Escape to Paradise: HOTEL ARK OF AVALON Awaits in New Delhi!
Escape to Paradise? HOTEL ARK OF AVALON in New Delhi: My Chaotic, Honest Take
Okay, buckle up, because I just got back from the HOTEL ARK OF AVALON in New Delhi, and frankly, my brain feels like it's been through a Bollywood dance-off with a bag of mixed nuts. This place… it's got stories, alright. Let's dive in, shall we? And yeah, I’m gonna get real, real fast.
(Metadata Blitz: For the SEO Gods)
- Keywords: Hotel Ark of Avalon, New Delhi, Delhi Hotels, Accessible Hotel, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Free Wi-Fi, Luxury Hotel, Family-Friendly, Safe Hotel, COVID-19 Safety, Reviews, India Travel.
- Focus: A brutally honest review of the Hotel Ark of Avalon, covering all aspects of the stay.
(The Arrival - Chaos, Commence!)
First things first: getting there. Airport transfer? Check. Smooth sailing? Uh, no. It was smooth-ish until the driver, bless his heart, ended up in a traffic jam that could rival the world’s longest conga line. But eventually, we arrived. Valet parking? Yep, they’ve got it. Though, I swear, the guy looked slightly bewildered by my oversized luggage. But hey, at least it was free!
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag, Honestly.
Let's be real: I wasn't specifically looking for full accessibility, but I did scope it out because, well, life happens. The elevator? Tick. Pretty easy. However, some of the hallways felt a little…tight. Not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if you're using a wheelchair, and I didn't actually make it to the gym, so I can't say what level of accessibility that has. There are Facilities for disabled guests, which is really handy.
The Room - My Oasis of…Cleanliness?
The room itself? Decent. Air conditioning? Absolutely essential in Delhi. Blackout curtains? Saving grace from the crazy traffic and the sun. Free Wi-Fi? Yes, and thank heavens for Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! because the internet in my phone died 3 times. The bed was comfy enough, with Extra long bed and Bathroom phone. Daily housekeeping was a godsend, because, well, I can be messy. I'll admit, I did appreciate the Complimentary tea and the Mini bar. And the In-room safe box was a must, because, you know, Delhi.
Cleanliness and Safety - COVID Times Blues
Okay, this is where the Ark of Avalon really shines. I mean, seriously, they went above and beyond. I saw Staff trained in safety protocol, Anti-viral cleaning products, and Daily disinfection in common areas. They even had little bottles of Hand sanitizer everywhere. The room itself, you betcha, was Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt safe! I did notice the Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which was reassuring, and they had Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I was given Individually-wrapped food options, there was Cashless payment service, and yeah, the Room sanitization opt-out available, although, honestly, I think they're doing such a great job, I wouldn't have thought about it. The Doctor/nurse on call was a relief to know. I saw CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, which is also a great thing. I did notice the Exterior corridor.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Feast (And Some Mayhem)!
This is where things got… interesting. Let's start with the good. A la carte in restaurant? Great. Breakfast [buffet]? YES! The buffet was fantastic (more on that in a minute). Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant – they had it all. Poolside bar? Super convenient. But… the service? A tad… chaotic.
One day, I ordered a simple omelet. Simple, right? Thirty minutes later, I was still waiting. Finally, it arrived, looking… well, it looked like it had a serious identity crisis. The taste was actually pretty good, once I got past the visual shock of it. I also noticed a lot of people were enjoying the Happy hour.
The Breakfast Buffet - My Personal Highlight
Seriously. The breakfast buffet at the Ark of Avalon? A masterpiece. Fresh fruit, delicious pastries, a massive selection of Indian breakfast staples (hello, idli and dosa!), and even a waffle maker. It was worth waking up early for, I kid you not. This is where the restaurant really shined. I spent like, 3 hours in there, eating, drinking coffee, and just watching the controlled chaos in the best possible way.
Spa and Relaxation - Bliss or Bust?
Okay, listen up. I fully intended to hit the spa. The Pool with view, the Sauna, the Steamroom, the Massage, the Spa – the whole shebang. But, again with the "life happens" thing. It became a goal I missed, and I was kind of bummed. I'm not a huge spa-goer, but the thought of a Body scrub or Foot bath sounded divine. However, I did see the Swimming pool [outdoor] which looked lovely.
