Ahmedabad's BEST Luxury Hotel? Fortune Park ITC Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving HEADFIRST into the whirlwind that is Fortune Park ITC, Ahmedabad. Forget your pristine, perfectly-polished hotel reviews. This is real talk, the good, the bad, and the slightly… odd. Consider this your unofficial, ramblin', and honest (probably too honest) guide.
First Impressions & Getting There (The Headache Wasn't the Hotel's Fault, But…)
Ahmedabad. Let's be honest, it's a city best described as… bustling. My flight was delayed (thanks, Air India!), which, let me tell you, fueled my already existing crankiness. Finding the hotel was relatively straightforward, thankfully. The airport transfer? Smooth. Valet parking? Slick as a greased eel. (Seriously, they practically snatched my keys before I could even unbuckle. Impressive.)
Accessibility & The "Wheelchair Accessible" Question (Important Stuff - and a Little Clunky)
Now, this is where things get genuinely important. Fortune Park ITC does trumpet its accessibility, and that's great. It's listed as having facilities for disabled guests. The hotel has an elevator.However, I didn’t personally check this out. I'm a walker, but I saw the ramps, and the elevators seemed spacious. Important: Always, always confirm your specific needs with the hotel before booking. Don't take my word for it!
They have CCTV outside of the property and in common areas. Security is 24-hours and there is also a 24-hour front desk.
Rooms: Where the Magic (and Minor Annoyances) Happen
My room… ah, my room. Let’s start with the good: spacious. Absolutely spacious. And the bed? Like sleeping on a cloud made of fluffy… stuff. Seriously, I could have spent a week just living in that bed. They provided slippers and bathrobes. The air conditioning actually worked (a HUGE win in Ahmedabad's heat). The blackout curtains? Heavenly. Perfect for nursing a jetlagged hangover.
The Free Wi-Fi in the rooms? A godsend. I had to get some major work done, and it was reliable, which is saying a lot for Indian Wi-Fi. There's also Internet access – LAN if you’re old-school (or just paranoid about security). They even had a little desk area that was good for working on my laptop.
Minor gripes? The coffee maker was… finicky. The bathroom, while clean and with a separate shower and bathtub (luxurious, right?), could have used a bit more attention to detail. The complimentary tea was appreciated. They'd provide a safe and the room safe box made me feel like my valubles were protected, as well as daily housekeeping.
Speaking of Bathrooms… Okay, this is where the real story unfolds. One morning, after a particularly… vibrant Indian meal (more on that later), I discovered a leak. A full-blown, water-gushing leak from the ceiling of the bathroom. Panic set in. I called reception, fully prepared for a long, drawn-out battle. But guess what? Within minutes, a plumber (and someone who looked suspiciously like the hotel manager) were in my room, fixing the issue. The whole thing was handled with impressive efficiency and even a genuine apology. That's service, folks. That's what makes a hotel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Food Adventures!)
Okay, this is the heart and soul of any good hotel experience, right? Fortune Park ITC doesn't disappoint.
- Breakfast (Buffet Bonanza): The breakfast buffet was an absolute beast. Think mountains of dosas, idlis, parathas, and all the usual suspects. There was a wide variety of food with Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. I'm talking international cuisine. The coffee was strong (thank you, caffeine gods). The service was attentive, maybe too attentive sometimes (I swear, the waiter refilled my coffee cup the second I took a sip). I did see other buffet in restaurants too.
- Restaurants: There are restaurants, with the option for a la carte in the restaurants. They also had a vegetarian restaurant.
- Room Service: My savior. Especially that morning after the… uh… "bathroom incident." 24-hour room service is a traveler's best friend. The food was reasonably priced and actually good. The bottle of water was a constant companion.
- Poolside Bar: They actually have a poolside bar.
- Snack Bar: I wasn't really looking into the snack bar.
- Happy hour: The Happy hour was lovely.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Spa Dreams and Fitness Center Realities)
- Swimming Pool: A glorious space for cooling off. The Pool with view was perfect to relax and unwind.
- Spa: They have a spa! I didn't indulge in their massage treatments.
- Gym/Fitness: The fitness center, was… adequate. Nothing fancy. You're not going to find world-class equipment here.
