Escape to Paradise: Highland Park's Heated Riverfront Luxury in Manali
Escape to Paradise: Highland Park's Heated Riverfront Luxury in Manali
Escape to Paradise: Highland Park - Manali: My Love/Hate Affair with Riverfront Luxury (and Altitude Sickness)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill some chai (and possibly vomit up some of that delicious buffet breakfast) on my experience at Highland Park, Manali. "Luxury," they call it. "Paradise," they promise. Let's just say, it was a rollercoaster, folks. A beautiful, snow-capped, slightly-altitude-sick-inducing rollercoaster.
First Impressions & the Quest for the Perfect Selfie (and Oxygen):
Landing felt like entering a postcard. The views of the Beas River were genuinely breathtaking. Seriously. Breathtaking. I'm not sure if it was the scenery or the lack of oxygen at 5,000 feet, but either way, I was mesmerized. The exterior of the hotel? Stunning. Seriously Instagrammable. That's important, right? (Don't judge me. I’m a millennial.) They have ample car parking [free of charge] & [on-site], which is a huge bonus because maneuvering in Manali traffic is a contact sport.
The accessibility is a mixed bag. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, but navigating the hilly terrain within the property felt a little… treacherous. Definitely call ahead and clarify exactly what's accessible and what isn't. I’d say it leans towards “capable,” but not ideal.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and My Prison?):
My room? Oh, the room. Non-smoking, thank God, because breathing at that altitude is hard enough without added toxins. It was comfortable. Air conditioning was a welcome luxury, although honestly, you barely need it with the cool mountain air. Loved the blackout curtains – crucial for catching up on sleep (or recovering from the buffet… more on that later). Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! A lifesaver. Although the internet access [LAN] option confused me. Who uses LAN anymore? (Sorry, I'm old.) Internet access – wireless was solid. The mini bar was well-stocked (and tempting). Got some complimentary tea, yay!! There was even a cute little umbrella, because Manali weather is notoriously unpredictable. The alarm clock and wake-up service got me outta bed on time to take advantage of the daily housekeeping. My room had a seating area, great after a long day adventuring or chilling in the bathtub. And yes, I used all the toiletries, because self-care.
The Breakfast Buffet: A Decadent Feast (or My Downfall?):
Okay, here's where things get interesting. The breakfast [buffet]… oh, the buffet. Asian breakfast? Check. Western breakfast? Check. Salad in restaurant? Check. The sheer variety was overwhelming. I piled my plate high with everything. Everything! Too much. I’m ashamed to say, this is where I met my nemesis: altitude sickness. I was sick for hours, but it was worth it. They even had an amazing coffee/tea in restaurant setup, great for staying caffeinated. The buffet in restaurant provided everything! Breakfast service was prompt and cheerful. They did offer a breakfast takeaway service, which in retrospect, would have been a better idea the second morning given my stomach's performance the first day. There were also desserts in restaurant, but I avoided those after my "incident." They also had restaurants and a coffee shop. And the bottle of water provided in the room every day was a godsend.
Things to Do (When You're Not Huddled in Your Room):
The swimming pool [outdoor] looked divine, but it was FREEZING. I chickened out. They have a spa/sauna and a steamroom (I'm a big fan of the steamroom), and a pool with a view, which looked incredible. I did manage to make it to the Fitness center (though the treadmill felt like running uphill, literally thanks to the altitude). They have a gym/fitness setup, too. I was mostly interested in the massage and spa. They also offer a body scrub and a body wrap. The foot bath was just what I needed after trekking around town. Then you have the sauna, the steamroom…. you get the idea. There are a lot of ways to relax, which is great since the altitude can make you want to fall asleep. The terrace was lovely for relaxing with a hot drink.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - The Good, the Bad, and the Bloated:
Besides the buffet, there were other options. The a la carte in restaurant was tempting when I was too scared to face the buffet again. They have Asian cuisine in restaurant, plus international cuisine in restaurant. The bar was stocked and inviting, with happy hour tempting me every evening. The poolside bar was great for a quick bite. They have a snack bar and a soup in restaurant . Their vegetarian restaurant was excellent. They offer room service [24-hour], which is fantastic for a midnight snack. You'd think they'd have some desserts in restaurant for a late-night treat after all of the dining choices.
