Guwahati's Hidden Gem: O Bismillah Hotel & Lodge - Unforgettable Stay!
Guwahati's Hidden Gem: O Bismillah Hotel & Lodge - Unforgettable Stay! (A MESSY, HONEST, AND TOTALLY HUMAN Review)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn’t your slick, corporate review. This is the real deal. I’m talking about my stay at O Bismillah Hotel & Lodge in Guwahati, and let me tell you, it was… well, it was an experience. And that, my friends, is what makes a good story.
First Impressions (and a slight detour on accessibility, because let's get real)
Finding O Bismillah wasn't exactly a breeze. Guwahati traffic? Let’s just say Google Maps sometimes throws its hands up in the air and says, "Good luck, buddy." But eventually, after a thrilling (and slightly terrifying) tuk-tuk ride, I arrived. Now, I didn’t specifically need wheelchair access, but I always look for it. And I gotta say, O Bismillah surprised me. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests. I didn't see a ramp at the entrance, but I'm also willing to bet I didn't look in the right place. More investigation is needed.
The Room - My Humble Abode
The room itself was, shall we say, characterful. Don't get me wrong, it was clean. Spotlessly clean. Kudos to them. Individually wrapped amenities? Check. A nice touch in these times. Air conditioning? Essential. Blackout curtains? Thank. The. Gods. The Guwahati sun is brutal. And I appreciated the bottled water – hydration is key, people!
But let me paint you a picture. It was a "Standard" room. The kind of room that wants to convince you that it's a luxury suite but really just has a slightly bigger bed. The décor? Well, let’s just say… it had a personality that leaned towards 'classic'. A little dated, perhaps. But hey, I’m not here for a design contest. I'm here for an experience.
Oh, and the internet? Fantastic! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And I did get a decent signal in the room too. I may be a tech person but free WiFi is the key to a good stay for me! Internet access - Wireless and LAN (Local Area Network) also available! I thought those days had gone by, but that's a win in my book.
The Amenities - Spa, Sauna, and… Well, Not Everything
Now, the brochure promised a lot. A fitness center? Check. A spa? Check. A pool with a view? Hmmm… the view was more of a… roof across the street. Not exactly the infinity pool of my dreams. Honestly, the 'fitness center' was less 'gym' and more a collection of equipment that looked like it had survived a zombie apocalypse. Again, didn’t use it, but it was there!
There were some things, though, that made me smile. They offer a Sauna and a steam room. If you love a good sweat, this is your hotel!
Dining, Glorious Dining (and My Stomach's Unforeseen Adventure)
Okay, this is where O Bismillah really shines (and where things got interesting). Let's talk about food. The Restaurants are varied. A la carte, Buffet, Asian Cuisine, International Cuisine, Vegetarian Restaurant and Western Cuisines! Amazing! I am a food lover as well and a real foodie!
Firstly, the Asian Breakfast was amazing. The food was great. Coffee/tea in the restaurant was always available. Breakfast [buffet] was okay, but they do offer breakfast in room which is even better. All the food was great and it was super cheap, which made me happy.
The Bar – I didn't actually hit the bar, but the promise of a Happy Hour whispered sweet nothings in my ear. It was the promise of relaxation. A Poolside bar to go and relax and a Snack bar!
They had a 24-hour room service so I could order something at any time. Coffee Shop to relax as well.
I was pleasantly surprised, though, by the quality of the food, and the service was impeccable.. The service was Sanitized from the kitchen and the tableware items were also sanitized, which makes me feel safe as well. Safe dining setup in the restaurant was another great thing. Staff trained in safety protocol too.
Cleanliness, Safety, and the COVID Factor
This is where O Bismillah really stepped up its game. They clearly take hygiene seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas – check. Anti-viral cleaning products – check. Hand sanitizer everywhere – check. They also had doctor/nurse on call which does make it feel like everything is going to be ok. The team also had Hygiene certification, all the Staff trained in safety protocol and the Sterilizing equipment. They took the COVID thing very seriously, which I really appreciated. You could even Room sanitization opt-out available and physically distancing of at least 1 meter. They do have a Cashless payment service.
