Vivanta Vadodara

Breakfast was the best part: lots of variety, very good food, and excellent staff, with Chef Tanaji a highlight. It’s served from 7 AM to 10:30 AM. The staff overall were good, check-in and checkout were smooth, and the room had plenty of complimentary drinking water. Room service was prompt too, including when we asked for an iron. The room and bathroom were spacious and clean, but the bathroom looked shabby and needs maintenance. The bedsheet was stained and the towels were thin, not fluffy. The entrance is at an odd angle; after getting out of the car, the narrow passage and lobby made the place feel like a three-star hotel. It didn’t look or feel like a Taj property, and the hotel’s overall appearance doesn’t justify the name. The swimming pool is awkward to reach, requiring a different elevator on the other side of the building. Near it, though, the animal enclosure was lovely: noisy ducks, a huge turkey that was the highlight, and a rabbit. There’s no view, garden, or landscaping.

Our package included a welcome drink, but none was offered when we arrived at Vivanta. It felt embarrassing to ask, so we skipped it. We’d booked a room with a bathtub, but they said they didn’t have bath bombs or salt and wouldn’t arrange them, so I bought some at the market. The recliner was broken; staff seemed to know, said the engineer couldn’t fix it, and wouldn’t replace it. They offered another room, but it had a sofa instead of a recliner and no bathtub, so we declined. There were no bathrobes at first, and it took several calls to get them. The room freshener was also missing until repeated requests got us a bottle. Staff replied politely, but this wasn’t the hospitality I expected for the high price. The spa could take only one person at a time because there was just one room. The hotel felt like it offered 3 star service at 5 star restaurant and stay prices. The only good part was the food at dinner and breakfast. The menu was amazing, and the chef and team we spoke with were the only staff who seemed well trained and welcoming. Management staff need a lot of improvement. Don’t book if you expect good 5 star service; the stay was really average.

I’ve been coming to your Mint restaurant often, but the service has declined over the years. On 6th Jan, service was painfully slow and the staff seemed confused, possibly from working long hours. I heard the hotel was fully sold out. Food was up to my satisfaction, but a simple dinner took 2.30 Hrs and the poor service has made me question returning to my favourite place to eat. If you know the hotel is full and the restaurant will be busy, why not call in more staff? I hope this feedback prompts some preparation before the next full occupancy.

My room, #204, was bigger than most and comfortable, though it felt outdated. Some maintenance was clearly needed, and I wish management had told me about the drilling noise, which definitely spoiled the experience. Breakfast was fairly average, but the service was great. Still, a pleasant stay.