Shaan Stay: Delhi & NCR's HOTTEST New Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!)
Shaan Stay: Delhi & NCR's HOTTEST New Hotel? (You Won't Believe This!) - My Unfiltered Verdict!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! I just spent a whirlwind week at Shaan Stay, the new kid on the Delhi hotel block, and let me tell you, it’s a rollercoaster. Forget those perfectly staged hotel reviews – this is the gritty, honest truth, straight from the trenches. And honestly? You might not believe some of this…
(Deep breath… here we go!)
First Impressions & Accessibility - Can Everyone Get In?
Okay, let's be real. I'm not exactly a mobility expert, but I did pay attention. The ramps look good, the elevators seemed pretty accessible – BUT, and this is a big BUT, I didn't personally test everything. I'm seeing a lot of "Facilities for disabled guests" on the list, which should be a good sign. They definitely have an Elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a city like Delhi. I noticed Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out, which are definitely welcome in the age of, well, everything.
Rant Alert: The Internet… and the Wi-Fi Whisperer
So, let's talk internet. They tout "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and a whole bunch of "Internet" options. Theoretically, this is great, right? WRONG. Or, well, sometimes wrong. I'm not going to lie, the Wi-Fi was… a fickle beast. One minute it's blazing fast, streaming Bollywood movies like nobody's business. The next, it's sputtering like a wet firecracker. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were supposed to be options. I'm not sure I ever even saw a LAN cable. Don't bank on it for mission-critical work. Bring your own hot spot if you're remotely serious. Also, the Wi-Fi in the Wi-Fi in public areas was always better than in the rooms, a tiny win but a win.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking – Food, Glorious Food… Mostly!
Alright, onto the good stuff! The food, the food, the food! Restaurants, plural! That's a good start, right? They promise Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, and the usual suspects. The Breakfast [buffet] was… varied. Some days it was a glorious spread of everything. Other days? Let's just say I got very familiar with the omelet station. But hey, Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee shop kept me going. I'm a sucker for a good cup of coffee in the morning. (Pro Tip: The coffee at the Poolside bar? Surprisingly decent.)
The A la carte in restaurant was the real winner, especially the Paneer Tikka Masala. Delicious! They also have options for alternative meal arrangement which is a nice touch.. They also have a Vegetarian restaurant, which in India is a must. I also appreciate the convenience of Room service [24-hour]. Perfect for those late-night cravings after a long day of exploring Delhi.
Oh! And the Snack bar? Perfect for grabbing a quick bite before hitting the Swimming pool [outdoor]. They also have a Happy hour which is always a good thing!
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool & (Maybe) Zen?
Now for the bit I was really looking forward to: relaxation! Pool with view – checked! It was stunning, even if I mostly floated around like a particularly wrinkled prune. They have a Spa/sauna, and let me tell you, I abused both. (Seriously, my skin feels like a baby's bottom now.) They also boast a Fitness center, but let's just say my idea of fitness involves a leisurely stroll to the buffet. But hey, if you're into that sort of thing, they've got you covered.
Cleanliness & Safety – Are You Safe, or Sorry?
Alright, important stuff: safety. They're supposedly on top of their game. Anti-viral cleaning products? Daily disinfection in common areas? Staff trained in safety protocol? I hope so, I really do. They also have Hand sanitizer everywhere. I'm seeing Rooms sanitized between stays, and Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. These are major pluses in a world that's changed, and I did feel safe in my room. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out available, so you can control the amount of cleanliness you welcome. But, truth be told, I didn't stick around long enough to see if they lived up to their claims.
My Room, My Kingdom (Sort Of…)
My room? Mostly good. They offer Non-smoking rooms, thank heavens. My room had a Window that opens which provides an amazing view of Delhi at night. They also had a Mini bar, a Refrigerator, and Free bottled water, a godsend for a thirsty traveler like myself. Air conditioning? Absolutely essential, my friend. Blackout curtains? Yes! I needed those! The Bathroom facilities were decent, with Bathrobes, Toiletries, and Slippers. However the Internet access – wireless in my room was spotty. It was one of the more annoying part of my stay here.
