Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ushodaya Royal Residency in Thiruvananthapuram!
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ushodaya Royal Residency in Thiruvananthapuram!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average hotel review. Forget polished brochures and robotic descriptions. We're diving headfirst into the Ushodaya Royal Residency in Thiruvananthapuram, and I'm about to spill the tea (literally and figuratively). This is going to be… a journey.
First Impressions: Arrival and the "Oh My God, This Is Gorgeous" Moment
Getting to the Ushodaya was surprisingly easy. Airport transfer smooth as silk – no chaotic tuk-tuk haggling, thank heavens! (A huge win for a frazzled traveler like me.) The accessibility thing is a big deal for me, as I have a friend with mobility issues, so I was keen to check that the elevator worked which it did! and the facilities for disabled guests were, well, actually there. Not just a box-ticking exercise. We're talking ramps, wider doorways, the whole shebang. Good stuff.
Now, the real "WOW" moment? The lobby. Seriously, it's like walking into a Bollywood movie set. Lush, opulent, with a scent that feels like a hug. The front desk [24-hour] staff were genuinely friendly, not just trained to smile. Check-in/out [express] was a breeze, which is always a bonus, especially when you're itching to dump your luggage and explore – which I was.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (and the Blackout Curtain Victory)
Okay, the rooms. Let's get real. I'm a sucker for a good hotel room. And Ushodaya delivered. I'm talking air conditioning so powerful it could freeze a polar bear, an extra long bed, and those glorious blackout curtains. Seriously! The most important feature right there. Sleep is sacred. I'm also thrilled about the Wi-Fi [free] (and the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! advertised), because, let's face it, we live in the digital age, and being disconnected is a dealbreaker. I tested the Internet access – wireless and yes, it worked! Then, I found the desk because I need a space to write, while my friend needed the laptop workspace because we are workaholics.
I'll admit it – I'm a fan of the little luxuries. The bathrobes, the fluffy towels, the slippers. And, oh glory be, a proper hairdryer. The complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker were a godsend in the mornings. The bathroom! Clean, well-lit, with a separate shower/bathtub. Bliss. They also had a private bathroom which is a must and I loved the mirror. I immediately turned on the wake-up service which was a delight! The mini bar also was useful, it was very convenient ! The satellite/cable channels were fine, but honestly, who has time for telly when you're in paradise. The safe box was also a must to keep all our valuables safe.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure (and Safe)
Listen. The pandemic has changed the game. I’m not going anywhere that doesn’t take cleanliness seriously. And Ushodaya? They get it. I mean, the anti-viral cleaning products were a nice touch. The rooms sanitized between stays, the daily disinfection in common areas, the hand sanitizer readily available – it all adds up to peace of mind. Seeing staff trained in safety protocol was reassuring and I also asked about how they handle room sanitization opt-out available, just to be absolutely sure.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Perspective
Okay, food. This is where hotels can really shine or… fall flat. Ushodaya? They shone. The breakfast [buffet] was a magnificent spread. A proper Asian breakfast, Western options, (and I actually went for the Asian cuisine in restaurant.) The coffee was strong, the fruit fresh, and I may or may not have snuck an extra pastry or two. The Breakfast in room was also a hit for the days that we need to sleep in. The A la carte in restaurant also had some delicious delicacies. They also offer Alternative meal arrangement upon request.
We popped into the coffee shop for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up (their lattes are divine). They have a poolside bar which really enhanced the experience of swimming into the Swimming pool [outdoor], it was amazing! I also ate at the Snack bar and enjoyed the Soup in restaurant. There's also a Vegetarian restaurant.
My Salad in restaurant was amazing and I also ordered Desserts in restaurant – I’m sensing a theme, aren't you? They also have happy hour at the Bar. In the end I enjoyed the western cuisine in restaurant too. They also have a Buffet in restaurant, so its all in place. They even have the bottle of water in all the rooms. They offer Room service [24-hour] and offer Breakfast takeaway service
Things to Do and Ways to Relax: Finding My Zen
The swimming pool. Oh, the swimming pool. With a Pool with view as a bonus. Seriously, I could have spent days just bobbing around, gazing at the sky. And then I went to the Spa/sauna. Which was the best decision.