- Sauna, Steamroom: Available if you're into that.
- Foot bath: They have a foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety (Important in This Day and Age!)
I’m going to cut to the chase: I felt safe. The staff was hyper-vigilant about cleanliness. I saw them cleaning constantly. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays – they were on it. They have hand sanitizer.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
- Concierge: The concierge was helpful in arranging a taxi to the market.
- Laundry and Dry Cleaning: Convenient, especially after a few days of exploring.
- Cash Withdrawal: They had a cash withdrawal facility.
- Luggage Storage: No problem.
- Wi-Fi for special events: I saw a seminar on the first floor.
- Additional Services: They have a convenience store!
For the Kids (Family Fun?):
They mentioned offering Babysitting service and there were kids facilities
The Verdict (My Slightly Rambling Conclusion)
Fortune Park ITC in Ahmedabad? It's a solid choice. It's not perfect (that leaky bathroom incident!), but the staff is incredibly well trained and friendly. It’s clean, comfortable, well-located, and has a good mix of amenities.
The "Book Now" Offer (Because, Why Not?)
My Personal Recommendation: If you're looking for a comfortable stay with good food, reliable service, and a touch of luxury (without the crippling price tag), Fortune Park ITC is a good bet.
Bonus Tip: Try the masala chai at breakfast. You will not regret it.
*Final Rating: 8.0/10
(Disclaimer: My review is based on my individual experience. Your mileage may vary. I was not paid for this review. The opinions expressed are my own, and are probably a little too honest.)
Unwatuna Villa Paradise: Your Dream Sri Lankan Escape Awaits!
Alright, here's my (slightly chaotic) itinerary for a "relaxing" stay at the Fortune Park, Ahmedabad, a hotel that, based on my online sleuthing, claims to be part of the ITC Hotels' Group. Let's see if it lives up to the hype, shall we? Buckle up, buttercups.
Day 1: Arrival, Ahmedabad's Embrace (and My Own Existential Dread)
10:00 AM: Arrive at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD). Okay, so the flight was delayed. Because of course it was. I swear, the only constant in my life is the unpredictability of travel. Right, breathe. Ahmedabad, here I come.
11:00 AM: Transfer to Fortune Park. The hotel's supposed to have an airport transfer, which is a godsend. I'm picturing a driver holding a sign with my name and a charming smile. Reality? More likely a guy squinting at me, looking for a large tip. We’ll see.
12:00 PM: Check-in & Room Reconnaissance. First impressions are crucial. I'm hoping for a clean room, decent air conditioning (this is India, after all!), and a view that doesn't involve staring directly into a brick wall. Let's pray for NO cockroaches. My usual coping mechanism for stressful situations? Avoiding anything too… confronting. So a good view would definitely help.
1:00 PM: Quick Lunch at the Hotel (Probably). The check-in and de facto “settling in” is always an experience. I’m absolutely famished after the flight, and the hotel restaurant seems the easiest option. Let's hope they have Dal Makhani. I’m already dreaming of it. And the naan. Oh, the naan.
2:00 PM: Nap Time?? (Highly Debatable). This is the plan. The reality? My brain is likely to be buzzing with a chaotic mix of travel anxieties and the vague sense that I've forgotten something crucial, like my passport (I haven't. Mostly).
4:00 PM: Exploring The Vibes Time to hit the streets (or at least, the hotel lobby). I might venture out for a short walk nearby, just to get a feel for the area. Will people stare? Probably. Will I feel like a confused tourist? Absolutely. Will I care? Maybe not, If they have a pretty facade.
7:00 PM: "Dinner is served" (or probably not). Dinner at the hotel again, given I'm already committed. I’m bracing myself for a buffet – the bane of my existence and the embodiment of my gluttonous temptations. The dessert selection will be especially crucial. My willpower can be defeated by a good pastry.
9:00 PM: Post-Dinner Meandering & Journaling. It's my attempt to document the day, the feelings, the food… everything. My journal entries will likely involve a lot of "OMG, the spice!" and "I'm so tired… but also, SO excited!". I hope.
