Unbelievable Puri Getaway: Goroomgo Hotel Swargadwar Review (You Won't Believe #3!)
Unbelievable Puri Getaway: Goroomgo Hotel Swargadwar Review (You Won't Believe #3!) - My Chaotic Puri Pilgrimage!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly sunburnt truth about my recent Puri adventure, courtesy of the Goroomgo Hotel Swargadwar. And let me tell you, it was a journey. (And not always a smooth one, mind you.)
First things first: the SEO stuff (I guess?): Puri, Hotel, Swargadwar, Goroomgo, Beach, Accommodation, Odisha, India, Travel, Review, Puri Beach, Affordable, Budget. Got it? Good. Now, let’s get messy!
Arrival: (Slightly) Shaky Ground
So, I was buzzing (mostly from the pre-trip coffee) to get to Puri. The drive? Oh, the drive. Let’s just say my GPS and I developed a very complicated relationship. Finding the Goroomgo Hotel Swargadwar itself wasn’t exactly a walk on the beach. (And believe me, I walked on plenty of beach later.) Accessibility seemed okay – the front entrance had a ramp, which was a good start. The Elevator? Worked. (Phew!)
First Impressions: Cleanliness and Safety… Mostly…
Stepping into the lobby, the Air conditioning hit me like a cool, blessed relief from the Puri heat. The Front desk [24-hour] staff were friendly enough. They offered me a bottle of water. And from what I saw, the whole place seemed relatively Cleanliness and safety conscious. There were signs about Hygiene certification, and I spotted ample Hand sanitizer stations. They also have First aid kit available which is a big plus. My room? Well, let’s just say it had that “just-cleaned-but-still-somehow-feels-like-an-Indian-hotel” vibe. But hey, the essentials were there. Air conditioning blasting, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (thank god!), and a surprisingly comfy bed. The Rooms sanitized between stays so that's a plus! Regarding COVID-19:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed like it, though I didn't witness the whole process
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nope.
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it, but hard to say for sure.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: They looked clean, anyway.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Not really enforced.
- Safe dining setup: Pretty decent.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Not always, but some were.
The Room: My Humble Puri Abode
Okay, the room. It wasn't the Taj Mahal, but it was functional. Air conditioning was a lifesaver. The Bathroom felt a little… basic. But hey, hot water! The Blackout curtains were a definite plus for sleeping off the midday heat. I will also give it to them on Free bottled water, so I could stay hydrated.
Let's highlight the Available in all rooms stuff: Air conditioning (Essential!), Alarm clock (Didn't use), Bathrobes (Nope. Not fancy), Bathroom phone (Seriously?), Bathtub (No), Blackout curtains (Yes, thank you!), Carpeting (Present and accounted for), Closet, Coffee/tea maker (yay!), Complimentary tea (Didn't try), Daily housekeeping (Spotty, but present), Desk (Yes!), Extra long bed (Thankfully), Free bottled water (Yes!), Hair dryer (Yep!), High floor (Nope), In-room safe box (Didn't see it, didn't need it), Interconnecting room(s) available (Maybe? Didn't need 'em), Internet access – LAN (Probably, but I just used Wi-Fi), Internet access – wireless (Yes!), Ironing facilities (Meh. Did my best!), Laptop workspace (Sort of), Linens (Cleanish), Mini bar (Nope), Mirror (Definitely), Non-smoking (Thank god), On-demand movies (No idea), Private bathroom (Yes!), Reading light (Yup), Refrigerator (Yes!), Satellite/cable channels (Yes!), Scale (Nope, thankfully!), Seating area (Kinda), Separate shower/bathtub (Only a shower), Shower (Yes), Slippers (Nope), Smoke detector (Hopefully!), Socket near the bed (Yes!), Sofa (If you count the bed!), Soundproofing (Ha! Not really), Telephone (Didn't use), Toiletries (Basic), Towels (Yes!), Umbrella (Nope), Visual alarm (Don't know), Wake-up service (Didn't try), Wi-Fi [free] (Yes!), Window that opens (Yes!).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Puri Pilgrimage
Okay, the food. This is where things got… interesting. The Restaurant at Goroomgo was decent. Asian breakfast was available every day. They have A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet] which in general was pretty good, with a vast variety of dishes.I had a glorious plate of upma the first day. The Coffee shop served… well, coffee. The Poolside bar? Non-existent. Unfortunately, after ordering from their Room service [24-hour] service, I had to wait for around 45 minutes, and although the food tasted nice it wasn't warm. I did not have any desserts in the restaurant, so I can't tell about it. The Snack bar was my saviour a couple of times!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Possible, if you asked.
