Varanasi's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Hotel Near New Temples!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into Varanasi’s Hidden Gem: Luxurious Hotel Near New Temples! This isn't just a review, this is a therapy session, a love letter, and a cautionary tale all rolled into one. Ready? Let's go.
First Impressions: The Holy Chaos, Meet Serene Sanctuary
Varanasi. Oh, Varanasi. The city of a thousand gods (and probably a million honking tuk-tuks). The air is thick with incense, the Ganga whispers secrets, and the general vibe? Well, it’s… intense. Finding a luxurious haven amidst this glorious chaos? That, my friends, is the holy grail. And that’s where this hotel, this "Hidden Gem," comes in.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, let's be real. Varanasi isn't exactly built for perfect accessibility. I've seen cobblestone streets that'd make a mountain goat weep. But for the hotel itself? They've really tried. Wheelchair accessible areas are clearly marked and thoughtfully designed (thank you, thank you!), which is a HUGE plus. Elevator? Check. Ramp access? Check. They're not claiming perfection – and let’s face it, navigating Varanasi is a workout – but they get a gold star for effort.
The Digital Den and Keeping in Touch (or Not):
Internet? A necessity in this digital age, right? They’ve got you covered. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah. Internet [LAN] for those of us who still cling to the cable. The Internet services themselves are pretty solid; no buffering nightmares during that crucial Zoom call (yes, I did have one). Plus, Wi-Fi in public areas means you can actually work in the lobby if you're that kind of masochist.
Food glorious food. Or, the tale of my overindulgent buffet…
Alright, let's talk about the food. Because, let's be honest, that's where the real joy (and potential regret) lies in any hotel stay.
The restaurants! They've got a decent spread. A la carte in restaurant, so you can be fancy. Breakfast [buffet], because, well, buffet. The Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant is available, and the Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant are available, too. I had the buffet in restaurant one morning. I swear I ate my weight in aloo paratha. It was a culinary crime of passion. They had a Coffee shop for your caffeine fix, and the Happy hour at the bar was… well, happy. Plus, there's the Poolside bar for those sunset cocktails.
My only regret? I didn't give the Vegetarian restaurant a proper go. Next time!
Room Service Blues (and Bliss):
Room service [24-hour]? Bless their hearts. One night, after a particularly soul-stirring (and dusty) day exploring the ghats, I ordered everything. I'm talking samosas, butter chicken, the works. The food arrived promptly, hot, and perfectly satisfying. A definite win. The Breakfast in room was also an indulgence worth every penny.
Cleanliness and Safety: Breathe Easy (and Maybe Carry Hand Sanitizer Anyway)
Okay, in a place like Varanasi, where the dust seems to settle on everything, cleanliness is paramount. And I'd say this hotel takes it seriously. Daily disinfection in common areas. Rooms sanitized between stays. They have Anti-viral cleaning products (a must these days). Hand sanitizer everywhere. And a Doctor/nurse on call, just in case I manage to break into a temple and fall or something.
The Spa and Swimming: Pure. Bliss. (Mostly.)
This is where it gets good, people. This is where the "Hidden Gem" truly shines.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Gorgeous. A pool with a view. I spent hours here, just floating and staring at the sky. The water was clean, the sun was warm, and my worries drifted away like tiny, inconsequential clouds.
- Spa: Okay, let's talk spa. It’s pure indulgence. Massage. The Sauna! I'm a sauna fiend, and this one was top-notch. A Body scrub and a Body wrap? Yes, please. Foot bath. The Spa/sauna combo is a dream. I felt like a new person afterwards.
Ways to Relax (and Get Fit…ish)
- Fitness center: I tried to go. Briefly. Let's just say my idea of "fitness" sometimes involves more cocktails than treadmills. But the equipment looked new and shiny, and if you're actually disciplined, you'll love it.
- Gym/fitness, I didn't know it was so much like it.
**For the Kids **
- Babysitting service: They've got you covered.
- Family/child friendly: Mostly.
- Kids facilities: There seem to be some, but I was too busy in the spa to actually use them.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Almost)
- Concierge: They're amazing. Helpful, knowledgeable, and always willing to go the extra mile.
- Cash withdrawal. Check.
- Currency exchange. Check.
- Laundry service & Dry cleaning. Check, check.
- Daily housekeeping. They were relentless, in the best possible way. Rooms were always spotless.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Safety deposit boxes. Always a good idea.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Because, souvenirs.
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Parking in Varanasi is a test of patience, so this is a massive plus.
- Air conditioning in public area. Thank god.
- Elevator.
- Smoking area.
- Bicycle parking.
The Rooms: My Cozy Coccon (or, What to Expect)
Okay, the rooms. They're lovely. Seriously.
- Air conditioning: Essential. The battle against the Varanasi heat is a long one.
