Top Luxury Hotels in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, the cultural capital of Gujarat, attracts thousands of tourists and business travellers every year. A visit to this beautiful city can be extremely rewarding for the cultural aficionado in you. Be it the ornate temples or the humble Sabarmati Ashram; a spirit of hospitality, leisure and luxury runs through this city. Adding complete value to your holiday to Ahmedabad, here are our best picks for a luxurious accommodation in the city.

Courtyard by Marriott, Ahmedabad

One of the most impressive things about Courtyard by Marriott is the decor. While the conference centre at the hotel has huge and comfortable furniture, proper lighting and simple decor, the restaurant has some flamboyant corners adding a dash of bling.

Being close to the city centre, shopping malls and the highway, the hotel makes for an excellent option for business travellers. The hotel staff at the restaurant, reception and housekeeping is extremely diligent and helpful. The buffet and a la carte restaurants at the hotel, MoMo Cafe and Shakhahari, serve delicious culinary delights. Some of the complimentary services offered at the hotel are free access to internet and a large spread of breakfast on long stay packages.

The striking interiors and excellent service of Courtyard by Marriott make it an excellent luxury option

Radisson Blu Hotel, Ahmedabad

Experience sheer luxury and comfort during your next trip to Ahmedabad at the Radisson Blu Hotel. Be it in check-in procedures, room service or at the restaurants; one can expect attention to detail and prompt service at the hotel.

An ideal place to return to after a hectic day, Radisson Blu is like a home away from home, in fact, better! The spa and gym at the hotel are good places to relax or continue your exercise rituals. The hotel offers free internet connection to its guests. Savour some rich flavours from all over the globe at the two multi-cuisine restaurants at the hotel; Kebab Factory and Timpani. Located in the Ambawadi region of Ahmedabad, Radisson Blu is just a 10-minute drive to the railway station and a 20-minute drive to the airport.

The restaurants at Radisson Blue Ahmedabad are some of the best in the city

The Taj Hotel Gateway Ummed, Ahmedabad

A lavish building on the outset, The Taj Hotel Gateway Ummed is even more spectacular from the inside. The superior facilities and a courteous staff add a personal touch to one’s stay at the hotel, something that the Taj Group of hotels are known for. With a dazzling swimming pool in the middle of the hotel, recreation is amply highlighted at the hotel.

Even though the hotel is situated on a busy road, one can enjoy a sound sleep in the ultra comfortable and well insulated rooms. Meals too are a sure delight at the Taj Hotel . While the coffee shop GAD offers a range of international cuisines round the clock, restaurant Narmada is ideal for a fine dining experience of Indian fare accompanied with classical music in the background. The hotel is just five minutes from the airport.

The opulent Taj Ummed Ahmedabad is the perfect place for a luxurious retreat

The Fern, Ahmedabad

One of the leading hospitality brands in Ahmedabad, The Fern has a lot to offer! Starting from a convenient location on SG Highway to the range of room amenities like air-conditioning, coffee/tea maker, television, DVD player, electronic safe, fruit basket, mineral water and more; the hotel provides a holistic luxury experience to its guests.

Also enjoy a range of delicious preparations at the Deccan Odyssey and The Garden cafe which is open round the clock. The Fern is a luxurious hotel which offers good value for money and is extremely convenient for those on a quick trip to Ahmedabad.

The Fern Ahmedabad offers luxury at an affordable price

Want to experience luxury in Ahmedabad? Book flights and hotels only on MakeMyTrip.com!

Top 5 Budget Hotels in Ahmedabad

Looking for a cheap place to crash at during your stay in Ahmedabad? Here are some comfortable budget hotels in the city that are equipped to provide basic amenities and also offer good service.

Ginger Hotel

Situated behind the famous Himalaya Mall, Ginger Hotel is less than 10 kilometres from ISKCON Temple, IIM-A and just 15 kilometres from the airport. The hotel offers facilities like Wi-Fi, ironing board, laundry service, doctor on call and car rental. Owned by the Tata Group, Ginger Hotel strikes the perfect balance between location, facilities and service; all packed and offered at an unbelievably affordable price.

Ginger Hotel Ahmedabad is ideally located and reasonably priced

Hotel Kamran Palace

This modest hotel in GPO Road, Relief Road Area in Ahmedabad is less than 3 kilometres from the railway station and 8 kilometres from the airport. The rooms are clean and cosy with attached bathrooms with basic toiletries. Situated in the old city, the hotel is very close to a number of popular eateries and shopping centres.

The management at the hotel is courteous and cooperative, offering guests with a comfortable and memorable stay. High on value, Hotel Kamran Palace is one of the best bargains for budget travellers in the city.

