Jaisalmer's Royal Escape: Vasshifa Palace Hotel Awaits!
Jaisalmer's Royal Escape: Vasshifa Palace Hotel Awaits!
Jaisalmer's Royal Escape: Vasshifa Palace Hotel Awaits! - A Messy, Honest Review (and a Desperate Plea to You)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash a review of the Vasshifa Palace Hotel in Jaisalmer that's less "polished travel brochure" and more "scribbled notes in a desert sandstorm." I'm talking raw, real, and possibly bordering on the slightly unhinged. Prepare yourselves.
First things first, this place is in Jaisalmer. Let me paint you a picture: golden sandstone everywhere, the air shimmers with heat, and you feel like you've stepped into a postcard that's actually… happening. The Palace is supposed to be royal. And it does try, bless it.
Accessibility: (Mostly) A Mixed Bag.
Okay, let’s be real from the jump - accessibility is not their strongest suit. While they do list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is a plus, I couldn't find any specifics. The website just says it. We need more info! Like ramps, elevators, and truly accessible rooms. This area NEEDS a serious update, Vasshifa! Get on it!
Cleanliness and Safety: Gotta Love the Vibe
I’m a germaphobe who went to Jaisalmer. You can imagine the internal screaming before I arrived. However, Vasshifa gets (most of) the props here. The staff is all over the Daily Disinfection. They’re disinfecting the common areas constantly. You've got the hand sanitizer strategically placed and the staff trained in safety protocol. Okay, cool. The anti-viral cleaning products are a big win for my anxiety, thank you! And, the room sanitization opt-out is a brilliant touch.
Now, the staff… Bless their hearts. They're incredibly friendly and helpful, which is the best part.
Speaking of which, I gotta give a shout-out to the 24-hour front desk. Always there. Security [24-hour] and CCTV in common areas were also a comfort. And the fire extinguisher and smoke alarms? Basic, but appreciated!
Where The Food Gets A Grumble: Dining, Drinking and Snacking
Alright, look, I’m a brunch fiend. And the Vasshifa didn't exactly nail it. the Asian breakfast was bland. Even breakfast [buffet] had some serious misses! The restaurants and coffee shop are on par. Happy hour was good when it happened. The poolside bar seemed like a great idea, but service was slow. Room Service [24-hour]? A lifesaver at 3 AM.
The Vegetarian restaurant was a solid option (thank god, Jaisalmer can be VERY meat-centric). Bottle of water was a daily necessity in the heat. Coffee/tea in restaurant - essential.
My Personal Royal Flush (or Not Quite): The Spa/Sauna Experience
Okay, here’s where things got… interesting. Let me tell you about the Spa/Sauna… It had the potential to be amazing. They have a Sauna and a Steamroom. The massage was… mixed. The body scrub made me feel like I was getting a sandblasting (not in a good way). The pool with a view? Yeah, that was great. It offered that majestic view where the desert seemed to stretch on forever. I sat there in the sun, feeling like royalty… briefly. Then the feeling of, "Oh, I need another towel to soak up the sweat" hit me. It's not going to win any awards in my book.
Rooms, Glorious Rooms! (Well, Mostly)
The Air conditioning was a godsend. Blackout curtains are essential in the desert. Bed: comfy. Bathroom? Clean. Hot water? Yes.
I was in a non-smoking room, which meant no smoking area to make me smell like a campfire. They have a good variety of, Additional toilet, Bathrobes, Closet, Complimentary tea, Desk, Extra long bed, Mirror, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. The In-room safe box? Always a plus for peace of mind.
Now, let the record show, I did miss an iron in the room!! Ironing facilities is an important detail for important people!
The "Things to Do" and "Ways to Relax" - Some Fun, Some Misses
They've got a Swimming pool [outdoor], which is essential in Jaisalmer. A Fitness center, although I didn't trust it enough to go near it. Foot bath was a weird option that I skipped.
The Terrace was nice for chilling with a drink. Shrine was a nice cultural touch. Massage options mentioned above.
Services and Conveniences - The Usual Suspects
Air conditioning in public area – check. 24-hour laundry service was a lifesaver after a week of dusty adventures. Cash withdrawal on-site, which is handy. Concierge was helpful, Daily housekeeping was efficient. Dry cleaning was a needed service. Luggage storage? Yep. Elevator (THANK GOD – see accessibility discussion above!). Invoice provided – good for business travelers.