I tried it all - a Body scrub, a Body wrap! The massage was heavenly. If you want to totally melt, get the full treatment. They also have a Steamroom. If you are into it, there is a Gym/fitness room to stay in shape.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Make a Difference
The concierge was incredibly helpful, arranging taxis, providing recommendations, the works. The laundry service and dry cleaning came in handy. The currency exchange was a lifesaver. The daily housekeeping was impeccable. The gift/souvenir shop… well, let's just say I may have purchased a few too many "I ❤️ Thiruvananthapuram" t-shirts. They also have facilities for disabled guests, and Car park [free of charge]!
For the Kids and Others
I didn't have any kids with me, but I spotted the Kids facilities and the Babysitting service, making it super family-friendly (and I bet they are happy when they see it!). There's also a Family/child friendly so the kids can relax. They also have a Shrine and Smoking area available! I loved the Terrace also.
Business Matters (Because Life, Right?)
They have Business facilities, including Meetings and a Meeting/banquet facilities with Audio-visual equipment for special events. The Business stationery if you need this and even a Xerox/fax in business center!
Getting Around and Other Bits 'n' Bobs
They have Airport transfer which as mentioned, was amazing. There is also a Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, and Valet parking!
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Honesty is Key)
Okay, this isn't completely flawless. One tiny hiccup: the coffee/tea in restaurant could have been a little stronger at breakfast (I'm picky, I know!). But that's me being really critical.
Okay, Let's Get Real: My Emotional Verdict
Look, I have stayed in luxury hotels before. But Ushodaya Royal Residency? It's more than just a hotel. It’s an experience. It's a place where you can truly relax, recharge, and indulge. Where the staff are genuinely warm and helpful. Where the food is delicious, the rooms are gorgeous, and the spa is a slice of heaven. I left feeling pampered, refreshed, and already plotting my return.
Final Verdict: Would I Recommend?
Absolutely, without a doubt. Go. Book it. You won't regret it.
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Hey wanderers, dreamers, and luxury lovers! Ready to escape the everyday and dive into a world of pure bliss? Then get ready to experience Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ushodaya Royal Residency in stunning Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala!
Why Ushodaya Royal Residency? Because You Deserve It!
- Unforgettable Relaxation: Indulge in a rejuvenating spa experience with blissful massages, body scrubs, and steamrooms. Take a refreshing dip in our Swimming pool [outdoor] or unwind with a cocktail at the Poolside bar.
- Gourmet Delights: Savor diverse culinary experiences with a tantalizing buffet at our Restaurants, offering both Asian cuisine and Western cuisine. Enjoy the convenience of breakfast in room and the delicious coffee and tea!
- **Luxurious
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get real with my itinerary for the Ushodaya Royal Residency in Trivandrum. This isn’t your sanitized travel brochure, folks. This is the unfiltered, slightly-panicked, and often hungry me. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Day One: Thiruvananthapuram – Arrival, Anxiety, and Auntie’s Blessing (and a LOT of coconut)
Morning (ish) - Arrive at Trivandrum International Airport: Okay, so the flight was a disaster. I’d meticulously packed my "calm travel kit" (lavender oil, noise-canceling headphones, a book I swear I'll read), and immediately misplaced it in the overhead bin. Cue the internal screaming. Finding the exit was a trek, felt like a scene from "The Amazing Race," and the pre-booked taxi? Late. Seriously late. But hey, at least I got to eavesdrop on a lovely couple in matching floral shirts arguing about who ate the last samosa. Silver linings, people, silver linings.
Check-in at Ushodaya Royal Residency: The hotel lobby is…well, it's gold. Like, actual gold. A little overwhelming at 9 am, but the staff are genuinely friendly, even if my sleep-deprived brain is convinced they're judging my travel-worn yoga pants. My room? Clean, blessedly air-conditioned, and with a view of… a palm tree. Okay, it's not the Burj Khalifa, but after the airport, it's paradise.
Lunch - Oh, the Curry!: The hotel restaurant's lunch buffet. Whoa. I'm not even sure what half the dishes are, but I’m diving in headfirst. There’s something called “Avial” that seems to be a vegetable symphony, and I’m pretty sure the coconut milk is practically flowing through my veins. My stomach is doing a happy dance. My tastebuds are sending me love letters. The only downside? I'm pretty sure I've sweat through my shirt after just three bites. Tropical bliss, people. Tropical bliss.
Afternoon - Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple Blunders: I was planning on visiting the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. I’d read up on the dress code. (Long skirts, covering shoulders. Okay, easy peasy.) But, let me tell you, it's a process. I spent a solid hour wrestling with a borrowed shawl that kept trying to catapult itself off my head. The security? Intense. The crowds? More intense. The sheer weight of history and devotion in that place? Overwhelming. I felt like I was intruding on a sacred party, and after awkwardly trying to balance my sandals and the aforementioned shawl, I retreated. Blame it on post-flight exhaustion, but I'll try again tomorrow.