- Free bottled water. Nice touch.
- Bathrobes. Luxury.
- Bathtub. Soak away your worries.
- Coffee/tea maker. Yes!
- Desk & Laptop workspace. If you have to work (but really, why would you?)
- High floor. Get a good view.
- In-room safe box. Never hurts.
- Mini bar. Dangerous, but tempting.
A Few Minor Quirks (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- The occasional power outage (hey, it's India!). But usually, the backup generator kicks in pretty fast.
- The internet, while good, can sometimes be a little spotty.
- The price. It's not cheap. But you're paying for the sanctuary.
Getting Around: Navigating the Maze
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Taxi service.
- Car park [on-site]
Things to Do: Beyond the Hotel Walls
Okay, the hotel is great, but you’re in Varanasi! You need to explore.
- Shrine. Right next to the New Temples.
- Terrace.
- Outdoor venue for special events.
The Verdict: Book It. Seriously.
Look, Varanasi can be overwhelming. It's a sensory overload, a spiritual awakening, and a logistical challenge all rolled into one. But this hotel? This "Hidden Gem"? It’s a sanctuary. It's a place to recharge, to pamper yourself, and to experience the madness of Varanasi from a place of blissful comfort.
My Emotional Reaction:
I'm honestly still dreaming of that rooftop pool. And the spa, oh the spa! I left feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and ready to face the world (and the chaotic charm of Varanasi) all over again.
Final Pitch:
Stop searching for a hotel, start searching for an experience!
Varanasi's Hidden Gem: Luxurious Hotel Near New Temples! Isn’t just a place to sleep; it’s a gateway to the soul of Varanasi, all while offering a sanctuary of comfort, luxury, and unparalleled service.
What Makes Us Unique?
- Prime Location: Steps away from the newly constructed, awe-inspiring temples.
- Unrivaled Comfort: Lavish rooms, spa experiences, and a pool view that will take your breath away.
- Unforgettable Dining: From the mouthwatering Asian cuisine to the exquisite Western breakfasts, we deliver culinary excellence that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Safety and Cleanliness: We're dedicated to providing a safe and secure environment, with stringent protocols in place for your peace of mind.
Don't Just Visit Varanasi, Experience it in Style!
Book Now and Enjoy:
- Exclusive discounts
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your glossy brochure itinerary. This is the real, sweaty, samosa-crumb-covered truth about trying to survive (and hopefully, thrive!) in Varanasi while based at the Hotel New Temples Town. Consider this a pre-flight warning – things will go off the rails. Gloriously, wonderfully off the rails.
Varanasi: Unfiltered & Unpleasant (Sometimes), But Always Unforgettable. A Human's Guide.
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Gateway to Hell, They Call It)
- 6:00 AM: Landed in Varanasi. Or rather, gently bounced onto the runway, as if the plane was as used to the potholes as the rickshaws. The heat slams you. It’s the kind of heat that makes you question your life choices.
- 7:00 AM: Pre-booked (foolishly) airport taxi. The driver, a wizened old chap with a handlebar mustache that could rival a walrus, drove at what I suspect was the speed of a particularly determined sloth. We had a crash course in Indian driving as he navigated the chaos with unnerving ease. "Welcome to Varanasi, Madam," he grunted, as if personally responsible for the city's beautiful, cacophonous madness.
- 8:00 AM: Arrive at Hotel New Temples Town. Let's be honest, "Town" is a generous term. It’s more like a (relatively) clean oasis, hidden from the frenzied reality outside, offering a refuge from the chaos; This place is a labyrinth, so much so that I nearly got lost within the lobby trying to find reception.
- 8:30 AM: Check-in. The reception staff, bless their hearts, looked perpetually bewildered. Paperwork, forms, rupees… I mumbled something about requesting a quiet room, fully knowing I’d likely be serenaded by the call to prayer and the incessant honking of auto-rickshaws.
- 9:00 AM: The room. Okay, it’s passable. The air conditioning is questionable, the "hot" water decidedly tepid, and a stray cockroach scuttled across the floor, already judging me. I promptly burst into tears of laughter, the result of all this excitement!
- 10:00 AM: A first attempt at a shower. Failed miserably. Ended up wet, sticky, and contemplating the meaning of life. Why did I come here? Why did I think this was a good idea?
- 11:00 AM: Forced myself to venture out. The streets hit you like a physical sensation, and for those who are not familiar to the city it can be a bit overwhelming.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a (highly rated) local cafe. Got violently ill from the food, and spent the next two hours huddled on the toilet. The food was so good, the price was even better, but my stomach had other plans.
- 2:00 PM: Still recovering. The existential dread intensifies.
- 3:00 PM: The first of many frantic calls to the hotel staff, begging for a doctor (or at least, some activated charcoal).
