Empires Hotel Puri

The beach is just across the road, so the location is great, and the room was a good size. Restaurant staff were excellent. Housekeeping and room service could be better, though it wasn't enough to put me off. I'd consider staying again.

The lift only worked some of the time, and when we complained, we overheard staff making filthy remarks about us complaining too much. That sums up the atmosphere here. Wedding guests had no restrictions, and loud music disturbed us all day. Three women would stand outside our room and stare in whenever we opened the door. For a marriage venue it might be great, but it was the worst resort I've stayed at when looking to relax. The rooms smelled of cigarettes. After we complained, a man sprayed air freshener, so then it smelled of roses and cigarettes. The whole hotel felt like a kalyan mandap pretending to be a resort. Come here for an adventure, not for a relaxing stay.

Check your room as soon as you arrive. We were first given a musty-smelling premium suite, with the sea view as its only redeeming point. After a quick complaint, we moved to two deluxe rooms that were cleaner, more modern, and much more comfortable. The rooms seem to vary a lot in upkeep. Empires Hotel is a huge beachfront resort with a large, well-designed pool and full resort facilities. It gives you easy access to Puri Golden Beach, and the rates seemed reasonable for the location and facilities. The staff were courteous and helpful throughout, which made the room change and other requests easier. The restaurant food was average, convenient and edible but nothing memorable. The pool is good for families and relaxing evenings by the water.

That balcony sea view was the highlight of my visit on Dec 19. The room was spacious, clean, and well kept, and the calm atmosphere made for a comfortable, peaceful stay.