Cleanliness and Safety: Trying to Feel Safe (and Sanitized):
Okay, this is important. Highland Park seems to be taking COVID precautions seriously. They've got anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, and room sanitization between stays. They even have individually-wrapped food options. The staff is trained in safety protocol, and there's hand sanitizer everywhere. I saw plenty of physical distancing of at least 1 meter. Staff trained in safety protocol. The entire process was very professional. They made sure I did not get sick. I felt like I was in very safe hands.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (and Sometimes Annoy):
Plenty of conveniences here. They have air conditioning in public area, which is great when it's not chilly. A lot of concierge services, a doorman, dry cleaning, an elevator (thank goodness!), and luggage storage. I appreciated the currency exchange and the cash withdrawal. Daily housekeeping was consistent. Laundry service and ironing service are useful. They had a gift/souvenir shop, and, for those inclined, a shrine. There's a convenience store for those late-night cravings. They offer services like a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit.
The "Meh" Moments (and Minor Annoyances):
The location is amazing, but getting around the property can be a bit of a hike (literally). The lack of consistent information on certain services was frustrating. The altitude… well, that's not really the hotel's fault, but it did impact my experience. Be prepared.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You):
They are family/child friendly and have kids facilities. They offer babysitting service and kids meal options.
Final Verdict: Worth it? Maybe. With Caveats.
Highland Park is a beautiful hotel in a stunning location. It's well-equipped, luxurious, and has a lot to offer. But it's not perfect. The accessibility could be improved. If you’re susceptible to altitude sickness, be prepared. Plan your meals carefully (or avoid the buffet). If you can handle the altitude, and the occasional hiccup, and are looking for a luxurious base from which to explore Manali – then yes, it's worth it. Just pack some altitude sickness medication. And maybe a Pepto-Bismol, just in case.
SEO & Metadata:
- Keywords: Highland Park, Manali, Luxury Hotel, Riverfront, Heated Pool, Spa, Sauna, Gym, Restaurant, Accessibility, Review, Travel India, Himachal Pradesh.
- Meta Description: A candid review of Highland Park, Manali. Honest insights into luxury, amenities, altitude sickness, and whether this riverfront hotel is worth the splurge.
- Title: Highland Park, Manali Review: Paradise (and Altitude Sickness?)
- H Tags: Using H1, H2, and H3 to structure the content for readability and SEO.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your slick travel brochure itinerary. This is me, a slightly frazzled but utterly captivated human, trying to wrangle a trip to The Highland Park (A Centrally Heated River Side Resort) Manali, India. Prepare for a rollercoaster, because honestly, that's what travel is.
The (Tentative, Probably Chaotic) Highland Park Manali Adventure: A Messy Memoir in Progress
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustments (AKA, "Help, I Think My Lungs Are Inside Out")
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Arrived in Delhi (or whatever godforsaken airport I managed to drag myself to). Flight to Kullu. Note: Kullu airport is TINY. Like, you could probably high-five the baggage handlers. Already feeling a sense of overwhelmed by the number of people and a little bit of anxiety. Maybe I should've stayed home… No, focus! Manali! Mountains! Deep breaths.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The scenic drive to Manali, which is supposed to be breathtaking. Supposed to be. What was definitely breathtaking was the almost immediate onset of altitude sickness. Felt like I was trying to breathe through a wet sponge. The driver, bless his heart, kept offering me water and politely ignoring my increasingly panicked gasps. First assessment: the panoramic, snow-capped Himalayan views are INCREDIBLY stunning, but are they worth feeling like a dying goldfish? Jury's out.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Checked into The Highland Park. The resort is…well, posh. Very posh. Think roaring fireplaces, impeccable service, and a price tag that made my bank account whimper. The room, thankfully, is beautiful with a view of the Beas river. Made a mental note to hide the price list from myself.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Attempted a gentle stroll by the Beas. "Gentle" being the operative word. My lungs are still protesting the elevation. The river, though…oh, the river. The sound of it rushing over the rocks is hypnotic. Almost worth nearly dying. Maybe.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner at the resort's restaurant. Ordered something simple, like plain chicken, to see if my appetite will return. Ate one bite and my stomach churned. Decided to stick to soup. The waiter, I think he felt sorry for my, kept refilling my water glass. Watched the sunset over the mountains. It was… transcendent. I could feel my stress and anxiety gradually easing. Maybe this whole altitude thing isn't so bad, now.