Things to Do - Beyond the Hotel Walls (If You Dare!)
The hotel's not in a central area. I'm not judging, but if you want to get out into the thick of Delhi, be prepared for some travel time. The Concierge was helpful in arranging taxis . I also wanted to try the Fitness center, but hey, I was on vacation, alright?
Services and Conveniences - The Fine Print
Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning … all the usual suspects were present and accounted for. The Elevator was a lifesaver. Luggage storage was helpful. The Doorman was incredibly polite. There's a Convenience store if you need snacks or essentials. They have Meeting/banquet facilities as well as Business facilities and Meetings, if that's your thing. The Car park [free of charge], was a real saver.
The Bottom Line - Worth the Journey?
Look, the HOTEL ARK OF AVALON isn't perfect. The service can be a little… quirky. But the cleanliness and safety protocols are top-notch. The breakfast buffet? Legendary. The staff, despite the sometimes-chaotic service, were genuinely lovely. And after navigating the madness of Delhi, that really does go a long way. I give it a qualified thumbs up. If you're looking for a clean, safe, and comfortable base to explore New Delhi, with a seriously amazing breakfast buffet, you could definitely do worse. And let's be honest, the hotel is an experience in itself. Just try not to order the omelet.
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this Hotel Ark of Avalon itinerary is less "polished travel brochure" and more "slightly unhinged diary of a Delhi adventure." Prepare for opinions, rambles, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by paneer tikka masala. Let's do this, shall we?
Hotel Ark of Avalon: Delhi & NCR – A Rollercoaster (That Might Smell of Curry)
Day 1: Arrival & Delhi Belly… or, You Know, the Pretend Kind.
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Okay, first of all, the sheer scale of this airport is overwhelming. It's like a tiny city. Finding the driver from the Hotel Ark of Avalon…well, let's just say my navigational skills usually max out at "finding the remote control." He's eventually there though, bless his soul, and probably equally frazzled by the chaos.
- 2:30 PM: Check-in at the Ark of Avalon. Oh, the room! It's…well, it's got character. The A/C is roaring like a grumpy rhino, the bedspread is a vibrant explosion of paisley, and the view…is of another building. Perfect. Exactly what I was hoping for.
- 3:00 PM: Attempt to unpack. This is a struggle. My suitcase appears to have exploded during the flight. Clothes everywhere. Reminds me of that one time I tried to bake a cake…
- 3:30 PM: Pre-emptive strike against Delhi Belly. I’ve been warned. Grab some bottled water (vital!) and a packet of those questionable digestive biscuits I always pack. Praying to the travel gods.
- 4:00 PM: A quick "reconnaissance mission" around the hotel. The lobby smells faintly of incense and something else I can't quite place… a whiff of nostalgia? Maybe a touch of "Delhi magic?" The staff are all impossibly polite. Seriously, I could probably spill coffee on them and they'd apologize to me.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Let's be honest, I'm too jet-lagged to venture out. Ordering the butter chicken. It’s… amazing. I mean, seriously, melt-in-your-mouth, spicy, creamy heaven. And now… I’m officially stuffed. Feeling extremely content.
Day 2: Old Delhi - A Sensory Overload (In a Good Way, Mostly)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. More butter chicken. Kidding (sort of). Opting for paratha and a suspiciously delicious chai. The chai is a game changer.
- 10:00 AM: A guided tour of Old Delhi. Oh. My. God. Remember that sensory overload bit? Well, multiply it by a thousand. The narrow streets, the teeming crowds, the honking horns… it's intoxicating.
- 10:30 AM: Chandni Chowk street market. A tsunami of people and smells. Spices, incense, street food, the faint aroma of exhaust. I think I saw a monkey steal a samosa. It was glorious.
- 11:30 AM: Visiting Jama Masjid. The sheer scale of the mosque is breathtaking. The serenity inside is a welcome respite from the chaos outside. I may or may not have shed a tear. Too much beauty. So much history. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed, in a good way.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Karim's. (A Delhi institution). It's a bit of a melee to get a table, but worth the wait. The seekh kebabs?! The best bloody kebab I've ever had. Hands down.