Hotel Skylon Ahmedabad

Hotel Skylon is a comfortable Bed & Breakfast in the heart of the city. The rooms have attached bathrooms with adequate toiletries and continuous supply of hot and cold water. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service. With no frills and a simple decor, Hotel Skylon is a safe, clean and comfortable lodging option. The staff at the hotel is cordial and strives to give guests a hassle-free and comfortable stay.

The rooms at Hotel Skylon are spacious and equipped with basic amenities

Hotel Kingsway

Located in the Relief Road area, Hotel Kingsway enjoys an excellent location with the railway station just 2.6 kilometres away and other commercial hubs in close proximity.

Along with laundry service, doctor on call, car rental and courier service, one can also request the hotel to organise sightseeing tours. The hotel has an option of both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms. Though the hotel does not have a restaurant of its own, there are number of good eateries nearby. One can also order snacks and beverages through room service.

Hotel Dudawat

Hotel Dudawat is a budget hotel with an excellent location. Located on the Ashram Road, the hotel is well-connected to the airport; bus stand and railway station and offers neat and spacious rooms. For an economy hotel, Hotel Dudawat offers excellent facilities like Wi-Fi Internet access, 24-hour room service, same day laundry service and currency exchange. The in-house restaurant at the hotel offers delicious North Indian and Gujarati food.

Planning a trip to Ahmedabad? Log on to MakeMyTrip.com and choose from a variety of hotels in Ahmedabad.

Why Should Boys Have All The Fun?

♫♫ …Baadalon ki main odhu chunariya,

jhum jaaun main ban ke baavariya,

apni chotee main baandh loon duniya…

Dil hai chhota sa chhotee si asha,

masti bhare mann ki bholi si asha ♫♫

The song has long held a special significance in my heart. No, it’s not just the Rahman magic but something deeper. I think I am awed by the girl’s carefree spirit that makes the smallest of her heart’s desires sound grandiose just because she has not been touched by the cruel ways of the world.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

There was a moment, the first time I was travelling with my girlfriends, when I was stuck in the sleeper-class compartment of a train travelling from Pathankot to New Delhi, and I thought to myself, “hmmm… not quite the part of the plan”. The dilapidated seats or the stinking toilets were the least of my concern where there were a hundred dozen lecherous men in the compartment, gawking at us. But the moment of uncertainty passed and while my friends ranted through the journey and after, “Never, never alone without a man”, “I told you so!”, “What were you thinking?”, I was in the midst of a catharsis. What started as a simple vacation to the hills became a bit of a personal triumph for me. Well of course, there's being adventurous and then there's just being plain stupid. But just the simple act of trying something new, something that was kinda forbidden broke the shackles that had been holding me back since long.

The Lone Traveller

Travelling is fun, relaxing, rejuvenating but most importantly it’s liberating. While it is important for everyone to travel, I especially hail my fellow ladies who go places, alone or with girlfriends. And when I say that, I am not asking you to embark on some Eat, Pray, Love adventure where a knight in shining armour will also be the part of your inclusions and itinerary. So lift the flowery veil, a la Julia Robert, off your dreamy eyes and think a little more practical.

Jot down all the reasons due to which you had to cancel your travel plans last time. I bet the most common ones would be “couldn’t get anyone to go with” and “apprehensive to plan it all alone”. So what, if your husband, boyfriend, children or family do not have the time? If you can manage working, keeping house, running errands and shopping without them, travel is just an extension to it! Do not postpone what's important to you simply because others don't share your priorities. As a kid, I couldn’t travel much owing to my parent’s busy schedule. My mother would often console me that I shall perhaps get a husband who will travel a lot. My childhood has passed and so have the stories.

The Power of Travel

We compromise in a hundred little ways every day. So even for a short while, we must not let go of an opportunity to live untethered, on our own terms and conditions. More than a source of leisure, I believe travelling is a source of empowerment for women. You may not find the “real you” with a weekend in Gangtok, but you will definitely discover few things about yourself when vacationing on your own.

The Right Travel Companion

Imagine this: For a change, instead of packing your husband’s bags for his business trip, you pack your own bags for an all-women’s trip to ummm… maybe the hills? How about trips with just a bunch of ladies (young and old), escorted by lady Tour Managers where your To-do list for the day only says to “have fun”?… Trips that are designed keeping in mind the safety and security aspect for women? Well, they may sound utopic but not impossible. A little birdie told me that such pleasures do exist and that too just a click away! MakeMyTrip introduces special holiday packages for women travellers that aim at providing maximum comfort and security along with unlimited fun, travel and sister bonding. These women’s special packages take care of arranging every single detail of your trip including flights, hotels, guides, etc. with guaranteed departure dates. Fret not if you have small children along, these packages will take care of your kids too!

Don’t get upset if your husband can’t get leave from work. Your kids call you Supermom for a reason. Book Women’s Special Holiday Packages at MakeMyTrip and treat yourself (and your kids) with a holiday you all deserve. Ladakh, Kashmir, Bhutan or the North-East; where shall we meet next?

