Westend Inn: Delhi & NCR's Hidden Gem? Unbelievable Deals Inside!
Westend Inn: Delhi & NCR's "Hidden Gem"? More Like a Glorious, Slightly Flawed, and Utterly Intriguing Treasure Hunt! (A Rant-Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’ve just emerged, blinking and slightly dazed, from the… experience that is the Westend Inn. "Hidden Gem"? They’re not wrong. It's hidden alright, tucked away like a well-guarded secret, but the "gem" part? Well, let's just say it sparkles… sometimes.
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- Keywords: Westend Inn, Delhi, NCR, Hotel Review, Hidden Gem, Deals, Accessibility, Spa, Swimming Pool, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, COVID-19, Family Friendly, Business Travel, Luxury, Budget, Value, Service, Experience.
- Meta Description: A brutally honest and hilariously detailed review of the Westend Inn in Delhi & NCR. We delve into the good, the bad, and the utterly bewildering aspects of this so-called "hidden gem," including its accessibility, dining, cleanliness, and overall experience. Find out if it's worth your stay!
First Impressions & the "Hidden" Part (Accessibility & Getting There):
Finding the Westend Inn felt less like arriving at a hotel and more like participating in a scavenger hunt. The directions were… "suggestive," shall we say. Google Maps led me through a labyrinth of narrow lanes, dodging rogue rickshaws and the occasional oblivious cow. (India, folks, embrace the chaos!)
Accessibility: The website promised "Facilities for disabled guests." Great! But once I got there, I found that while the lobby was accessible (thankfully!), navigating the hallways and some of the amenities felt like a moderately challenging obstacle course. The elevator? Thankfully operational, but the button panel felt decidedly pre-historic. I'm giving them points for trying, but there's definitely room for improvement in this area. The parking was pretty good, though – free and on-site, which is a HUGE win in Delhi.
Getting Around: Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service were readily available. Airport transfer offered, which I’d highly recommend. Seriously, after that drive… shudders…
The Room: Sanctuary or Slight Sanctuary? (Rooms & Amenities):
My room… well, it was a room. Air conditioning? Check. A bed? Check. Free Wi-Fi? Double check! They even had, bless their hearts, a complimentary bottle of water. Luxury.
Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Window that opens.
The Imperfection: The bathroom… was a little… intimate. Maybe a tad too cozy for my liking. And the water pressure in the shower? Let's just say a gentle rain shower can sometimes be too gentle.
My first impression was 'Well, it's a room, and it's clean. That's what I need'
Food Glorious Food… and the Occasional Confusion (Dining, Drinking & Snacking):
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The Westend Inn has a lot of food options. And I mean a LOT.
Restaurants: Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
The Good: The breakfast buffet was actually pretty decent, a solid spread of Indian and Western options. The coffee? Surprisingly good, something I desperately needed after my chaotic arrival. The poolside bar was a definite plus (more on that later).
The Quirks: The menu in the main restaurant was… extensive. Like, pages and pages of choices. It felt slightly overwhelming. And ordering room service at 3 AM? Let's just say the language barrier created a memorable experience. I ended up with a plate of… something… that resembled a hybrid of a quesadilla and a samosa. Edible, but not what I ordered. (I think).
The Pool and the Spa: Bliss or Bafflement? (Ways to Relax & Things to Do):
This is where Westend Inn really shines… with a few caveats.
Pool with a View: The outdoor pool was a sanctuary. A real gem! Perfectly clear water, a gorgeous view, and surprisingly serene. I spent a delightful afternoon there, sipping a cocktail from the poolside bar (the bartenders were absolute legends). Ahhh, bliss.
The Spa: Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Massage. The spa, however, was a slightly… different experience. The decor felt a little dated, and the music was… let's just say it wasn't exactly conducive to relaxation. The massage itself? Competent, if a little forceful. (I think my masseuse secretly moonlighted as a professional weightlifter).
I actually wound up getting a body scrub and body wrap as well, and I can say, despite the weird, clinical feel of the whole thing, I actually felt good afterwards.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitized Sanity? (Cleanliness & Safety):
In these post-pandemic times, cleanliness is paramount. And Westend Inn… they’re trying.
Cleanliness & Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Smoke alarms.