- 2:30 PM: Rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes. Terrifying. Exhilarating. I'm convinced I lost a few years off my life.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the Ark of Avalon. Collapse on the paisley bedspread. Need a nap. Seriously. Need. A. Nap.
Day 3: New Delhi’s Gems & Cultural Clashes
- 9:00 AM: Another attempt at breakfast. This time, trying the dosa. Success!
- 10:00 AM: Visiting Humayun's Tomb. Wow. Seriously, wow. The architecture is stunning and the gardens are peaceful. I wonder if the ghosts of Mughal Emperors still hang out there. Probably.
- 11:30 AM: Qutub Minar. Climbing the steps. The view is awesome.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a café in Connaught Place. I ordered a bland sandwich. Regret. Should have stuck to the Indian food.
- 2:30 PM: Walking through Connaught Place. The modernism is still there, but it feels more superficial and the architecture feels a bit… soulless. The shops are full of familiar brands - a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos of Old Delhi. Feeling slightly melancholic.
- 4:00 PM: The India Gate is majestic, it's hard not to be moved by the memorial. There's so much history here.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the Ark. Thinking.
Day 4: The Taj Mahal (A Pilgrimage, Sort Of) & The Travel Gods Test
- 5:00 AM (Seriously): Wake up. This is truly ungodly. We're off to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. The Taj Mahal is the highlight of my trip. I bought my ticket in advance.
- 6:00 AM: The drive to Agra. A long bus ride. The scenery is a blend of rural life. Cows wandering roads, colourful buildings, and the constant buzz of traffic.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive in Agra. Ugh. The Agra traffic is even worse than Delhi's.
- 12:00 PM: The Taj Mahal. Okay, I'll admit it. I cried. It's even more beautiful in person. The sheer perfection of it… it's overwhelming. It's like a dream.
- 1:00 PM: Wandering around, taking pictures. I am an artist. (Or at least, I'm pretending I am!)
- 2:00 PM: Lunch in Agra. Mediocre. Should have packed a sandwich.
- 3:00 PM: Bus back to Delhi.
- 9:00 PM: Arrive back to Ark Of Avalon.
Day 5: Farewells & Reflections (and Maybe Another Helping of Butter Chicken)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant one last time.
- 10:00 AM: Some last-minute souvenir shopping. The local bazaars are a treasure trove of chaos. Bargaining is essential.
- 12:00 PM: Check out of the Ark of Avalon. Goodbye, paisley bedspread, you wonderfully weird companion.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant near the airport…
- 3:00 PM: At the airport. Time to go home. Time to process everything. The smells, the sounds, the people… it's all a little overwhelming.
- 5:00 PM: Departure.
Final Thoughts: Delhi, you magnificent, maddening, utterly unforgettable place. I came, I saw, I ate way too much butter chicken. And I'm already plotting my return. You have a way of getting under your skin. It's a chaotic, beautiful, messy, delicious, wonderful, and complicated place. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
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Escape to Paradise: HOTEL ARK OF AVALON Awaits in New Delhi! - FAQ, Kinda...
Okay, so... "Paradise"? Is this some kind of joke? Like, is it actually *good*?
Look, "Paradise" is a strong word. And, honestly? My expectations were, shall we say, *tempered* after dealing with Delhi traffic just to get there. I was expecting a glorified air-conditioned bunker, and I was ready to *complain*. But... hold on. It wasn't *terrible*. More like... pleasantly surprising. It's got that sort of 'vintage-meets-attempts-at-luxury' vibe. Think worn leather sofas that might have seen better days, but still felt kinda cool to sink into. The aircon *did* work, thank the travel gods.
It depends on your definition of paradise, really. If paradise is perfectly manicured gardens and faultless service? Probably not. If it's a relatively clean haven from the chaos of Delhi, with a decent pool and a surprisingly good masala chai? Then, yeah, maybe. I’m swaying towards the *maybe* side – maybe slightly overenthusiastic, but I swear that chai was *divine*.
The Pool. Tell me about the pool. Because pools can make or break a holiday… especially in Delhi’s heat.
