Escape to Paradise: Lemon Tree Premier Bhubaneswar Awaits!
Escape to Paradise? Lemon Tree Premier Bhubaneswar: A Messy, Honest, and Slightly Overenthusiastic Review!
Alright, buckle up, because this isn't some cookie-cutter hotel review. This is my experience at Lemon Tree Premier Bhubaneswar, warts and all. And trust me, there were warts. But also, some pretty darn glorious bits too. So, let's dive in!
First Impressions (and a near-disaster):
Driving up, it looked the part. Modern, clean lines, the promise of a little oasis in the Bhubaneswar chaos. But the entrance… well, let's just say the valet parking situation was a bit of a comedy of errors. Think frantic waving of hands, cars jammed at awkward angles, and me, almost running over a rogue sandal. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating the sandal part. But the point is, it wasn’t the smoothest start. Thankfully, the doorman (a genuinely nice chap) smoothed things over and got me sorted. (Getting Around - Valet Parking - check!)
The Rooms: My Sanctuary, (Maybe a Little Too) Sanitized
My room? Pretty decent. (Available in all rooms: Non-smoking rooms, Air conditioning, Wi-Fi [free], Complimentary tea, Slippers, Coffee/tea maker, Refrigerator, Internet access – wireless, Smoke detector, Satellite/cable channels, etc. - Yes, all that jazz!) Clean, well-appointed, with a decent view (depending on which way you look). The bed was comfy, the aircon blasted ice-cold (essential in Bhubaneswar!), and the black-out curtains were a godsend.
Now, about the cleanliness… Let's just say, they mean business with the sanitization. Seriously, it felt like they’d hosed the place down with Lysol. I get it, post-pandemic world and all that. But the aroma… well, it wasn't exactly "fresh linen" and more like "hospital disinfectant." I actually had to air the place out for a bit before settling in. (Cleanliness and safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, - check, check, and check!). It's awesome that they are taking safety measures, but I'm unsure if sacrificing a more homey atmosphere is the right choice.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag
I didn't have accessibility needs, but I tried to keep my eyes peeled. The elevators seemed okay, and I spotted ramps in a few places. But I can't say for certain how well-equipped the whole place is. It seemed like they tried, but perhaps not with full commitment. (Accessibility: Facilities for disabled guests - needs more investigation).
Dining & Drinking: Where the Sun Shined (and Sometimes Didn't)
Alright, the food. Ah, the food!
The Breakfast Buffet: (Dining, drinking, and snacking: Breakfast buffet, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Restaurants, Snack bar, - Yep!) This was a mixed bag. The Asian options were pretty authentic, especially the dosas. Heavenly! But the Western side? Well, let's just say the scrambled eggs were… adventurous. I made a mental note to stick to the local stuff. One morning, I was craving some butter to put on my naan, and, like any other request, it took a few tries to get the waiter's attention. Then, a little later, I saw the waiter who eventually brought me the butter, cleaning out the table with one hand. I am not judging, but I will admit that I did lose my appetite for a moment.
The Restaurants: (Dining, drinking, and snacking: Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Poolside bar, Bottle of water, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Room service [24-hour], Coffee shop, - Yep, a lot of "yeps!") I tried the a la carte menu at the main restaurant one evening. The international options were surprisingly good. The service was friendly, if a little slow, but I wasn’t in a hurry. The waitstaff were also very accommodating. The happy hour at the bar was a definite plus (hello, budget-friendly cocktails!). I did not try the poolside bar, but it looked tempting.
The Room Service: (Dining, drinking, and snacking: Room service [24-hour], Breakfast in room - check!) Excellent! Especially that late-night club sandwich.
Things to Do (and Ways to Chill): Spa, Pool, and the Quest for Relaxation
The pool was gorgeous! (Ways to relax: Swimming pool, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Massage, Foot bath, Body scrub, Body wrap - Yes, they've got it all!) Clean, inviting, and the perfect spot to soak up the sun (or, you know, hide from it under an umbrella). The gym was decent, but I spent more time at the spa. Ah, the spa! The massage… truly relaxing. I think the masseuse could have used some more training, but it was heavenly regardless. The steam room was also great, and the sauna was a lovely touch.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
- Internet: **(Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events, - Yes) **The Wi-Fi was generally reliable (thank God!), a definite plus.