The Reality: The lobby, the restaurants, and my room felt clean. I saw staff diligently cleaning surfaces. The presence of hand sanitizer stations everywhere was reassuring. However, a few minor details hinted at… shortcuts. A slightly dusty corner here, a slightly smudged mirror there. But overall, they're doing a good job.
Services and Conveniences: The Helpful, the Haphazard, and the… Shrining? (Services & Conveniences):
Services and conveniences: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center,
The Weird and Wonderful: The concierge was incredibly helpful, answering my (many) questions with grace and a smile. Dry cleaning and laundry? Efficient. And then… I stumbled upon a shrine! Seriously. A small, beautifully decorated shrine in the lobby! Completely unexpected. Absolutely delightful.
For the Kids: Family Friendliness… Or Not? (For the Kids):
- For the kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal,
I didn't have kids with me, but I did see some families. Seems kid-friendly but not overly so.
The Verdict: A Flawed Gem, Worth Grabbing… (Maybe):
So, is the Westend Inn a “hidden gem”? Well, yes… and no. It definitely has its flaws. The slightly haphazard service, the occasional confusion, the slightly dated decor… But it also has a charm. The wonderful pool, the surprisingly good food (mostly!), the friendly staff, and the sheer unexpectedness of the place make it an experience.
Would I go back? Absolutely. Especially if I needed a quick escape and wanted a good pool day. I’d go prepared for a few bumps in the road, and I'd embrace the chaos. Because, let’s be honest, that’s part of the fun! It's a glorious, imperfect, and utterly memorable experience. Just be prepared to bring your sense of humor and your sense of adventure.
Ibis Hotel Novena: Unbeatable Singapore Stay!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glorious, chaotic mess that is a week in and around the Westend Inn, Delhi. Forget picture-perfect brochures – this is the real deal, warts and all.
Day 1: Delhi, You Beautiful Beast! (And My Stomach is Already a Nervous Wreck)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport. Okay, so I thought I had the hang of airport logistics. Wrong. Passport control was a glacial dance of bureaucracy, and finding my pre-booked taxi felt akin to surviving a scavenger hunt in a minefield. Shoutout to the taxi driver, whose name I think was Rajeev, who navigated Delhi traffic like a caffeinated god of chaos. His honking symphony was a welcome to Delhi, I'll tell you that much.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Check into Westend Inn. Honestly, the hotel itself is…fine. Clean enough, air conditioning whirring like a dying robot, and the staff are relentlessly polite. I immediately made a beeline for the wifi – gotta let the world know I'm still alive! I'm not even sure if I've really seen Delhi yet, and already I'm feeling the weight of a thousand years of history pressing down on me. And the jet lag? Don't even ask.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): The hotel "restaurant." I bravely ordered something that looked safe – vegetable biryani. Let's just say it was a flavor explosion, but maybe not in the way I'd hoped. My stomach has already given me the side-eye, which likely means I will be relying on imodium for the rest of the trip.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): A tentative foray into the Connaught Place madness. It's a total sensory overload. Bright colours, hawkers shouting, the constant beep-beep-beep of auto-rickshaws. Saw a woman wearing a sari the colour of molten gold. Briefly considered trying to buy it, but I was too overwhelmed to even remember my small talk phrases. Ended up getting a rather persistent street vendor trying to sell me "authentic" pashmina scarves. I ran away.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Attempted to visit India Gate. Realized the heat and jet lag were a brutal combo. Didn't even make it halfway before I felt the need to retreat and regroup. Had a small, overpriced cup of mango juice from a roadside vendor. It was a delicious, sticky, sweet testament to Indian summer.
- Dinner (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back at the hotel, feeling defeated. Ordered room service (safer, right?). Another biryani, this time with a stern warning to the chef to go easy on the spices.