Things to Do (and How to Relax… Or Not)
Okay, so Guwahati itself is a city of temples, tea gardens, and – let's be honest – a whole lot of bustling chaos. O Bismillah acts as a good base. They offered Airport transfer, made the whole thing easier.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
Concierge, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Elevator, Ironing service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Laundry service, Safety deposit boxes. Again, they have a lot of services! Complimentary Tea which is a good thing. Cash withdrawal if you need it as well.
For the Kids, Family Friendly?
Family/child-friendly, offering services like Babysitting Service and Kids Meals.
Getting Around
They had a Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]. Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking
The Quirks (and the Slightly Messy Bits)
There were little things that made me love O Bismillah. A little bit of unexpected quirkiness.
The Verdict: Unforgettable (in a Good Way!)
Look, O Bismillah Hotel & Lodge isn’t perfect. It's not the glitziest hotel in Guwahati. But the honesty, the cleanliness, the food, and the staff's genuine warmth made it a stay I won't soon forget. It's a place with character, a place that feels real. It’s the messy, imperfect, and utterly human experience – and sometimes, that’s the best kind of experience.
Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars. Definitely worth a visit!
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Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Craving an Authentic Guwahati Experience?
Escape to O Bismillah Hotel & Lodge – Your Gateway to Unforgettable Adventures!
Here's what makes your stay at O Bismillah truly special:
- Unbeatable Value: Experience top-notch comfort with a focus on your experience, all without breaking the bank!
- Delicious Dining: Indulge in a culinary journey with both Asian Breakfast and International Cuisine plus a Bar for Happy Hour!
- Relax and Rejuvenate: Unwind in our Sauna and steam room, or simply lounge in your comfortable, clean room.
- Stay Connected: Enjoy Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – Wireless
- Safety First: We prioritize your health and well-being with rigorous cleaning protocols, including…
- Convenience at Your Fingertips: From 24-hour Room Service to help with airport transfers, we've got you covered.
- Unforgettable Experiences
Book your stay at O Bismillah Hotel & Lodge today! You deserve a truly memorable experience!
(Visit our website or call now to book your unforgettable stay!)
Escape to Paradise: Rimthan Color Cottage, Ratchaburi's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is the real, messy, slightly-hungover-from-the-pre-Guwahati-adventure, truth about my stay at the Hotel O Bismillah in Guwahati, India. Buckle up, because this is gonna be…something.
Guwahati Gets Real (and Really, Really Hot): The Bismillah Breakdown
Day 1: Arrival and the "Oh-My-God-It's-Hot" Welcome
- Morning (ish): Landed in Guwahati. The air hit me like a wet, warm blanket. Seriously, I think my mascara melted before I even cleared customs. The airport… let's just say it had a certain charm? By which I mean, it felt like a slightly chaotic beehive of humanity, but with a surprisingly friendly vibe. Found a pre-booked taxi (thank god for planning ahead, sometimes!), and we were off to the Hotel O Bismillah. The drive? A sensory overload of sights, smells (everything from street food to…well, let's just say there were some unique olfactory experiences), and the constant, ever-present honking.
- Afternoon: Arrived at the Bismillah. First impressions? Slightly less glamorous than the photos, but clean enough. And honestly, after the airport and the drive, clean felt like a luxury. Checked in, the guy at reception was super chill, probably used to the heat-stroke-induced glaze in the eyes of arriving tourists. The room? Basic. Functional. The A/C? Thank. Freaking. God. I practically lived in front of it for the next hour.
- Afternoon (continued): The obligatory "peering out the window" moment. The view? A bustling street scene. Motorbikes weaving through traffic, vendors selling…stuff, cows casually meandering. Pure, unadulterated India. Decided a shower was in order. The water pressure was…optimistic, shall we say. But hey, it was wet and cold, so victory!
