Indore's BEST Clarion Inn: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the whirlwind that is Indore's BEST Clarion Inn: Unbeatable Deals & Luxury Await! (and yes, I'm already skeptical of a title that shouts "BEST," but hey, let's see what they've got). This won't be your average, sterile hotel review. We're gonna get real.
Let's start with the meat and potatoes – the nitty-gritty, the MUST-HAVES when you're choosing a hotel.
Accessibility: Okay, here's where I perk up. Accessibility is a big deal, folks. If you're traveling with someone who has mobility issues, or you yourself have a condition, you need to know if this place actually caters to it. We're talking Wheelchair accessible (check! Vital!), plus the all-important question of access to On-site accessible restaurants / lounges. Because what good's a fancy hotel if you can't get to the food? This needs investigating! Check. Elevator, good! Let's hope it's not a rickety antique.
Internet, Internet, Internet (and Oh God, Wi-Fi!): In the modern age, a hotel without decent Internet access is practically a prison. Thankfully, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a good sign. Internet access – LAN? For us old folks who still like a cable, sweet. "Internet services" is a broad term… let's hope it’s not some dial-up abomination. And, of course, Wi-Fi in public areas. Essential!
Things to do/Ways to Relax (aka the Pampering Zone): This is where the Clarion Inn needs to shine. I’m a sucker for a good spa. Let’s do a quick rundown: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. Holy moly! That’s a lot of options. My first thought: overwhelm. My second: “where do I even BEGIN?” I need a Massage after the flight, and a good Steamroom to sweat out the travel stress. And a Pool with a view? Now that's something I could get behind. This is the moment where I pray it isn't a tiny, chlorine-drenched box.
Cleanliness and Safety (aka, Don't Get Me Sick!): Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Okay, they're serious about this. Good. Especially important these days. "Room sanitization opt-out" – I like that option. You can have the best of both worlds, safe and environmental friendly.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (aka, Where's the Food?): A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. Alright, that's a buffet for options. A Happy hour is always appreciated. The Poolside bar screams "vacation". My only question: quality? Are they serving actual international food, or is it the watered-down tourist version? This is a make-or-break category. A good Coffee shop is absolutely vital for me in the morning, I need that Coffee/tea in the restaurant at all times.
Services and Conveniences (aka, The Little Things): Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. A Concierge is key for me. And Contactless check-in/out? Saved me so much time (and awkward small talk) already. Daily housekeeping? Yes, please. The Convenience store is for those late-night cravings. Laundry service for when I spill red wine on a good shirt? That's a win for my travel wardrobe.
For the Kids (aka, Are They Annoying?): I don't have kids, so I'm going to be honest. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. I'm secretly hoping they're well-behaved and off somewhere else!
Access (aka, Security and Peace of Mind): CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private], Couple's room, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Hotel chain, Non-smoking rooms, Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed, Proposal spot, Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms. Okay, this is all about security and privacy. 24-hour front desk is a must.
Getting Around (aka, Getting Out): Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. Free parking is fantastic. Airport transfer is a must.
Available in all Rooms (aka, The Comfort Zone): This is the list that screams, "Welcome to Your Home Away From Home!" 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. Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, and a Coffee/tea maker are all mandatory. Bathrobes? Slippers? Yes, please. Wake-up service? Useful. A window that opens? A blessing, my paranoid self likes an open window to hear the outside world.
Now, here's where things get interesting. Let's talk about experience. Forget the dry bullet points. I want to know…
The Breakdown: A Stream-of-Consciousness Rant (Because I’m Human)
I'm picturing myself at the Clarion, arriving after a long, LONG flight. The Airport transfer better be on time, because I’m already cranky. The Contactless check-in/out is my best friend right now. I need efficiency like my name is Martha Stewart. Then, boom, I’m in my room.
First, I'm immediately assessing the lighting. Is there natural light? Do the Blackout curtains actually work? I hate a sunny room when I'm trying to sleep. Then, a quick inspection. Is it clean? Really clean? Daily housekeeping is a lifesaver, but you can tell a lot from the initial state. Are the linens crisp? Is the bathroom spotless?
But the moment of truth? The shower. If that shower has good water pressure and hot water, I'm sold. A Separate shower/bathtub is a true luxury. The bathrobes better be fluffy, and the toiletries…hey, I’m a sucker for good shampoo.
Then it’s time to relax. I’m picturing myself, fresh from the flight, in the Spa. A Massage is the obvious choice, to work out all the kinks from the plane. Then, a Sauna and Steamroom combo. I picture myself
Blythewood Getaway: Home2 Suites Luxury Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This isn't your grandma's meticulously planned travel itinerary. This is… my itinerary. The one that will probably involve me getting lost, eating something questionable, and crying (maybe tears of joy, maybe because I can't find a decent cup of coffee). We're talking Clarion Inn Indore, India. Let's go!
