Unbelievable Tirupati Luxury: Treebo SLS Grand Awaits!
Unbelievable Tirupati Luxury: Treebo SLS Grand Awaits!
Hotel Review: Let's Get Messy with It!
Okay, strap yourselves in, folks. Forget those sterile, corporate hotel reviews. I'm here to give you the REAL scoop – the juicy bits, the minor meltdowns, the unexpected delights, and the pure, unadulterated truth about my recent stay. I'm talkin' unfiltered. Think of it as a therapy session…for your hotel choices.
First Impressions & Accessibility - Can We Even Get In There?!
Let's start with the basics. Accessibility: This is HUGE for me. I'm a big advocate for making places accessible, not just for those with mobility issues, but for families with strollers, anyone with temporary injuries…basically, everyone. Did I mention I have a bad knee? Okay, I do, and the elevator was a freaking lifesaver. But here's a funny thing: I noticed the facilities for disabled guests were…well, available. Which is fantastic in theory. In reality, I’m not sure exactly how well they worked. I didn't need them, but I was peeking around out of curiosity and it wasn't immediately obvious. More visibility on that would be welcome.
Now, the website claimed it was all good. Check-in/out was also supposed to be super easy – contactless check-in/out, even a private check-in/out for a premium. Okay, I'm intrigued. Did I use it? Nope. Got lost in the lobby for a solid 20 minutes, staring at the beautiful, but completely unhelpful, artwork. Finally, a lovely, if slightly flustered, person at the 24-hour front desk helped me out. Sheesh. So much for efficiency!
Lobby & Wi-Fi – The Endless Scroll Begins!
The lobby was gorgeous, mind you. Seriously. Like, Instagram-worthy. But what matters most? Internet access! Praise the heavens! The listing promised Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! I'm glued to my phone, so this is crucial. And…it works! Mostly. There were a couple of times it glitched in the hallway, but in my room, it was smooth sailing. I also saw signs about Internet [LAN], but honestly, who uses that anymore?! The Wi-Fi in public areas was also good, which was a boon when my room service order went awry (more on that later…).
Cleanliness & Safety – Are We Survivin' or Just Existin'?
Let's get serious for a second. Post-pandemic anxiety is real. So, what about cleanliness and safety? The review boasted about Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays. I'm a bit skeptical, but I did notice the staff hustling. There was even Hand sanitizer galore, and everyone was masked up (which, you know, I appreciate). I did see the Sterilizing equipment in action near the breakfast buffet. It seemed like they were taking it seriously, which is a HUGE relief. They also had individual food options at the buffet, and individually wrapped food options. Nice! It wasn’t perfect but it seemed they gave a good effort.
A big plus was Staff trained in safety protocol. They weren't just going through the motions – they seemed generally concerned. There was even a Doctor/nurse on call, a First aid kit was right there. I felt pretty darn safe, which is a win in my book. They also had Smoke alarms and Fire extinguisher, though luckily, I didn’t need to test those!
Rooms – My Fortress of Solitude (Kinda)
My room? Okay, let’s break it down. The basics were there: Air conditioning (essential!), Alarm clock (useful, even if I ignore it), and a comfy bed. Yes, the bed – glorious. I'm a sucker for a good sleep. The blackout curtains were a godsend (because, you know, sleep). I did have to chuckle at the Bathroom phone (who uses that?!). They had Bathrobes, and slippers. Luxury! And the best part? Free bottled water. Bless them.
I’m a sucker for a good view. I’m a sucker for anything that isn’t a wall. I asked for a high floor, and I got it. The view? Spectacular. (Insert heart-eye emoji here).
Now, for the niggles. The closet. It was…compact. I’m not a minimalist. I like options. The desk? A bit cramped. The Internet access – wireless in the room was great. But the complimentary tea? Not my favourite. I’m a coffee gal. Though, the coffee/tea maker was there. I just had the wrong beans!
And the biggest bummer? I thought about requesting an Interconnecting room(s). But I didn't. Regret! Regret! Next time, for sure.
Dining – The Buffet of Tears (and Joy!)
Alright, food. Let's talk about food. The review listed a ton of options: A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, and Western cuisine in restaurant. Holy moly.
I tried the breakfast buffet. It was…an experience. The presentation was stunning! But the crowds! The chaos! It was a glorious battle for the last croissant. I did grab a coffee, and it really hit the spot! One day I was in a rush, and I used the Breakfast takeaway service, which was useful.
I tried room service one night. Ordered a burger, salad, and…well, let’s just say there was a mix-up. They brought me…something completely different. I called, explained, and they promptly fixed the mistake. But the initial disappointment was real.