ABOUT AUTHOR
	Surabhi Shikha: Some people just get wet, others feel the rain… I dance in it in ecstasy and then write about it.

Holiday in Puducherry – Take resort in the sun and sand!

You’ve worked hard the for the whole year and so has your spouse. The children are already world weary, exhausted by the mundane routine of their schools. It’s time to take a break. December and Christmas are almost upon you. You’re unlikely to be missed in office. Everything is pointing towards that one step – a long vacation with your family, preferably on a beach resort! You’re looking for comfort, luxury, idyllic beauty and undisturbed peace. You are looking for a place where you can restore your energies, rejuvenate, and heal. You weigh your options, wondering where to head and then like a bolt of lightning it hits you – let’s holiday in Puducherry! Where else? December is the time for Christmas celebrations and the anniversaries of Sri Aurobindo and Mother Teresa – all big events in Puducherry. And now that that’s decided, leave the rest to us – for we’re here to give you the best resort options and of course, the best deals! For starters, let’s take a look at the top five resorts in Puducherry you could pick from.

Photo Credit: Flickr / Melanie M

Le Pondy

Why should I go there?
For a serene and luxurious experience, ideal for those who are in need of some pampering!

The beauty of Le Pondy is just surreal. Set in a tropical paradise that extends for 14 acres, the resort is situated far away from the main city and its vagaries. This luxury beach resort provides an idyllic setting for a memorable vacation. On offer are Presidential pool villas, Luxury pool villas, Lake View rooms and Sea View rooms – each with their own set of advantages which include private pools, LCD televisions, a small kitchenette as well as a well-stocked mini fridge.  The resort has its own private beach which is ideal for long walks early in the morning or late in the evening. The resort also boasts of a romantic open air restaurant that serves excellent local food. To top it all, the resort has its very own spa for those who need some extra pampering.

Luxury beach resort Le Pondy in its full glory

Dune Eco Village and Spa

Why should I go there?
To get away from the complexities of modern day living and to feel one with art and nature!

The Dune Eco Village and Spa is not just a hotel, it’s a way of life. Located along the stunning Coromandel Coast, it offers 50 private bungalows with striking interiors. As a base for ‘Artists in Residence’, it is also hosts various artists from around the world who come here for inspiration and work studios - where they can create their masterpieces. In keeping with the seamless matrimony of the resort and nature, you are never too far away from the sea. You can eat mouthwatering food made with fresh organically grown vegetables in their two restaurants and relax in their spa. They offer Ayurvedic treatments, meditation and even alternative therapies such as Watsu.

Relax by the pool side at Dune Eco Village and Spa Resort

Club Mahindra Zest Big Beach

Why should I go there?
To enjoy a relaxed vacation with family, especially when travelling with children!

The Club Mahindra Zest Big Beach combines the much applauded hospitality of the group with world class facilities in a stunningly beautiful setting. With its own private beach, a glamorous infinity pool, a romantic beach shack restaurant, and innumerable activities for kids to keep busy all day long, it is the perfect place to go to. You can rely on their kids’ centre to baby sit your children and keep them busy with swings, toys, painting, television, pottery making, craft, tattooing and various other activities. Mums can relax in the spa and dads can enjoy at the excellent pool side bar!

Glittering Club Mahindra Resort at night

The Promenade

Why should I go there?
To enjoy the serenity of a luxury resort and still be close enough to all the other attractions in Puducherry!

This is a  luxury resort right in the heart of Puducherry’s French Quarter. Offering views of the Bay of Bengal, its highlight are the three atmospheric restaurants. First one – The Lighthouse, on the rooftop, offers stunning views of the bay as well as the now abandoned lighthouse. Second one – Blueline, famous for its Oriental and Mediterranean cuisines. Third one – Risque, which overlooks the pool and boasts of comfy leather furniture and fine selection of wines and cocktails!

Stay at the luxurious Promenade Resort in Puducherry

Kailash Beach Resort

Why should I go there?
To appreciate Indian classical culture as well as enjoy some time in absolute leisure!

The Kailash Beach Resort boasts of 38 air conditioned rooms, luxury villa with a private pool and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Yet, what makes this resort special is the fact that it caters to the cultural aficionado in you. Here, not only can you enjoy the pampering of an Ayurvedi massage or spa, but you can actually be an appreciative audience at a therukuttu (traditional Tamil theatre), Bharatnatyam, Oddissi or Kathak dance performance or even Silambam and Kaziatam (ancient martial arts techniques). Performances and courses for the above are readily offered, as they are for the Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. Their impressive library is a reservoir of knowledge. Situated in the midst of historically relevant sites such as the ancient port of Arikkamedu and several old fishing hamlets, staying here can be a study in self development!

