Mysore's Royal Retreat: Unforgettable Stays at The President Hotel
Mysore's Royal Retreat: The President Hotel - My Unvarnished Truth (and Why You Should Totally Go)
Okay, so let's talk Mysore. It's all sandalwood and silk sarees, right? And I, like, love those things. But finding the perfect place to stay in Mysore? That's a whole other adventure. I just got back from The President Hotel, and honestly, my experience was a mixed bag, a glorious jumble of "wow" and "huh," and I'm gonna spill the chai (that they serve deliciously) on the whole shebang.
Accessibility & Arrival: Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
First off, accessibility. Important, right? The President Hotel gets a thumbs up here. Wheelchair accessible is a big plus, and the elevators are actually, you know, functional. The main areas seem thoughtfully designed. Air conditioning in public areas is a godsend in Mysore's heat. Now, I didn’t personally test everything (I'm not in a wheelchair myself), but seeing the ramps and elevators gave me a good feeling. And trust me, after navigating some dodgy stairs in my life, I appreciate a good elevator. Car park [free of charge] is a godsend. Car park [on-site] and Valet Parking are available - a big win. Airport transfer is available, another win. Check-in/out [express] and Check-in/out [private] are available, which is handy.
My arrival also was, for the most part, great. Doorman and 24-hour front desk are always reassuring. The Front desk [24-hour] staff were friendly, although there was a slight initial issue…
The "Almost Perfect" Room & Wi-Fi Woes (But the Tea, Though!)
My room? Well, it was aiming for luxurious. Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area…the basics were covered, and then some. Non-smoking rooms are standard (thank goodness). And, blessedly, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (It’s even better than a Wi-Fi [free] perk, am I right?) The room also had a Window that opens, which I always appreciate! It's a big deal for me. I LOVE being able to look out the window!
However, and this is a big however, let’s talk about the Wi-Fi. It was… spotty. More like intermittently spotty. I literally spent an hour trying to download one single episode of a show. Annoying, yes. But then I had a chat with a staff member (who looked very stressed about it!), and they offered to reset my connection. And… it actually worked. So, mixed feelings. Internet access – wireless is a must nowadays. Internet access – LAN also available, which might work better, but you'll need a cable. And that's not always a given.
The room was also… clean. And I say "clean" because they do seem to take Cleanliness and safety seriously. They've got Anti-viral cleaning products, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. I even saw them using Professional-grade sanitizing services, and they offer Room sanitization opt-out available, which I always love. They’re using Daily disinfection in common areas, which in the post pandemic world, is great! Anyway, I felt safe, which is a huge plus. They also use Hot water linen and laundry washing.
Oh, and the Breakfast in room? Amazing. The tray with the complimentary tea (there's that tea again!) and the little pastries… bliss.
Dining & Drinking: An Indian Feast (with a Few Hiccups!)
Okay, food. This is where The President Hotel really shines. The Asian breakfast was a revelation. Western breakfast too, of course, but seriously, try the dosa! They offer Alternative meal arrangement. There are Restaurants, a Coffee shop, and a Snack bar.
The Restaurants are fabulous. A la carte in restaurant is an option, as well as Buffet in restaurant. They offer Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant.
I spent a good amount of time in the Bar. They do a Happy hour, and that’s always a plus. The poolside bar is great too. You can get a simple Bottle of water easily.
BUT… here’s where it gets a little messy. The service, sometimes, was… well, it varied. One night, I had to wait 45 minutes for a simple soup. The staff looked flustered, and clearly, there were some kitchen issues. It’s messy, it's imperfect, but it added to the charm. I had to laugh. Plus, there the Poolside bar saved me, with their little snacks! The Room service [24-hour] is also great if you want snacks. Breakfast [buffet] is available, and it’s well worth it!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Finding Your Zen (or Not!)
Okay, now for the "relax" portion. The President Hotel has a Fitness center, but I'm not usually a gym rat. I can handle a run around a hotel. And I did. The Gym/fitness is great for some people.
Massage, Spa, Spa/sauna. I’m no expert in self-care, but I like to try. I had a massage, and it was… alright. The spa itself was nice. They have a Sauna, a Steamroom, and a Foot bath.
They have a Swimming pool [outdoor]! And the Pool with view? Gorgeous. The Swimming pool is well maintained.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They’ve got your basics covered: Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Luggage storage, Concierge, Currency exchange, Safety deposit boxes… all standard. The Facilities for disabled guests are a big plus.
For the Kids, Family/child friendly and they have Babysitting service. I have no kids, but I am sure that this makes it easier.
Safety & Security: Feeling Secure
Important. They have a lot of Safety/security feature, including Security [24-hour], CCTV in common areas, Smoke alarms, Exterior corridor, Fire extinguisher,.
Overall Assessment & My Honest Recommendation
Look, The President Hotel is not perfect. But it's got a certain charm. It’s a bit like a quirky, elegant relative – you love them even with their flaws. The food is, for the most part, excellent. The location is convenient. The service is hit-or-miss, but the staff are genuinely trying to be helpful. And seriously, that breakfast service? Chef's kiss.
My Recommendation?