- 4:00 PM: The hotel staff, bless them, delivers a warm cup of what is probably an herbal tea. I give it a try and slowly began to feel better.
- 5:00 PM: I decided a sit down at the window would do just fine, with a beautiful view.
- 6:00 PM: I fell asleep, and woke up at 9pm.
Day 2: The Ghats & The Gut-Wrenching Truth
- 8:00 AM: Woke up feeling slightly better. This is progress! Armed myself with Immodium and a healthy dose of skepticism.
- 9:00 AM: Decided I would attempt to explore the famous ghats.
- 10:00 AM: Found a boat tour to the ghats. The tour guide, a young man with a mischievous glint in his eye, pointed out the burning ghats, where bodies are cremated constantly. Let’s just say the experience was… intense. It’s a stark, and I felt an unexpected wave of sadness, followed by an overwhelming sense of the raw, undeniable truth of life and death.
- 12:00 PM: Found a place that served the best food I had eaten in my life. The vendor's charm and kindness was a complete contrast from the hectic journey!
- 1:00 PM: Decided I needed to escape the heat.
- 2:00 PM: Lunch at a cafe with AC. It was a blissful, short relief. The taste of the food was like a warm hug.
- 3:00 PM: Wandered aimlessly, stumbled upon a small temple filled with vibrant colors and the scent of incense, where I spent a moment of introspection, and then realized the beauty in being lost in the cultural maze.
- 4:00 PM: Found a store with beautiful scarves. I found myself spending hours in the store, picking the best designs and colours.
- 6:00 PM: Back to the ghats, now the sun was setting, and so many devotees were going in the waters. The sounds of the bells and the prayers gave a strong sense of peace, and a reminder of inner beauty that resides inside us.
- 8:00 PM: Decided to find some food, which was a bit challenging.
- 9:00 PM: Found some snacks, and went straight to sleep.
Day 3: The Varanasi Hustle & Spiritual Overload
- 7:00 AM: Woke up… surprisingly refreshed? The magic of Varanasi, perhaps? Or maybe just the sheer exhaustion finally caught up.
- 8:00 AM: Decided I would visit the famous Dasaswamedh Ghat, one of the most religiously significant places in the city.
- 9:00 AM: Arrived at the Ghat, and was immediately swept up in the hustle and bustle. Guides, people selling flowers, beggars… It was a sensory overload.
- 9:00 PM: The Ganga Aarti. The elaborate and spiritual performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, and I found myself weeping again. The power of this city is unreal.
- 10:00 PM: Found a quiet moment of peace.
Day 4: Departure (and a promise to return)
- 7:00 AM: Woke up feeling a strange mix of relief and sadness. Relief that I was leaving, sadness that I was leaving a place that had utterly consumed me.
- 8:00 AM: Checked out, paid the bill – which was surprisingly affordable, all things considered. Gave a generous tip to the perpetually bewildered reception staff, just because.
- 9:00 AM: The airport taxi (different driver this time, thank God!) took off at a pace that might qualify as "almost normal".
- 10:00 AM: At the airport, waiting for my flight, I find myself staring at a photo on my phone, and wondering how in the world I would return to normal life.
- 11:00 AM: The flight is called. I'm leaving Varanasi. But something tells me… I'll be back. Because as much as Varanasi kicks you in the teeth, it also fills you with a kind of life force you won't find anywhere else.
Final Thoughts:
Varanasi will break you. It will confuse you. It will make you laugh, cry, and question everything you thought you knew. But it will also show you something raw, something real, something… beautiful. And that, my friends, is worth the trip (and the occasional bout of food poisoning). Go prepared, go open-minded and go ready to be completely, and utterly, changed. And maybe pack extra Immodium. You’ll need it.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Starway Hotel Jinzhong!
Varanasi's Secret Sanctuary: FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You NEED Answers)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this actually a *luxurious* hotel, or is it just fancy-ish? I've been burned before.
Oh, honey, I get it. My expectations are always sky-high, and Varanasi doesn't always deliver. This place? Surprisingly, yes. LUXURIOUS. Think plush linens that make you want to weep with happiness, a bathroom bigger than my first apartment (complete with a rain shower I could have lived in), and service that's actually attentive, not just "pretending to be." I walked in fully expecting some slightly dusty, dimly lit "luxury," but I was genuinely floored. It's not the Burj Khalifa, mind you, it has charm, not blatant, showy opulence, *thankfully*!
Anecdote time: The first time I saw my room, I literally gasped. Like a proper, full-lung gasp. I almost started crying – not because I'm dramatic, but from pure, unadulterated relief. I'd spent three days on a train before this, and I was *not* feeling glamorous. This hotel was pure catharsis. And hey, they have really good AC! Seriously a godsend in Varanasi.