Enjoy a few days of fun at Kailash Beach Resort

TOP 10 TRAVEL MOVIES

Summer and vacation are like a couple in love … they always go hand in hand.

If you still haven’t planned your holiday, you need to do it now. Some of you may think that it’s a tedious process, so I thought I’d make it a little fun. How about you pick your holiday destination as per your favorite movie! It’s actually quite easy and to simplify your task further, you can refer to my list of favourite travel movies that inspired and touched my travel ‘bone’!

MY TOP 5 HINDI MOVIES

1. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge: Yes, it’s clichéd to have this as my number one, but it IS Shahrukh Khan and Kajol in Europe! After watching their romance in Switzerland, we all wanted to miss our trains and discover this wonderful country with Raj. We felt the need to buy that Swiss cowbell Simran had and dance in and around Gstaad and probably even try that famous palat scene at the Saanen train station.

2. Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara: La Tomatina festival (Holi with tomatoes!) probably came more in to the limelight after this movie. A movie that redefined friendship and adventure. Skydiving, scuba diving and San Fermin Pamplona (running of the bulls); they did it all! If you miss out on a chance to go to Spain on a road trip with your best buds, tum definitely the mantally challenged ho my bwoy.

3. 3 Idiots: We’ve all wanted to stand by the lake where Kareena Kapoor comes in her bridal avatar on a scooter and even visit that unique school run by Phunsukh Wangdu. This movie captured the true essence of Ladakh in a small yet impactful way. The clear waters of the Pangong Tso Lake, the striking mountains in the backdrop; it all just seemed ready for a visit.

4. Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani: The most recent movie on friendship, love and self-discovery. Kongdori in Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Srinagar; shot in picturesque Kashmir, you see the snowcapped peaks in all their glory. Then it shifts to Paris’ Rue Mouffetard and Eiffel Tower and before you know it, you’re in the royal city of Udaipur- the busy markets, the glistening Oberoi Udaivilas, dancing to celebrate some badtameezi...

5. Bachna Ae Haseeno: It starts on that typical filmy note in Switzerland. As the story progresses, it changes to Italy. With the jaw dropping Capri just waiting to be visited followed by the romantic Venice canals and Puglia waiting to be explored in the song Khuda Jaane. Now move to Sydney – the Opera House, Hyde Park,  it’s all there. Definitely a traveller’s paradise!

MY TOP 5 ENGLISH MOVIES

1. P.S. I Love You: Get a box of tissues, because this movie will make you cry... but in Ireland! A story of love, loss and life changing letters takes you to the country roads in County Wicklow, southeast of Dublin. Scenes in the small yet vibrant Irish pubs make you want to jump up and sing! Lush and green Wicklow known as the Garden of Ireland shows you just why it got its name.

2. Motorcycle Diaries: A biopic on a person who embarks on an adventurous journey around South America on a motorcycle. Explore Buenos Aires in Argentina and the Atacama Desert and Calama in Chile through his eyes. Venezuela, Peru, Columbia; you’ll be surprised by all that you see!

3. Midnight in Paris: A movie set in Paris, one about love with hints of humour. It’s Paris! There’s always a deep desire to go there, and after watching the movie you would want to go even more! Arc de Triomphe, Château de Versailles, Musée de Louvre, and Cathedral de Notre Dame are a few places that have been shown in the film. The movie truly makes you sigh and say Ah Paris, Je t’aime !’

4. Hangover Series: The road trip formula never fails. While the first part takes you to the Party Capital Las Vegas, the second one takes you to Bangkok and other parts of Thailand. From the iconic Caesars Palace, Bellagio and the White Chapel in Vegas to Thailand and Bangkok. Visit Chinatown, Soi Cowboy and Sukhumvit Soi to travel like the “wolf pack”.

5. Sex and the City Series:

• Trace the path of the ladies with Gucci, Jimmy Choo and Versace. They know how to dress and they definitely know how to travel. The first movie shows how these ladies live it up in LA and New York. From Santa Monica Pier to Hollywood, Times Square to the East Side - spoil yourself and live it up!

• In the sequel, the women looking for the “2 Ls”, (love and labels, of course) hit Abu Dhabi… uhh not exactly. Though filmed as Abu Dhabi, it’s really Morocco. Sand and the Arab population are what probably make them similar but Morocco has its own charm. You get to see the famous Djemaa El Fna Square and the pink walls of the Medina, with Marrakech as the backdrop. Head to Erfoud, Merzouga and some of the most spectacular dunes of the Sahara Desert. Merzouga situated on the edge of Erg Chebbi are 50 kilometre long sand dunes, reaching a height of almost 350 metres!

Now get yourself some popcorn and watch away! But before you do that, don’t forget to log on to MakeMyTrip.com to book your tickets for a very filmy vacation!