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Definitely!
- Bar: There was one, but the atmosphere felt a little… muted.
- Bottle of water: Always available.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Decent, but not mind-blowing.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Available.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Basic options.
- Poolside bar: Technically, there was a bar, but it wasn't happening poolside.
- Restaurants: Adequate.
- Room service [24-hour]: Could be a bit hit-or-miss.
- Salad in restaurant: Yes.
- Snack bar: Helpful.
- Soup in restaurant: Yes.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Some options for vegetarians.
- Western breakfast: Present, but not amazing.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Basic choices.
Things to Do (or Not Do): Relaxation and Recreation
Okay, so the Goroomgo Hotel Swargadwar is not exactly a resort. But it's a good base of operations. It had an Swimming pool (small, but refreshing after a day on the beach). Didn't get around to the Gym/fitness, Spa (none), or the Sauna (same). In Short, there were Ways to relax, but not many of them.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
They offer some of the standard stuff. The concierge was helpful when they were around. Daily housekeeping (see above). They had Cash withdrawal, a Convenience store, and Elevator. The Laundry service came in handy. There's also a Luggage storage option. Car park [free of charge] was also an appreciable benefit.
Getting Around: Puri’s Chaotic Symphony
Getting around Puri is an experience. The Taxi service was available, but negotiating prices can be a sport. There was a Car park [on-site] which was good, but I didn't see a lot of other options.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
Honestly, I didn't notice much in the way of Kids facilities or Babysitting service. So not sure what it's like.
Accessibility - A Quick Look
The Facilities for disabled guests were present: Facilities for disabled guests seem to be adequate. The Elevator was functional and, in general, accessibility was decent.
My Emotional Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, the Goroomgo Hotel Swargadwar isn't luxury. But it’s a solid, affordable option in a chaotic, beautiful city. The location is good, near Swargadwar Beach. The staff were friendly, the room was okay, and the food was… edible. Yes, there were some imperfections. I wouldn't say it's
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because planning this Puri adventure has been… well, let's just say it's been a journey. And not always in a good way. Here's (what’s left of) my itinerary for Goroomgo Hotel Srikhetra Swargadwar, Puri, India. Prepare yourselves, because this is going to be less "polished travel blog" and more "slightly frantic diary entry."
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand Jagannath Temple – A Sensory Overload (and a near-religious experience)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Arrive in Bhubaneswar. The airport… let’s just say it could use a facelift. But hey, at least there wasn't a goat blocking the exit, like I read about in some forum. (Fingers crossed for the return flight!) Take a pre-booked taxi. The driver, bless his cotton socks, seemed to think my request for "a gentle ride" was a personal affront. We weaved through the chaotic traffic like a seasoned snake charmer. My internal monologue was a symphony of "HOLD ON, HOLD ON, OH GOD, WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE."
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM): Check into Goroomgo Hotel Srikhetra Swargadwar. Decent air-con, good value, no bed bugs… so far, so good. After the driving experience, any place to sit down was a good place to sit down. The hotel is pretty basic but felt clean. The staff are friendly, if a little… eager. Felt like they were practically begging me to book a tour. I resisted. Independence! Plus, I'm not exactly a morning person, and the early tours seemed… well, early.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Quick bite at a small restaurant (not the hotel restaurant – that’s for later). Some delicious (and suspiciously cheap) seafood at a small restaurant recommended by the hotel. Delicious, yes. Cleanliness… questionable. I’m operating under the "eat now, deal with the repercussions later" philosophy.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): The Jagannath Temple. Okay, people, prepare yourselves. This is not your average temple visit. This is a spiritual assault. First, the sheer size of the complex is mind-boggling. Then, the crowds. The noise. The colours. Vendors trying to sell you everything from garlands to holy water. My senses were screaming. But then… then I saw the deities. The painted wooden figures of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. They are… arresting. I couldn't take my eyes from the deities. The colours, smells, and the chants… it was overwhelming, but in the best possible way. I'm not even religious, but I felt something… something real. Actually, I might have gotten a little teary. Don't judge me.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Wander the streets. Found some little shops selling beautiful handicrafts. Spent way too much money on some embroidered cushion covers. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Ordered the thali. Big mistake. Or maybe not? It was a food rollercoaster; some components delightful, others… less so. But hey, it's all part of the experience, right? The staff were overly attentive, which turned into a bit of a comedy act. I think they were trying to figure out where I was from. My accent, I guess.
