Unveiling Vadodara's Hidden Gem: Grand Mercure Surya Palace!
Unveiling Vadodara's Hidden Gem: Grand Mercure Surya Palace! – A Review (and a Confession About My Love for Free Wi-fi)
Okay, listen up, because I just got back from Vadodara, and I'm buzzing. Not just from the amazing food – though, wow, the food – but from a stay at the Grand Mercure Surya Palace. And let me tell you, it's more than just a hotel; it's an experience. This review is less about being "objective" and more about me, a slightly neurotic travel writer, pouring my heart (and a glass of surprisingly good wine from the bar) onto the page. So, buckle up, we’re going in…
First Impressions and the Crucial Wi-Fi Question (Because Priorities!)
Arriving at the Grand Mercure Surya Palace, you're immediately hit with a sense of…well, grandeur. It's a gorgeous building, all sleek lines and shimmering glass. It’s the kind of place that makes you immediately straighten your posture, which is something I never do. The lobby is huge, air-conditioned (a lifesaver in Vadodara!), and buzzing with activity. And the staff? Honestly, they're angels in disguise. Always a smile, always helpful, and always ready with a "Namaste."
But, and this is a big BUT, the real test? The Wi-Fi. I need reliable Wi-Fi like I need oxygen. I can't function without it. The good news? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! And it works! I mean, actual, fast, reliable internet. I’m talking streaming movies, uploading photos of my breakfast (more on that glorious breakfast later), and actually getting some work done. They also offer Wi-Fi in public areas just in case you're the type who likes to, you know, interact with other humans. But I am not.
Accessibility and What Really Matters (Beyond the Obvious)
Okay, accessibility is important, and the Grand Mercure Surya Palace gets it. Wheelchair accessible throughout the property, with ramps and elevators galore. They have facilities for disabled guests, and the whole place is designed to make life easier for everyone. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it felt genuinely thoughtful. Finding a room with the all the required amenities, and good wi-fi, gives me relief.
The Rooms: My Personal Mini-Palace
My room? Oh, my room. Let me paint you a picture. Air conditioning? Check. Blackout curtains? Double-check. (Essential for beating the Vadodara sun and my tendency to sleep until noon.) Free bottled water? Yes, bless. Coffee/tea maker? My sanity savior! Bathrobes and slippers? Luxury level unlocked. Complimentary tea? What a delightful bonus!
The bed was huge, the linens crisp and clean, and the soundproofing was amazing. I could barely hear the bustling city outside, which, let’s be honest, is a small miracle. Speaking of clean, everything was spotless. The rooms are rooms sanitized between stays, which is a huge relief in this day and age. They also had a room sanitization opt-out available if you are that type of person.
Dining & Drinking: My Stomach's New Best Friend
Now, where do I begin? The food! The food! The Asian breakfast was a revelation. The Buffet in restaurant was massive, with everything from fresh fruit to Indian delicacies. I'm talking a literal feast, and the Western breakfast was equally tempting. They offered A la carte in restaurant options, too, for those who like to make a fuss.
I spent a good amount of time hanging out with the staff at the Poolside bar. The Poolside bar was the perfect place to relax and watch the sunset, sipping on a cocktail (or three). And the Restaurants are all top-notch. They had an International cuisine in restaurant that was incredibly good. There was also a Vegetarian restaurant for my friend who is very passionate about her dietary guidelines. I also tried the Coffee/tea in restaurant.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Day is Crucial
The Grand Mercure Surya Palace is more than just a place to sleep; it's a destination. They've got a beautiful swimming pool [outdoor] (and a pool with view!), a fitness center, and a spa. I, of course, took the Spa.
The Spa: A Deep Dive into Bliss (And Maybe a Little Snoozing)
Oh. My. Goodness. The spa was the highlight of my trip. I had a Body scrub followed by a Body wrap and a Massage, all of which were pure heaven. The masseuse was skilled and intuitive, and I emerged feeling like a completely different human being. They also had a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Foot bath so it’s definitely the perfect experience for everyone.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Protected from Germs!)