Services & Conveniences – The Good, the Bad, and the… Elevator?
The Elevator is a lifesaver! Air conditioning is a MUST in Delhi. They have Laundry service and Dry cleaning, which I definitely took advantage of. They also have a Concierge, who was helpful when I needed a taxi. Cash withdrawal is available which is useful, and they accept Cashless payment service. They also have a Gift/souvenir shop, because, well, gotta buy some stuff! I'm seeing a lot of "Facilities for disabled guests" on the list, which should be a good sign. They definitely have an Elevator, which is a HUGE plus in a city like Delhi. I noticed Check-in/out [express] and Contactless check-in/out, which are definitely welcome in the age of, well, everything.
For The Kids - Babysitting Service? Really?
Here's the thing: I'm not a parent. But I noticed they offer a Babysitting service and some Kids facilities. Good for them, maybe? I can't say I paid much attention, honestly.
Things to Do - Where Do I Even Start?
Okay, Delhi is a feast for the senses. I highly recommend checking out the Red Fort. The Shrine is only a few minutes away as well. Plus, the Car park [free of charge] is a win.
The Quirks, the Quirks, the Quirks! (And a Few Imperfections)
Okay, here's the honest truth. Shaan Stay isn't perfect. The Wi-Fi gremlins, as I mentioned, were a pain sometimes. And, while most of the staff were lovely, there were a few communication bumps. But, honestly, that's Delhi, isn't it? A little chaotic, a little messy, and absolutely full of character. There were also some of the finer details that slipped through the cracks. For example, my first room had terrible bed sheets, and they were not replaced until I complained.
The Verdict: Should You Stay?
Look, Shaan Stay isn't a flawless five-star experience. But it’s got heart. It’s got great food. It's got a killer pool. And it's got a genuine effort to be modern. It's a solid choice, especially considering the price point. If you're looking for a comfortable, modern, and relatively hassle-free base to explore Delhi, I'd say, YES, GO FOR IT! Just maybe bring your own portable Wi-Fi and be prepared for the occasional minor hiccup. You'll get used to it. It's part of the Delhi experience, after all!
My Unfiltered Offer for YOU!
(This is where the fun begins!)
Tired of the same old boring hotel stays? Craving an adventure in Delhi that's both exciting AND comfortable?
Then ditch the generic and book your stay at Shaan Stay!
Here's what you get (and why it’s worth it!)
- Unforgettable Delhi Experiences: Dive headfirst into the vibrant energy of Delhi, with easy access to all the city's hotspots (and a comfy retreat to return to).
- Relaxation Reimagined: Soak away the stress of travel in the stunning pool, rejuvenate your senses in the spa, and indulge in massages.
- A Taste of India (and Beyond!): From the mouth-watering buffet to the delectable a la carte options, your taste buds are in for a treat. And because you're in Delhi, there is amazing food all around.
- Modern Comfort: Expect clean, well-appointed
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because here's my hilariously imperfect, opinionated, and maybe slightly unhinged itinerary for a trip to Shaan Stay in New Delhi and the NCR (National Capital Region). Consider this a warning – it’s going to be less “smooth sailing” and more “navigating a chaotic, delicious, and utterly captivating tsunami of Indian experiences.”
Shaan Stay & Delhi Daredevil's Delight (7 Days, Possibly Slightly Off-Schedule)
Day 1: Arrival. Jet Lag Tango & Temple Tantrums (My Own, Not the Temple's)
- (Morning: 6 AM - Let's be REAL, more like 8 AM after that flight!) Land at Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL). Already sweating, not from the Delhi heat, but from the sheer logistics of navigating immigration. "They said efficient," I grumble to the air, "They LIED." Finally, through. Find your pre-booked Shaan Stay airport transfer. (Pro Tip: Negotiate the price BEFORE jumping in. Trust me on this.)
