Vadodara's Luxurious Escape: Fortune Inn Promenade Hotel Review (ITC Group)
Okay, buckle up, Buttercup! Because you're about to get the real lowdown on Vadodara's Fortune Inn Promenade (ITC Group). Forget the glossy brochures, I'm talking warts and all experience, okay? I'm going in deep. This ain't your grandma's hotel review.
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Arrival and First Impressions – The "Oh Wow!" (and the "Hmm…")
First things first, getting to the Fortune Inn Promenade is a breeze. Accessibility: Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! The drive there, even with Vadodara traffic, was relatively smooth. Finding parking, a huge win, it's Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] so that's sorted. Valet parking: Yep, they got that too, which is great if you're feeling fancy (or just lazy, like me). Airport transfer: Yup, they offer that, which is incredibly convenient.
The lobby? Okay, initially, "Wow!" It's all polished floors, shimmering surfaces, and that vague smell of expensive air freshener (which, honestly, I kinda dig). The Front desk [24-hour] is a definite plus, especially if you're a night owl like me. Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Score. I opted for the express, because, let's be honest, who wants to talk about their day after a long journey?
But… and there's always a "but," isn't there? While the initial impression is swanky, I did notice a slightly… dated feel in certain areas. The furniture isn't crumbling, mind you, but it feels like it's seen a few decades of Vadodara life. That's not necessarily bad! Gives it character, right? Maybe?
Rooms – The Cozy Nest (and the Quirks)
Alright, the meat of the matter : the room. My room was a Non-smoking one. (Yay! No lingering smells of past smokers!) Air conditioning? Perfect. Blackout curtains? Glorious for sleeping in! Rooms sanitized between stays: Good on you, Fortune Inn, good on you.
The bed was… heavenly. Seriously. I practically melted into it. Extra long bed: Win! The linens felt luxurious. There was a Coffee/tea maker, which is essential for a caffeine addict like myself. Complimentary tea! Bless.
Things I loved: My room had a Window that opens! Actual fresh air! (So rare these days). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Important for me!). The In-room safe box made me feel like I was in a spy flick. Additional toilet was a good addition as well. Bathrobes, always a plus, and fluffy ones at that.
The quirks? Well… the bathroom phone felt a little… retro. And the shower pressure could have been a touch stronger, but it was adequate. Also, the bathroom lights aren't quite bright enough for those late night applications.
Cleanliness and Safety - The Sanitization Symphony
Okay, let's get real. This is important, especially these days. Cleanliness and safety: The Fortune Inn Promenade takes it seriously. Right from the start, I noticed the Hand sanitizer stations everywhere. Daily disinfection in common areas: Great to see. Staff trained in safety protocol: Check. Anti-viral cleaning products: Bingo. Seems like they were on top of things. Room sanitization opt-out available, but who would do that?.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Food Adventure (with some bumps)
Alright, food. Critical. Restaurants? They've got 'em! The A la carte in restaurant was great. Breakfast [buffet]: The breakfast buffet was… decent. Not the best I've ever had, but certainly not the worst. Some hot items could have been a little hotter. Good variety, though. They had the usual suspects: eggs, bacon, some Indian options (Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant), pastries, fruit. Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes! And the coffee was drinkable. Vegetarian restaurant? Several options were available, which is a must in India. Breakfast takeaway service: Okay. Room service [24-hour]: YES! Essential for those midnight cravings (and I had a few). Snack bar: Yep. Poolside bar: Could be better to be honest.
The real highlight? The service. The staff were genuinely friendly and helpful, always ready with a smile.
The Spa and Relaxation – The Pamper Zone (with a Pinch of Disappointment)
Okay, this is the tricky part. Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage were all available. They promised bliss. I envisioned myself practically dissolving into a cloud of relaxation. Reality? The spa itself was a little… underwhelming. The ambiance wasn't quite as zen as I'd hoped. And the massage, while not bad, wasn't the transcendent experience I was craving. I'd give it a solid "meh." Pool with view and the Swimming pool [outdoor] were nice, though. A decent way to chill out.