Other Things I Noticed
Bicycle parking. Car park [free of charge]… Cashless payment service is great and I’d expect it these days. Doctor/nurse on call is a good and thoughtful inclusion. Luggage storage is key. And the Gift/souvenir shop might tempt you into dropping some cash!
For the Kids - Didn't Bring Any, But Observed
They have Family/child friendly which is a big plus.
Getting Around - Be Prepared
Airport transfer – essential! Taxi service is readily available. Valet parking is a nice touch you can use, if you're into that scene.
The Messy Truth: Imperfections and All
Okay, here’s the deal. Vasshifa Palace Hotel is a try-hard. It's not perfect. You'll find some things that need improvement. But the location, the history of this Palace and the staff more than make up for the flaws. It's not a soul-crushing experience. I left feeling like I'd had a real taste of Jaisalmer.
Final Verdict (and a Desperate Plea for You to Book!)
Look, if you're looking for flawless perfection, you might need to lower your expectations. But… If you're after a taste of Jaisalmer's magic, a place with character, a good foundation, and a staff that genuinely cares (even if the spa is questionable), then Vasshifa Palace Hotel is a solid choice.
And now, here's the emotional plea:
I'm broke now, you see. Because of the trip. So, book this damn hotel. For my sake! Tell them I sent you. I need the good karma. Honestly, you'll have a great time. And maybe… just maybe… if you book, the universe will send me a free massage coupon or something. Please. Book it. You won't regret it!
Escape to Paradise: Seychelles' Green Park Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your typical travel itinerary. This is…well, this is me trying to navigate the golden city of Jaisalmer, India, with a serious love affair with chaos and a questionable sense of direction. And it all starts at, you guessed it, the glorious, possibly slightly crumbling (in the best way possible) Hotel Vasshifa Palace. Let's begin!
Day 1: Arrival & Desert Dreams (and a near-miss with a camel…)
1:00 PM: Arrived in Jaisalmer! After a train journey that felt approximately the length of the Mississippi River (with a lot less air conditioning), I stumbled out of the station looking like a crumpled piece of paper and praying to the travel gods for mercy. Found a pre-booked tuk-tuk (YES! Achievement unlocked!) that got me to the Vasshifa Palace. The first impression? Majestic! And slightly wonky (like me). The lobby is covered in intricate carvings, and there's a tiny (but enthusiastic) dog yapping at my ankles. Felt like stepping into a Bollywood film, and I loved it.
2:00 PM: Check-in. The staff are incredibly polite, bordering on saintly, considering my general state of disarray. The room? Oh, the room! It's got more character than a Dickens novel. Huge bed, ornate furniture, and a balcony overlooking…well, a lot of rooftop antennas and the faint whisper of a camel somewhere in the distance.
3:00 PM: Attempted to orient myself using the (slightly blurry) map I'd printed before leaving. Failed. Miserably. Decided to just wander. Jaisalmer Fort is stunning from afar, but the reality of navigating its narrow lanes is… intense. Got completely lost within ten minutes, which, honestly, is a personal best.
4:30 PM: Found a Chai shop (the savior of this trip, I swear). The chai was incredibly strong and slightly sweet, and the old man running the shop had the kindest eyes. Sat there, drinking my tea, and soaking in the sheer unbelievability of being in India. Actually had a moment where I fully believed I had walked into a fairy tale.
6:00 PM: Began the most harrowing ride of my life – a camel trek into the Thar Desert. The camel was named, and I kid you not, Bob. Bob's gait was… idiosyncratic. I almost fell off approximately seven times. Halfway through, I was convinced I was going to die. From sheer terror, or perhaps from Bob's repeated attempts to eat my scarf. (He wanted it; I could feel him judging me.)
8:00 PM: Desert camp! Magical. The stars exploded above us. Dinner was delicious (though the vegetarian options were a bit… limited). Sat around the campfire, listening to the musicians play traditional music under a billion stars, and for a moment, I actually, truly, felt at peace. Then, the sand fleas attacked. The desert giveth, the desert taketh away.