Day 2: Old Manali's Charm & Momo Madness (And a Near-Death Experience with a Yak)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Breakfast at the resort (had to stay hydrated). Decided to explore the nearby town of Manali. First assessment: the town of Manali is a whirlwind of rickshaws, souvenir shops, and the constant, insistent honking of horns.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The highlight of the day. Old Manali. Finally something that captures me. Cobblestone streets, colorful cafes, and an air of bohemian freedom. It's like stepping into a postcard. Had the best coffee of my life that's also the most expensive. I'm a sucker for the experience.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Momo marathon! Momo's, momo's everywhere. Stuffed myself silly on steamy, delicious, spicy momos. My taste buds are doing a happy dance.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Hiked (slowly, very slowly) up to a small temple. Passed a yak. A massive yak. The yak, in turn, decided to start and look right at me, and charged me! I screamed like a little girl and dove behind a rock. My heart is still racing. That was terrifying and exciting all at once!
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Recovering from the yak incident with a cup of chai in a little cafe. The view of the mountains is still amazing.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Another dinner at the resort. The water has been better than eating. I’m going to figure out how to eat here.
Day 3: Solang Valley Shenanigans & River Rafting (Or, "When in Doubt, Just Jump")
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): A day trip to Solang Valley. Supposed to be a winter wonderland that is amazing during peak season. The thought of skiing sounds, well, terrifying. If I could do anything with peace, I might be into it.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Back in Manali, now.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Decided to tackle river rafting on the Beas. I have no idea why. I'm not particularly brave. But, YOLO, right? Okay, I almost lost my mind when the current got intense. Cold water and a frantic instructor are not a good combination for me.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Back at the resort, soaking in the pool. The water is warm! I've made it 2 days in India!
Day 4: The Long Road Home (and the lingering scent of adventure!)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM): One last breakfast at the resort. Trying to savor every last morsel. Wondering if I'll make it back.
- Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Checkout, and the drive back to Kullu airport. This time, the altitude doesn't seem to hit me as hard. Maybe I'm acclimatized. Or maybe, I'm just delirious.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Flight to Delhi. Farewell, mountains. Farewell, momos. Farewell, yak that almost killed me. I kind of miss it already.
- Evening (3:00 PM onwards): Long flight home. Reflecting on the trip. Did I love it? Yes. Did I hate it? Also yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely. Because travel, even when it's messy and imperfect, is the best kind of magic. And I am forever changed.
Important Notes (because I'm already forgetting half of this):
- Altitude sickness: Drink tons of water. And listen to your body! Don't be afraid to rest.
- Food: Be adventurous, but also be cautious. Your stomach will thank you.
- Transportation: Be prepared for some bumpy rides. And plenty of honking. Embrace the chaos. You're not in Kansas anymore.
- Pack: Layers, layers, layers. The weather can change in an INSTANT.
- Most Importantly: Be open to the unexpected. The best moments often happen when you least expect them. And don't forget the camera. You're going to want to remember this. Even the terrifying yak incident.
- Things to Remember: Take a journal, note down everything.
Escape to Paradise: Highland Park - Manali FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, You Need Answers *Before* You Go!)
So, Highland Park… Is it *actually* paradise? Or just Instagrammable paradise?
Okay, first off, I'm a sucker for good lighting, and Highland Park *definitely* has it. Like, that golden hour glow over the Beas River? Chef's kiss. But, "paradise?" Look, I'm going to be brutally honest. My first thought, fresh off the insane Manali traffic, was, "Please, please let this be worth it." And… it kinda was. It wasn't *perfect* paradise. More like… a very, very comfy, exceptionally beautiful purgatory.
