Unveiling Royal Livin Varanasi: India's Most Luxurious Escape?
Unveiling Royal Livin Varanasi: More Than Just Luxury? (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, so "India's Most Luxurious Escape"? That's a bold claim. Royal Livin Varanasi, you've got my attention. I've just spent a week wrestling with the ghats, dodging cows, and trying to decipher the beauty of Varanasi. And now, I'm here to dissect whether this supposed haven lives up to the hype. Buckle up, because this won't be your average hotel review. This is going to be… real.
First Impressions (and the Journey There):
Accessibility? Ugh, let's be honest, getting around Varanasi in general is an experience. The hotel does offer Airport Transfer which is essential. Trying to navigate those chaotic streets after a long flight? No thanks. They’ve got Valet Parking – a lifesaver because finding space in Varanasi is like finding a unicorn. They also boast Car Park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]. Accessibility within the hotel itself? We’ll get to that.
Check-in and the Initial "Ooh Ahh" Factor:
The Front desk [24-hour] is a blessing. Jet lag is a beast. Contactless check-in/out is a bonus in this post-pandemic world. The lobby…well, it's definitely luxurious. Think marble, chandeliers, the works. Concierge service? Present and polite, but the real test is how useful they actually are. (More on that later)
The Room (and the Internet, Oh The Internet!):
My room? Non-smoking, obviously. And thankfully, Air conditioning – a GODSEND in the Varanasi heat. The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver for me trying to sleep in late and recover from my jet lag. They also have a Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water which is so very convenient and also offer Complimentary tea And yes, the holy grail: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! I’m a digital nomad, so this is crucial. And it actually worked. Fast, reliable. They even have Internet [LAN] for those who need it. I'm talking about being able to stream Netflix without buffering and easily upload large files. It’s amazing. This may seem like a minor thing, but trust me, in a city like Varanasi, reliable internet is a luxury of its own.
Room Rundown:
- Additional toilet: Check!
- Alarm clock: Yep
- Bathrobes: Yes, and plush.
- Bathtub: Luxury!
- Bathroom phone: Who even uses this anymore?
- Carpeting: Nice touch.
- Closet: Plenty of space.
- Desk: Perfect for working (if you’re so inclined).
- Extra long bed: Huge, comfortable.
- Hair dryer: Essential.
- High floor: Nice view (if you get one).
- In-room safe box: Always a must.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Good for families.
- Internet access – wireless: Duh!
- Ironing facilities: They have it.
- Laptop workspace: Handy.
- Linens: High quality.
- Mini bar: Overpriced, but stocked.
- Mirror: Plenty.
- On-demand movies: Not my thing, but there.
- Private bathroom: Obviously.
- Reading light: Needed
- Refrigerator: handy.
- Satellite/cable channels: Meh.
- Scale: Ugh, no thanks.
- Seating area: Comfortable.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Fancy.
- Shower: Fine.
- Slippers: Yes.
- Smoke detector: Crucial.
- Socket near the bed: Bless.
- Sofa: Nice.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good, considering the city outside.
- Telephone: For ordering room service, perhaps.
- Toiletries: Nice quality.
- Towels: Plenty.
- Umbrella: Always a good idea.
- Visual alarm: Safety first.
- Wake-up service: Used it.
- Window that opens: Fresh air.
Accessibility Woes and Wins:
Okay, here's the reality check. "Luxury" doesn't always equal "Accessible". Facilities for disabled guests are present, but it's not crystal clear how well-equipped the rooms are. I didn't personally require these features, so I can't speak to their effectiveness. The Elevator is a must, of course. Exterior corridor is an aspect.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Fun Stuff!):
Okay, let's talk food. Because that's what I live for.
- They got Restaurants: Plural! Yes! With A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Definitely worth exploring.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Offering lots of variety.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Good balance for those who just want a taste of home.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A huge spread. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast – you name it. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was plentiful, and the Bottle of water was much appreciated.
- Breakfast service: Convenient and good.
- Room service [24-hour]: Very convenient for those late-night hunger pangs.
- Poolside bar: Yes! Drinks while you sunbathe? Sign me up. The bartenders are friendly, the cocktails are potent, and the view…well, it's pretty darn nice.
- Coffee shop: Perfect for a mid-afternoon caffeine fix.
- Snack bar: For those moments when you need a quick bite.
- Desserts in restaurant: Delicious and tempting!
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy choices are available.
- Soup in restaurant: Served hot and tasty.
- Happy hour: A must, for cheap drinks!
