Rivatas

The restaurant and bar team were warm, quick to notice what we needed, and genuinely hospitable. Our rooms were roomy and comfortable, and the hotel sits in a quiet part of the cantonment. The front desk was a very different experience. At check-in, the man barely acknowledged us and kept a straight face. While we were talking, he took a phone call and carried on with a full conversation without excusing himself or asking a colleague to answer. The woman at the desk was just as cold, with no smile or pleasantries. It felt as though giving us the three rooms we had paid for was a favor. We were told we could check out at 12:15 because our flight was delayed, but they started calling us at 11:45. The gentleman at reception did smile once, when he wanted us to fill out a feedback form. I wish the people at the front of the hotel would show some hospitality, or at least pretend to.

I paid ₹5,000 for a membership that advertises complimentary benefits, but the offers didn't seem worthwhile. To get the supposedly free accommodation, you still have to pay another ₹1,500–₹2,000. The buffet I tried yesterday was cold and poor in quality. My garlic bread took nearly 20 minutes to arrive, and it was cold too. Service was slow overall, and the prices felt high for what I got. The food, service, and value all disappointed me, so I wouldn't recommend eating here.

The rooms are kept in excellent condition, and housekeeping is quick and readily available. Room sizes do vary even within the same category. The restaurant serves good food, though it can get crowded when groups are staying at the hotel. Even with the crowds, the service is excellent. The hotel is in the cantonment, quite far from the ghats and temples, around 30 to 45 minutes away.

I was in Varanasi for work and booked a room here at the last minute. The rooms felt homely while still being modern, and the cantonment location felt safe. The buffet at The Ocean restaurant had lots of dishes to choose from, and I ended up eating too much every time. Service was 10/10. Thanks for looking after me.