Day 2: Red Fort, and a Moment of True Indian Magic (and Spicy Regret)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Red Fort! Finally. Took an Uber (thank goodness for Uber!), which was a harrowing but convenient experience. The fort itself is magnificent. Absolutely. Breathtaking. Makes you understand why folks conquer nations. I wandered around, eyes wide, pretending to understand the history. Actually, it was more like a blur of red sandstone, bustling crowds, and the overwhelming feeling of existing in a place built by Empires.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): After the Red Fort, I got a recommendation from a local to try a "hole-in-the-wall" place, called "Karim's" in Old Delhi. I had to try. My stomach started its nervous rumble again, but I pressed on. The food? OH. MY. GOD. I had korma and some amazing naan. Everything was divine. It was a religious experience, even amidst the chaos of that area. I also got some sort of meat dish that I can't pronounce, but which was clearly simmered, saucy, and heavenly. This is the moment I knew I was in India.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): The rickshaw disaster! That was when the wheels completely fell off plan. I got a rickshaw from Karim's intending to go to Jama Masjid. I don't know if the rickshaw man was deaf, or maybe the rickshaws don't go to Jama Masjid. We seemed to be going in circles… or maybe the rickshaw driver was just leading me on a sightseeing tour of more obscure parts of Old Delhi. As we went, I saw a woman, with a perfect, full orange-coloured saree, who gracefully glided around the crowds of the Old Delhi – she was so beautiful, I couldn't help but stare. I managed to enjoy it, once I had accepted that I wasn't going anywhere. I might have paid him too much at the end.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Jama Masjid. Another glorious mosque, but it had been so long with the rickshaw and Karim's and the heat, I could barely stand. I was not feeling so good with all the food. I felt bad. I had to quickly retreat for the day and start my stomach-soothing exercises.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Back at the hotel. The regret from Karim's hits. Big time. Pepto-Bismol is my new best friend.
- Dinner (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Bland rice and water. Send help.
Day 3: Taj Mahal (Sort Of, Through Someone Else's Pics), and a Failed Shopping Spree
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): The Taj Mahal. I am not going. I feel awful. I didn't even have the energy to look at the photos of those who did. I stayed in bed.
- Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Still in bed. Watched a Bollywood movie on TV. Couldn't understand a word, but the dancing was impressive.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): The hotel brought me soup, which was pretty bland.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Determined to be productive, I hopped into a cab to Khan Market, a trendy shopping district. I lasted about an hour before getting swallowed by the crowds and defeated by the lack of AC. Ended up buying a ridiculously impractical silk scarf for my sister (who, knowing her, will probably hate it).
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Back to the hotel… defeated. Tried to arrange a massage, but the spa was booked. Oh well.
- Dinner (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): The hotel again - the soup situation was not worth repeating. I ordered what the hotel's owner had recommended before, something called "butter chicken". I wonder if I can actually survive this trip.
Day 4: Day Trip to Agra (The Taj Mahal!) – Or The Day I Was Almost Murdered by a Rickshaw
- Morning (5:00 AM - 8:00 AM): The Taj Mahal. For real this time! Woke up early and had a driver take me to Agra. The drive was long and slightly terrifying (Indian highways are not for the faint of heart). But the Taj Mahal? Oh. My. God. Photos do NOT do it justice. It's ethereal. It's magical. It's like the most beautiful thing you've ever seen, but somehow also makes you feel profoundly insignificant. This is a true wonder of the world.
- Mid-Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Spent hours staring at the Taj Mahal, taking a thousand pictures, attempting to capture its beauty (failed). Wandered around the grounds, soaking it all in (and trying not to get jostled by the relentless selfie-takers).
- Late Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Ate a quick and reasonably safe lunch in Agra.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Agra Fort. It's another impressive fort. I was still awestruck by the Taj Mahal, so it was slightly underwhelming.
- Late Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): The return drive. Slightly less terrifying, but the traffic was still mind-numbingly awful.
- Dinner (8:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Back at the hotel, exhausted but exhilarated. Butter chicken again, comfort food.
Day 5 – 7: Delhi Days (and the inevitable stomach dramas)
- These few days are a blur
Okay, spill it. What *is* Westend Inn, actually? Is it a secret society? A cult? Just... a hotel?
"Unbelievable deals"? What's the catch? Is there even one? Because I'm expecting to find a cockroach and maybe an ancient Egyptian curse.
So, the location… is it *that* bad? Like, am I going to get lost in a maze of auto-rickshaws and never seen again?
What kind of people stay at Westend Inn? Is it all budget backpackers and shady business types?
Tell me about the rooms. Are we talking prison cell or cozy nest here?
Food! What about the food? I'm a foodie, so...
Service? Is the staff helpful, or am I on my own?
Okay, you've got me intrigued. But what’s the best thing about Westend Inn, the absolute *best* reason to go?