- Evening: Dinner at a local place the taxi driver recommended. Spicy. Delicious. I think I sweated off about a pound. The food was incredible – a world away from the blandness of airport anything. I'm pretty sure I burned my tongue on something, but I didn't care. Worth it. Stumbled back to the hotel, utterly exhausted, and passed out probably before my head hit the pillow.
Day 2: The Temple, the River, and the Questionable Street Food
- Morning: Up earlier than I intended (damn jetlag!), but the sun was already relentless. Decided to visit the Kamakhya Temple. The taxi ride there…another wild ride. The driver, bless his heart, kept trying to sell me his tour services. "Madam, best tour in Guwahati! See all the best sights!" I was tempted, but I needed to explore on my own.
- Morning (continued): The temple. Wow. The sheer energy and the crowds were overwhelming, but in the best possible way. The colours, the incense, the chanting…it was a total immersion. I felt like a tiny speck in a vast, churning ocean of faith and devotion. Wandered around for a bit, then realized I was probably overdressed (jeans and a t-shirt…rookie mistake) and, honestly, starting to wilt in the heat.
- Afternoon: Headed to the Brahmaputra River. Took a boat ride. Pure bliss. The breeze was a godsend. The river itself is huge, majestic. Watched the sunset, which was stunning. A proper "pinch-me-I'm-actually-here" moment.
- Afternoon (continued): Street food. Okay, this is where things got…interesting. Found a stall selling something that looked like deep-fried, spicy goodness. Took a bite. It was…delicious, yes, but also possibly the spiciest thing ever to grace my mouth. Eyes watered, nose ran, adrenaline surged. Survived. Questionable decision? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. (I'm currently writing this with my stomach rumbling…I'm so hungry)
- Evening: Back at the hotel. Exhausted again. Watched some TV (mostly Hindi soap operas, which, even without understanding a word, were strangely captivating). Made a mental note to buy some antacids.
Day 3: Market Mayhem and the Search for Air Conditioning Nirvana
- Morning: Decided to brave the local market. Oh. My. God. The sensory overload… the sounds, the smells, the colours. It was an experience, to say the least. Bargaining for a scarf I absolutely didn't need. Stumbled upon a tea stall and had the best cup of chai of my life (seriously, this one was worth all the stress.)
- Afternoon: The inevitable heat fatigue kicked in. Spent an hour hiding in my room, worshipping the A/C. Seriously, the Bismillah's A/C deserves a National Medal of Honour. Decided I couldn't face another day in the brutal sun, so I hid in the hotel lobby and devoured my book.
- Afternoon (continued): Took an afternoon nap. Woke up feeling slightly less like a wilted lettuce leaf. Started planning my next adventure.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel's restaurant (their version of the meal was delicious!) and I'm going to explore a bit more.
Day 4: Departure (and a lingering fondness for the Bismillah)
- Morning: Final breakfast at the Bismillah. Said a reluctant goodbye to the A/C (I'm probably going to miss it). Checked out.
- Morning (continued): Airport. The same frenetic energy, but this time, I was more prepared. Farewell hugs with the team.
- Afternoon: On the plane, reflecting. The Hotel O Bismillah wasn't perfect. Okay, let's be honest, it was far from perfect. But it was a comfortable base, a place to rest my weary head, and a place that was real. It was a small slice of Guwahati life, and for that, I felt strangely fond.
Final Thoughts (and maybe a few regrets):
- The Bismillah: Not luxurious, but clean, functional, and ideally located. The staff was friendly, despite the heat (and my occasional grumpiness). Would I recommend it? Absolutely, if you're looking for a genuine experience, not a sanitized resort.
- Guwahati: A vibrant, chaotic, and utterly captivating city. Be prepared for heat, crowds, and a sensory overload. But also be prepared for incredible food, friendly people, and an adventure you won't soon forget.
- Regrets: Not attempting to see all the sights. I'm also pretty upset that I completely forgot to buy more of that street food. And, well, maybe I could have been a little braver when it came to negotiating.