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and Chasing Chai Dreams
- Morning (8:00 AM - Whenever Actual Plane Lands, which is usually an hour past the schedule): Land in Indore. Ugh, airports. Love the idea of travel, hate the actual beginning. Pray the luggage isn't lost (again). Mentally prepare for the onslaught of heat, noise, and the joyous chaos that is India.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM) Check-In Debacle and Room Reconnaissance: Arrive at the Clarion Inn. Hopefully, the check-in process is smooth. I usually manage to botch the simplest things. Find the room (fingers crossed it's not next to the elevator).
- Rambling Interlude: Okay, first impressions are everything! I can already feel the heat radiating off the tarmac. My hair is immediately frizzy, and my glasses are already fogging up. I'm pretty sure I already have a sweat mustache. Did I remember deodorant? This is going to be a test of my inner zen… or maybe my inner, "WHERE'S THE AC?!" Either way, I'm going to attempt to embrace the glorious, frantic symphony of life!
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Room secured! Inspect the room. Crucial mission: find the air conditioning. Pray the shower works and the water isn't brown. Briefly unpack, if I haven't already collapsed from exhaustion.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The Great Chai Hunt Begins. Seriously. It's a life mission. Find the closest, realest, best cup of chai in Indore. This could involve Google Maps, asking every single person on the street, and possibly a full-blown existential crisis if I can't find a good one. I'm picturing a small, hole-in-the-wall place, maybe a bit dusty, with the most fragrant, creamy, perfect chai. This is my purpose.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Explore the area around the hotel. Get oriented, see what’s around (and where the next chai place might be). Start my quest for a SIM card to have a good internet connection.
- Evening (5:00 PM - Whenever): Unwind and recover from jet lag. I'm going to take a dip in the pool, if there is one, and order some room service (butter chicken, please!).
- Emotional Reaction Alert: Finally! Time to chill. Being alone in a new city is exciting and terrifying at the same time. This is going to be an adventure. Deep breath.
Day 2: Markets, Monuments, and Mango Madness!
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Actual wake-up (hopefully not with a pounding headache). Buffet breakfast at the hotel. It's an essential experience for the first few days; I'll probably try everything… at least once.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Explore Rajwada Palace and surrounding areas. Gawk at the architecture and soak up the history. I'm anticipating a bit of a sensory overload – the colors, the sounds, the general energy.
- Quirky Observation: I will inevitably compare everything to something back home. This building is like… a more elaborate version of a castle I visited in Ireland, except with more… everything. More detail. More stories. More people wanting to sell me things.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch! Food is very important. Find a local restaurant. Try something I can't pronounce. Attempt to eat it with my hands (poorly).
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Stroll through Sarafa Bazaar. It's supposed to be glorious… and a bit insane. Prepare for crowds, vendors, and the possibility of buying something I don't need.
- Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Mango Mania! Okay, I'm obsessed with mangoes. If it’s mango season in Indore, I'm going on a mango-binging quest. Find street vendors selling fresh mangoes, mango lassi, mango everything! I plan to be covered in mango juice by sunset.
- Doubling Down on An Experience: Okay, I am completely serious about the mangoes. I will eat so many mangoes that my skin will start to glow. I'm going to go to every single stall. I'm going to take pictures. I will try every single variety. I may need a second stomach. It's the only goal I have in life at this point!
- Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever): Dinner. Try a different type of Indian cuisine. Probably accidentally order something spicy. Regret it (briefly). Enjoy it (eventually).
Day 3: Temples, Temples, and Trying to Keep My Sanity
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast, same drill.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Visit the Khajrana Ganesh Temple and the Bada Ganpati Temple. Soak up the spirituality and try to understand the rituals.
- Messier Structure and Occasional Rambles: I'm not really religious, but temples always fascinate me. The atmosphere, the devotion… it gets to me. The stories, the beliefs… it's all so vibrant. Hopefully, I won't accidentally offend anyone. I'm easily overwhelmed by crowds, so I'm bracing myself, and planning to be respectful. It's going to be interesting to see how I feel.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch, near the temples. Something vegetarian for good karma.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Shopping! Maybe visit a handicrafts store. I will probably buy something ridiculous but beautiful.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Relax by the pool (again!). Read a book. Wonder if I'll ever truly be comfortable in this new setting.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Whenever): Farewell dinner. Order all the things I wanted to try, just in case I don't get to visit again!
Day 4: Departure… and Reflections
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Last breakfast. A bittersweet moment.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Pack, check out, and… face the airport again.
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - Whenever): Travel from Indore to wherever I'm going next… or home.
- Rambling and Opinionated Reflection: Well, that was a trip! Indore. Chaotic, colorful, delicious (and maybe a little spicy) Definitely a trip that I will remember for a long time. The mangoes, the chai, the noise… it was a lot. Way too much. But it was also amazing. The people, the culture… it's a beautiful place. Did I get lost? Yes. Did I eat something that disagreed with me? Probably. Did I cry? Maybe. But it was worth it. Now, where to next?
Indore's Clarion Inn: You Asked, I Answered (and Possibly Ranted a Bit)
Okay, okay, tell me, what's actually good about the Clarion Inn in Indore? Like, *really* good?