9:00 PM: Stargazing. Absolutely incredible. I've never seen so many stars. I might even have cried. The vastness of the desert, the sheer scale of it all – it's humbling and terrifying, and utterly, completely beautiful.
10:00 PM: Struggle of my life to fall asleep amongst the other people in a shared tent on a thin mattress. The nights were full of the howling wind, the sand, and incessant coughing from a fellow traveler.
Day 2: Forts, Food, and Feeling Overwhelmed (in a Good Way!)
8:00 AM: Woke up slightly sandy, slightly achy, and overwhelmingly happy to be alive. Breakfast in the desert was a bit of a free-for-all, but the paratha was amazing.
9:00 AM: Back in Jaisalmer, after another slightly nausea-inducing camel ride. (Bob and I are still not friends.) Shower to wash the grit of the desert off, and the emotional residue of almost being eaten by a camel.
10:00 AM: Exploring the Jaisalmer Fort. It's even more amazing up close! The sheer density of life inside is astounding. Shops, homes, temples – all crammed together within the ancient walls. Got totally, gloriously lost again. Accidentally wandered into a school, where a group of children giggled at me. Definitely a highlight.
12:00 PM: Lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort. The view was incredible! The food? Okay, let's just say I'm learning to like spicy food. Almost cried from the spice, but the flavors were incredible.
2:00 PM: Went to a haveli. Or maybe two. Or three? Lost track. So many intricate details, so much history! The carvings, the architecture… mind-blowing. It was so easy to imagine what life was like back then. And wonder where the heck those people are now.
4:00 PM: Shopping! OMG, the shopping! I bought far too many things. Silk scarves, bangles, a little silver box I don't need but couldn't resist. The shopkeepers are friendly, but the prices (and the bargaining) can be a little overwhelming. Okay, a lot overwhelming.
6:00 PM: The Realization. Realized that I had actually done something with my life – I made it to India. I had been wanting to get here forever, and I somehow made it, all on my own. Sat on my tiny balcony at Hotel Vasshifa Palace and just cried a minute – happy tears.
7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. The restaurant was recommended. Ordered what the waiter recommended. The food was bland, even by my standards. I was so disappointed I did not finish one of the meals I’d ordered.
9:00 PM: Wrote in my journal, trying to capture the chaos and beauty of this trip before it all evaporated into a blur of sand and spices.
Day 3: Farewell, Jaisalmer (and a lingering smell of camel)
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Hotel Vasshifa Palace (finally! A fantastic omelet). Saying goodbye to the hotel staff was like saying goodbye to a group of friends. Their warmth and kindness made all the difference, and they made the most important part of any trip enjoyable – returning to a safe place.
9:00 AM: One last stroll through the city. Said goodbye to the Old Man at the chai shop.
11:00 AM: Tuk-tuk ride to the bus/train station. Goodbye Jaisalmer. I’m leaving you.
Reflections:
- Highs: The desert, the stars, the chai, the genuine warmth of the people.
- Lows: Bob (seriously, that camel was the devil's steed), almost starving from the spicy food.
- Lessons Learned: Embrace the chaos. Get lost. Drink the chai. Bargain hard (but still be kind). And never, ever, underestimate the power of a good, clean shower.
- Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Jaisalmer has already burrowed itself into my soul, in all its dusty, chaotic, and utterly magical glory. And hey, maybe I'll even learn to ride a camel. Maybe.
Jaisalmer's Royal Escape: Vasshifa Palace Hotel - Ready to Ruin Your Expectations (in the BEST way?)
Okay, spill. First impressions of Vasshifa Palace? Is it REALLY a palace experience or just… well, a hotel?
Look, let's be honest. Palaces in India are… a thing. You've seen the pictures, right? Gold leaf, echoing halls, the whole shebang. Vasshifa? It’s… it's got the vibe. Think more "Charming Relic" than "Versailles Extravaganza." My first thought? "Wow, that's a lot of stairs." Seriously. The climb to the rooftop? Practically a cardio workout. But then you hit the top… and the view? *chef's kiss*. Absolutely worth gasping for air. And the staff? Bless their hearts, they try *so hard* to make you feel like royalty. Sometimes it works, sometimes it's like watching a well-meaning puppy try to herd sheep. But the effort is there! They are very welcoming!