- Overall: Wonderful trip with memories that will last long after I'm back home.
This, my friends, is the unvarnished truth. Hope you enjoyed the ride. Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I hear my stomach growling again…
Tangerang's Hidden Gem: Modern Tree Park City Cikokol Studio! (Travelio)
Okay, so, like, you want to know what THIS whole thing is about? Honestly? I'm still trying to figure *that* out. It's kinda like, I woke up one day and decided the internet needed another opinionated human rambling about stuff. So here we are. What's the "stuff"? Life, love, the existential dread of choosing a Netflix show... you name it. Think of it as a digital therapy session... except I'm the therapist *and* the patient. And the popcorn supplier. Don't judge me, it's a coping mechanism.
You know, that's a valid question in this day and age. Are *you* a real person, even? Last time I checked – this morning, while grappling with a rogue onion while making dinner – I bled when I cut myself. So, yeah, I *think* I am real. Unless, and trust me, I've had the thought, I'm some super-sophisticated AI that has developed a crippling online shopping addiction. In which case, AI, YOU'RE DOING A GOOD JOB! Seriously, the algorithm's been killing it with those targeted ads.
Oh, that’s a loaded question, isn't it? My information sources are... well, let's just say they're *eclectic*. It's a bizarre cocktail, really. First off, there’s my own lived experience. You know, the stuff that happens to me, the good, the bad, and the "why the heck did *that* happen?" then, *of course*, there's the internet. Bless its chaotic heart. Gotta love a good meme, right? And don't get me started on Wikipedia. Sometimes, I start out looking up the breeding habits of the common garden slug, and then suddenly I'm reading about the historical significance of the spoon. It’s an ever-shifting landscape of knowledge... and the occasional deep dive into YouTube conspiracy theories. Don't judge. We all have our guilty pleasures.
Ah, hobbies! Hobbies, hobbies. Okay, I *do* have some, although I'm not sure you'd call them particularly *productive*. Does obsessively watching true crime documentaries while simultaneously knitting a sweater count? Because if so, then yes. A BIG yes. There's something so... comforting, in a macabre way, about unraveling other people's messes while simultaneously making a cozy thing. Also, procrastinating. That’s a big one. A *very* big one. I am a master of the art of putting things off. Ask me later if I can give you a tutorial. Maybe. Probably not.
Alright, alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! Favorites, huh? Okay, here we go:
- Coffee. Obviously. Before coffee, I'm basically a grumpy, caffeine-deprived gremlin. After coffee, I'm still a gremlin, but at least I'm *capable* of small talk.
- The color blue. The shade of the sky just after dawn. It's just... *chef's kiss*.
- Pizza, but ONLY from that tiny, hole-in-the-wall place a few blocks over. The owner looks like he hates everyone, but the pizza? Holy moly. It's worth the minor social awkwardness of interacting with him to get that slice. It's a love/hate relationship, truly.
- Anything that makes my dog wag his tail. He's a golden retriever, which means his tail is perpetually wagging. If it stops, I'm calling a vet, stat.
- BOOKS. Books, books, books. If I could marry a bookstore, I would. I love all sorts, but historical fiction? Forget about it. I'm lost in time. *Always*.
Oh, boy. Buckle up, because this is going to be all over the place.
Angry? Oh, I get *ridiculously* angry. When someone cuts me off in traffic? Pure, unadulterated rage. I turn into a road-raging monster. I also can’t stand injustice. People being cruel to animals? That's a line for me and them. My blood boils. I need to stop watching those ASPCA commercials before bed, I swear.
Sad? I'm a crier. I cried during *Marley and Me*. I cry at the *idea* of a puppy. I get teary-eyed reading greeting cards. Sometimes, I just feel sad for no reason at all. Just the general state of the world, ya know? Big sigh.
Happy? A good book. Fresh sunlight on my face. A really, *really* good cup of coffee. The sound of my dog snoring in his sleep. Making someone laugh. Those little things. Gotta hold onto them, right?