In these times, safety is paramount. The Grand Mercure Surya Palace takes it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products are used, there’s Daily disinfection in common areas, and they're following all the necessary protocols. Staff trained in safety protocol, First aid kit is available. Hand sanitizer is everywhere, and there’s a good amount of Physical distancing of at least 1 meter. It felt safe, secure, and well-managed. . They provided Breakfast in room, which was perfect for those mornings when I just couldn’t bring myself to get out of bed.
But Here's the Thing…The Little Imperfections
Okay, no place is perfect. There were a couple of minor things. The lighting in the bathroom could be a tad brighter, and sometimes the elevators were a little slow. But honestly, these are tiny quibbles. The good far outweighs the bad. And the staff really did everything they could to make sure I was happy.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
The hotel offers everything you could possibly need. 24-hour Room service is a godsend. The Concierge was incredibly helpful with booking tours and recommending restaurants. They have a Currency exchange, Cash withdrawal, and a Gift/souvenir shop. Laundry, dry cleaning, and ironing, are also available.
For the Kids
They are Family/child friendly, and they offer Babysitting service.
Getting Around
There's plenty of Car park [free of charge], and also a Car park [on-site], Airport transfer, and Taxi service, if you need.
Now, For The Big Sell…My Plea for You to Book!
Okay, enough rambling. Here’s the bottom line: The Grand Mercure Surya Palace is fantastic. It offers everything you could want in a hotel: comfort, convenience, amazing food, fantastic service, and reliable Wi-Fi. It's perfect for leisure travelers, business travelers, families, and anyone who appreciates a touch of luxury and a whole lot of heart.
Here's My Plea (and a Special Offer!)
Book your stay at the Grand Mercure Surya Palace today! And to sweeten the deal, I'm going to personally declare it's one of the most best locations for a Proposal spot because there's no bad view in the Hotel.
Why You Should Book Now:
- Unforgettable Experience: From the moment you arrive, you'll feel pampered and cared for.
- Delicious Food: The restaurants offer a culinary journey you won't forget.
- Relaxation & Rejuvenation: The spa is a sanctuary, perfect for melting away stress.
- Convenience: Everything you need is at your fingertips.
- Peace of Mind: Excellent Wi-Fi. And incredible safety protocols.
Seriously, book it. You won't regret it. And tell them I sent you. (Maybe they'll give me a discount on my next stay… a girl can dream!)
Escape to Paradise: Palayana Resort & Villas, Hua Hin's Hidden Gem
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're about to dive headfirst into my glorious, slightly-manic, and utterly unfiltered Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace adventure. This isn't your perfectly-curated Instagram travelogue; this is the real, sweat-stained, chai-fueled deal.
Day 1: Arrival – The Arrival of the Glorious (and Slightly Overheated) Me
10:00 AM: Landed in Vadodara. Air India. Let's just say the plane had seen better days. The air conditioning was apparently on a permanent vacation. I swear, India's welcome hug is a blast of hot, humid air. But hey, it's character building, right? Right?
11:00 AM: Taxi to the Grand Mercure. The drive… well, let's call it an experience. Cows. Rickshaws. Honking. Glorious chaos. My inner control freak almost imploded, but then I saw a little girl in a bright pink sari, and suddenly everything seemed… delightful. Or maybe I was just delirious from the heat.
12:00 PM: Check-in at the Grand Mercure. Ah, the air conditioning. Sweet, sweet, air conditioning. The lobby is all marble and hushed tones, a welcome respite from the vibrant madness outside. The staff is ridiculously polite, which, after the taxi ride, feels slightly surreal. I had a mini-panic attack about not having enough rupees to tip them. Curse you, travel anxiety!
1:00 PM: Room reveal! Standard room, perfectly comfortable. The bed? Oh, that bed. It looked so inviting, after the plane ride, I nearly face-planted onto it. But first, a quick inspection: cleanliness check! All clear. Phew.
2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. The buffet… Oh, the buffet! I dove in headfirst. I'm talking naan, butter chicken, biryani, and about five different kinds of dessert. I’m pretty sure I ate enough to feed a small village. The only bummer? My spice tolerance is about as high as a toddler's. (The waiter was very kind to bring me a glass of water. Seriously, I feel like I might have sweat out my colon. It was hot. I have said it already, it was hot! )
4:00 PM: Afternoon tea at the pool. The pool is gorgeous, shimmering turquoise, a little oasis. I went for a quick dip and was very happy that I did so. the water was cool and refreshing.