- The Concierge: (Services and conveniences: Concierge, Luggage storage, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Shops - yep!) Helpful, friendly, and always ready with a recommendation.
- The Gift Shop: (Services and conveniences: Gift/souvenir shop - check!) Nice little shop for grabbing souvenirs.
For the Kids:
- Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Babysitting service, Kids meal - I saw a family there and they looked happy.
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously, it's Intense
(Cleanliness and safety: Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Staff trained in safety protocol, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Safe dining setup, Daily disinfection in common areas, Sterilizing equipment, First aid kit, Doctor/nurse on call, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, etc. - I'm tired of typing "check," but, you guessed it, check, check, check!) Honestly, you'd be hard-pressed to find a safer hotel right now. The staff are clearly on high alert, and you can see the sanitization in action.
The Quirks, Imperfections, and Honest Thoughts:
- The soundproofing: The rooms mostly blocked out noise, but I could still hear the occasional car horn. So, if you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. **(Rooms: *Soundproofing, Soundproof rooms,* - mostly) **
- The vibe: It's geared towards business travelers and families. If you're looking for a wild party scene, this isn't it.
- The staff: The staff are amazing, but the service can be a bit inconsistent. Sometimes things are fast and seamless, other times… not so much.
- The overall experience: It was a good experience. It felt safe and secure.
Final Verdict: Would I Return?
Yes, absolutely. Despite the minor issues, Lemon Tree Premier Bhubaneswar offers a comfortable, safe, and generally enjoyable stay. It’s not perfect, but it’s a solid choice. And hey, those imperfections give us something to talk about, right? If you're looking for a relaxing stay in Bhubaneswar, with a heavy dose of cleanliness and safety, then go for it! Just be prepared for a slightly… over-sanitized experience. And maybe, just maybe, bring your own butter. You won't regret it.
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your sanitized, bullet-pointed, robotic itinerary. This is my potential Lemon Tree Premier Bhubaneswar adventure map. Prepare for detours, delicious chaos, and maybe a little existential dread mixed in with the mango lassi.
Day 1: Bhubaneswar - Arrival and the "Am I Really Here?" Feeling
Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM -ish): Wake up, bleary-eyed, convinced I've missed the flight even though my phone says otherwise. Frantically check the travel documents for the umpteenth time. Finally, accept reality: I am going to Bhubaneswar. Airport shuttle chaos. Somehow, I manage to get on the right one, mostly because the driver looked like he'd seen it all (and probably had).
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Arrive at Lemon Tree Premier. Check-in. The lobby is bright, a little too bright for my morning brain. The air conditioning blasts at a polar vortex level. Get to the room. It's nice… perfectly fine. The initial reaction has to be that awkward feeling of "Is this it?" like I am standing in the middle of a hotel room, unsure how to start the day. Try to unpack, give up, and throw my backpack on the bed. Take a deep breath. Bhubaneswar. Here. We. Go.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM -ish): Lunch at the hotel restaurant. Okay, this is better. The smell of spices is intoxicating. Order something I can’t pronounce, because adventure, right? Probably end up regretting it for a moment when the spice hits. Stare out the window, watching the city slowly awaken. The hum of the street, the distant temple bells, it slowly starts to seep in!
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): First foray into the city! Attempt to find a local guide. Get slightly overwhelmed by all the options and the sheer volume of honking. Start with the Lingaraj Temple. The line is insane, but, I decide to push on. The sight of hundreds of people praying gives me goosebumps. The energy here is palpable! (Take a mental note: I need to buy a hat).
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner and a contemplative evening. I think I will give the hotel restaurant a skip. This is when I’d try a local dive. Find a tiny place with a plastic chair and the best food of my life. Maybe. Order a thali. Mess up my fork-and-knife skills completely. Laugh at myself for it. The waiter will probably chuckle too, and that will be fine; he has heard it all before. Contemplate the day, the city, and the existential question: What even is the point of travel? Spoiler: I won’t figure it out.
Night (9:00 PM - midnight): The city sounds come alive. I go up to the room, collapse in bed, watch some TV, and probably will fall asleep somewhere during a travel show and then wake up at 3:00 am with a bad feeling.