"Near New Temples"? What does *that* even mean? Like, walking distance? Is it noisy with all the prayers and whatnot?
Okay, so "near" is a relative term in Varanasi. Walking distance? Maybe, if you’re the athletic type and don't mind the chaos of the streets. Figure a short auto-rickshaw ride, or a leisurely cycle rickshaw. The new temples are on the *outskirts*, let’s be honest; not the heart of the action, which is *good* if you’re like me and need a little quiet time.
Noise? Yes, there's *always* noise in Varanasi. It’s the soundtrack to life! HOWEVER, the hotel itself? Pretty darn well soundproofed. I'm a light sleeper, and I slept like a baby. I heard distant chanting and the occasional horn, but nothing that kept me awake. The real test, though, was the early morning *aarti* (prayer ceremony). I was braced for a sonic boom, but it was a gentle, echoing wake-up call, not a blaring assault. Beautiful actually. Although, the occasional wedding celebration *can* get a bit rowdy -- be warned!
Look, it's Varanasi. You WILL hear things. Embrace it. You're not going for silence. Just make sure the hotel is, ideally, quieter than a thousand firecrackers going off at once, and this place delivers.
What's the food like? I'm a picky eater. And is it safe?
The food...oh, the food. It was *divine*. I'm not exaggerating. They offered everything from traditional Indian dishes (the *palak paneer* was heavenly!) to more international fare, so even the pickiest eater could find something. (I judge a place on its *dal makhani*!). The presentation was gorgeous, the flavors were vibrant, and I felt completely safe eating there. Seriously, I had zero tummy troubles, which is a massive win in India.
I actually had a little food-related drama. I'm a staunch vegetarian. I ordered something lovely for lunch, and they brought me, by mistake, a dish with chicken. I was livid! (I was hangry!) But the staff? They were so apologetic, so understanding, and they went above and beyond to fix it. They even gave me a complimentary dessert to soothe my ruffled feathers. It’s those kinds of moments that make or break a place, and they *nailed* it. They really understand the importance of customer service in a country where people already understand the concept of *"Atithi Devo Bhava"*.
Is the food safe? Totally. You can tell they use good quality ingredients. And the hygiene level is excellent.
Tell me about the staff! Are they friendly? Helpful? Do they *actually* speak English?
The staff! Okay, prepare to be charmed. Seriously. They were some of the friendliest, most helpful, and genuinely kind people I've ever encountered in the hospitality industry. And yes, most of them spoke excellent English. No struggling to communicate your needs, no awkward misunderstandings. They were always smiling, always willing to go the extra mile, and they remembered my name after the first day!
I developed this weird obsession with trying all the different teas. (Don’t judge!). The staff, bless their hearts, indulged me. Every morning, they'd bring me a fresh selection of teas to try, explaining the different flavors and origins. It was like having my own personal tea sommelier! It was *those* little touches that made the whole experience so special. One day I even caught one of them trying to decipher my awful handwriting! They helped me with currency conversions, gave me killer sight-seeing tips, and were even very thoughtful about my laundry. Bless them all! Honestly, I left feeling like I'd made friends.
What's the vibe? Is it a romantic getaway place? Party central? Or something in between?
It's definitely not party central, thank goodness! Think more relaxing retreat than raging nightclub. It has a quiet elegance, a sense of peace and calm. Definitely romantic, the perfect place to chill out, to relax, and, of course, a great place to go meditate. But then again, you could be a solo traveler and still enjoy yourself. The hotel's central courtyard oozes serenity. You could be drinking tea and reading a book. Or just staring at the plants (the hotel had gorgeous plants for some reason).
I think a couple enjoying themselves at the hotel would agree that it’s a great spot for a romantic getaway, because although quiet, the hotel is within convenient distance to the life and colour of Varanasi. But you don’t have to be in a couple to appreciate the romance! I spent a few blissful evenings just sitting on my balcony, watching the sunset, and letting my worries melt away. Bliss. I highly reccomend those balconies!
So... what *didn't* you like? Because nothing's perfect.
Okay, okay, you got me. Nothing is perfect, and even paradise has a couple of quirks. The location, while quiet, is a bit out of the main action. So, be prepared to use auto-rickshaws or taxis. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something to be aware of. And the WiFi? It could be a bit spotty at times. Fine for general browsing and emails, not so great for streaming movies. But honestly, that's kind of a blessing in disguise, right? You're supposed to be unplugging!
I found it a little too *pristine*, at times. There were these perfectly manicured lawns and everything just felt so...orderly. A little bit too much. I guess that's just me. I thrive in chaos, you know? Sometimes I just wanted to kick off my shoes and get a little messy. But, that’s just a personal preference. The hotel is flawless in every other way. Overall? Definitely a very minor quibble in what was otherwise a phenomenal stay.Infinity Inns