Evening - Chai and Comfort: Back in the hotel, I ordered a chai from the room service. It arrived piping hot, and I'm pretty sure I had a near-religious experience, just feeling the warm hug and the spicy embrace. I may have also ordered a giant plate of onion rings because, let's be honest, travel is equal parts spirituality and greasy goodness.
Night - The Auntie Whisperer and Unexpected Wisdom: While enjoying my chai, I ran into a hotel staff-member, a sweet lady who quickly adopted me as her personal project. I'm not sure how she figured out I'm having trouble with the temple, but she quickly told me how to act and dress there the following day, and then regaled me with stories of her grandchildren – all with the knowing look of someone who understands life's messy beauty. She also gifted me a packet of (much-needed) antiseptic wipes. It's just one of the little things that makes you fall in love with a place.
Day Two: Culture, Caffeine, and… a Slightly Questionable Massage
Morning - Temple Round Two (and Victory!) Okay, armed with Auntie's insider tips, I took another crack at the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple. The shawl stayed put! I navigated the crowds! I actually felt moved by the experience! I did it! I did it! (Victory dance in front of the temple - probably not appropriate but I did)
Mid-Morning - Coffee and Catch-Up: After the spiritual marathon, I needed caffeine. I found a cute little cafe that was a 20-minute walk from the centre, that has tasty coffee.
Lunch - Back to the Buffet (Because Duh): The hotel lunch buffet has become my new religion. Seriously, the chef there deserves a medal. I am currently on a mission to try every dish, and I may or may not be plotting to sneak some takeaway for later.
Afternoon - The Massage…and the Aftermath: Okay, here's where things get a little…murky. I booked an Ayurvedic massage at the hotel spa, convinced it would be the ultimate relaxation. The therapist, bless her heart, was incredibly gentle. The oils smelled divine. But then… halfway through, I’m pretty sure she started massaging my bones. I’m not sure what kind of therapy it was, but whatever. I walked out feeling like I'd been tenderized by a particularly enthusiastic butcher. I'm still not sure if I feel relaxed or broken.
Evening - Sunset and Reflections: I retreated to the hotel rooftop to watch the sunset. The sky exploded in colors, and I sat there, feeling a mix of exhaustion, satisfaction, and the lingering ache from my massage. I thought about Auntie, the temple, the curry, and the fact that I really need to learn to say "no" at the buffet. Travel is a strange, beautiful, messy beast. And I’m definitely in love.
Day Three: Departure, Regrets, and a Promise to Return (with Better Packing Skills)
Morning - Woke up, ate the rest of my takeaway curry, and re-packed (attempting to improve)
Late Morning/Afternoon - Farewell, for Now: The hotel staff waved me off. The taxi to the airport was on time! The flight might be delayed. But, this is all irrelevant.
Day One, Redux - The Flight Back…and the Aftermath: The flight to my next destination. Still a disaster. More overheard arguments and a whole lot of staring at the screen.
Final Thoughts: Ushodaya Royal Residency was not perfect, but isn't the point to experience things? Travel won't always be smooth, or pretty, or perfect. You win some, you lose some, you have some amazing meals, some awkward encounters and some memories. It's a good place. It's a messy place. And I'd go back in a heartbeat. But next time, I'm bringing a better travel kit and maybe a spare set of bones. And absolutely, positively, more coconut.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Ushodaya Royal Residency - FAQ (Because Honestly, You Need It!)
Okay, Seriously, What *Is* Ushodaya Royal Residency Like? Is It, You Know, *Actually* Royal?
Alright, let's be real. The name "Royal Residency" sets a high bar. Is it Buckingham Palace? No. Is it a slightly faded, but still impressively grand, old mansion with a few eccentricities? Absolutely. Think of it as a Bollywood movie set, but where YOU are the star! The grandeur is there, the service is generally fantastic (though sometimes *slow* – more on that later…), and the sheer opulence… well, it takes your breath away. Walking into the lobby, I actually gasped. Like, a genuine, "Wow, I'm not worthy" gasp. Then I tripped on a slightly uneven marble slab (imperfection alert!) and nearly face-planted. So, maybe not *perfectly* royal, but definitely royally impressive. The furniture could tell some stories, I swear!
The Rooms! Spill the Tea – Are They Worth the Hype (and the Money)?