Anecdote Time (Because You Need to Hear This):
I went to the restaurant hungry. I ordered a Pad Thai, and it was amazing. The flavors! The spices! I devoured it, then I looked around, noticing that everyone was also enjoying their meals. The atmosphere was perfect. Great music, great food, and a great vibe.
Ways to Relax (And Forget You're in India):
This is where Royal Livin really shines.
- Swimming pool: Gorgeous! One of the nicest outdoor pools I've seen in a while.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Perfect for a dip.
- Pool with view: Yes, the views are stunning, especially at sunset.
- Sauna: Amazing!
- Spa: Ahhh, the spa. This is where I lost a whole afternoon and didn't regret a single minute. I got a Massage, a Body scrub, and a Body wrap. My skin felt amazing afterward. They also had a Steamroom, a Foot bath.
- Fitness center: Well-equipped if you're into that sort of thing.
Cleanliness and Safety (Because We're Still in a Pandemic, People):
Okay, let's get real. COVID is still a thing. And I'm all about safety.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Seemed like it.
- Hand sanitizer: Available everywhere.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Hoping.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Assumed.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice touch.
- Safe dining setup: Yes, the tables were spaced out.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Mostly.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Hopefully.
- Cashless payment service: Convenient.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Great.
- First aid kit: Always important.
- Hygiene certification: Didn't see it, but hopefully they have it.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Mostly observed.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things):
- Concierge: They could book a car, and give directions
- Shops!- gift shop, convenience store.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service and Dry cleaning: Essential.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: For those corporate retreats.
- Business facilities: Including Xerox/fax in business center.
- Cash withdrawal: Always handy.
- Currency exchange: Very useful.
- Luggage storage: They held my bags while I explored. *
Alright, Buckle up, Buttercups! This ain't your average travel itinerary. We're going to Varanasi, that swirling vortex of life, death, and dust, with a stay at the oh-so-grand (and slightly overwhelming, let's be real) Royal Livin. Consider this less a rigid plan and more a roadmap etched in chai stains and the ghosts of last night's curry. Prepare to be humbled, amazed, and potentially a little bit constipated. (It's Varanasi, after all.)
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude Adjustment, and Awkward Introductions
Morning (Late): Ugh, the flight! Let's just say my carry-on practically staged a revolt. Finally land in the hazy, humid embrace of Varanasi. The air hits you like a warm, philosophical slap in the face. Grab a pre-paid taxi (haggling is an art, and I've clearly missed the masterclass). The drive into the city is a sensory explosion: cows strolling in the middle of the road, the incessant honking symphony, and the sheer, chaotic energy of it all. My brain is currently short-circuiting between "Wow" and "What the actual hell am I doing?"
Afternoon: Check into Royal Livin. "Royal" is certainly a… choice. Lobby is beautiful, but I swear the elevator smells suspiciously of sandalwood and existential dread. My room is opulent, but the air conditioning is attempting to achieve a perfect understanding between "breeze" and "arctic blast." I’m pretty sure the staff is all extremely professional but also slightly used to the clueless Westerners. Quick unpacking and then… lunch. This is where the real fun begins.
Lunch: The hotel restaurant. The food is amazing, but the service is a study in controlled chaos. Orders get mixed up, cutlery magically disappears and reappears, and the waiters glide around like elegant ghosts. My first thali - a colourful explosion of curries, dals, and rice. The spice level is intense. I take a panicked sip of water and wonder if my tastebuds are permanently altered.
- Anecdote: On the way back to the room I met another tourist from England, and we got chatting. He warned me about the tap water (so, only bottled). He had this look of haunted delight as he recounted his own "Varanasi Belly" experience from a prior trip. I'm terrified, but also oddly charmed.
Evening: A guided evening tour to the ghats. First glimpse of the Ganges. The sight of the river, lit by the flicker of lamps and the orange glow of the setting sun, is almost overwhelming. The air thrums with chanting and the crackle of cremation pyres (yes, those were the source of that weird smell); it's a lot!
- Quirk: The guide kept dramatically pointing out "special" spots - "This is where the famous sadhu meditated!" "This is where the Bollywood star filmed a romantic scene!" I felt like I was participating in a particularly intense game of "Spot the Spiritual Cliché."
Late Evening: Return to the hotel slightly shell-shocked, but strangely invigorated. I spend a while just sitting on my balcony, trying to process everything I've seen. The city never sleeps, and the sounds of life continue to drift in - the calls to prayer, the dogs barking, and the general hubbub of existence.
