities, felt a bit undercooked.
Now, For a Pitch, Because You Need to Know WHY You Should Book…
Stop Dreaming, Start Booking! Escape to Paradise – (Sort Of) with OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam, Raipur!
Tired of the same old routine? Craving a getaway, a chance to recharge? OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam in Raipur might just be the ticket! (Disclaimer: Paradise may require a little interpretation.)
Here's the Deal:
- Location, Location, Location: Raipur! Explore the fascinating city, with the best access to whatever makes up your next trip.
- Comfort (Mostly): Cozy rooms with AC to escape the heat. Enjoy all the modern amenities you need.
- Relaxation, Reimagined: Take a dip in the pool after exploring the city, and relax with a cup of tea.
- Value for Money: It's a steal!
Why You Should Book NOW:
- Avoid the Holiday Rush: Beat the crowds and snag your room before everyone else gets the same idea!
- Unwind & Reboot: Treat yourself to a much-needed break.
- Book Now: Get access to discounts and special offers!
Seriously, what are you waiting for? Book your adventure today at OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam. Raipur awaits!
Hana Beppu: Uncover Beppu's Hidden Gem!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. We're talking Raipur, India, and specifically, Hotel Anandam OYO 10125. And let's just say, the Anandam… well, let's see if it lives up to its name.
Day 1: Arrival and… Mild Panic (Or, Where Did My Passport Go?)
Morning (ish): Arrive at Raipur Airport. Okay, first impressions: hot. Like, seriously, STICKY. And the airport… well, let’s just say it's got character. Finding the taxi was an adventure in itself – a dusty, horn-honking ballet of persuasion. But hey, we got there!
- Anecdote: Remember when I thought I'd lost my passport? Heart. In. Mouth. Turned out it was chilling in the back pocket of my backpack. Rookie mistake, folks. Rookie mistake.
Afternoon: Check into OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam (fingers crossed it's actually called that, I’m terrible with names!). This is where the real adventure begins. The lobby… let's just say it's a lobby. Clean-ish, with a slightly… worn charm. I'm hoping for a working AC. And hot water. Please, sweet baby Jesus, let there be hot water.
- Quirky Observation: The hotel staff’s uniforms are a mix of somewhat formal and slightly-too-tight. They look like they just got promoted to hotel staff and still can't believe it. adorable.
Evening: Exploring the vicinity. So, armed with nothing but a phone, a map, and a desperate need for a shower, I ventured out. Found a chaat stall within spitting distance (thank god!) and it was heavenly. The spicy kick of the pani puri, the sweet tang of the tamarind chutney… pure bliss.
- Emotional Reaction: That chaat… it touched my soul. I'm already in love with this place. This. Is. Life.
Day 2: Temples, Traffic, and the Trauma of a Bad Biryani
- Morning: Rise and (hopefully) shine, or at least manage to wake up with a reasonable amount of daylight. Hot water? Success! The Anandam gets a point for that. Let's explore the city a bit, starting with the Dudhadhari Math temple.
- Opinionated Language: The math is an architectural marvel! The colors are vivid, and the energy is just… palpable. It feels like history and spirituality are dancing in the same room together. But my god, the humidity! I swear, I could wring out my clothes after five minutes.
- Afternoon: Traffic in Raipur… it’s an experience. Horns, motorcycles, cows, auto-rickshaws… it's a glorious, chaotic symphony. Got a rickshaw to the Mahant Ghasidas Museum. The exhibits were interesting, if a little… dusty.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, hoping for a delicious Biryani. This is where things went south, and fast.
- Messier Structure and Ramble: Oh, the Biryani. I'm sorry, Raipur. But the Biryani was… atrocious. Dry, tasteless, and with what I think was a strange chewy substance I couldn't quite identify. It was a culinary crime. Traumatic. Food poisoning is a real possibility. I'm going to drink 1000 litres of water. I'm going to eat crackers. I'm going to… Okay, deep breaths. I’m okay now. We move on.
- Evening (Late): In the hotel. I am sitting at my hotel room looking at the ceiling… and debating my life's decisions….
Day 3: The Search for Redemption (and a Good Cup of Chai)
- Morning: Still alive! (And the stomach is, thankfully, feeling a bit better). This is the day of redemption. We need a good meal. And a strong cup of chai. Headed out to find a chai wallah. Found one! This guy made chai with life-changing effects.
- Emotional Reaction (Good): Oh. My. God. That chai. That chai. The spice, the sweetness, the warmth… it was a hug in a cup. I would sell my soul for that chai. Possibly even my passport. (Just kidding… mostly).
- Afternoon: Local shopping! Raipur's marketplaces are a sensory overload in the best way possible. Fabrics, spices, trinkets… I bought way too much. My backpack feels like it might spontaneously combust.
- Evening: Finding a restaurant with good ratings online, this time, I'm going to be very careful. Hopefully, I can redeem this trip, hopefully, the Biryani wasn't a full representation. Fingers Crossed.
Day 4: Departure (and a Promise to Return, Someday)
- Morning: One last stroll around the area. Absorbing it all, trying to soak in the essence of Raipur, both the good and the, well, the Biryani-ish.
- Afternoon: Check out of OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam. Saying goodbye to the slightly-worn charm (and, let's be honest, the sometimes questionable aroma). Taxi ride back to the airport.
- Anecdote: The taxi driver? Talkative. Very talkative. He told me his entire life story, including his views on politics, Bollywood, and the best way to make aloo gobi. All in rapid Hindi I understood about a quarter of, but it was actually lovely!