6:00 PM: Evening stroll around the hotel. Admiring the architecture, which is a blend of modern and traditional, so the surroundings were interesting.
7:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel's Indian restaurant. Beautifully decorated, and the food was absolutely divine. (This is where I fell in love with Dal Makhani. I swear I'm going to try to make this at home. With a slightly less fiery chili level.)
9:00 PM: Collapse into bed. I’m pretty sure I’m going to sleep for 12 hours.
Day 2: Exploring the City and Discovering My Inner Tourist (and Impatient Traveler)
8:00 AM: Wake up. After my long sleep, I'm starting this day very well. Breakfast buffet. Fueling up AGAIN. Seriously, how does everyone stay so slim here? Magic.
9:30 AM: Outing to the Sayaji Baug Garden. A bit far, taking an auto-rickshaw felt like a ride in a washing machine. the crowds started to overwhelm me. I was not patient to walk everywhere. Maybe I need a personal driver?
11:00 AM: Visit the Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum. It's housed in a former palace, and the art collection is impressive. I saw a gorgeous sculpture of the "Dancing Girl", it was a beauty, it was interesting.
1.00 PM: Lunch, at a local restaurant, it was filled with locals. Trying the Gujarati Thali. So many different tastes, so many different dishes. My taste buds were on overdrive. It was a challenge to taste everything. I almost overate myself again.
2:30 PM: Return to the hotel. A quick rest, and rehydration.
4:00 PM: Shopping for souvenirs at the local market. The place was crazy and chaotic, a whirlwind of colors, sounds, and smells. I quickly learned that bargaining is a non-negotiable skill here. Haggling felt weird at first, now it made me feel like I was winning.
5:00 PM: Relaxing at the hotel's spa. Massages; so much needed.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Trying a different restaurant. I decided to try a different restaurant instead of the hotel resto.
9:00 PM: Finally, back to my room! Sleep, glorious sleep.
Day 3: Back to Reality (But with a Full Belly and a Full Heart)
8:00 AM: Last breakfast buffet. One final, glorious, over-the-top indulgence. I swear, I'm going to miss this immensely.
9:30 AM: Last visit to the hotel, the pool. One last swim, one last glimpse of the serenity.
11:00 AM: Check out. Saying farewell, with a slightly teary glance back at the air-conditioned lobby.
12:00 PM: Head to the airport. Goodbye, Vadodara, you beautiful, chaotic, and utterly unforgettable city!
1:00 PM: The plane. Heading home. Already dreaming of the butter chicken and the Dal Makhani. And, you know what? I might even miss the heat. Just a little bit. (Okay, maybe not the sweating. But everything else!)
Imperfections, Quirks, and Other Musings:
- The Language Barrier: My Hindi is limited. I pointed a lot. A LOT.
- The Laundry Situation: Let's just say I ran out of clean underwear. Not ideal.
- The Street Food Temptation: I avoided the street food. My stomach is too precious for risky business.
- The Monkeys: I didn't see any monkeys, which, honestly, was a relief.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: This trip? A wild ride. Exhausting, exhilarating, and deeply, profoundly… well, it was something. Would I go back? In a heartbeat.
So there you have it! My slightly messy, thoroughly enjoyable, and utterly honest Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace adventure. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to start planning my next trip. And this time, I’m bringing a bigger suitcase for the spices!
Escape to Paradise: Abangane Guest Lodge, South Africa Awaits
Grand Mercure Surya Palace: Your Vadodara Adventure Begins (Maybe?) - Let's Get Real!
Okay, Seriously...Is Surya Palace Actually Grand? I've seen some Instagram filters...what do *you* think?
Alright, let's cut the crap. "Grand" is a subjective term, right? It's not like the Taj Mahal! My first thought? "Clean." It's undeniably tidy, which, after a humid Vadodara afternoon, is a HUGE win. The lobby is all polished marble and those massive, chandelier-y things…they're impressive, though a bit…sterile? Like, you kinda expect a robot butler to float out. There’s definitely a luxurious *vibe*. But “grand” in the sense of breathtaking architectural marvel? Nah. More like…reliably upscale. Listen, I’m not saying it's bad! Just don't go expecting Versailles. I think they *try* to be grand. And honestly? They do a decent job.
