Mandakini Villa by OYO Rooms

I booked four nights, from February 16 to 20, 2025, with my wife, but checked out the next day and left with our belongings. People were drinking and smoking in the hall, bringing girls to rooms, and making loud noises late at night. It embarrassed me in front of my wife. This is a three-bedroom apartment with a hall and kitchen that’s been turned into a hotel, and I wouldn’t consider it suitable for families or women traveling alone. I don’t know whether to blame the proprietor or the booking sites. The caretaker was kind, though, and called me when I’d forgotten my laptop, which is why I’m giving it one star. If you think I’m wrong, ask Virender.

Finding the place can be a hassle. There’s no sign outside, GPS doesn’t make it easy, and the society gates close after 11 pm, so you need to get in before then or you may find yourself circling around. The building is a duplex house converted into a lodge in a residential area, with around four to six rooms. They’re clean and spacious, and the place feels homely and safe. Staff are nice, and they have a cook who serves breakfast, though don’t expect much in the way of taste. It’s better suited to families or solo guests than couples.

The location in South Delhi is great, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here. I only went ahead with my stay because the staff member stayed calm and was helpful and friendly. Getting there took 30 minutes of wandering because the location on Agoda’s Google Maps listing was wrong. Then I found that the room I’d booked as having a nature view had only a tiny window facing a manhole, so it was very dark. I asked to move, but the other rooms were booked. Short notice made it hard to find another hotel. The bedding was dirty, and the bathroom smelled bad and had mold. The air conditioner sits on a balcony outside and was really loud overnight. I asked three times if someone could check it so I could sleep better, but nobody did. I also asked the manager at reception twice for a chance to share feedback. He said he’d come talk to me, but never did, so I’m leaving this review on Google.

I was there for about a day and a half, and most of the stay was decent. The room size, service, air conditioning, and location were all good. The main letdown was the bathroom. I’ve stayed in plenty of Oyo and other single-occupancy rooms as a frequent traveler, and I pay close attention to washroom condition. Here, the basin and toilet were cracked, and a broken basin pipe sent water into the shower drain. That was the one major problem.