Oakland Plaza: Delhi's Hidden Gem? (Orion Hotels - Unbelievable Deals Inside!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. Because frankly, writing a "review" of Oakland Plaza in Delhi? Feels a bit like trying to herd cats. So, let's ditch the pretense and embrace the delicious messiness. Prepare for a ride, folks!
Oakland Plaza: Delhi’s Hidden Gem? (Orion Hotels - Unbelievable Deals Inside!) – The Unfiltered Truth (and Maybe a Few Rambles)
Right, so Orion Hotels. They’re yelling about "Unbelievable Deals." Alright, I'm in. Anything to escape the Delhi heat, right? Let's see if this "Hidden Gem" is actually hiding something special, or just, well, hiding.
(Accessibility: The Good, The Bad, and The Questionable)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is important, and frankly, I'm starting with it because it can be a headache.
- Wheelchair Accessible? Supposedly. But in Delhi, "accessible" can mean a ramp that's steeper than Mount Everest. They claim accessibility. Hopefully, it's not a death trap.
- Elevator: Thank God there's an elevator. My knees are not what they used to be.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: This needs serious investigation. I'm hoping they’ve actually considered the needs of people who use wheelchairs. Let's just say, Indian standards sometimes…vary. (Crossing fingers!)
(On-Site Accessible Restaurants/Lounges? Unclear. Gotta check that out. This is crucial.)
(Internet: The Lifeline (Hopefully Reliable!)
- Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! YES! Essential, especially for a digital nomad like me. This is fantastic. Also, is it truly free free, or the usual "free" that demands a sacrifice to a slow, lagging internet god? Let's find out.
- Internet [LAN]: For the Love of God, Why?! Who still uses LAN in 2024? Unless this is some ultra-secure, government-grade network, just stick with Wi-Fi, people.
- Internet Services: Fingers crossed.
- Wi-Fi in Public Areas: Crucial. I need my Instagram fix while pretending to be cultured in the lobby.
(Things to Do, Ways to Relax: The Promise of Bliss (and Maybe a Sauna That's Actually Hot!)
Alright, the fun stuff. This is what I really care about.
- Spa/Sauna: This is my litmus test for a hotel. I dream of it. I need it. (I'm already stressed, so let's hope this part is awesome.)
- Pool with View: Now we're talking! A rooftop pool overlooking Delhi? That could be magic. Or… overcrowded. Or both.
- Fitness Center: Gym/Fitness: Sigh. Gotta balance the spa indulgence somehow. This is a love-hate relationship. Let's hope it's at least air-conditioned.
- Massage, Steamroom, Foot bath: YES! Oh, YES!
- Body scrub, Body wrap: This is where they REALLY get my attention.
- Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: (Hope they don't skimp on the chlorine.)
(Cleanliness and Safety: Praying for Hygiene!)
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Sterilizing equipment, Hygiene certification, Staff trained in safety protocol: Okay, they're taking this seriously. I appreciate that. After living in Delhi, this is a must.
- Hand sanitizer: Definitely a good sign.
- Safe dining setup: Crucial. No Delhi belly, please.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Thank goodness.
(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure (or the Disappointment!)
- Restaurants, A la carte in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: I'm salivating already! And hoping the "International" cuisine isn't just a sad attempt at spaghetti.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Important.
- Bar, Happy hour: Essential. Particularly the "happy" part.
- Bottle of water: Please, for the love of all that is holy, give me bottled water. Delhi tap water… well, let’s just say I've had some adventures.
- Soup in restaurant, Salad in restaurant: Okay. I'm ready to eat my heart out!
- Alternative meal arrangement: Good for vegetarians!
(Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference (Or Drive You Crazy!)
- Air conditioning in public area: Essential. Delhi. Heat. Nuff said.
- Concierge, Doorman: Helpful. Especially when navigating the craziness of Delhi.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange, Safety deposit boxes: Very practical.
- Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Thank GOD. I'm a disaster.
- Luggage storage: Handy for early check-ins.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Business facilities, Meetings, Seminars: Not my thing, but good for the business travelers.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Tempting… or a tourist trap. I'll wait and see.
- Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests: Already noted.
- Food delivery: Great!
- Invoice provided: Good.
- Smoking area: Ugh. Hoping it's well away from the non-smoking areas.
- Terrace: Could be nice.
- Air conditioning in public area: Yes, please!