- Night (9:00 PM): Exhausted but exhilarated. Crash in bed. Managed to swat a mosquito. Victory!
Day 2: Puri Beach, Street Food, and a Deep Dive (into… the sea?)
- Morning (8:00 AM): The hotel breakfast wasn't that good, so I skipped it. Ate some biscuits I found.
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Puri Beach! Glorious, sandy, and teeming with people. The waves are a little rough, but this is still an exciting beach. The vendors hawking everything from coconuts to cheap jewellery are relentless. I bought a rather gaudy seashell necklace ("Perfect for the beach!" the guy said, with a wink). Found a rickshaw driver to take some photos of me.
- Lunch (1:00 PM): Street food extravaganza! Puri has some amazing street food, if you're brave enough. (Okay, maybe more than a little brave). Went to a busy stall and ordered… everything. Puris, aloo dum, jalebis. My stomach is currently staging a protest, but it was all so delicious!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM): The beach again, but this time, I actually went in the water. I'm not the best swimmer, let's just say. The waves were kind of crazy, and I had to be pulled out by a lifeguard at one point (mortified, thank you very much). Note to self: learn to swim before my next beach trip.
- Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Explored a nearby market area. Found a tailor who could do a quick fix on my bag. Found some lovely silk scarves that I didn't need, but bought anyway.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a different restaurant, recommended by a local. Delicious fish curry. This time, I'm reasonably sure I won't be sick.
- Night (9:00 PM): Packing to leave tomorrow. I’m actually sad to leave. Puri has… got under my skin. Maybe it's the temple's energy, maybe it's the food (and the potential for intestinal distress), or maybe it's just the sheer chaos of it all. Whatever it is, I've had an unforgettable time, mess and all.
Day 3: Departure
- Morning (9:00 AM): Last-minute souvenir shopping. More embroidered cushion covers, because, why not?
- Mid-morning (11:00 AM): Check out of the Goroomgo Hotel Srikhetra Swargadwar. Said goodbye to the friendly (and slightly over-eager) staff.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Another quick and delicious but perhaps ill-advised street food lunch.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM): Taxi to the airport. Praying for a smooth journey.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Fly back. I'm leaving Puri tired, slightly sunburnt, possibly with a delicate stomach situation, but also full of memories, and a strange urge to book another trip.
Post-Trip Reflections:
Okay, Puri. You've been… intense. You've been beautiful. You've been slightly terrifying. You've tested me. I would 100% go back. Maybe with more antacids. And definitely a swimming lesson.
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Unbelievable Puri Getaway: Goroomgo Hotel Swargadwar Review - The (Un)Official FAQ
Because seriously, you *need* to know.
Okay, spill the beans. Was Goroomgo Swargadwar actually... Swargadwar-y? Like, heaven-gate-ish?
Hah! That's a *fantastic* question, and honestly... depends on your definition of heaven. Think less pearly gates and harp music, more… a bit of a gritty, salt-tinged reality. The location? On the *beach*. Like, practically *in* the sand, which is both amazing and also means you're battling sand everywhere. Everywhere. My toothbrush? Sandy. My laptop? Sandy. Me? Sandy. So, Swargadwar-y? Kinda, in the sense that the view of the sea at sunrise nearly moved me to actual, for-real tears. But the rest – you'll see.
The Room... Was it clean? I'm a bit of a germaphobe. And I've heard *things* about Puri hotels...
Alright, buckle up, germaphobes. Okay, look, let's be real. It wasn't sparkling, okay? It wasn't like, "hospital clean." There were, and I'm choosing my words carefully, *indicators of previous occupancy*. A stray hair here, a slightly questionable stain there... you know the drill. I brought my own sanitizing wipes, and bless those little things because I *used* them. But then, the *bed*. Oh, the bed was… surprisingly comfortable. I’m not even joking! I slept like a log despite everything! So, the short answer? Manageable. Bring your Clorox. And maybe, just maybe, a sleep mask to block out any lingering… *visions*.
