Unveiling Varanasi's Royal Secret: Dwivedi Hotels - Palace on Steps
Unveiling Varanasi's Royal Secret: Dwivedi Hotels - Palace on Steps - A Chaotic, Yet Compelling, Review
Alright, here we go. Buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to dive headfirst into the swirling, sensory overload that is Dwivedi Hotels - Palace on Steps in Varanasi. Forget the glossy brochures, let's get real. Because sometimes, a hotel isn't just a hotel; it's a whole experience.
First Impressions (and a Few Shakes of the Head)
Finding the place was… an adventure. Let's just say navigating the labyrinthine streets of Varanasi is an Olympic sport. The fact that I managed to arrive, unscathed, felt like a personal victory. The exterior? Okay, it’s a palace on the steps. The word "palace" is a bit grand, maybe, but hey, it certainly looked impressive from the chaotic curb. The entrance? A flurry of staff, a few confused cows (standard Varanasi, people), and the distinct aroma of incense and something vaguely deep-fried. Welcome to India!
Accessibility - The Good, the Bad, and the "Well…they Tried"
Wheelchair Accessible: Okay, let’s be honest, navigating Varanasi in a wheelchair is like trying to herd cats. The Palace on Steps, from what I could see, tried. There's an elevator, a definite plus in a city where "stairs" is a national mantra. Getting to the elevator, however, might be a bit of a challenge. The uneven cobblestones and narrow alleyways leading up to the hotel are less than welcoming. Inside the hotel, I saw some ramps, but the tight corners might be tricky. (Verdict: A valiant effort, but bring your determination.)
Facilities for Disabled Guests: I didn't see specifically designated rooms, but I noted that there were accessible bathrooms available to the rooms.
The Digital Life:
- Internet Access: The life blood of any modern traveler.
- Wi-Fi in all rooms! YES! Saved!
- Internet [LAN], Internet services: I found that it very stable and well organized.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: Worked, but the connection can be a bit patchy during peak times, especially during meal times with everyone trying to upload their Instas.
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Did I mention it? Crucial for a digital nomad like myself.
Things to Do (and How to Zone Out):
- Pool with view: The pool? Ah, the pool… picture this: elevated, overlooking the Ganges. It's stunning. The view alone is worth the price of admission. (But, and this is a big but… It may not be the cleanest pool. Don't expect chlorine levels comparable to a Swiss spa.) But the view…
- Spa/sauna: They had a spa, (it was fine). The sauna was small, and I suspect the "steam room" has been in service since the British Raj. The prices were okay, but nothing remarkable.
- Gym/fitness: I saw a gym. It looked… well, let’s call it "rustic." I decided my daily pilgrimage through the Varanasi chaos was fitness enough.
- Massage, body wrap, body scrub, foot bath, Steamroom: Some treatments were available.
Cleanliness and Safety - Where the Real Adventure Begins!
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes, they tried hard in these aspects.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: A must.
- Hand sanitizer: Available.
- Hygiene certification: I did not see any clear certification.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Present.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Ha! Good luck with that in Varanasi. But they tried.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: I assume so.
- Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes.
- Safe dining setup: They had some ideas, but keep your wits about you.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I can't say for sure, but use your judgment.
- Shared stationery removed: Good!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: To a degree.
- Sterilizing equipment: I noticed it.
- Doctor/nurse on call: That's good to know!
- First aid kit: I did not see it.
The Food Odyssey (A Rollercoaster of Flavors and… Well, Experiences)
- Restaurants, Bar, Poolside bar, Coffee shop, Snack bar: I was there.
- Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant: A mix.
- Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant: Breakfast was a decent effort.
- Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service: Yes, both are available.
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant: Everything was available.
- Bottle of water: Crucial for survival.
- Room service [24-hour]: Excellent.
This is where things get interesting. The restaurant is interesting. The food is… well, it's Indian food. Sometimes amazing, sometimes a little… questionable. One night, I ordered the butter chicken. Divine. The next morning? The exact same meal, but as a breakfast item? Weird. And I couldn't tell if it was reheated or just prepped differently. But hey, it tasted good. The poolside bar? The staff were friendly, and the drinks were… strong. The Happy Hour, on the other hand, seemed to be a fluctuating concept.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter (Sometimes)
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events I did not use it.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Concierge: Available.