The pool... okay, let's dissect the pool. First, the temperature. Crucial. It was a glorious 80-ish degrees. Perfect. Could have lived in it. The water was, dare I say, *clean*. Now, this is Delhi, so let's not get carried away. But compared to the… questionable water sources I've encountered elsewhere, it was practically a spa. I spent a solid three hours submerged, just floating and trying to forget the general mayhem outside the hotel walls.
There's a slightly dodgy-looking bar area nearby, but they actually served decent cocktails. Don't ask me how. It was a miracle, frankly. The one downside? The incessant shrieking of kids. There were *lots* of kids. Like, a small army of them. But hey, you can't have everything in paradise, right? Though a bit of peace and quiet would’ve been nice, I won't lie. Maybe invest in some noise-canceling headphones.
The Room... Is it a death trap? Because sometimes budget hotels… yikes.
Alright, the room. Okay, so, yeah, it wasn’t a *death trap*. Big sigh of relief there. Cleanliness-wise, it was… adequate. There were no visible horrors, which is always a win in my book. I did a quick bug sweep (my usual pre-sleep ritual, after a few… *experiences*) and thankfully nothing jumped out to greet me. The bed was surprisingly comfortable. I’m always suspicious of hotel beds, honestly, feel like they’ve seen some things… But this one was good. Pillows were fluffy enough. The AC worked! So, a solid pass on the room front.
The décor? Let's say it embraced a very *eclectic* sense of style. Think "Grandma's attic meets a slightly faded Bollywood fantasy." Not my usual aesthetic, but honestly, it added to the charm in a weird way. It was definitely memorable – in a good way. I will forever associate that room with that glorious post-pool nap. Best darn nap ever. Honestly… the room was the perfect nap-catcher.
Food! Oh god, food! How’s the food? Because after a day in Delhi, my stomach can’t handle *anything* dodgy.
The food... okay, listen. The breakfast buffet was… interesting. Let's just say it was an *experience*. There were things I recognized and some things I definitely didn't. I stuck with the things I recognized – the omelets were pretty good (made to order, glory be!), and the toast was toast. The *masala dosa* was actually phenomenal. I went back for seconds (and maybe thirds… don't judge me).
There’s a restaurant within the hotel – or what they call a restaurant. The ambience was… fine, I guess. It wasn't fine dining, but it wasn't terrible. The service was a bit slow, but hey, this is India. You get used to it. I ordered the butter chicken, because… well, when in Rome. It was… decent. Comfort food. Nothing to write home about, but it didn't make me ill. The lack of illness is, in my books, a major win. They had ice cream. I ate ice cream. All was right with the world for a few sweet, cold minutes. This will probably be a running theme, the ice-cream-winning aspect of my hotel stays.
Okay, let's get serious. What’s the *worst* part? Gotta be something, right?
Alright, the worst part... let me be brutally honest. The WiFi. It was a NIGHTMARE. I mean, truly, a Dante's Inferno-level of internet connectivity. I’m talking dial-up speeds, random dropouts, and the overwhelming urge to throw my laptop out the window. If you *need* reliable internet, forget it. Go somewhere else. Or, download a *ton* of stuff before you arrive, and maybe channel your inner offline hermit. It's basically unusable. This could ruin your stay depending on work or just how important internet is. I couldn’t work and that was… trying.
There was also a slight… ‘lack of communication’ from the staff in some areas. Asking for towels often involved a significant wait, and getting information was sometimes a struggle. But, you know… smiles and a little bit of patience go a long way. It's *India*, after all, and part of the charm. (Though, a working wifi is a must these days, I’d argue.)
Would you go back? Be honest!
Honestly? Yeah, probably. The pool was *irresistible*. And that masala dosa... I’m suddenly craving it right now. The staff were friendly enough, and the AC worked. Plus it offered a much needed bubble of respite from the chaos of Delhi.
Provided the WiFi situation improved drastically (and I had low expectations), and a few more staff members started appearing to help out, I wouldn’t be completely averse to returning. It's not *perfect*, but it has a certain… grit. And sometimes, you just need a pool and a comfortable bed after a day of navigating the Delhi madness. So, yeah. Maybe. Definitely maybe. Especially if they promise me more of that masala dosa. I can almost taste it now…
