Escape to Varanasi: Luxury & Charm at Hotel O Sharma Guesthouse
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of Hotel O Sharma Guesthouse in Varanasi. Forget the picture-perfect travel blogs, this is the REAL deal, messy and all. And trust me, after my adventure, I've got THOUGHTS.
First, the SEO Stuff (Gotta appease the Google Gods)
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- Target Audience: Travelers seeking a blend of luxury and cultural immersion in Varanasi, India, particularly those who appreciate accessibility, wellness amenities, and a touch of charm. Also caters to: Families with kids, couples, business travelers.
Now, the REAL Review (Hold onto your chai!)
Okay, let's be honest: India is…intense. It's a sensory overload, a beautiful chaos, and sometimes, you just need a sanctuary. That's where Hotel O Sharma Guesthouse comes in. They call it "Luxury & Charm," and, well, they're not lying. Mostly.
Getting There & Getting Around (Accessibility & General Stuff)
Okay, let's start with the elephant in the room: Accessibility. The website says they have "Facilities for disabled guests." I was skeptical. India, you know? But, actually, they did a pretty good job. Elevator: check. Wheelchair accessible areas: check! (Though some areas might be a squeeze, which is the reality in India and not a complete "failure" on the hotel's part). Car park [free of charge]: Another win! Definitely a bonus in Varanasi's bustling streets. Airport transfer: a lifesaver after a long flight. Especially when arriving or leaving Varanasi. The traffic is…an experience.
The Rooms (Where I Actually Lived - More or Less)
My room? Ah, my room. That's where the charm really started to shine. The air conditioning was a godsend (trust me, you NEED it). Blackout curtains? Bless. I'm a light sleeper, and Varanasi's…vibrant energy continues, even at night. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Amazing, I spent a lot of time on the internet. Internet for work purposes and Netflix. Let’s not pretend like I’m all cultural experiences. Daily housekeeping kept things tidy, which was crucial, because, well, I am a mess. Room sanitization opt-out available, but I did a little sanitization because Varanasi is not as clean as my city and I like to trust myself over others, and I got to say it kept me from getting sick. Coffee/tea maker? Essential for morning rituals. Free bottled water? Always appreciated. In-room safety box? A must in any city, honestly. I loved the bathrobes and slippers, it gave me more of a feeling of a spa instead of a room. Honestly the things were a bit dated, but it did have its charm. The desk was useful, I got a lot of work done.
The Amenities - Where I Started to Feel Like Royalty (Sort Of)
Okay, let's talk about the good stuff. The stuff that says LUXURY.
- The Pool with View: This was the highlight. Seriously. After a day of battling rickshaws and the heat, diving into that sparkling swimming pool [outdoor] with the view of Varanasi? Chef's kiss. It was also an excellent place to meet people and chat about the place.
- Spa/Sauna: I was a bit skeptical about the spa in India. But, you know what? It was actually fantastic. The massage was heaven. I indulged in a body scrub and body wrap and walked out feeling like a new person. The sauna was amazing!
- Fitness Center: I peeked in. Let's just say, my motivation for working out in Varanasi was inversely proportional to the humidity. I saw it, it exists.
- The Food! The Food!! The Food!!!
- Restaurants: They have restaurants. They have coffee shops and they got a bar. I wasn't expecting all of the food to be all that great and I ordered the first item on the menu and it was great. Restaurant, Room service [24-hour]: Because sometimes you just need that midnight snack.
- Asian breakfast, Western breakfast: Breakfast was amazing. There's an A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant: Options galore, I could have a fresh breakfast every morning, not just a stale croissant. Also, there's a Vegetarian restaurant.
- Poolside bar: Cocktails by the pool? Don't mind if I do. They were surprisingly good.
- Happy hour: Yes!
- Cleanliness & Safety: I was constantly impressed by the Daily disinfection in common areas. Felt…reassuring. They've got hand sanitizer everywhere, Staff trained in safety protocol, and those Anti-viral cleaning products made me more comfortable. First aid kit is good, but I never had to use it.