- (Late Morning): Arrive at Shaan Stay in Delhi. I booked a room with "a view." Turns out the view is mostly adjacent buildings. Oh well. The AC is blasting though, and honestly, that’s all that matters right now. Unpack – or, attempt to. My suitcase exploded during the flight, so the contents are… scattered.
- (Afternoon: 2 PM) – The First Meal of Destiny! I'm ravenous. Hit up a local street food stall near Shaan Stay. HOLY. COW. The samosas! The chaat! My mouth is a glorious, spicy inferno. Almost burst into tears of joy. Then I try a lassi… pure, creamy heaven. Okay, maybe the jet lag is wearing off, or maybe I’m just delirious.
- (Late Afternoon/Evening: 4 PM): Attempt to visit the Lotus Temple. Massive queues, closed early. My first Delhi tantrum. Sigh. Wander in the local market, end up haggling for a scarf that I probably don't need. But! It's a beautiful deep indigo. I feel slightly better now (and also like I’m going to faint).
Day 2: Monuments, Mayhem & Mango Mania
- (Morning: 8 AM) – The Red Fort Ramble: Wake up ridiculously early, fuelled by the delicious coffee and a slightly guilty conscience about the samosas. Head to the Red Fort, get delightfully lost, and admire the architecture. It’s genuinely breathtaking, except when a particularly persistent tout tries to sell me a “genuine Mughal artifact” (probably a plastic trinket). I politely decline, and then run away.
- (Mid-Morning: 10 AM): Jamuna Ghat. Take a boat ride on the Jamuna river. Breathe in the fresh air (as much as you can). Maybe it’s the air quality. Maybe it’s the heat. Not sure but I feel slightly nauseous.
- (Afternoon: 2 PM): Quick lunch near the hotel. More chaat. More deliciousness.
- (Late Afternoon): Visit Humayun's Tomb. Gorgeous. Seriously gorgeous. I spent ages just wandering around, feeling tiny in the face of such history and beauty. Find a little park and have a sit-down and a rest. Maybe fall asleep.
- (Evening: 6 PM) – Mango Madness! This is a crucial part of the itinerary. Find a local fruit vendor. DEVOUR MANGOES. This needs to be a religious experience. The juice drips down my chin. I don't even care. I'm in mango heaven. Buy a few more. Bring them back to the Shaan Stay. It's a mango-fuelled marathon.
Day 3: Old Delhi Chaos & Culinary Capers
- (Morning: 9 AM) – Old Delhi: Prepare for Sensory Overload! Take a rickshaw ride through Old Delhi. The noise! The smells! The sheer VOLUME of humanity! It's overwhelming, exhilarating, and slightly terrifying all at once. I’m pretty sure I saw a monkey riding a scooter. Or maybe jet lag is back.
- (Mid-Morning): Visit Chandni Chowk. Get completely lost in the narrow, bustling streets. Buy spices I don’t know what to do with (but they smell amazing!). Try to avoid being run over by a motorbike. Success!
- (Lunch: 1 PM) – Paratha Paradise: Find a hole-in-the-wall paratha shop and order EVERYTHING. The aloo paratha is amazing. Then the gobi paratha. Then I regret everything because I'm stuffed. But it was so worth it.
- (Afternoon: 3 PM) – Jama Masjid: Admire the grandeur of Jama Masjid. Spend a few minutes just sitting and observing the world going by. Then get swept up in the crowds again. It's exhausting.
- (Evening: 7 PM) Dinner Head back to Shaan stay, get some rest and dinner.
Day 4: Qutub Minar & Crafts, and a Dose of Despair
- (Morning: 9 AM): Qutub Minar. I love heights, so this should be a blast, right? It's hot. The steps are steep. I'm sweating buckets, but the view from the top is incredible. The intricate carvings are stunning.
- (Mid-Morning): Head in the local market. Bargain for some jewelry, then realize I’ve probably overpaid anyway. But hey, the baubles are sparkly.