(For the Kids: (Not My Area of Expertise, but I'll Note it Because Apparently People Have Them!)
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Kids facilities: Not applicable for me, but good for the parents.
(Access, Safety and Security: Because Delhi, Right?)
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Very important. Safety first.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Express is good, private is better (less waiting).
- Pets allowed unavailable: Pets? No pets, damn.
- Proposal spot: Really? In Delhi? Okay, well, if you’re feeling romantic…
(Getting Around: Survival Tactics in Delhi!)
- Airport transfer: YES! Crucial. Traffic here is savage.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Free parking is always welcome.
- Taxi service: Essential.
- Bicycle parking: Cool.
(Available in All Rooms: The Nitty-Gritty)
- This is the meat of what matters: The bed, the shower, the internet
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathtub, Bathrobes, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]: This is what makes or breaks a stay. Good, reliable Wi-Fi, a comfy bed, a decent shower, and a fridge is the holy trinity.
- Additional toilet: Always a plus!
- Bathroom phone: Seriously?! Does anyone use that?
- Closet, Coffee/tea maker, In-room safe box, Linens, On-demand movies, Reading light, Scale, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Window that opens: The little things! And the window is crucial for fresh air.
Okay, I need to check my assumptions, do some deeper digging, and then report back. But for now…
My Potential Nightmare (but also potential AMAZING) Scenario:
I check in. The elevator creaks. The room is small, but the AC BLASTS. The bathroom is clean, but the water pressure is a trickle. The Wi-Fi is a freaking sloth. But then… I get to the spa. And it's HEAVEN. The pool has a view that actually makes my jaw drop. The food is exquisite, authentic, and doesn't make me run to the bathroom every five minutes. The staff is friendly, helpful, and actually cares. Then maybe, just maybe, that "Hidden Gem" talk is accurate.
**The Offer
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Water Villa Awaits in Harderwijk!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to delve into the glorious chaos that is my potential trip to The Oakland Plaza by Orion Hotels in New Delhi and NCR, India. Forget your pristine itineraries, this is the uncut version. Prepare for tangents, minor meltdowns, and the unvarnished truth.
The Oakland Plaza Debacle (and Maybe Triumph) – A Messy Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic (Plus, the Hotel Lobby)
- 8:00 AM: Wake up. Try to remember why I thought this trip was a good idea. Probably that Instagram influencer with the perfectly sculpted eyebrows and the impossibly photogenic chai latte. Curse her.
- 8:30 AM: Scramble to pack. Realize I’ve only packed socks, a swimsuit, and approximately six t-shirts with questionable slogans. This is going well.
- 10:00 AM: Airport! The smell of duty-free perfume hits me like a brick of rose-scented anxiety. Check in, security, the usual purgatory.
- 12:00 PM (ish): LAND! New Delhi. The air is thick, a delicious cocktail of exhaust fumes and…something else. I'm pretty sure it's adventure. Or maybe just Delhi belly waiting to happen. Either way, it's…different.
- 1:00 PM: Taxi chaos. Negotiating with a driver feels like a contact sport. Mentally preparing for a "tourist tax" situation. Praying for decent air conditioning. And no, I don't want to see your "cousin's shop."
- 2:30 PM: ARRIVE at The Oakland Plaza. WHOA. Okay, the lobby…is something. Maybe. It’s…grand. A little dated? Definitely not the minimalist haven the website promised. Big chandeliers, lots of gold, and a faint smell of… maybe sandalwood? Or maybe just time. Check-in is a thing. The guy at the desk seems nice, definitely not judging my slightly crumpled appearance (thank goodness).
- 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Room Exploration & Initial Freak Out! (aka Nap Time). Finally. My room. It's…okay. Slightly less grand than the lobby, but clean, and has AC that works. I immediately dive onto the bed and pass out for a ridiculously long nap. I think I dreamt of curry. A very vivid curry dream.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Okay, I'm revived. Time for a shower. Realize I forgot shampoo. Damn it! Okay, resort to hotel soap - it probably smells like flowers.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. This is where things could go VERY WRONG. I'm notoriously bad at ordering, and the menu is… vast. I’m going to try and branch out and pick something wildly different. And try not to panic when the waiter looks at me expectantly. Maybe order like three dishes, just for the sake of it?
- 9:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Bedtime Routine. Attempt to deal with jet lag. Consider taking a sleeping pill. Probably regret that decision. Read a book, or attempt to. The sounds of the city outside are a symphony of chaos. I'm loving it, in a way.