- For the Kids & Couples:
- They have babysitting service. I saw families with kids and they seemed pretty happy. Also, if you're a couple, there's a couple's room if you wanna be romantic, I did not use it.
The Quirks (Because Perfection Doesn't Exist)
- The Internet: My wifi in room was pretty fast, but the internet in the common areas was slower than a rickshaw in rush hour.
- The Location: It's close to all the action, but the surrounding streets can be a little…unpredictable. Expect noise. Expect crowds. That's Varanasi.
- The Service: The staff is genuinely kind and tries their best, but sometimes, things get lost in translation. Be patient. Embrace the "Indian time." Be prepared to repeat yourself. It's part of the charm!
- The Soundproofing: Honestly, the soundproofing probably needs a bit of work. I could hear the city, but that is to be expected. Honestly the city sounds were soothing in their way.
The "Things to Do" & "Ways to Relax" (Beyond the Obvious)
- Shrine: I did go to the shrine and was impressed.
- Fitness center, Gym/fitness: I mentioned this earlier, but it didn't change.
- Spa, Sauna: I didn't want to leave.
- Pool with view: Repeat (it was that good).
Overall! (The Honest Conclusion)
Look, Hotel O Sharma Guesthouse is a winner. It's not perfect. There are quirks. But it delivers on its promise of luxury and charm. It's a sanctuary in the chaos of Varanasi. It's clean, comfortable, and the team is genuinely lovely.
Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. It's the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and a touch of indulgence, all while still being immersed in the magic of Varanasi.
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's rigid travel itinerary. This is my attempt at a Varanasi adventure, fueled by caffeine, the unwavering hope that my stomach can handle the street food, and the slightly terrifying knowledge that I’m supposed to be “finding myself” here. Prepare for a train wreck, a triumph, and probably a lot of tummy troubles, all documented from the hallowed (and potentially mosquito-infested) walls of Hotel O Sharma Guest House.
Varanasi: A Messy, Glorious, and Potentially Spiritual Whirlwind
(First, a confession: I’m winging it. Mostly.)
Day 1: Arrival and the Sensory Overload Olympics
- Morning (6:00 AM): Arrive at Varanasi Junction train station. Imagine a scene from a Bollywood movie, then multiply it by a thousand. Squeezing through the chaos, I immediately encounter my first challenge: the sheer number of people, the smells (incense and something less pleasant), and the general, glorious hullabaloo. Honestly, it was like being thrown into a washing machine filled with vibrant colors and a chorus of car horns.
- Finding the Guest House (7:00 AM): The auto-rickshaw driver was a bit of a speed demon. We dodged cows, potholes, and what I think was a rogue street musician. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we pull up at O Sharma Guest House. It's rickety charm. The gate creaks. The paint is peeling. But it's mine. I immediately take in the view.
- (8:00 AM): Checked in, collapsed in my room. Room is basic. Fan is wonky. Window looks onto a courtyard and the constant sounds of life – the clang of metal pots, the chatter of children, the indistinct murmur of prayers. Honestly, already in love. This is real.
- (9:00 AM): Breakfast at the Guest House rooftop. Toast, jam, and a very strong cup of chai are life savers. The view of the Ganges? Breathtaking.
- (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): First wander. Down to the Ghats. Assi Ghat seems like the calmer option. The ghats are where the magic is. You can't help but feel, well, something. The burning ghats are intense. I saw a funeral procession; I felt a deep sense of respect and, maybe, a little unease. So real.
- (12:00 PM): Lunch. Tried street food. Found a stall selling samosas. They were amazing. Almost immediately regretted it. My stomach is rumbling like a dying lion.
- (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Nap. Essential. The heat is oppressive. The food is… suspect.
- (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Evening Aarti Ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat. This, my friends, is an experience. The energy, the music, the fire… it's hypnotic. I got a little teary-eyed. Don't judge me. Spiritual overload is a thing, okay? It hit me hard.
- (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Meal Time and Exploring:
- Dinner. I was tempted, but the samosas are catching up with me. I have a stomach ache. I ordered some plain noodles.
- Walk around.
