Dodhia Haveli

The host was incredibly friendly. I had an early morning flight, but he still prepared a delicious fresh breakfast and left it by my room door at 06:50. This historic guesthouse sits in the heart of old Ahmedabad and feels like an experience in itself. The busy main road is only 100 meters away, yet the place was a quiet oasis amid the bustle. My room was clean and beautifully furnished, with a great en-suite bathroom, a romantic balcony, and working A/C. I can definitely recommend staying here.

The first day went well, but our experience declined as the stay continued. We spent 3 nights and 4 days here, and I wouldn't choose it for more than a night or two. It feels more like a homestay than a hotel. The owner doesn't live nearby, and the caretakers did only the minimum to keep things running. It's okay for a one-night visit, but not worth staying longer. The location is close to the market road, where you can get an auto or cab. The room was spacious and comfortable, but there are only two rooms, and we could hear people talking in the other room as well as caretakers speaking loudly downstairs late at night. At check-in, the bed, tabletops, and washrooms were clean. Elsewhere there was a lot of dust: the carpet looked as if it hadn't been cleaned in years, and the cupboards and corners were dusty. There were insects in the water-heating kettle, and the fridge seemed to be just for show. The caretakers didn't clean the room or washroom during our stay. Breakfast was complimentary, and dinner cost 450/person. The first night's dinner was a good portion, but later meals were barely enough. On the last day, service was completely absent. We asked for hot water and had to go downstairs to fetch it ourselves. When we asked for breakfast, he said he was making it, but after waiting more than an hour we went down to remind him, and only then did he start. He didn't clear the plates after we ate. Someone named Mukesh at the building asked us to lie to Agoda customer support, cancel the reservation there, and pay him the same amount in cash. When we refused, he shouted angrily at us. We were charged 500/hr for a late checkout, and only found out after 12. I kept asking for a bill, but never got one. The owner didn't respond to calls or messages.

The place combines an old-style traditional feel with modern facilities, and the atmosphere is magnificent. The AC and room service were top-notch, making it a lovely choice for a family stay. What made the visit especially good was the host, Narayan Ji. He was humble, polite, and ready to help with anything. His warm hospitality made us feel at home, and he prepared delightful, authentic Gujarati food. Narayan Ji really elevated the whole experience. I can't recommend this place enough for a family getaway.

The staff seemed sincere and good, but the owners didn't support them, and our problems went unheard and unresolved. Power kept going on and off for about 16 hours of our stay. At night the total darkness made using the bathroom and stairs terrible. With the steep staircase and old bathroom structure with its uneven floor, we were at serious risk of hurting ourselves. The only alternative the hotel staff could offer was candles, which we couldn't use at night because of the fire danger. The hotel is on extremely narrow, dirty streets, and our car couldn't get there. Our luggage had to be taken to the location in a small three-wheeler. There were only two rooms available to rent, unlike the impression of a big, spacious hotel.