- Evening: Departure. Raipur, you were a whirlwind. You tested me, you challenged me, and you gave me the best chai of my life. I'll be back. Next time, though, I'm packing a hazmat suit for the Biryani.
Final Thoughts:
The Anandam? It was a place to stay. Raipur? It's a place that gets under your skin. It’s messy, it’s vibrant, it's honest, and it leaves you wanting more. And that, my friends, is the true mark of a worthwhile adventure. Now, where's that next cup of chai…?
Cebu City Paradise: Ayala & IT Park Steps Away! (WiFi, 15P)
Escape to Paradise: OYO 10125 Hotel Anandam, Raipur - The REAL Deal (Maybe?) - FAQ!
So, is this place *actually* paradise? The Escape to Paradise thing is a bit much, isn't it?
Okay, let's be real. "Escape to Paradise" is a HEFTY claim. I wouldn't say I levitated upon arrival and saw angels singing about room service. Paradise? No. But... it’s better than sleeping in a bus station, which, let’s be honest, is saying something. Raipur isn't exactly the Seychelles either, you know? It's more like... a slightly dusty, vibrant corner of India. And Hotel Anandam? Well, it's part of that corner. Think: clean-ish sheets, a flickering TV, and a guy at reception who *might* understand your attempts at Hindi. The air con? That's a whole other story. More on that later.
What are the rooms *really* like? Don't hold back. I can handle the truth.
Okay, fine. The rooms... are a mixed bag. My first room, bless its cotton socks, had a view of... well, another building. And maybe a stray pigeon or two. Decor? Think "functional." It wasn't exactly a Pinterest board come to life. But, and this is important, it was *clean*. Mostly. And the bed? Surprisingly comfortable. I slept like a log, which is a huge win in my book, especially after a day of battling traffic and the Raipur heat. There might be a questionable stain or two on the carpet, but let’s just call that “character.”
Now, the air conditioning... that’s the real adventure. It was a grumpy old beast. Sometimes it worked beautifully, blasting out icy cool air and making you feel like you’d accidentally wandered into the North Pole. Other times? It huffed and puffed, producing a weak, lukewarm breeze that barely tickled your skin. One night, I swear it just gave up entirely. Sweaty night! But, hey, I survived. Builds character, right?
The food! Tell me about the food. Is it edible? Is it *good* edible?
The food... okay, here's where it gets interesting. They *do* have a restaurant. I ate there. Several times. It's... basic. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, folks. My first meal? I ordered the butter chicken (because, India!). It was... fine. A little bland, honestly. Like, the butter chicken had a serious case of the Mondays. I added extra chili to spice things up.
Breakfast, though, was a highlight. They had this *amazing* masala omelet. Seriously, I think I had three every morning. Those things were a lifesaver. The coffee? Well, let's just say it needed a lot of sugar and a healthy dose of optimism. But the omelets, man... the omelets were a win. And that's what matters, isn't it? Small victories in the grand scheme of things.
What about the service? Are the staff friendly? Do they speak English? Will they judge my Hindi?
The staff? Mostly lovely. And this is a real, un-exaggerated truth. There was this one guy... I think his name was Prakash, who was just the sweetest. Always smiling, always helpful. He remembered my name and even tried to learn my favorite Indian phrase ("chai pilao, please!" - teach me to order tea!). They *do* speak English, but it's not always perfect. Which, honestly, is fine by me. My Hindi is even worse! They'll try and understand you, and you try to understand them – it's all part of the experience.
And no, they didn't judge my horribly mangled attempts at Hindi. They just politely smiled and tried to decipher what I was trying to say. That's probably the best service you can ask for, really. They're genuinely kind. Just don't expect them to be mind readers (although Prakash might be, I'm not entirely sure).
Okay, fine. The practical stuff. Is it easy to get around? Is there Wi-Fi? What else did I miss or don't know?
Getting around? Well, it's Raipur. You've got auto-rickshaws, taxis, and the occasional rogue cow. They can arrange for a taxi, but the auto-rickshaws are the *real* deal. Negotiate the price *before* you get in, or you'll end up paying way too much. Trust me on this one.
Wi-Fi? Yes! It's available. It works... most of the time. Don't expect blazing fast speeds. It's sufficient for checking emails and maybe scrolling through Instagram. Streaming movies? Probably not. Be prepared to embrace the slow internet life. It’s almost a feature, really. Forces you to disconnect and enjoy the *real* world.
Other things? Power outages happen. It's India. Embrace the darkness (for a short time). They have a generator, so it isn't terrible. Pack some earplugs. It can get noisy, especially in the mornings with the usual hustle and bustle of the city. And bring mosquito repellent. Those little buggers are relentless. I felt like I was bitten by a mini-vampire every night.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? Yes. I would. It's not perfect, but it's comfortable and clean enough. The staff is wonderful. The masala omelets are legendary. And, honestly, there’s something charming, even endearing, about a place that doesn't try to be something it's not. It's a solid choice for the price. It's far from paradise, but it's a good base camp for exploring Raipur and experiencing the real India.
Would it be my first choice? Maybe not. But would I actively avoid it? Never. And hey, if you're lucky, you might get that Prakash guy on duty during your stay. And maybe, just maybe, the air con will actually work this time. Fingers crossed!
What's the biggest problem to overcome?
The biggest problem? Ah, that's easy: managing your expectations. Don't go expecting a luxury resort. Go expecting a comfortable, clean-ish hotel in a bustling city with a staff that generally tries. The hotel is far from perfect, and it could use some modern updates and some other improvements, but with that in mind, you'll have a solid stay with a lot of charm and culture to enjoy. The rest is truly up to you, and this is the true essence of the experience within the experience.