Day 2: Exploring! (Attempted)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Pray for a decent coffee and some fruit. Avoid the 'full English breakfast with a spicy twist' – tempting, but no.
- 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Attempt to explore. Start with a visit to India Gate. I'm picturing myself deep in reflective thought. Maybe with a dramatic scarf and dramatic glasses. Reality? Probably sweating, overwhelmed by the crowds, and desperately searching for a clean(ish) public restroom.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. This is where I'm going to try to "eat like a local". Street food? Risky. But… the smells are too good to resist. Wish me luck. And maybe buy some Pepto-Bismol beforehand, just in case.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Return to The Oakland Plaza. Nap. Need. It. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Relax and re-evaluate. Check the pool! Is it nice? Maybe take a swim. Maybe not. Depends on the chlorine levels and the general vibe.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner somewhere new. Finding a decent restaurant. Maybe a rooftop place, or a restaurant with a view. Or the hotel restaurant again, because I'm exhausted.
Day 3: The Fate of my Tastebuds
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast, the usual. Prepare myself for another day of chaotic wonder.
- 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: I'm going to be a tourist. Explore Old Delhi. I've heard the spice markets are amazing. But will I actually buy anything? Probably not. I'll be too overwhelmed.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch and a food "tour." I’m going all in. I'm going to stuff my face with everything. Samosas, Chole Bhature, whatever looks good. I have a feeling I’ll be waddling back to the hotel.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Regret setting myself up for potential stomach issues. Take a nap.
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Start packing. I'm usually terrible at packing. And I’m going to be forced to carry around all kinds of souvenirs.
- 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Last dinner at the hotel? Or attempt to find one more restaurant. I'm going to be sad about leaving. Kind of.
Day 4: Departure & Post-Trip Meltdown
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast. Say goodbye to The Oakland Plaza. It's been a wild ride.
- 9:00 AM: Check out. Taxi chaos (again). Airport rituals.
- 12:00 PM: Fly Home.
- 1:00 PM: Post-trip emotional breakdown. Realize I forgot to buy a single souvenir. Vow to return with the perfect itinerary next time. Probably.
The Curry Incident:
Okay, listen. One. Time. I got daring, and ordered a dish. It was spicy. I mean… spicy. My face was beet red, my eyes were watering. I actually cried a little. And yet, it was… delicious. I spent at least 15 minutes straight fanning myself with my napkin, while the waiter watched with a slight smile of amusement. I finished the entire dish. And then I had at least 3 glasses of water. This is the kind of trip I want to have.
Final Thoughts:
This entire trip is going to be a mix of wonder and pure, unadulterated chaos. I'm going to get lost, I'm going to eat things I regret. And I'm honestly going to love every minute of it (except maybe the jet lag). Wish me luck! And if you see a slightly disheveled person wandering around Delhi, looking completely lost, that’s probably me. Come say hello. And bring a water bottle. You'll need it.
Escape to Paradise: Le-Homestay 12 Awaits in Johor Bahru!
Oakland Plaza: Delhi's Hidden Gem? (Orion Hotels - Unbelievable Deals Inside!) - Let's Get Real, Folks.
Okay, Seriously – Is Oakland Plaza REALLY a "Hidden Gem"? I keep seeing that phrase thrown around...
Ugh, "hidden gem." That phrase is so overused, isn't it? But alright, alright, let's talk about Oakland Plaza. Look, it's not the Taj Mahal. It's not the Ritz. It's… Oakland Plaza. And honestly? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It's a **vibe**, and that vibe *definitely* changes depending on what *you* need from it. Last time I stayed there, I was on a shoestring budget and just needed a crash pad. Honestly, for the price? Gold! But if you're expecting luxury... keep dreaming. More on that later. But those “unbelievable deals” Orion Hotels boasts? Sometimes... believable. Sometimes... slightly stretching the truth. Be prepared to haggle!
And honestly? The "vibe" changes depending on WHAT *you* need. I once needed a place to crash after a disastrous date, and Oakland Plaza was perfect. Now, going back for a business trip? Perhaps not so much.
What's the location like? Is it actually "in Delhi"?