What's the deal with the rooms? Worth the splurge, or should I just crash on a couch?
Okay, rooms! This is where things get…interesting. My first room? A bit…beige. Not in a trendy, minimalist way. More like, "My Aunt Mildred's living room, circa 1998" beige. Okay, dramatic, but you get the picture. It was clean, the AC worked (a prayer answered in Gujarat!), and the bed was comfy. That's a win. But then I heard a rumor about a room with a *city view*. Oh, the *city view*. Worth the upgrade? Absolutely. Suddenly, I felt like I was actually *experiencing* Vadodara, not just…existing. I sat by the window, ordered room service (more on that later…) and just…watched the city breathe. Seriously, splurge if you can! Trust me on this one. And ask for a high floot, the view is better.
Room service…is it a lifesaver, or a culinary crime scene?
Okay, room service… This is a rollercoaster, people. One night, I ordered a simple chicken club sandwich. Perfect. Crispy fries, juicy chicken, the works. The next night? A pasta dish that, and I’m being honest, tasted suspiciously like it had been made in the back of a…well, let’s just say it's not a place I would *choose* to eat from. The service itself is impeccable. Super polite, quick, totally understanding of my insane desire for extra ketchup. But the food? Hit or miss. Play it safe. Stick to the Indian options. Seriously. They know how to do that right. And don’t be shy about asking for recommendations.
And the breakfast buffet? A culinary paradise, or a buffet of disappointment?
Breakfast buffet! This is where the Surya Palace *shines*. Seriously, it was a highlight. Dosa station? Fantastic! The sambar was… oh, the sambar! Pure, spicy joy. There was a HUGE selection of everything. European, western, everything. My inner child squealed with delight. I probably ate enough mini-idlis to power a small city. The service was great. They kept refilling my coffee cup before I even realized it was empty. I'm not normally a buffet person, but this one was… dangerous. I'm pretty sure I gained five pounds! And honestly, the breakfast alone is worth a stay, you know?
Okay, let's talk about the pool! Did you actually *use* it, or did it just look pretty?
The pool. Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest. I'm a bit of a germaphobe, and public pools... well, let's just say I approach them with caution. The Surya Palace pool *looked* lovely. Sparkling, clean, surrounded by those lovely, overpriced sun loungers that always look better in photos than when you’re actually lying on them. I dipped my toes. The water felt great. The sun beat down. I almost jumped in. But. I didn't. Call me a wuss. But I was paranoid about… well, *everything*. So, I’m guessing it’s good? It looked inviting. Other people seemed to be enjoying themselves. Maybe next time, I’ll be brave.
Anything *really* bad? Don't sugarcoat it!
Okay, the low points... This is where I get a little…grumbly. The Wi-Fi. Seriously, the Wi-Fi. Sometimes, it was lightning fast. Other times? It was like trying to connect to the internet using a dial-up modem from the Cretaceous period. Extremely frustrating. Also, the noise. Because I was in the middle of a city, I kept hearing random noises, honking from the street and a lot of talking. But those were minor inconveniences. Honestly, I was expecting something awful to happen at some point during my stay, but it never did. The staff seems genuinely committed to making sure you have a good time.
Would you go back?
Absolutely! Despite my gripes and the occasional Wi-Fi rage, I would totally go back. Especially for that breakfast. And that city view. It's comfortable, it's clean, the staff is great, and it's a good base for exploring Vadodara. It's not perfect, but it's…good. Really good. Plus, they had air conditioning. And in Gujarat, that's practically a religious experience.
Any insider tips? Help me beat the system!
* **Upgrade if you can:** The city view is worth it! * **Explore the local food scene:** Don't just eat at the hotel. Vadodara has amazing street food! * **Befriend the staff:** They're incredibly helpful and have insider knowledge. * **Pack earplugs:** Just in case. (You know, for the aforementioned city noises.) * **Embrace the chaos:** Vadodara is a vibrant city. Go with the flow!