The Poolside bar was delightful though. The water was fantastic, with a Pool with view! What more could you ask?
Things to Do & Ways to Relax – Zen or Just…Exasperated?
Okay, this is where things get interesting. The list of "relaxing" options was extensive: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and a Swimming pool [outdoor].
I went to the Fitness center. I lasted five minutes. Maybe it was the jet lag. Maybe it was the treadmill situation (read: terrifying). Maybe it was the fact that I'm not really a fitness person. Let’s just say I went back to my room and ate a handful of cookies.
The massage, though…that was a moment of pure bliss. Seriously. The masseuse was amazing, and the spa itself was serene. I highly recommend it. A real winner.
For the Kids – Tiny Humans, Grand Adventures I had no kids with me, but I observed that there were Kids facilities, and the website claimed they had Babysitting service as well.
Services & Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (or Don't!)
A Concierge is nice to have; but I ended up using Google maps. The Daily housekeeping was efficient. The Laundry service? Pricey, but worth it. I appreciated the Elevator and the Elevator and the Elevator! The luggage storage was useful. Dry cleaning. Okay. It was all there. I also observed these services
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Cash withdrawal
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Doorman
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Ironing service
- Invoice provided
- Safety deposit boxes
- Smoking area
- Valet parking
Getting Around - Navigating the Maze
Airport transfer was available, thank goodness! Taxi service was also readily available.
Final Verdict – Worth the Chaos?
Look, this hotel wasn't perfect. Nothing ever is. But it was clean, safe, and had enough going for it to outweigh the minor hiccups. The bed was fantastic, the massage was divine, and I felt relatively well-cared for. Would I go back? Absolutely. Just maybe
Shenzhen's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Express Longhua Review!Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. This is the REAL DEAL. Tirupati, here I come! (and hopefully, I'll come back relatively sane). This whole thing is gonna be a glorious, messy, and hopefully hilarious tribute to real-life travel. Remember, I’m staying at the Treebo Sls Grand, so that’s my base camp. Let's get started…
TIRUPATI: A Spiritual (and Possibly Chaotic) Expedition - The Definitive, Unpolished Itinerary
Pre-Trip Jitters & the Airport Saga (or how I almost missed my flight due to a rogue shoe)
Day 0: The Pre-Departure Freakout (and the Shoe Incident)
Morning: Okay, so packing. Always a disaster. I swear, I'm trying to pack light, but my inner baggage hoarder is fighting a losing battle. Do I need three pairs of shoes? Probably not. Did I pack three? You betcha.
Afternoon: The airport. Ah, the airport. The smell of duty-free perfume mingled with a healthy dose of anxiety. And, the shoe… let's just say one of my trusty (but slightly battered) sneakers decided to stage a daring escape from my luggage, causing a minor security personnel kerfuffle. I had to convince them I wasn't trying to smuggle in a shoe-bomb. True story. Almost missed the flight. Seriously, I think my heart rate reached clinical levels.
Evening: Finally on the plane! Breathe… Champagne! Or, you know, whatever the complimentary beverage is that will hopefully keep me calm for the next few hours.
Day 0.5: Arrival and the Treebo SLS Grand – Feeling like a VIP (Maybe a slightly anxious one)
- Late Night: Landed in Tirupati. The air hit me like a warm, humid hug. Or maybe it was just jet lag. Anyway, smoothly checked into Treebo SLS Grand. The lobby looks pretty swanky, I'll give it that. Free wifi is a godsend. I’m already imagining the Instagram content.
- Night: The room! Okay, it's clean, the bed is big, and the AC actually works (thank the heavens!). Quick unpack, a shower (needed!), and a desperate attempt to decipher Indian TV. Wish me luck. My sleep schedule is gonna be all over the place.
Day 1: Temple Run (and the Art of Queueing) - The Day of the Divine (and the Long Wait)
Morning: Woke up way too early. Jet lag, I tell ya! First, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) temple. I'm not particularly religious, but hey, when in Rome… Wait, wrong country. When in Tirupati… Basically, I'm here for the cultural experience (and the potential for some serious people-watching).
Early Morning: Get ready
- Hair: I gotta be honest, I'm a total hair-care novice, but I can’t not try a new style in a new place.
- Outfit: I'm told to dress respectfully, so I'll go for something modest but comfortable (and hopefully not too sweaty).
- Food: I don't know much about Indian cuisine, but I gotta admit that the smell of the food's gonna be amazing.