Things to Do and Ways to Relax – Beyond the Spa (and the occasional disappointment)
Okay, so the spa wasn't a total home run. But what else is there to do? Fitness center? Yup, they have one. I didn't go (shame), but it looked well-equipped. Gym/fitness: same as the above. Things to do: Well, Vadodara itself has plenty to offer; the hotel serves as a solid base for exploring.
Everything Else – The Bits and Bobs
- Services and conveniences: They offer pretty much everything you could need: Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Daily housekeeping, Concierge, Luggage storage, Cash withdrawal. Convenience store. Gift/souvenir shop.
- Business facilities: Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Indoor venue for special events, Wi-Fi for special events.
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal.
- Getting around: Airport transfer, Taxi service, Valet parking, and Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] are real advantages, especially in a bustling city.
Accessibility (Going back to the essentials)
I was happy to see that Facilities for disabled guests are available. Elevator access. CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property. They're not just saying the words, they're doing the work to be an accessible place.
The Verdict – Should You Book It?
Okay, so here's the truth: The Fortune Inn Promenade is a solid choice. It’s not perfect, it has its little quirks, but it’s a comfortable, convenient, and generally enjoyable place to stay.
Here’s my breakdown:
- Pros: The incredibly comfortable beds, the friendly staff, the solid location, the cleanliness, and the accessibility are huge wins.
- Cons: The slightly dated decor in some areas, the not-quite-amazing spa experience.
Who is this hotel for?
- Business travelers.
- Families (they have kid-friendly options).
- People looking for a comfortable and convenient stay in Vadodara.
- Those who prioritize accessibility.
My Final Grade: B+
The Big Kahuna Offer – The "Getaway Guru" Deal
Attention, Travel Junkies and Vadodara Adventurers!
Tired of the same old bland hotel experiences? Yearning for a taste of luxury, a splash of comfort, and a dash of Vadodara wonder?
Then listen up! Because Fortune Inn Promenade (ITC Group) is offering you the "Getaway Guru" Deal!
Book your stay at the Fortune Inn Promenade within the next 30 days and receive:
- A guaranteed upgrade (because you deserve it!).
- Complimentary breakfast for all guests (hello, delicious start to your day!).
- 15% off spa treatments (because you need a little pampering).
- A late check-out guaranteed (because who wants to rush?).
- Free Wi-Fi (essential for all those selfies and Instagram stories!).
But wait, there's more!
For the first 10 bookings, we're also throwing in a complimentary bottle of wine and a platter of local snacks to welcome you to Vadodara!
Why Choose Fortune Inn Promenade?
- Comfort and Convenience: Relax in luxurious rooms with all the modern amenities you could desire.
- Prime Location: Explore the vibrant city of Vadodara with ease
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your average, sterile itinerary. This is my itinerary. Welcome to the chaotic, slightly sweaty, and definitely opinionated journey through Fortune Inn Promenade, Vadodara. Hold onto your chapsticks, it's gonna be a ride.
Day 1: Arrival & The Great AC Gamble (And My First Butter Chicken Disaster!)
14:00 – Arrival & Check-in: (The AC Battle Begins!) Okay, so I arrive, slightly dishevelled, after a train journey that felt like an eternity. First impressions? The lobby looks swanky. Marble, shimmering lights, the whole shebang. But then the check-in guy, bless his heart, seems… overwhelmed. And the AC? Nonexistent. Seriously. Vadodara in June? This ain't a joke, folks. It's sweating-your-eyeballs-out territory. Begrudgingly, I ask if I'll be cool enough in my room. He assures me that it will be. Famous last words. I take a deep breath, and he hands me my room key and I start the trek to my room, lugging my suitcase through the heat in 30°C.
14:30 – Room Reconnaissance & AC Assessment: Okay, room: decent. Bed: looks comfy. AC: Yep, still a problem. I crank that thing up to Arctic Blast mode. After 15 minutes and it's still blowing warm air. I call the front desk… again. They promise to send someone. I take photos of the non-cooling.