What are the rooms *really* like? Saw some photos online, but… let's be real.
Alright, so the rooms… Ah, the rooms. Expect character. *LOTS* of character. Mine had a bed that looked like it was imported directly from a sultan's opium den (in the best way possible, mind you. I slept *deep*). The decor is… well, let's call it "eclectic." Think antique furniture, maybe a slightly wonky mirror, and that "freshly cleaned" scent that may or may not be just dust. (It’s India, people! Embrace the dust!). The bathrooms? Function well for the most part, although hot water can be a gamble. And *do not* expect super-modern. This is part of the charm. Also, watch out for the rogue geckos. They're everywhere and, like, just vibing. I named mine George.
Tell me about the food! Is it all just repetitive curry or are there real culinary gems?
Okay, listen. I love curry. But even I get curry fatigue after a while. Vasshifa's restaurant tries! Breakfast is a decent spread, with a mix of Indian and Western options. The rooftop restaurant is where it's at though, mainly for the view. Dinner is *usually* a success. I highly recommend the Laal Maas (if you can handle the spice, which I, of course, *can*), and the Dal Baati Churma is pretty perfect. The service can be… leisurely. So, plan to relax. Maybe order a Kingfisher and just soak in the atmosphere. I learned the hard way that ordering room service after 10 PM is flirting with disaster. Let’s just say I survived on a packet of biscuits one night. It was an experience though.
This rooftop everyone raves about. Is it *really* as magical as it sounds? Because I'm easily swayed by a good view.
The rooftop. OH. MY. GOD. Yes. It *is* magical. Trust me, I’m a jaded travel writer. But the Gold Fort, the twinkling city lights… it’s seriously breathtaking. Especially at sunset. I’d climb those stairs barefoot just to see it again. I actually did, one night, after a particularly raucous dinner. Don't judge. The stars at night are incredible as well. It’s a great spot for an evening drink or to enjoy a quiet moment. Just be prepared for a possible rogue monkey or two. They're always looking for snacks. It really is a perfect place to lose yourself for hours.
The staff! Good, bad, indifferent? Do they actually know what they're doing?
Okay, the staff… That's the heart of the whole experience. They are kind, they are attentive, *and* let's be real, they're still learning. (Bless their hearts!). Some speak better English than others, but they *try*. They're genuinely eager to please. There was this one waiter… bless him. I think he might have been training. He mixed up my orders, kept forgetting things, and *almost* set a napkin on fire with a candle. But he was so apologetic, so earnest, that I just couldn't even be mad. It's this kind of experience that makes it memorable. They'll go the extra mile, arranging camel safaris, answering a million questions, and always having a smile for you. It isn’t perfect, but that's part of the charm.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around, or am I going to be stuck in a rickshaw for hours?
The location is pretty darn good. It's close enough to the main attractions – the fort, the market, the lake – that you can walk (if you enjoy a good stroll) or hop in a rickshaw easily. Rickshaws are your best friends in Jaisalmer, mind you, just make sure you negotiate the price *before* you get in. You will be harassed by drivers! The hotel can arrange transportation if you prefer it. I'd recommend the camel safari, which the hotel can set up. That's an absolute must-do! It’s a little bit of a maze to get to, but that adds to the experience. It's like a hidden gem!
You mentioned camel safari. Is it worth it? What did you actually *do* on one?
OMG YES! The camel safari is an absolute MUST. Okay, so, first things first: it's *bumpy*. Really, really bumpy. My backside was not the same afterwards. But the scenery… the desert… the absolute *silence* (once you get away from the tourist hordes)… it's incredible. The hotel set mine up. We rode for a few hours (more like *jiggled* for a few hours). We stopped at a tiny little oasis, had some chai (which was divine after a long day in the sun!), and watched the sunset. Honestly? It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen. We ate dinner under the stars (a bit sandy, but who cares?!) and slept in a basic, but surprisingly comfortable, bedroll. Waking up in the middle of the desert and seeing the sunrise? Total bucket-list material. Just pack some sunscreen, a hat, and a strong sense of adventure. And maybe some padding for your… rear. You'll thank me later.
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