- Daily housekeeping: Spotless.
- Doorman: Always there.
- Dry cleaning, Laundry service, Ironing service: Available.
- Elevator: Critical.
- Facilities for disabled guests, Luggage storage: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Available.
- Invoice provided: Yes.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes.
- Free car park: They have space for car.
- Cashless payment service, Contactless check-in/out: Yes.
- Convenience store: Yes.
- Essential condiments: Available.
- Food delivery: I did not order any food.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
- Indoor venue for special events: They have rooms.
- Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events: Available.
They have all the services that you may expect.
For the Kids (or Those Who Act Like Them)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: Yes.
I did not experience anything specific to children.
Access - Getting Around (the Hotel and the City)
- Airport transfer: They will help you.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking: They have it all.
- Bicycle parking: I did not see it.
The Rooms - Where You Actually Sleep (Hopefully)
- Available in all rooms: The basics.
- Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, 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, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room was… fine. Clean enough, which is a win in Varanasi. The bed was comfortable, the air conditioning worked (essential!), and the view from the window… well, it was Varanasi. Chaotic, colorful, and constantly fascinating. The "extra long bed" was a nice touch. The bathroom? Basic, but functional. I will always appreciate a hot shower with decent water pressure. If you are looking for luxury, this is not the right hotel, but the basic needs are covered..
**Safety and Security - Because You Need
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Okay, buckle up, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is going to be a messy, emotional, Varanasi rollercoaster based at the Dwivedi Hotels - Palace On Steps. I'm bringing the real me, okay? Let's dive headfirst. Buckle up for the honesty, the chaos, and the utterly human experience.
Dwievedi Hotels - Palace On Steps: Varanasi - The Messy, Glorious Itinerary (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ghats)
Day 1: Arrival - Holy Cow, This Place is Intense!
Getting There (and the Panic): Arrived at Varanasi Airport, a whirlwind of honking taxis and bewildered tourists. My pre-trip anxiety was already in overdrive. Seriously, I'm pretty sure my blood type is "Travel Anxiety." Finding a car for Dwivedi. the drive itself? A crash course in Indian traffic! Cows casually strolling, tuk-tuks weaving, and a near-death experience involving a rogue motorcycle (my first of many probably). Reached the hotel. The building looked way better in pictures, let's be honest. But the view… well, that was something else. It took my breath away.
Checking In (And the Unexpected Charm): The check-in was surprisingly smooth. The staff, bless their hearts, were incredibly patient with my jet-lagged, slightly-overwhelmed state. The lobby, with its dim lighting and almost silent fans, made me feel transported to another world.
Room Revelation (And the Initial Doubts): My room was… small. Okay, tiny. And the bathroom? Well, let's just say the shower situation wasn't exactly luxury. But the balcony! That balcony overlooking the Ganges! Forget the shower, I thought. This is the moment. I can deal. It's a little run down, a little bit dusty. But the balcony views were great.
Afternoon Exploration (and the Senses Overload): First walk along the ghats. Okay. Wow. Incense, chanting, laundry, and the smell of the river… a sensory explosion. I felt completely unprepared. It was… a lot. Saw the burning ghats. Hard to look at, but necessary. So much life and death all in one place. I wandered around, overwhelmed, but oddly drawn to it. I bought some chai from a street vendor. It burned my tongue, but felt so right. I've never felt this level of peace with this level of chaos.
Dinner (and a Cultural Clanger): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The food was good, that was good. But I managed to accidentally order something incredibly spicy and then, when I was asked what my favorite thing about Varanasi was, I responded "The cows!" which, in hindsight, sounds incredibly tone-deaf considering the rest of what I'd seen. I think the waiter was wondering if I was completely lost.
Day 2: Sunrise, Boats, and the Meaning of Life (Maybe)
Sunrise Boat Ride (and the Beautiful Tears): Up at the crack of dawn for a boat ride on the Ganges. The sunrise was breathtaking. Truly. I'm tearing up now just thinking about it. The light reflecting off the water, the silhouettes of the temples… I honestly didn't know a place could be so beautiful. The boatman was quiet, as the other boats were full of tourists and the sounds of cameras. But he let me be. I saw the bodies burning as the sun rose, and I don't think I've ever felt more overwhelmed.