Day 2: Temples, Textiles, and the Quest for the Perfect Chai
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The morning will start right. Woke up at 7:00 AM. Feel refreshed. Breakfast at the hotel. Try to eat a sensible breakfast, fail, eat half a plate of paratha and then feel sluggish. Head to the Odisha State Museum. Get lost in the artifacts, history, and the sheer oldness of things. I mean, seriously, what did they do before Netflix?
Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The Sun Temple. Another temple run! Another line. Try to soak it all in. The architecture makes my jaw drop. The sheer artistry is mind-blowing. Realise I definitely need a better camera (and maybe a photography course). I get a little irritated at the selfie sticks. But then, I remember: everyone is out here enjoying this, just like me.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM -ish): I am getting hungry now, and it's time for the best lunch in town. Find a restaurant. The kind of place that looks like it hasn't changed in 50 years, which is the best kind. Settle down at a cafe. Order something completely new. Eat it with gusto.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Textile Scene. I go hunting for the perfect piece of Odisha Ikat fabric. End up getting completely lost in the local markets, surrounded by vibrant colours and the endless banter between vendors. Get completely overwhelmed by the price. Haggle badly. Try to regain composure, then give in and buy an amazing piece of fabric. Take a moment to appreciate the artistry.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): CHAI QUEST! The holy grail of the afternoon will be to find the best chai in Bhubaneswar. Wander through the streets, sniffing out the chai shops, talking to locals, and sample the drink, and rate it, then repeat the process until I find the perfect cup.
Night (9:00 PM - midnight): Back to the hotel. Write in my journal. Reflect on the day. Make a few travel decisions. Order a drink and a snack. Listen to the hotel sounds and dream about my next adventure!
Day 3: Caves, Cooking, and the Departure Blues (or a Very Long Day)
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Explore the Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves. Climb to the top. Struggle. Sweat. Repeat. The views are amazing, but the heat is relentless. Question every life decision.
Mid-morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Cooking class! Sign up for a local cooking class. Learn to make a dish I can never recreate at home (because, let's be honest, my kitchen skills are minimal). Probably burn something. Laugh it off. Eat everything.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM -ish): Eat the food I cooked, in the cooking class. It tastes awesome! Try to remember everything.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Souvenir shopping meltdown. I mean, really. So many trinkets. So much stuff. I want to buy everything and nothing at the same time. Try to find the coolest trinkets. Spend as long as it takes while the vendor is watching.
Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Farewell Dinner. Choose a fancy restaurant, even though I know I prefer the hole-in-the-wall places. Order a celebratory meal. This is it. Last dinner in Bhubaneswar. Realise I am really, really, really going to miss this place.
Night (9:00 PM - midnight): Pack, or attempt to pack. Start to feel that weird "end of holiday" melancholy. Look out the window, watch the city lights twinkle, and start the long, slow mental process of prepping myself to go home. Leave.
Important Disclaimer: This itinerary is subject to change. I reserve the right to spontaneously decide to spend an entire day eating ice cream or sitting in a park, and I’ll be taking lots of pictures. Don’t judge. You are warned. I will be messy. I will be hungry. I will probably lose things. But I will also (hopefully) have a great time and come back with stories to tell…if I remember them!
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Escape to Paradise: Lemon Tree Premier Bhubaneswar Awaits! - Oh, the Drama! (and the Room Service)
Okay, so, 'Escape to Paradise'... Is it *actually* paradise? Like, coconut trees and doves cooing at your window?
Alright, realism check. Paradise? Maybe not *literal* paradise. Think… a really *solid* vacation experience with a pool, a decent lobby, and the blessed promise of AC after you've been sweating in the Bhubaneswar sun. I mean, there aren't any doves (thankfully, they're messy birds), but the lobby? Pretty darn impressive. You walk in, and the immediate feel is…cool. Like, temperature-wise, but also… stylish. Not the kind of 'stylish' that makes you feel judged, you know? More the “I can relax here” kind.
The rooms – spill the tea! Are they clean? Do they have, like, *enough* outlets for a modern phone addict?