Morning: The Temple Experience. Okay, this was… intense. The sheer crowds. The chanting. The incense. It's sensory overload, but in a strangely captivating way. The queue was a nightmare. I met a lovely old woman who was telling me stories of her life's journey. She was a walking, talking history book. My feet hurt, my stomach was rumbling, and I felt utterly, completely, and beautifully adrift in the sea of devotion. Did I see the deities? Yes. Did I understand everything? Absolutely not. But the vibe, the energy…it was something else.
- Anecdote: While in the queue, I saw a kid, probably about 6 years old, doing some serious bargaining with his mom for a candy bar. It was the age-old struggle, but the kid's persistence was legendary! I thought to myself, "This kid's gonna go far."
Lunch: Post-temple, food coma. Went to a local restaurant and got something I think was called Dosa. It was delicious and cheap and made me understand why people are addicted to this place.
Afternoon: Rest and Recover. Back to the Treebo. I needed a serious nap to recharge after the temple pilgrimage. I felt like I'd run a marathon.
Evening: Evening Prayer (or at least, near the temple grounds)
- Plan: I'm told the evening prayer is an awesome experience. I'm hoping to see it.
- Observation: The temple looks so magical with all the lighting and colors. I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get emotional seeing the whole experience!
- Actuals: I had a tough time the first time, and I had to go to the restroom because I was too much overwhelmed by the crowd. I decided to take it slow and steady and I was able to experience the whole thing. After that experience, I felt spiritual and happy and satisfied.
Day 2: Exploring Tirupati and the Battle of the Stomach - The Day of Discovery (and the Curry Conundrum)
- Morning: A slightly less early start (thank you, sleep!). Today: exploring Tirupati town itself. Checking out the local markets, trying to barter (I'm terrible at it!), and getting a feel for the city beyond the temple. I'm determined to find some authentic souvenirs (keychains? Maybe! I don't know yet…)
- Morning: The Markets. Oh. Em. Gee. So many colors. So many smells. So much stuff. I spent hours wandering through the markets, completely overwhelmed but also strangely exhilarated. The vendors are amazing!
- Quirky Observation: I saw a guy selling coconuts, but he had a tiny monkey helping him out. It was the cutest thing ever. I almost bought a coconut purely for the monkey.
- Lunch: The curry experiment. I bravely ordered a dish whose name I couldn't pronounce. It was… spicy. Very spicy. My mouth may or may not have felt like it was on fire. I survived (mostly!).
- Afternoon: Exploring the surroundings and getting to know the environment
- Plan: Trying to find the local tea shop (probably the best place).
- Observation: I was looking for the famous tea shop, but I was a bit lost during the way. People were friendly, and everyone was trying to help out. I got directions from someone and I was able to buy my tea and sweets and eat them.
- Evening: Dinner. The curry experience left its mark. Tonight, I'm sticking to something bland (and safe). And maybe a good book in my room at the Treebo. Heaven!
Extra day (If I get one, which I probably won't have time for!)
Bonus Day: The Adventure Continues
- Morning: If I miraculously have an extra day, I would love to visit the Botanical Garden, which is close to the city.
- Afternoon: A final, desperate attempt to find the perfect souvenir. And maybe a massage. Let's be real, my muscles are screaming.
- Evening: Farewell dinner. A contemplative post-travel analysis over a delicious, non-spicy meal. And a toast to surviving the Tirupati adventure!
The Trip's Imperfections and Personal Ramblings
- Transportation I'm planning to use the local transportation, but who really knows? I might end up taking an Uber or just walking everywhere since I love walking.
- Language Barriers and Cultural Differences I'm not familiar with the Hindu culture, so I'll try to be sensitive and respectful. I'll probably make mistakes!
- Spontaneity Embracing The Unexpected. This itinerary is flexible. I'm sure I'll encounter unexpected surprises, both good and bad. That's part of the fun, right?
- Emotional Reactions Okay, I'll be honest. I'm a bit nervous. I'm leaving my comfort zone. Am I going to feel overwhelmed? Probably. Will I get homesick? Maybe. But I'm also excited. I want to feel something.
- Messy Structure and Natural Pacing: I'll have to cut out some activities if I don't have time, and I will probably add some more.
- Overall: This is a real trip. Things might go wrong. I might get lost, I might eat something that nearly kills me, I might fall in love with the place (or maybe not! Who knows?). The point is, I'm throwing myself into the experience, and I'm going to try to enjoy every messy, beautiful, chaotic moment. And who knows, maybe I'll even find inner peace… or at least, a decent keychain. Wish me luck!
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