15:00 – Lunch (And The Butter Chicken Incident): Okay, food. Crucial. I head to the in-house restaurant, hoping for a quick fix. I order Butter Chicken, because when in India, right? Wrong. This butter chicken, people, looked like soup, tasted like sadness, and left me feeling profoundly disappointed. It was a culinary crime. I took a photo of this sad, soggy meal and sulked. I also took the photo of the uncooled room. At least I have evidence.
16:00 - Poolside: (and the heat) - The pool is a godsend. I had to take a break from the heat. The water felt like a comforting bath, and I just chilled, letting the water be my sanctuary. The AC struggle and that butter chicken will need to be addressed later.
18:00 – The Front Desk Face-Off (Round 2): I'm back at the front desk ready to rant. They assure me the AC is now "magically" fixed. I take a deep breath. I'm just in my room again, and the struggle is real. The fight continues.
20:00 – Dinner: The Good News! I venture out to find some street food. This is my favourite!
Day 2: Exploring Vadodara & Dealing with the Heat (The Sequel!)
- 08:00 – Breakfast at the Hotel (Another Chance): Decent spread, even though I'm secretly still traumatized by the butter chicken. This time I tried fresh fruits and some idli-sambar.
- 09:00 – Visit to Laxmi Vilas Palace This place is HUGE. I mean palace-sized. Just wandering around made me feel like I was walking through history. The architecture is mind-blowing, and the gardens are gorgeous. So beautiful. I could get used to this royal life.
- 13:00 – Lunch: (The Redemption!) : I got really hungry so I went to a restaurant and saw it was crowded, so I walked away. I ended up grabbing a kebab, and ate it with pleasure. It was so good and fresh.
- 14:00 – Sleepy Afternoon: I am so exhausted that I slept.
- 15:00 - The Big AC Battle I am back in my room. They still haven't fixed it. I feel so angry because I am hot all day. I call the front desk and they can't help.
- 19:00 – Dinner & Evening Ambiance: I'm too tired to go out, so I decide to eat at the hotel restaurant. I order something simple, and the meal is surprisingly good. Maybe they've learned from the butter chicken incident. I also enjoy the ambiance. I love the soft music and the quiet.
Day 3: Farewell & Reflections (And a Final AC Judgement!)
- 08:00 – Breakfast & Last Breakfast: Another chance to get breakfast. I get a fresh juice and it's so good while listening to music.
- 09:00 – Final AC Assessment: Here we go, the ultimate test. The AC is still not fixed. I am so disappointed.
- 10:00 – Check-Out & Farewell: I check out, feeling a mixture of relief and disappointment. I wish the AC situation had been better. The staff was nice and helpful, but seriously folks, get that AC sorted!
- 11:00 – Souvenir Shopping: I decide to check if I can find some souvenirs. I go to this cool place and find many amazing items.
- 12:00 – Departure: Heading to the train station.
Final Thoughts:
Fortune Inn Promenade: A bit of a mixed bag. Great location, decent food (with some major hiccups), and… the AC. That AC. It's the defining character in this story. Would I stay again? Maybe. But next time, I'm bringing a portable air conditioner, a hazmat suit for the butter chicken, and possibly a restraining order against the heat. Vadodara, you're a challenge, but you're also beautiful. And I have the photos to prove it.
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Vadodara's Fortune Inn Promenade Hotel: A Messy, Honest, and Hilarious Look (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, spill the tea! Is this place *really* as fancy-schmancy as it looks?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups. "Fancy Schmancy" is a loaded term. Yeah, the lobby *is* impressive with those soaring ceilings and… well, I’m pretty sure I saw a chandelier that could pay my rent for a year. So, yes, there's a good dose of glitz, and enough polished marble to give you a headache. But did it feel *lived in* luxury, or more like a slightly dusty showroom? Honestly? A bit of both. Remember that feeling of walking into your rich aunt’s house, where you're scared to touch anything? That. But hey, I’m not complaining. I'm just saying, expect a dose of reality along with the glamour.
The rooms! Give me the lowdown on those bedrooms. Worth the price tag?