Okay, the rooms. This is where Ushodaya *really* shines. I stayed in the… let's just say a "slightly above average" suite. It had a balcony overlooking… something lush and green (honestly, after a few days, all the greenery started to blur together, which isn't a *bad* thing, mind you!). The bathroom? Marble. Seriously, like, ALL the marble. I felt like I was showering in a Roman bath. The bed? So comfortable, I almost missed my flight. Almost. There were these ridiculously fluffy robes. I basically lived in that robe. I considered stealing it (don't tell anyone!). The downside? My room service order took a solid hour and a half. Had to call twice. Apparently, "royal" patience is required. But, hey, the butter chicken, when it finally arrived, was divine. So, yeah, mostly worth it.
The Food! Is it as Good as They Claim, or Just Overpriced Curry?
Okay, food. This is where things get deliciously complicated. The main restaurant? Absolutely stunning. Think chandeliers, crisp linen, and waiters who glide silently like… well, silently gliding waiters. The buffet at breakfast… dear *god*. So much choice. Pancakes, idli, dosa, fruit I didn't even know existed… I felt like I was on a culinary world tour. The *quality* of the food? Mostly excellent. Some dishes were mind-blowingly good. The seafood, especially. I had a snapper that was practically still swimming in it's tastiness. Then there were times when things felt… slightly off. The coffee could be harsh. And one night, the dal was a little… bland. Look, it's not Michelin-star perfection, but it's consistently above average, and the variety alone is worth the trip. And the butter chicken – still dreaming about that.
What About the Spa? Worth the Pampering? And Maybe the Price Tag?
The spa… oh, the spa. Okay, so I’m not a spa person in general. I’m more of a “throw on some sunscreen and go sweat it out in the sun” kind of person. But, I thought, "hey, I’m at a Royal Residency, I *have* to do the spa thing." The atmosphere was… ethereal. Incense, soft music, the whole shebang. The massage? Heavenly. Absolutely, utterly, meltingly heavenly. I think I actually drooled a little bit. The masseuse was incredible; she worked out knots I didn’t even know I had. The downside? It's expensive. Eye-wateringly so. But… honestly? Worth. Every. Penny. I floated out of there. Literally, floated. I'd sell a kidney for another massage right now. (Okay, maybe not a kidney, but definitely a slightly used car.)
Are there any "hidden costs" to be aware of? Trying not to get ripped off!
Ah, the dreaded "hidden costs"! Okay, so the advertised price is just… a starting point. Expect to pay for pretty much *everything* extra. The minibar? Fully stocked, fully expensive. Laundry service? Plan on taking out a small loan. The transportation? They offer cars (and auto rickshaws!), but those fees can add up. And the tips! You're going to want to tip. The staff works *hard*. And they are so helpful! So, yes, budget a little extra. Look at your room and expect to pay! Still...
Is it Suitable for Families? Or More of a Romantic Getaway Place?
Okay, family-friendliness. This is a tricky one. I saw a few families there, and the staff were lovely with the kids. They have a kids' pool! But… the vibe is definitely more geared towards romance and relaxation. Think low lighting, hushed tones, and people generally trying to *chill*. If your kids are the type who run wild, shriek with delight, and hurl food across the room, maybe it's not the best choice. If they're relatively well-behaved (or you're willing to bribe them with copious amounts of ice cream), you'll probably be fine. But, honestly, I'd lean towards it being more suited to couples or solo travelers looking for some blissful peace. Just my two cents, and they're probably worth less than the price of a single cocktail at the bar.
Any Quirky Observations? Something Funny or Weird You Experienced?
Oh, yes. So many quirks! One day, I was wandering the grounds (getting lost, mostly, because, huge place!) and I stumbled upon a peacock just casually strutting across the lawn. A *peacock*! Just… there. Beautiful, arrogant, and completely unfazed by my presence. It was glorious. Then there was the time the power went out during dinner, and the staff lit the candles. It was suddenly incredibly romantic… and then the generator kicked in, killing the mood instantly. Another time, I ordered a drink at the bar and it took… a while.. and when the drink arrived, it had a tiny, perfectly carved elephant made out of a carrot perched on the rim. Amazing! Also, I'm pretty sure I saw a ghost in the hallway. Just kidding… mostly.
The Pool! Is it Instagram-Worthy?
The pool... OH MY GOD, the pool. Okay, I'm going to get a little weird and specific about the pool. *It* is the picture on all those brochures, and I'm hereWeb Hotel Search Site
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