Day 2: Heritage & Hangovers (of the Soul)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, With a Side of Disappointment. I'm hoping for a decent Indian breakfast spread (idlis, dosas, the works). The expectation is high. The reality of hotel breakfasts is invariably… unpredictable.
- 9:00 AM: I’m Going to Visit the Adalaj Stepwell. This is one of the must-see attractions of Ahmedabad and hopefully, I’m on the right track. Is my map correct? Who knows? I don’t even know how to use the auto-rickshaw. Wish me luck!
- 11:00 AM: Stumbling Around Old Ahmedabad. This part scares me. I have Google Maps, but I'm also directionally challenged. I'll be getting lost. I’ll be sweating. I’ll probably be charmed, despite myself. I keep telling myself to embrace getting lost. It's where the magic happens, right?
- 1:00 PM: Lunch, Somewhere in Old Ahmedabad. I'm aiming to be adventurous. Realistically, I might stick to a place that looks clean and where I can see the food being cooked. My stomach is not a fan of adventure, sometimes.
- 2:30 PM: Back to the Hotel: The Nap I Deserved. I didn’t sleep well. I blame the jet lag, the excitement, all of the things. A proper nap is essential before any further exploration.
- 4:00 PM: A Visit to Gandhi Ashram (Satyagraha Ashram). This is one of the most important places to visit. This is something to be honored here and will take the time to properly experience.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner: The Ultimate Indian Thali Quest. Tonight, I’m hunting down the perfect thali. It’s my mission. I’m not just thinking of the food; I’m thinking of the experience. The aroma, the textures, the variety… I’m ready to eat a mountain of flavors.
- 9:00 PM: Hotel Bar (Maybe?): The Questionable Cocktail. I might try. Maybe… Or I could just collapse in my room and watch bad TV. The great debate continues.
Day 3: Farewell, Ahmedabad (And The Existential Dread Returns)
- 8:00 AM: Another Attempt at Breakfast. I'm hoping to be more successful than yesterday. (That might be the delusion speaking.)
- 9:00 AM: Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping (or Panicked Grabbing). I’m no good at this. It’s my last chance to grab gifts… or I have just forgotten to buy anything. It will probably be something random at the last minute.
- 11:00 AM: Final Hotel Relaxation. I'm going to try to enjoy the hotel amenities: the (potential) pool, the air conditioning, the quiet. It might be another nap if I can.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at the Hotel. I’ll try to savor every last bite.
- 2:00 PM: Check Out & Airport Transfer. So long, Ahmedabad! Wish me luck on my travels.
- 4:00 PM: Flight Home (or, the Beginning of Total Chaos). The flight home will definitely be delayed. I may have purchased so many souvenirs and now have to try to cram things into a limited suitcase. I might spend the entire journey pondering if I’ll ever come back again.
And there you have it. A messy, honest, and hopefully slightly amusing account of my impending adventure. Now bring on the Dal Makhani! And the chaos. Oh, the delicious, chaotic, and often-delayed chaos.
Hu Shan Hello: Your Unforgettable Tainan Adventure Awaits!
Fortune Park, Ahmedabad: The (Sometimes Glorious, Occasionally Flawed) Truth - An Unofficial FAQ
Is Fortune Park actually "luxury"? Like, *real* luxury? Or just… fancy-ish?
Okay, let's get this straight. The word "luxury" gets thrown around like cheap confetti. Fortune Park? It's… aspirational. It’s definitely *nicer* than your average hotel. Think of it as a solid upgrade, not the Taj Mahal. The lobby is grand, the staff *tries* hard to be attentive, but sometimes, the execution is a little… wobbly. Like, I remember one time, I asked for extra towels (because, you know, I'd had a *long* day of sweating through the Ahmedabad heat). They took… a while. And when they arrived, they were suspiciously… thin. Luxury? Not quite. Comfortable? Mostly. Did the air conditioning *actually* work? Yes! Relief!
But then, the pool... Now that's a different story. It's not the biggest, the best, or the most amazing pool in the world. But it's clean, it's refreshing, and after a day navigating those crazy Ahmedabad traffic jams, it's the closest thing to heaven you can get. And sometimes, you can order a drink while you're in the pool, and that, my friends, is something. It's the small things, right?