Yes, it's in Delhi. Sort of. Think of it like… imagine you're dropping a pin on a map of Delhi. Then, you zoom in, and it's like, *one of those backroads*, where the GPS *always* loses its mind. It's not in the heart of Connaught Place. You're not stumbling out the door and bumping into street performers. It’s more of a… well, you’ll probably need a tuk-tuk. Or maybe two. But listen, that’s part of the charm, right? It's where the *locals* are. Okay, maybe not, but it *feels* that way. It's definitely not the most glamorous part of town, but it’s *Delhi*. Stuff happens!
And hey, if you're feeling adventurous, you CAN walk. Just… bring comfortable shoes. And maybe a hazmat suit. (Kidding! Mostly.) But the proximity to public transport is a plus, if you can brave it.
Let's talk about those "Unbelievable Deals" with Orion Hotels. What's the REAL story? Is it all just a scam?
Okay, so the deals... They *can* be unbelievable. Emphasis on *can*. I once booked a room through them, and the price was *ridiculously* cheap. So cheap, in fact, that I was convinced I was going to walk into a roach motel. (Spoiler alert: No roaches! Mostly clean... I think.) But it wasn't a penthouse suite, let me tell you. It was… basic. Very basic. Think clean sheets, a working (sometimes) shower, and a TV that might, *maybe*, get one English channel. The key is to compare prices, and DO YOUR RESEARCH, people! Don’t just assume “Unbelievable Deals” equals a luxury vacation on the cheap. Haggle when you can. And read the fine print. ALWAYS read the fine print. Because there *will* be fine print. Probably.
And remember, the definition of "unbelievable" is subjective! One man's "unbelievable" is another man's "Meh." I'd say the deals are a *decent* value if you're flexible and not high-maintenance.
What's the ambiance like? Is it loud? Is there a lot of noise?
Oh honey, Delhi is NEVER quiet. NEVER. So, expect noise. Expect traffic. Expect the constant symphony of car horns, street vendors, and the occasional squawking bird that seems to have taken up residence in the air conditioning unit. It's Delhi. Embrace the chaos!
One time, I stayed there, and the room directly above me apparently had a family who were excellent at *loudly* moving furniture at 3 AM. It sounded like an elephant stampede. I should have complained, but honestly, I was too tired. So, yeah. Pack earplugs. They are your friends. Especially if you value sleep.
However, sometimes, the noise isn't a bad thing. It's the *sound of life*. It reminds you you are *in* it. And sometimes, after a long day of sightseeing, that loud life sound makes you sleep better. Or makes you want to scream. It's both!
The Rooms… Are they, you know, *clean*? Or should I pack hazmat gear? (Again, kidding... mostly.)
Okay, okay, let's talk cleanliness. This is where things get… variable. It's not the kind of place where you'd eat off the floor, but overall, it's usually… *okay*. I mean, they change the sheets. (Hopefully. I always check.) The bathrooms are usually… functional. Sometimes there's a mysterious stain on the wall. Just… avert your eyes.
I've had rooms that were sparkling, and I've had rooms that looked like they hadn't been properly cleaned since the British Raj. Seriously. It's a gamble.
But it also depends on *you*. Are you a germaphobe? Then Oakland Plaza probably isn't for you. Are you flexible? Then you'll probably be fine. Just pack some hand sanitizer and, you know, accept that it's not a five-star hotel. It's… Oakland Plaza.
What about the food? Is there a decent restaurant nearby? Or should I just stick to street food?
Okay, the food situation. This is where things get interesting, and by interesting I mean a bit of a hunt. There are restaurants, yes, but they're mostly… local. And by local, I mean, the kind of places where you probably won't see many other tourists.
Street food? Absolutely. Embrace it! Just be sensible. And maybe watch where the locals eat – they usually know what’s up.
Inside? The hotel itself… the dining options are usually fine for a quick bite. Don’t expect Michelin stars, but they’ll fill your stomach. And sometimes, that's all you need.
There are some hidden gems nearby, but you’ll have to ask around. Talk to the staff, ask the tuk-tuk drivers (tip them well!), they'll guide you.
The Staff – Are they helpful? Friendly? Or are they just… there?
The staff... now, that's a mixed bag. Some are incredibly helpful and friendly. Bend over backwards to help you. They smile. They remember your name. They offer you tea. They're wonderful! You want to leave them a huge tip.
Others… well, they’re… present. They’re doing their job. They’re not *unfriendly*, exactlyStay Mapped
The Oakland Plaza by Orion Hotels New Delhi and NCR India
The Oakland Plaza by Orion Hotels New Delhi and NCR India