Alright, buckle up, 'cause this is where I get REAL. The *best* thing? The *deal* they often run. Seriously, I snagged a weekend there last year for, wait for it… barely more than I spend on a decent pizza. And let me tell you, this ain't your roadside motel pizza. This is the *luxury* pizza of stays. Think fluffy crust, gourmet toppings… you get the idea. The value for money is legitimately insane. It's like they're practically *giving* the rooms away sometimes. And the rooms themselves? Pretty darn swanky. Big, comfy beds – I swear, I sunk into one and thought I'd never surface again. Plus, the AC actually *works* (a huge win in Indore!).
Oh, and the breakfast buffet? Don't even get me started. From the perfectly crispy dosas to the mountains of fresh fruit, I almost lost a fight with a small child over the last piece of gulab jamun. Almost. (I won, by the way. Don't judge me, sweet tooth!).
Is the location convenient? I don't want to spend half my time in a taxi.
Well, "convenient" is relative, isn't it? Depends what you're *doing*. It's not *smack dab* in the heart of Sarafa Bazaar, if that's your thing (which, let's be honest, it probably should be). But it's reasonable. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easy to find. It's near enough to most of the major shopping areas and some decent restaurants. I'd say it's a good balance between being accessible and not being overwhelmed by the city's hustle and bustle. I definitely didn't feel stranded like I did once at a hotel miles from anything. The trick is to negotiate your fare beforehand! Trust me on this one.
What about the service? Is it, you know, up to scratch?
Service? Ah, now we're getting to the *real* meat of things here. Generally, yes, the service is pretty good. The staff are usually friendly and helpful. They try, bless their hearts. I've had a couple of experiences though... One time, my room service order got totally lost in the chaos (I think). I ended up waiting an hour and a half for a club sandwich. By the time it arrived, I wasn't even hungry anymore. (But I ate it anyway, because paying for an untouched sandwich is just wrong.)
Another time, the Wi-Fi went down. And it. Just. Stayed. Down. For, like, half a day. I was practically going through withdrawal! Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I *needed* to upload my latest Instagram story about the dosas! (Priorities, people!) So, on balance, service is decent, but be prepared for the occasional blip. Things happen. That's life.
Are there any cool amenities? Like a pool, gym, something like that?
Oh yes, they've got the usual suspects. A pool (which I have used! It's quite refreshing after a day of tramping all over Indore. Always check the time! you don't want to be that person with the wet hair in a towel in the corridor. That's a fashion crime.) The gym? Yeah, it's there. I *intended* to go. Repeatedly. Never actually made it, though. Blame the breakfast buffet. Blame the comfy bed. Blame everything except my own lack of willpower. (Okay, it's my willpower.) They usually have a spa too, which I *highly* recommend. Treat yourself, you deserve it!
Let's talk about VALUE for money. Is it worth the price?
Absolutely. As I said, it's *usually* a bargain. Keep an eye out for those deals! Seriously, sign up for their mailing list, stalk their website… do whatever it takes. When you snag a good rate, you're getting a seriously luxurious experience without breaking the bank. The comfort, the amenities, the food… it all adds up to a great value. I mean, think about it: you're paying for a hotel, but getting a mini-vacation! Not to be dramatic but once I paid full price and I just about cried. Never again. Always look for those deals!
Any downsides I should be aware of? Anything at all?
Okay, okay, let's get real. Here's the deal: the parking can be a *nightmare*. Seriously. It gets crowded and confusing. You might have to circle a few times. So, if you're driving, factor that in. It's not a deal-breaker, but it can be a small source of stress, especially after a long day of exploring. And, as I mentioned, the service, while generally good, can have its moments. Also, the soundproofing isn't *perfect*. I had a neighbor once who clearly enjoyed late-night karaoke sessions. (I did not.)
But honestly? It's all pretty minor stuff. For the price, and considering the overall quality, the Clarion Inn is a solid choice. Just be prepared for the parking, and maybe pack some earplugs. Just in case. And for the love of all that is holy, get that breakfast buffet!
Have you stayed there recently? What was *your* most memorable experience?
Oh, *recently*? Ha! Okay, let me tell you about my last trip there... It was a few months ago. I was craving a getaway. Needed a break, a real recharge, you know? So, I booked a weekend at the Clarion, got a killer deal on a deluxe room, and thought I'd treat myself.
The best part? (Besides the breakfast, which I've already gushed about.) The *bed*. Seriously, that bed. I swear it was made of clouds and angels' sighs. I mean, it was *heavenly*. I spent a good chunk of my time there... just *in* the bed. Reading, watching movies, occasionally emerging for food (which, again, was amazing). One afternoon, which I'll never forget, I think, I was just vegging out, watching some cheesy Bollywood movie on the giant flat-screen TV... the kind where logic goes out the window but the dancing is spectacular.
And then, the phone rang. It was room service. They'd sent up the wrong dish! My heart sank initially; I was looking forward to that butterQuick Hotel Finder
