The Roseate Ganges

The staff were very hospitable, especially Shivam at reception. I was there from 26 th to the 29th January 26. The General Manager didn’t seem bothered by guest feedback. Breakfast was very basic, and with only one server handling guests, it naturally took a long time for food to arrive. The in-room dining menu was printed, but when we ordered, half the items weren’t available. I hope they take the review seriously so future guests have a better experience.

The staff were the best part of my stay. They were caring and flexible, and looked after me especially well, even though the setting put limits on what they could do. After I complained about the constant traffic and honking outside my first room, they moved me to the presidential suite. It was spacious, clean, and nicely equipped, and quieter, though I could still hear the road. The mountain views, crisp air, and sound of the river were lovely, but the property sits right beside a busy road, which made it hard to find the peace I came for. Getting there is a concern too. The drive from Rishikesh is long, with heavy traffic on a poorly maintained mountain road. Some barriers are missing beside steep drops, there are fallen rocks, and the surface is uneven. Drivers are reckless. I kept wondering how anyone would get out quickly in a medical emergency. The rooms are clean and well appointed but small, with no closet space and a tiny bathroom vanity. Sitting outside was difficult because monkeys came too close, even when I had no food. Staff helped chase them away, and eating outside wasn’t possible. The advertised Ganga aarthi is held on the rooftop. Reaching the Ganges means going down 300 steps on a very steep hill. The priest seemed more interested in money than prayer. I did walk down once with a kind security guard, and the river was serene and breathtaking, but climbing back took my breath away. I struggled, and wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re very fit. I’d hoped to walk by the river every day, but that wasn’t possible. The food is tasty and suited to an eastern palate. They also advertise western dishes and tried hard, but some menu items weren’t available or weren’t prepared well. This is a small, expensive boutique hotel, so I expected a quiet, tasteful atmosphere. Other guests were loud and inconsiderate. I found breakfast in the dining room difficult; staff tried to seat me in the bar, but that wasn’t always practical, so I ate most meals in my room. High tea had little variety and poor quality. I had two massages with a kind, capable therapist, but her phone buzzed and rang during both. Would I come back? Probably not. I wouldn’t recommend it to a discerning traveler looking for peace, calm, rest, and relaxation.

The food was delicious, and every meal felt thoughtfully prepared and comforting. Vinit took us on a trek to the Ganga kinara, which was a lovely experience and made the trip more memorable. It was a peaceful, refreshing break, with warm and genuinely caring hospitality. You could see the attention to detail in the beautifully designed rooms and the calm feel of the property. I’d definitely like to return.

The hotel made Rishikesh our favorite part of the India trip. The property is beautiful and peaceful, with a view and an easy hike down to the Ganges. We even enjoyed the occasional monkeys, which made the stay feel closer to nature. Service was wonderful, especially from the onsite yoga instructor, our personal 'butler', the kitchen staff, the in-house car fleet, and the flute player. The food was great too. The included S. Indian breakfast, masala chai, and dinner options were among the best we had on the trip. We visited in winter, and the AC heat wasn’t very strong. The random power cuts didn’t help. The hotel is also some distance from the city center, so you’ll probably need to use the hotel car service. Still, the stay sealed the deal for us, and I highly recommend it.