OYO 10221 Hotel E Serai

The price felt fair, and the staff were okay. Breakfast was included, just one dish and tea, and it was so-so. I had to wait because the room wasn't ready, and the TV only worked after I called staff. I also found out my room was private, with no access to shared spaces like the hall or kitchen. The neighbourhood was quiet and multicultural, with nice restaurants and bars nearby.

There's good parking, and it's close to the main road, so getting around is easy. It works for couples or families. The service could be better, for example, they could provide bottled water and put up a hotel sign, since sometimes it's hard to spot E-serai.

The kitchen food was good, though the portions were tiny. Once they brought me burnt fritters with the dark side hidden underneath. I noticed the charred taste, sent them back, and they made a fresh batch. You have to pay cash for each food order right away, even breakfast, rather than adding it to the room bill. The free WiFi was too weak for basic browsing. They also came into my room and cleaned it twice while I was at work, without asking first. Nothing was missing. The location has a few advantages: it's just behind Balewadi high street, near restaurants and places to hang out, and connects to highways for Hinjawadi IT Park and the outer parts of Pune. It's about 20 km from the airport, and you can get a cab here. I was on a short work trip in July during monsoon season, with little advance planning, and this was the only place I could find. Finding it was difficult. There are lots of Oyo budget stays nearby, and there are no signs or ads to guide you. Even cab drivers had trouble with GPS. It's at the end of a one-way closed street, with entry and exit from one side only. The large door at the other end is always locked to vehicles. The rooms felt cramped, with old, basic furniture and fixtures. I had them change the poor bedsheets, pillows, and towels after checking in. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are available à la carte, with home-style food from the kitchen. But checking out early wasn't possible: nobody was at reception, and I waited an hour. I'd avoid this place with family, or treat it as a last option if nothing better is available.

The staff are really friendly, and the place is well maintained in a posh neighbourhood. It was surprisingly very, very cheap, and it felt a lot like home. Every room has its own geyser. I'd stay again for sure.