What about the food? Was it edible? Did it make you sick? Tell me everything!
The food... Oh boy, the food. Breakfast was included! And I'm gonna be honest, I ate the heck out of it! It wasn’t haute cuisine, mind you. Think basic, but filling. The puri-aloo was decent, the paratha just passable, and the coffee? Well, the coffee was... *bold*. Like, "slap you awake and make you question your life choices" bold. But hey, it got the job done. I ventured out to local restaurants for other meals. I'm happy to report, I survived without any serious tummy troubles! The seafood? Divine! Fresh from the sea. Just be cautious about the street food. My rule of thumb? If it looks incredibly delicious and slightly terrifying, proceed with caution. (I totally still tried it, though, against every fiber of my being that’s a germaphobe).
The Staff! Were they friendly? Helpful? Or did they disappear the moment you needed something?
The staff were... a mixed bag, honestly. Some were genuinely lovely and went out of their way to help. One guy, I swear, saw me looking lost trying to figure out the AC remote (it was a battle, I tell you!), and just *materialized* to help me. Hero! Others... seemed to embrace the "Puri Time" philosophy, which means things operate at their own, very relaxed pace. Asking for a towel? Might take a while. Need something sorted urgently? Good luck. But, overall, they were well-meaning and tried their best. Just remember to pack your patience, my friend. And maybe learn some basic Hindi! It helps.
The Beach! Everyone raves about Puri beach. Did it live up to the hype?
The beach... *sigh*. Okay, the beach. Yes. A thousand times yes. It's gorgeous. The vastness of the ocean! The waves crashing! The sun setting over the sea! Magical. But, and there's always a but, isn't there? It's also crowded. *Really* crowded. Especially during peak season. And there are persistent vendors. So, you're trying to soak in the beauty, but someone is always trying to sell you something. I swear, one guy followed me for a solid twenty minutes trying to get me to buy a seashell necklace. Eventually, I caved. It was kinda pretty, though. But yeah, beach – beautiful, chaotic. Worth it, but be prepared. The sunrise? Unforgettable. I stood there, watching the golden light turn the ocean to fire, and I almost forgot about the sand in my shoes. Almost.
Okay, the big question: Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Honestly? ...Yes. Against my better judgment, and despite all the sand, the questionable stains, and the coffee that could wake the dead... yes, I would. Why? The view. That incredible, soul-cleansing view. The location. The salty air whipping through your hair. And, I'm a sucker for a bargain. It's not perfect, far from it. But it's an experience. It's Puri. It's real. And sometimes, real is exactly what you need. Plus, I felt like I was participating in an adventure! A gritty, slightly smelly, yet utterly captivating adventure. So, yeah. I’d probably go back. But I'm bringing more wipes. And maybe a filter for that coffee. And earplugs. And… okay, I'm rambling. Yes. I would. Just... be prepared. You've been warned.
Any tips for surviving... I mean, *thriving* at Goroomgo Swargadwar?
Oh, honey, absolutely! Here’s the survival guide, straight from the trenches:
- **Embrace the Sand:** It’s inevitable. It's everywhere. Surrender to it. Accept it as part of the Puri experience.
- **Pack Wipes:** Seriously. All kinds of wipes. For everything.
- **Learn Basic Hindi:** It helps. A lot.
- **Be Prepared to Haggle:** For everything. Except maybe life and death situations. (Though, honestly, you might need to haggle for *that*, too).
- **Don't Expect Perfection:** Manage your expectations. This isn't a luxury resort. It's an adventure.
- **Get Up for Sunrise:** Trust me. It’s worth it. Even if you have to wrestle the bedsheets off you to get out of the door.
- **Take Chances (Food-Wise):** within reason. Live a little!
- **Bring an External Battery Pack:** Because your phone's going to die from taking a zillion photos of the beach.
- **Be Patient:** Puri Time is real. Accept it. Breathe.Globe Stay FinderGoroomgo Hotel Srikhetra Swargadwar Puri India
Goroomgo Hotel Srikhetra Swargadwar Puri India
