The Ashok

The people working here were consistently kind, helpful, and professional, and that made a difference. The building is grand, with distinctive architecture, but the stay didn't live up to the impression it gives from the outside. My room was roomy and generally comfortable, though the worn furniture, old fixtures, and lack of upkeep made the hotel's age hard to miss. The Wi-Fi kept dropping, and even with staff trying to fix it, it never became dependable. Breakfast was acceptable, but there was no Wi-Fi in the coffee shop, so I had to work from my room instead of the shared spaces. The Ashok feels like it needs a full renovation. I appreciated the hospitality, but next time I'd probably pick somewhere more modern and better maintained.

The reception staff felt cold and unfriendly, with a sort of “why are you here?” attitude. That needs a lot of improvement. Wi-Fi also only reached certain parts of the huge suite. The rooms themselves were beautiful, practical, and comfortable, with suite rooms at a fairly reasonable price and five-star quality. The restaurant buffet had a wide, good selection.

The Ashok has plenty of character in its grand post-independence style. Its architecture blends modern and traditional Indian elements, and the building carries a sense of history, as if it still holds memories of important meetings and events. Still, repairs were visible throughout, and the place clearly needs care. The AC in my room was practically useless because its controls didn't seem to work, which was rough in Delhi's heat. Even with the wear, there's a certain charm to it, like an old uncle with stories who could use a makeover. Worth a visit if you enjoy the history and can live with a few things not working properly.

The rooms were clean and the staff helpful during my four days at Ashok Hotel. Food was good, though the selection felt limited next to what you'd get at a five-star hotel in Sri Lanka. Each time I went out, my room key stopped working, so I had to get it fixed when I came back. At checkout, a big group of butlers were waiting for tips. 😁