Day 2: Boats, Beliefs, and Bellyaches
- Morning (5:00 AM): Sunrise boat ride on the Ganges. Totally cliché, I know. But. It. Was. Worth. It. The light on the water, the prayers rising from the ghats, the feeling of being utterly insignificant in the face of history… profound. Or maybe it was just the slight nausea from yesterday's samosas.
- (7:00 AM): Tried some fresh fruits with a chai tea.
- (8:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Explore more of the Ghats. Man, are there a lot of ghats. Admire the architecture. Watch the rituals. Talk to people. Try to understand. Mostly failing.
- (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Okay, I finally have a plan. Find the local doctor. My stomach is a war zone. I'm currently hugging the toilet, or as my travel buddy calls it "the Porcelain Throne". I'm a mess.
- (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Rest time. The heat is relentless. The stomach is even worse.
- (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): After consulting with my doctor, I went to the local pharmacy and got some very strong medicine. Then get back to the guest house.
- (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): A little walk.
- (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner. Plain rice. Bed. Pray for the morning to be better.
Day 3: The "Cultural Immersion" (and My Stomach's Continued Rebellion)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Wake up. Stomach still protesting. Sigh. At this point, I feel less like a spiritual seeker and more like a walking disaster zone.
- Breakfast: More chai. Maybe some toast. Avoid anything vaguely resembling street food.
- Morning Activity (9:00 AM-1:00 PM): Visit Sarnath. The place where Buddha gave his first sermon. It's beautiful. The stupas are impressive. The serenity is almost tangible, but my gut keeps reminding me of the samosas. I wonder if the Buddha ever had a bad case of Delhi Belly?
- Lunch (1:00 PM-2:00 PM): Ordered bland food at a safe place.
- Afternoon Activity (2:00 PM-5:00 PM): More rest. More medication.
- Evening (5:00 PM-8:00 PM): I take a boat ride again. This time, I tried to absorb all the colors and sounds and feelings. I try to come to terms with my situation.
- (8:00 PM): My last night at the guest house.
Day 4: Departure and the lingering question:
- (7:00 AM): Check out and on my way to the Varanasi Junction.
- (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast at the train station.
- (9:00 AM): Board the train for my next adventure.
Final Thoughts (and a Warning):
Varanasi is… intense. It’s everything you’ve heard and probably 10,000 things you haven't. It's beautiful and chaotic and challenging and at times, utterly overwhelming. My stomach is still not happy. But. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. This is where I went through; this is where I grew; this is where I found some peace.
A word of advice: Pack some serious gut medication. And maybe a hazmat suit. Just in case. And don't be afraid to embrace the mess. Because, let's be honest, life is a messy, glorious adventure. And Varanasi? Well, it's just a very, very messy adventure.
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Escape to Varanasi: Luxury & Charm at Hotel O Sharma Guesthouse - FAQs (with a healthy dose of reality!)
So, is this place *really* 'luxury'? Because, let's be honest, travel websites lie. And Varanasi... well, it's Varanasi.
Okay, truth time. Luxury in Varanasi is a different *breed* of luxury. Think "charming patina" instead of "sterile perfection." Hotel O Sharma is charming. It’s definitely a step up from some of the… let's call them "budget-friendly" guesthouses. The rooms are spacious, the AC works (a HUGE win), and the beds… oh, the beds. They were actually comfortable, which after a day battling the chaos of the ghats, felt like slipping into a cloud. Think of it like this: you're getting a solid 8 out of 10 in terms of comfort and cleanliness. The "luxury" comes in the form of the *experience*: the rooftop views, the friendly staff (more on them later), and the feeling of being tucked away from the madness. It's not the Four Seasons, no, but it's definitely a haven. Don't expect a marble bathroom, but expect a really good shower! More importantly, you're not constantly waiting for the next power cut as I have been in other places.
What's the location *really* like? Because "close to the ghats" can mean a lot of things in Varanasi.