There was this one morning, though… I woke up and the mist was just *pouring* over the mountains. The river was roaring, and I swore I could smell pine needles and… well, probably a bit of damp laundry from the balcony. But it was magical. That, my friends, was a slice of actual paradise. And yes, I took a *ridiculous* amount of photos.
The Heated Riverfront, huh? Sounds… fancy. Is it all show?
Okay, the heated riverfront. This is where Highland Park *really* gets to you. Forget fancy: It’s GLORIOUS. Let me paint you a picture. You're there, wrapped in a bathrobe (provided, thank God, because even a fluffy one couldn't cut the chill at dawn), and that water, *that water* is perfectly, delightfully warm.
I spent like, a solid hour in that pool. I'm not talking about a quick dip; I am talking about *submerging myself* and feeling like my soul was being soothed. Picture this: the snow-capped peaks looming, the crisp mountain air nipping at your face (because, winter), and you're just… swimming. Floating. Being one with the warm water.
The only downside? Getting out. Cold. So, so cold. But the memory? Worth it. Absolutely worth the goosebumps. And maybe pack a thicker robe. Just a suggestion.
The Rooms: Are they actually luxurious, or just pretending?
Okay, let's talk rooms. They *claim* luxury. And... they mostly deliver. My room? It was HUGE. Like, I could have practiced my (non-existent) Bollywood dance moves in there. The bed was ridiculously comfortable. I mean, seriously, the kind of bed you sink into and forget all your worries... until you remember you have to get up to go to the toilet, which I did four times in the first night due to pre-flight dehydration. But the bathroom was gorgeous, well appointed. But, here's the reality check: My room, a Grand View Suite (I think, because I had a view of *something* grand), had a slight… let's call it “quirk.” The hot water in the shower took approximately the same amount of time for the perfect temperature to arrive as it takes to reach Mars. I spent a lot of time freezing my ass off and cursing. Then, it was perfect. Then I took a shower and it reverted to cold again! I even called housekeeping, bless their hearts, who came and politely jiggled some knobs. It helped sometimes, it didn’t others. Sigh.
Now, the balconies? *Those* were worth the stay! Fresh air, a view, and your first sip of morning chai? *Chef's kiss, again!* Especially if you're into the whole "contemplate-the-meaning-of-life-while-watching-the-river-gurgle-below" thing. Which I was. A lot.
Food: Is the dining experience as good as the view?
The food… okay, this is where opinions *might* diverge. The restaurant(s) at Highland Park are aiming for a certain vibe – upscale, elegant, all that jazz. Breakfast was a buffet, basic – but they had great coffee. Lunch, well, there was a certain repetition but also some surprisingly delicious items. The dinner? Well, it was good. Not mind-blowing. But it was… *convenient*. Look, when you're in Manali, getting anywhere can be an adventure. Sometimes, convenience wins. And they *do* have a pizza oven. Pizza. And when you’re cold, tired, and still slightly obsessed with the heated pool, a warm, cheesy pizza is pretty close to heaven. I, however, was quite obsessed, I do note that, though. I swear I had pizza for like 3 meals.
Anything *really* bugged you? (Be honest!)
Okay, here's the unvarnished truth. The service was… inconsistent. Sometimes, it was impeccable. Other times, well, let's just say there were some communication hiccups. And, as I mentioned before: the hot water in my room, was a serious mood killer. Also, the music at the restaurant was... how do I put this? A bit like elevator music trapped in a loop. But that's a small complaint really.
And, speaking of small complaints, there was a minor incident – I accidentally locked myself out on my balcony and had to scream for help. In my defense, the view was so distracting! Thankfully, a very kind staff member rescued me (and probably got a good laugh in the process). So, yeah, a bit of a learning curve for me and the balcony door.
Overall, would you recommend it?
Alright. The Big Question. Would I recommend Highland Park? Yes. With some caveats. If you're looking for pure, unadulterated perfection, prepared to be a bit disappointed. But if you're after a stunning location, a genuinely unique experience (that riverfront!), and a chance to relax in incredible surroundings, then absolutely, yes. Just… maybe pack extra patience (and a good book to read while waiting for that hot water to arrive!). And if you see me there again, ask if I'm on the balcony. I probably am.
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Highland Park's Heated Riverfront Luxury in Manali"