Okay, the rooms. Let's be real. Cleanliness is KEY. And I'm happy to report, yes! They were clean. Properly clean. Not "scrubbed-within-an-inch-of-their-lives-sterile," but definitely "I can put my stuff down without cringing" clean. The bed? Comfortable. The pillows? Fluffy. (I actually got a *really* good night's sleep.) And YES! Outlets – finally, a hotel that understands the struggle! Plenty of them! I felt *seen*. No more having to unplug the reading lamp to charge my phone. Pure bliss. Seriously, the outlet situation gets a gold star from me. I'm a sucker for functional things.
Room Service: How was it? Because honestly, I’m all about the lazy vacation lifestyle.
Room service… ah, the siren call of lazy vacationing. Okay, confession: I basically lived off of it. The menu was extensive, and the food? Pretty darn good! I remember this *amazing* butter chicken I had one night. So rich, so creamy, so flavorful… I might have ordered it *twice*. Seriously. No regrets. The service itself was quick and efficient. The delivery guy, bless his heart, always had a smile (even when I was ordering at, ahem, *questionable* hours). And they were always polite. Little things like that make a big difference when you're feeling like a sloth on vacation. Though, I did once accidentally spill a whole glass of water. I felt terrible, but the person cleaning up was super gracious about it. That's a win in my book!
What about the pool? Did you actually *swim*? Or did you just, you know, sit on the edge and judge everyone else’s technique?
The pool… Okay, I’ll be honest. I’m not the most proficient swimmer. So, I did a bit of both. I swam *a little* because, well, it was hot. And you *have* to at least get your toes wet, right? The pool itself was lovely. Clean, refreshing, and with a surprisingly decent view (depending on your room, of course). But there was this guy… This *really* enthusiastic swimmer. He was doing laps with such… intensity. I couldn't help but watch. And judge. Okay, maybe judge a little. But hey! He looked like he was having a ball. I stuck to the shallow end, and it was delightful. Definitely a relaxing experience. I would have stayed in there all day, but the sun started to get a little too intense for my pale skin.
The location - is it actually *near* anything interesting? Or am I doomed to spend the entire trip within the hotel walls?
Location, location, location! Alright, so, here’s the deal. You're in Bhubaneswar. That means you're not, like, stumbling out of the hotel and onto the beach (because, you know, landlocked). But it's pretty well-situated, actually. Close enough to a lot of the important historical stuff – I mean, the temples are incredible! Definitely worth the trip. Getting around is easy. I even tried an auto-rickshaw. Scary, but definitely an *experience*. Just be prepared to haggle! (I'm terrible at it, by the way. I always end up paying too much.) But hey, the hotel itself? A refuge from the chaos. A good base of operations. You'll be fine. Just, you know, plan your outings in advance – you're not going to just wander out and find a beach. That's what I did initially. Learned that the hard way.
Okay, what about the staff? Are they friendly? Helpful? Or do they just stare blankly and pretend not to understand you?
The staff… Oh, the staff! This is where Lemon Tree Premier *really* shines. Everyone was incredibly helpful and friendly. And I mean, *genuinely* friendly. They always greeted me with a smile. They were patient with my (admittedly terrible) attempts at speaking Hindi. They went above and beyond to help. Seriously, I lost my phone charger (who does that?!), and they were so helpful in trying to locate it. I felt taken care of. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold when you're away from home. There was this one person at the front desk, I wish hadn't forgotten his name, but he was always so pleasant. They really made the experience so good.
Let's talk food. Besides your butter chicken obsession, was there anything else worth writing home about? (And sending me a postcard!)
Food! Always the most important question, isn't it? Besides room service butter chicken (I'm not ashamed), the breakfast buffet was impressive. Seriously, the choices! Everything from Indian classics to (dare I say it) decent Western options. I'm a sucker for a good dosa, and their dosas were on point. And the coffee! Strong and hot, the perfect start to the day. I even braved the local cuisine one night in the hotel's restaurant, and it was all delicious and flavorful. Listen, I’m a simple person. I like good food. They delivered. No complaints. (Okay, maybe I could have used *more* butter chicken...)
Anything *really* bad happen? Like, a major disaster that you'd warn a potential guest about?
Disaster? Hmm. Not exactly. Thankfully, no bed bugs, no rogue plumbing incidents, no… well, nothing *major*. Only a very minor inconvenience. The gym? It’s there, sure. But, to be honest, it felt a little… deserted. I went in once, saw some equipment, and decided to stick with a walk around the hotel. But that'Rest Nest Hotels
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