Okay, the location is *fantastic*. You're a short, sometimes slightly chaotic (but always entertaining) walk from Assi Ghat. And Assi Ghat is where *everything* happens – the morning aartis, the evening rituals, the chai stalls, the people-watching… it's the heart of the action. Getting there? Expect to navigate a few narrow alleys, dodging cows (a Varanasi rite of passage), motorbikes, and the occasional stray holy man. Embrace the chaos! The guesthouse is tucked away, so it’s quiet and peaceful at night, which is a godsend after a day wrestling with the city. My first morning, I walked down to the Assi Ghat, and had the most perfect chai, even though i was covered in dust from the road and was pretty tired from the flight.
The staff... they're always a wildcard. What's the scoop on the folks at O Sharma?
Alright, the staff. Bless their hearts. They were, without a doubt, the highlight of the stay. They're incredibly friendly, helpful, and genuinely seem to care about making your stay enjoyable. They'll help you book tours, arrange airport transfers, and even try to communicate with you when their English isn't perfect (which is charming in itself). I remember one time, I somehow locked myself out of my room (don't ask), completely flustered and covered in turmeric from a cooking class. The staff, bless them, showed up with the spare key with a smile and barely a giggle, they were just so nice. You'll probably get a few minor mishaps and a little bit of confusion due to the language barrier, but the sincerity is undeniable. Just be patient, and embrace the quirks. They are the best.
The rooftop – that’s the big selling point, right? What's the vibe up there, and is it *actually* as good as it looks in the photos?
The rooftop… YES. The photos don't lie! The view is *stunning*, especially at sunrise and sunset. Imagine this: you, a cup of steaming chai, and the Ganges River stretching out before you, bathed in golden light. Watching the sunrise over the river was one of the most powerful experiences I had. It felt truly surreal. The vibe is really chill. There's usually a small, quiet buzz from other guests, the faint sound of the aarti from the nearby ghats, and the occasional bird chirping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, read a book, or just soak up the atmosphere. I spent a good portion of my time up there, honestly. It's worth it just for the view alone. I even managed to do some yoga one morning.
Food – is there a restaurant? And is it any good? I've had some *interesting* meals in India...
Okay, the food. Here's the lowdown: they *do* offer food, and it's… well, it’s what you’d expect. It's not gourmet, but it's reliably tasty and convenient. Think simple Indian dishes, breakfasts, and some Western options. Honestly, I ate most of my meals there, simply because it was easier. They’re happy to change things up for you if you have any dietary changes. I went for simplicity, and it worked well for me. The best part? It was all made fresh. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it’s satisfying and a welcome respite from the street food, which, let's be honest, can be a bit of a gamble. Plus, the rooftop is a lovely place to eat, especially at sunset. I ate there a few times, and it was beautiful really.
Anything you *didn't* like? Be honest!
Okay, the gritty truth: there were a few minor annoyances. The Wi-Fi was… spotty. Sometimes it worked perfectly, other times it vanished into thin air. I really struggled when trying to work, so I had to go find a cafe. Also, the stairs... well, you're going to be doing a lot of them. The guesthouse doesn't have elevators, so be prepared for a workout if your room is on the upper floors. I'm also a light sleeper, and the morning aarti can get pretty loud. Earplugs are your friend. The place generally had a few cockroaches in the bathroom, but honestly, it's India, so that is to be expected. Other than that, my experience was pretty great.
Would you stay there again? Seriously, would you go back to Hotel O Sharma?
Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite the occasional Wi-Fi woes and cockroach sightings, I would definitely stay at Hotel O Sharma again. The location is perfect, the staff are lovely, and the rooftop… well, it makes everything worth it. It’s a place with charm and a soul and makes you feel really connected to Varanasi. It's not perfect, but that's part of what makes it special. If you're looking for a comfortable, well-located guesthouse with character in the heart of Varanasi, you can't go wrong. Maybe pack some earplugs and a good book, and prepare to fall in love with the chaos. And the chai. Don't forget the chai.
Tell me more about the chai... you seem obsessed.
Okay, okay, I admit it. I *am* obsessed with the chai. The chai at Hotel O Sharma, or rather, the chai you can get *easily* from every street corner near the guesthouse, is, in a word, *divine*. It’s the perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and aJet Set Hotels