Day 2: Boats, Beauty, and Bowels (Potentially)
Morning: THE BOAT RIDE. Okay, this one deserves its OWN section. It's what I've been waiting for. I opt for a private boat at sunrise. The Ganges at dawn is magical. The light is soft and golden, and the river reflects the colors of the sky. The boatman is a lovely, weathered man who's probably seen it all and smiles at my gormless wonder. We drift past the burning ghats, the laundry ghats, and the bathing ghats, witnessing the rituals of life and death unfolding before my very eyes. I felt a wave of respect and appreciation, mixed with a healthy dose of morbid fascination.
- Anecdote: At one of the ghats, there was a group of women doing laundry. They were striking up a conversation with each other, gossiping and laughing. Life goes on and around you, so you do your work while everything else happens in the periphery. Suddenly one of them spots me, a scrawny tourist, photographing their work. She playfully throws water at me. This is a true moment of acceptance, even if it was through a mischievous prank and a splash of water.
Late Morning: Post-boat ride breakfast at a small cafe near the ghats. The bread is warm, the chai is spiced with cardamom, and I'm starting to feel slightly less like a bewildered fish out of water.
Afternoon: Wandering through the labyrinthine back streets and alleyways. This is where Varanasi truly grabs you. The air is thick with incense and a symphony of smells I still can't entirely explain (burning spices, something indefinably sweet, and sometimes, the faint scent of, shall we say, less pleasant things).
- Messiness: I get lost. Several times. Ask for directions from a group of kids who start laughing and pointing in the opposite direction. I also get harassed by a street vendor trying to sell me a "lucky charm."
- Opinionated comment: The sheer resilience of the people, the way they navigate this chaotic environment with grace - I find it breathtaking. Every turn sparks a new realization of what the place is capable of offering.
Evening: The evening Aarti ceremony held at Dashashwamedh Ghat is a must-do, but prepare to be squashed. The ceremony is visually stunning, with priests performing rituals amidst a sea of chanting and incense. It's a sensory overload, a swirling vortex of faith and devotion.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm completely mesmerized and nearly cry. It reminds me of a deeply personal and beautiful experience, of sorts.
Day 3: Temple Time, Textile Treasures, and a Desperate Search for Sanitation
Morning: A visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest temples in Hinduism. I feel like this is one of those moments which calls for a lot of respect. The line is long, and the security checks are intense. Inside, the atmosphere is electric with devotion. (I also might have accidentally bumped against someone and muttered a hasty apology.)
Afternoon: After the temple, a walk through the colourful textile shops and bazaars around the area. Silks and shawls are everywhere, their vibrant colors and intricate patterns a feast for the eyes. I haggle for a scarf, and I'm not sure if I won or lost.
- Quirky Observation: The shopkeepers are master manipulators. They can spot a tourist a mile away. The "genuine article," by the way, is apparently "only 500 rupees!"
Afternoon (Late): Back at the hotel, I collapse in a chair and contemplate whether I'll survive the trip. I may have eaten something dodgy, and I'm starting to feel the first ominous rumblings of… well, you know.
- Rambling: I try to make sense of my experience, how there are moments in life like this that take you off-guard. The good, the bad, and the ugly, all mixed into one. It's not easy, but there's always something to be learned.
Evening: More of the hotel's excellent (and, thankfully, digestively stable) dinner. Catch up, plan the next day, and realize that Varanasi is a place that will stay with you long after you depart. It's challenging, beautiful, and fundamentally, life-affirming.
Day 4: Departure (and lingering memories)
Morning: One last walk along the ghats, soaking up the atmosphere and saying goodbye. Buy a final chai, just to really seal the deal.
Afternoon: Check out of Royal Livin, a complex mix of relief and sadness. Airport Transfer. I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, and deeply, deeply moved. Varanasi has gotten under my skin.
Evening: Farewell Varanasi, and the memories that now dwell and swirl within me.
Unveiling Royal Livin' Varanasi: Your Burning Questions (and My Honest Takes!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the opulent, the chaotic, the absolutely *Varanasi* experience that is Royal Livin'. I've been, I've seen, I've eaten way too much samosa, and now it's time for the burning questions... and my brutally honest answers.
Is Royal Livin' actually as luxurious as it sounds? The hype is REAL, right?
Okay, let's be real. The pictures? They're… well, they're damn good. And yes, Royal Livin' *is* luxurious. Think: plush beds you could happily lose yourself in for a week (I almost did!), shimmering silks, and enough gold leaf to make King Midas jealous. But… and there's always a "but" isn't there? Luxury in Varanasi has a certain… *Varanasi-ness* to it. Like, my bathroom tap initially sprayed water EVERYWHERE. They fixed it, eventually. But the image! Me, soaked, muttering about expectations versus reality… it lives rent-free in my head. So, yes, luxurious. With a healthy dose of… *charm*.