- (Afternoon: 1 PM): Visit the National Museum. Get completely overwhelmed by the sheer volume of artifacts. Admire the history, then have a nap in the air conditioning because I’m exhausted.
- (Evening: 6 PM) – The Despair of Realism: I'm starting to feel a bit overwhelmed. Delhi is incredible, but the constant noise, the crowds, the relentless energy… It's starting to wear me down. Head back to Shaan Stay. Order some room service (they had some). And I watch a terrible Bollywood movie on the TV. It's just what I need. And I realize, maybe, that this trip is a bit too much.
- (Late Evening): A good shower and maybe a long talk with a friend.
Day 5: Gurudwara & Gandhi & the Grace of God
- (Morning: 9 AM): Visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahib. It's a profoundly peaceful and spiritual place. The langar (community kitchen) is a beautiful example of selfless service. I eat a simple meal and feel humbled. Feeling a bit guilty I didn’t visit earlier.
- (Mid-Morning: 10 AM): Go to the Raj Ghat. Contemplate the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The silence is deafening.
- (Afternoon: 1 PM): Head to Connaught Place. Get lost in the hustle and bustle, and then escape to a cafe for some much-needed coffee.
- (Late Afternoon): Explore the markets and find some great souvenirs. Find some very vibrant fabric.
- (Evening: 6 PM) Dinner Go back to Shaan Stay. Have some pizza, and wine.
Day 6: Day Trip to Agra – The Taj Mahal – And Tears!
- (Early Morning: 4 AM!) Get on a ridiculously early train to Agra. I’m running on fumes and mangoes.
- (Morning/Mid-Morning: 9 AM): Arrive at the Taj Mahal! This needs its own section. Because. HOLY. MOTHER. OF. GOD. The Taj Mahal is even more breathtaking than the pictures. The symmetry, the detail, the sheer scale of it all… I just stand there, mouth agape, tears stinging my eyes. It feels so much grander than I ever imagined. I take a million photos. Spend hours here.
- (Late Morning/Afternoon): Visit Agra Fort – impressive. But the Taj Mahal has stolen my soul.
- (Afternoon: 2 PM): Lunch. The food is a bit bland compared to Delhi.
- (Late Afternoon/Evening): Take the train back to Delhi. Exhausted, deeply moved, and emotionally drained.
- (Evening: 7 PM) Dinner Have more pizza, and an early night.
Day 7: Departure & Delhi's Farewell Kiss (Maybe With Tear)
- (Morning: 9 AM): One last breakfast at Shaan Stay. Savor the last of the chai.
- (Mid-Morning): Buy some final souvenirs – maybe something for my family, maybe something for myself. And maybe something to remember this crazy, beautiful, and utterly exhausting trip.
- (Afternoon: 12 PM): Head to the airport. My flight is delayed. Of course. Contemplate life, Delhi, and the fact that I need another holiday just to recover from this one.
- (Late Afternoon/Evening): Leave Delhi. I'm tired, overwhelmed, and slightly grubby, but also filled with a strange, almost unbearable love for this chaotic, beautiful city. I will be back. Probably. And maybe next time, I’ll organize things a little better. Maybe.
Shaan Stay: Delhi & NCR's HOTTEST New Hotel? (You Won't Believe This! ...Or Maybe You Will!)
Okay, spill it. What's the actual *vibe* at Shaan Stay? Is it actually "hot" or just...pretending?
The rooms...are they worth the price tag? Because, let's be honest, it’s not cheap.
Let's talk food. The reviews are all over the place. Yay or nay?
What about the service? Are the staff actually...helpful and friendly? Or are we talking about a bunch of aloof robots?
Okay, the *pool*. Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? (Asking for a friend...me)
Is there anything *really* bad about Shaan Stay? Like, a dealbreaker?
So, overall, is Shaan Stay worth the hype? Do you *really* believe it's the hottest new hotel?
