Is there going to be a loud party when I am staying at your hotel or resort?

 

This is probably the first and most important question that needs an answer, documented in writing, before even thinking of making a reservation. The second question which I am adding after an experience at a property owned by one of India's biggest hotel chains is - do you have silent generators or what?


We are on a bit of a West Coast of India drive as I type this. Highways are mostly brilliant, except ghat sections which have borne the brunt of higher traffic and stronger monsoons, and toll booths which are a disgrace to everything we stand for in India in context with cleanliness and good behaviour. Toll booths will be a separate article, post, essay - on how the typical behaviour especially towards those without FasTags continues to be that of extortion based collections. 


Almost all hotels in India make a sizeable part of their revenue out of functions of all sorts. From early morning through till pre-dawn, and so be it, which is probably why room rates and breakfast are so pleasantly priced at most highway hotels. I am at 50 dollars per couple per room night including breakfast and secure parking at a hotel which is much better than anything I would pay 200 to 300 dollars per room night off-highway in the Umrika or the Yurrup. And cleanliness of rooms as well as public spaces in our hotels is way way better.


That includes, especially, toilets. Especially in Peninsular India and North East India. Dosa at 60/- rupees, coffee at 20/- rupees and room nights at 1000/- rupees, great. Clean toilets - brilliant. Sure, bring your own soap and shampoo as well as tooth brush or buy them from the little shop just outside the main entrance.


But will there be a loud party at night? Usually, yes, and also at lunch-time and a boisterous conference or seminar during the day.


In such cases, there are rooms and parts of the hotel which are furthest away, and you should ask for these when doing your reservations. "Click and book" is something which works in favour of the hotel, or the booking engine, but not the customer!







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