The rooms... Ah, the rooms! Okay, the bed. The bed was a dream. Actually, it was more of a cloud. I think I genuinely lost a few hours of my trip just flopped on that thing, contemplating the meaning of life and the optimal pillow arrangement. The bathroom, though? Well, it *looked* fancy. But let's just say, the water pressure was a tad… enthusiastic. Like, I almost took off my face with the showerhead on full blast. And the toiletries? Nice, but I’m pretty sure I've used better shampoo at a budget hostel. So, worth the price? Depends. If you're obsessed with a killer bed, maybe. If you need a spa-like bathroom experience, lower your expectations a notch or two.
Let's talk food. The restaurants! Did they live up to the "ITC Group" hype?
Food, glorious food! Right, the restaurants. Okay, here's the deal. I tried the buffet – because, come on, it's a hotel buffet! The Indian food? Ace. Butter chicken that made me weep (with joy, obviously). The international stuff? A mixed bag. The pasta was… well, it was pasta. The desserts? Let's just say I may or may not have had three slices of a chocolate cake that was basically a hug in a slice. So, yes, plenty of options. Did it *blow me away*? Not entirely. Was it delicious and satisfying and worth the price, and then some? Absolutely. Expect a food coma. Embrace it.
The service! Was the staff helpful, or did you feel like you were invisible?
Oh, the service. Okay, this is where things got… interesting. Generally, the staff were lovely - genuinely friendly and trying their best. There was this one waiter in the restaurant, bless him, who kept calling me "sir" even though I'm clearly not. It was endearing, and I didn’t correct him. He genuinely tried to make my breakfast experience perfect, which, let's be honest, it wasn't always. But he *tried*. There were moments where I felt like they were a bit swamped, which did lead to some delays. Getting a simple coffee at times felt like launching a space mission. But overall, the service was good, warm, and they were very polite.
The pool? Gym? Any other hotel amenities worth mentioning (or avoiding)?
The amenities… the pool looked inviting, but did I swim in it? Nope. I'm one of those people who always *intends* to use the pool and then gets sidetracked by the aforementioned amazing bed. The gym, though? I did a quick peek. Looked well-equipped, but I'm not sure I felt like sweating it out in a hotel gym. I’m on vacation, people! There's also the spa. I didn't go, but based on the general level of fanciness, I'm guessing it's probably worth it. If you're into that kind of thing.
The location! Is the hotel conveniently located for exploring Vadodara?
Location, location, location! Actually, yes, the hotel is pretty well-situated to get around. It's not smack-bang in the *middle* of absolutely everything, but it's easy enough to get cabs or auto-rickshaws to the main sights. It's a great base for exploring the city… if you can ever drag yourself away from the hotel bed.
Okay, the BIG question: Would you stay there again?
Would I stay again? Hmm. That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? Despite the (minor) imperfections, the somewhat enthusiastic water pressure, and the occasional service hiccup, I probably would. The butter chicken alone is almost worth the price of admission. It's a solid choice if you want a comfortable, relatively luxurious stay with a touch of that "ITC Group" vibe. Plus, that bed. Seriously, that bed. Consider this my enthusiastic, if slightly rambling and honest, recommendation. Go. Devour that butter chicken. And maybe pack your own shampoo. You won't regret it… probably.
Let's talk about the lobby and public areas… Did they feel stuffy or welcoming?
Okay, the lobby. It’s a statement. Think giant chandeliers, marble floors so shiny you could see your reflection, and enough space to hold a small concert. My initial reaction? Woah. That's definitely the feeling that hits you. Then the little voice in my head saying “don’t cough or you'll break something.” The staff were all impeccably dressed, which added to the formal feel. So, stuffy? Maybe a *little*. Welcoming? Well, they were very polite. It's a delicate balance. I’d prefer something slightly less formal and more… *lived-in*. Something that allowed me to casually stroll in with bed head and not worry. But the design is definitely impressive!
What about the overall vibe? Did it feel like a relaxing escape, or more like a business hotel?
Vibe check! I’d say it's *trying* to be relaxing, but leans slightly more towards the business traveler sideStay Finder Blogs
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