What's the food *really* like? I'm hearing conflicting reports!
Oh, the food! This is where things get *interesting*. Breakfast is… well, it’s a buffet, and honestly, it's a bit of a mixed bag. The South Indian offerings were reliably delicious (bless dosa), and the fresh fruit was a lifesaver after a late night of... well, exploring the city. But the pastries? Let's just say they weren't Parisian. Dinner, though? That’s where Royal Livin' *shines*. The thalis are a work of art, overflowing with flavor and spice. And the chef? He's a magician! I still dream about the *murg malai tikka* – so tender, so flavorful. Honestly, I'd go back just for that. One minor hiccup: a particularly spicy dish hit me so hard, it felt like my head was going to explode! (I'm not a huge spice person, okay?) But hey, even the imperfections add to the experience, right? It's real life, people!
Is it worth the price tag? It looks EXPENSIVE.
Okay, let's get this out of the way: Royal Livin' is not a budget option. It's an investment. Is it "worth it"? That depends on your priorities. If you're looking for a pristine, perfectly curated experience, possibly. If you crave a luxurious escape from the chaos of Varanasi, absolutely. But… and this is important… if you're expecting a completely flawless, western-standard experience, you might be disappointed. Remember the leaky tap? Small imperfections are kind of inevitable here. But the unparalleled level of service, the views, the sheer *experience* of it all? That's where Royal Livin' truly delivers. For me? I'd say it was a splurge, but a splurge I didn't regret one bit. It's about seeing the best of Varanasi, not just seeing the *pretty* parts. Seeing the whole beautiful, sometimes frustrating, always fascinating picture.
What's the best room to book? Give me the lowdown.
Ugh, the rooms. They're ALL beautiful, honestly. But if you want THE view, go for a Ganges-facing room. Wake up to the sunrise over the river? Incredible. Just... be prepared for a little noise, especially early in the morning. The sounds of the city... they *penetrate* the walls. Then again, that’s part of the charm, right? A less obvious choice? The suites on the upper floors. They're huge, they have private balconies, and the views are just… breathtaking. Seriously, I spent a solid hour one afternoon just staring out the window, completely lost in the magic of it all. That balcony? Worth every penny. And the bathtub. Oh, the bathtub! Deep, luxurious… I practically lived in it. So, yeah. Balcony and big bathtub are crucial. Trust me on this one.
Tell me about the staff. Are they helpful? Overbearing?
The staff. Oh, the staff. They're… a mixed bag, again! Some are incredibly attentive, anticipating your every need. They remember your name, your preferences… they're practically mind readers. Others… well, let's just say communication can sometimes be a challenge. I once tried to order a coffee and ended up with a plate of fried samosas! It was hilarious (after the initial confusion, of course). But overall, they're genuinely kind, they work incredibly hard, and they genuinely want you to have a wonderful stay. The service is definitely sincere. And honestly, the little hiccups just add to the charm. You'll find yourself smiling, you'll be rolling your eyes a *lot*, you'll probably end up feeling quite fond of them all. It's that, that endearing sort of imperfection that makes the whole venture so memorable, really. It's Varanasi, through and through. And in the end, that's what counts.
What's the best way to experience the Ganges from Royal Livin'? Boat trip, or...?
THIS is the money question, people! Okay, the boat trip is non-negotiable. Go at sunrise. Truly. The light, the energy… it’s a total sensory overload in the best possible way. But DON'T just stick to the standard tourist routes. Talk to the hotel, arrange a private boat. And then? Demand a proper tour. Get them to take you further up the river, away from the crowds. See the ghats, the rituals, the city awakening. And on the way *back*... do this crazy thing: ask them to stop and buy you chai from one of the boats selling it. It's basic, street chai, maybe even slightly questionable, but it will be one of the best cups of tea you will ever, ever have. Then, come evening, find a rooftop restaurant with Ganges views (there are a bunch near the hotel). Indulge in a nice long dinner and watch the evening aarti. It’s a moment. Seriously. And then, when exhausted, go back to your room, order that room service, and fall into glorious, luxury-induced sleep.
Any tips for dealing with the general chaos of Varanasi?
Varanasi is... intense. It’s overwhelming. It's beautiful, yes. But chaotic, noisy, and sometimes… well, a little bit overwhelming. My tips? First, embrace the chaos. Don't fight it. Just… go with the flow. Second: Wear comfortable shoes. YouPremium Stay Search