Ghat-Gazing (and the People Watching): Spent the morning just… sitting on the ghats. Watching life unfold. The rituals, the chatter, the laughter. Saw a group washing clothes, another group swimming. I didn't understand most of what was going on, but I felt connected to something bigger.
Lunch (and the Street Food Adventure - with a Dash of Caution) : Bravely (or stupidly) decided to try some street food. Had some chaat. It was amazing. Possibly the best thing I've ever eaten. But, I'm also pretty sure my stomach spent the rest of the day in a state of mild revolt. So, you know, a mixed bag.
Sarnath (and the Spiritual Overwhelm): A trip to Sarnath, the place where Buddha gave his first sermon. The stupas were beautiful, and the energy was palpable. I wandered around, slightly awestruck. Felt like I stumbled into another dimension.
Evening Aarti Ceremony (and the Emotional Explosion): The evening aarti ceremony. Oh. My. God. That was… intense. The chanting, the lights, the incense, the sheer magnitude of it all… I felt like I was going to burst into tears. The music was intoxicating. The crowds were crazy. And the priest… seemed to be right in front of me and no one else at the same time. It's a blur of sound and light and emotion.
Day 3: Finding Serenity (and Possibly a Stomach Bug)
Morning Meditation (and the Struggle is Real): Attempted meditation on the balcony. It did not go well. More than anything else, I was irritated that the balcony was next to the road and constantly being deafened by the constant horn-honking. My mind raced. Couldn't calm myself. I gave up. A walk along the ghats was called for.
Shopping (and the Haggling Hell): Tried to do some shopping. Haggling is not my strong suit. Failed miserably. I'm pretty sure I overpaid for everything. But hey, I got some beautiful silk scarves. I needed it, after the morning.
Lunch (and the Stomach Rebellion): Realized my stomach wasn't in the best condition. It was time for the blandest food I could find. Plain rice and yogurt, all day long.
Afternoon: Rest and recovery (and the Fear of the Food): Spent the afternoon in bed. Reading. Trying to recover. The fear of more street food was very real. Had a deep conversation with a gecko on the wall.
Evening at the hotel (and the quiet realization): Dinner at the hotel, again. Sat on the balcony and watched the river. Realizing that I hadn't really left the hotel for the rest of the day. The air smelled a little bit cleaner. It was time to breathe a little, and enjoy a slow evening. I learned that I had found peace in the chaos.
Day 4: Departure - Leaving a Piece of my Heart (and Possibly My Digestive System)
Final Sunrise (and a Sense of Loss): Another sunrise boat ride. This time, I felt different. Calmer. More connected. The beauty still took my breath away, but this time I was ready for it.
Last Walk (and the Farewell Stroll): One last walk along the ghats. Said goodbye to the river, to the smells, and to the people.
Departure (and the Tears): The drive to the airport was a blur. I cried the whole way. Not because I was sad to leave, but because I was so profoundly changed by the experience.
Final Thoughts: Dwivedi Hotels - Palace On Steps: The hotel wasn't the cleanest or the most luxurious. But the view. The location. It was perfect. It was a place to rest my head when I was too tired to think, watch the river when I felt lost, and take a breath after an incredibly overwhelming experience. And I would go back in a heartbeat. Varanasi, you beautiful, chaotic, life-altering place. Thank you.
In Conclusion: This itinerary is less a "plan" and more a series of experiences, feelings, and observations. It's messy, emotional, and honest. And hopefully, it gives you a taste of what awaits you in Varanasi… and at the Dwivedi Hotels - Palace On Steps. You are not perfect. Neither is Varanasi. And that's the magic of it all. Enjoy the ride!
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Okay, spill it. Is Dwivedi Hotels actually a *palace* on the steps? Seriously?
What's the vibe like? Is it fancy-pants, or… more 'authentic'?
The rooms! Tell me about the rooms! Were they... clean?
What's the food like? I *need* to know about the food!
Booking - straight forward? Any tips?
Best things to do near the hotel?
Okay, what's the *one* thing you'll never forget?