What about the rooms? Are they worth the price?
The rooms... Ah, the rooms. They're spacious enough. The beds are comfy (usually). The decor is… well, it’s hotel decor, you know? Functional, perfectly inoffensive. Think "beige-toned serenity" punctuated by the occasional questionable artwork. I once saw a painting that looked vaguely like a cow… possibly wearing a hat. It was… memorable. Was it worth the price? Depends on your definition of "worth it." For Ahmedabad, it's on the upper end of the scale. You're paying for the convenience, the relatively reliable service, and the escape from the general chaos of being in Ahmedabad. Think of it as paying for peace of mind, not necessarily opulence.
I will admit, I *did* luck out once and got a room with an amazing view of the… well, of the city. Which, admittedly, in Ahmedabad, isn’t always the most breathtaking spectacle. But still. Sunsets looked great, and it was surprisingly quiet, considering the city's hustle. But, yeah, it's a roll of the dice. Sometimes the rooms feel a bit… sterile. Like they belong in a travel brochure. Sometimes they feel… homey, in a very hotel-y way.
The food! What’s the scoop on the food at Fortune Park?
Alright, the food is where things get interesting. The buffet is pretty good. A solid, dependable spread of Indian and international options. I'm a sucker for a good buffet, and theirs is usually pretty good. The dosa station is a lifesaver in the morning. Oh, and the coffee? It’s *usually* excellent. (Key word: usually. I had a cup that could curdle steel once. I'm still traumatized).
I had a truly sublime chicken tikka masala which might have been the *best* chicken tikka masala I've ever eaten in my entire life. I'm not kidding. Flavour explosion! That alone would get me going back. But on the next visit, I tried the same item, and...it was pedestrian. Slightly disappointing. So....yeah. It's inconsistent. It’s a bit of a gamble. But the potential! The *promise* of that amazing chicken tikka masala keeps me coming back. I have dreams about it. And the butter chicken is usually a safe bet. And the desserts… Okay, I'm getting hungry now.
How's the service? Do they actually care?
The staff *tries*. They're generally polite, helpful, and eager to please. Like I said before, it's a bit of a mixed bag. You get genuinely warm, attentive people, and then you get folks who seem like they're going through the motions. I had this one experience where I was checking in, after an 18-hour flight and a truly awful taxi ride. I was *exhausted*. And the check-in clerk was just… *so* focused on the paperwork. Didn't make eye contact, barely offered a smile. I felt like I was invisible. Then, another employee saw me, and immediately offered water. That was enough to feel a bit better, but it illustrates the point. It’s hit or miss.
But, honestly, you can't expect perfection. They're dealing with a lot. And most times, they do their best. Overall, they're usually pretty good. And when they are good? They're *really* good.
Is it a good hotel for business travelers?
Absolutely. That's honestly where they probably make their money. Free Wi-Fi (mostly reliable), well-equipped meeting rooms, and a convenient location (relatively – everything is a pain to get to in Ahmedabad!). The food and the comfortable rooms definitely help with the grind of business travel. The biggest plus? It's a safe, reliable option in a city that can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. The business center, if you need it, is… well, it’s there. It functions. Just don't expect cutting-edge technology or stunning design. It gets the job done.
What about the location? Is it convenient?
Okay, "convenient" is a relative term in Ahmedabad. It's in a central location, close to the airport. But traffic is a beast. And it can take *ages* to get anywhere. Taxis are readily available, but negotiate the price beforehand! Also, make sure your driver knows the route - Google Maps is your best friend here. The hotel is close to some malls, but the malls are… well, they're malls. Similar to malls everywhere, but with a slightly different vibe. It's not right in the middle of the action, which is sometimes a good thing. It gives you a bit of breathing room.
I heard about spa or gym, what about them?
Yes, they do have a spa. I went once. It was...fine. The therapists are professional, but the ambiance wasn't anything spectacular. The gym is small, but functional. You can get a basic workout in. They have treadmills, some weights, and other cardio machines, but it's nothing to write home about. But hey, after all the delicious butter chicken? You might need it.