If you want a clean, comfortable, and well-located hotel in Mysore with some seriously good food and a beautiful pool, then book a stay at The President Hotel.
Now For The Juicy Part: (The Unforgettable "Almost Disaster")
Okay, here's my most memorable moment (and the reason I'm still laughing). One evening, I was wandering in the lobby when I saw this woman. She was clearly stressed, and at that instant, she tripped.
I, of course, was the first to help. I rushed over to help her, and then… she asked me the weirdest question I have ever heard in my whole life.
"If you could have any super power, what would it be?"
I think I just stared at her. It was the most unexpected turn of events.
So, yeah. The President Hotel. It's where you might just find yourself having a philosophical conversation with a stranger in the lobby after an accidental tripping.
The President Hotel: Book Now and Get Ready for an Unexpected Adventure!
Here's Why You Should Book Now:
- Prime Location: Explore Mysore's iconic sights with ease.
- Gastronomic Delights: Indulge in incredible Indian cuisine.
- Relax and Rejuvenate: Unwind by the pool or at the spa.
- Safety & Cleanliness: Rest assured with their commitment to your well-being.
- Unforgettable Experiences: The President Hotel is more than just a stay; it's an experience.
Don't miss out! Book your Mysore Royal Retreat at The President Hotel today!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a gloriously chaotic week at Hotel The President in Mysore, India. This isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel blog; this is the raw, unfiltered, and hopefully hilarious account of my adventure. Consider this your pre-warning for potential grammatical errors, random tangents, and the sheer, unadulterated truth about traveling…with all its glorious imperfections.
Day 1: Arrival - Mysore, Here I Come (And Hopefully My Luggage Too!)
- Morning (or what passes for morning after a 20-hour flight): Landed at Bangalore, which, let's be honest, feels more like a chaotic explosion of honking tuk-tuks and shimmering heat than an airport. Found my pre-booked (thank god for pre-booking!) taxi. The driver, a lovely chap named Raj, navigated the insane traffic like a seasoned bullfighter. My internal monologue? A panicked mix of "Is this how I die?" and "Wow, the bougainvillea!"
- Afternoon: The Presidential Welcome…and the Room that Might Not Be Presidential. Hotel The President. It looks stately. Impressive lobby. Okay, so far, so good. Check-in was a breeze, and the lady at the front desk was genuinely warm and charming. I was buzzing with anticipation as I grabbed the room key. Then I reached my room. It wasn't bad, per se…it just wasn’t the "presidential" suite I thought I'd booked. Let's call it “President-Adjacent.” First world problems, I know, but I did a little sigh of disappointment and then chuckled at my own absurdity! I'll be honest, I do think I overpaid a bit! This kind of threw me off my stride, so I dropped my bags and went for a walk.
- Afternoon: A walk in the garden. Fresh air! After all that travelling, I really needed it.
- Evening: Dinner. The restaurant at The President is called "The Spices." I ordered the Mysore Masala Dosa and something that had ‘chicken’ in the name, it was so good! Really, really good. My palate sang. Maybe there's some divine intervention, and my luck would turn around.
Day 2: Mysore Palace - Glitter, Glamour, and the Ghosts of Royalty
- Morning: Woke up surprisingly refreshed, despite the jetlag trying to wage war on my soul. Breakfast at the hotel. Decent spread, but the coffee? Let's just say it required a full tablespoon of sugar to make it palatable. Then off to the Mysore Palace. Oh. Em. Gee. The place is utterly breathtaking. I'm talking, gold leaf, stained glass windows, and enough intricately carved doors to make your jaw drop. It's like stepping into a Bollywood movie…or a queen's treasure chest. The tour? Yes, I got a guide, and he was great…but I got distracted by the sheer visual overload. I'm pretty sure I missed half of what he said because I was too busy gawking. But hey, the pictures! The pictures are epic. I swear I caught a whisper of a ghostly giggle in the throne room. Probably just my imagination (definitely).
- Afternoon: More walking, this time towards the Chamundi Hills. The walk up was a killer (the heat, the humidity - it was a sauna). But the view from the top? Worth every bead of sweat. You can see the whole city stretching out beneath you. It’s a different kind of beauty.
- Evening: Back in the hotel! Trying to decide, it's a real debate. I'm hungry, but I might just have a light snack.
Day 3: Shopping Spree and Sensory Overload at the Market
- Morning: The market! Oh, the market. It's a riot of color, sound, and, frankly, smell. I mean, it's the kind of place where you can buy vibrant silks, fragrant spices, and probably a case of mild food poisoning, all in one glorious swoop. Negotiating prices felt like an Olympic sport, but I managed to snag a beautiful silk scarf for next to nothing (or so I’m telling myself). I got a bit overwhelmed at a point.
- Afternoon: The hotel pool. Bliss. Just pure, unadulterated bliss. The water was cool, the sun was warm, and all my worries melted away. I spent a glorious hour just floating and pretending I was in a movie where I was the glamorous protagonist. Until I realized my nose was getting seriously sunburnt.
- Evening: More spices (of course) for dinner. And then I crashed. Hard.
Day 4: The Temple and Unexpected Friendships
- Morning: Went to a local temple. The energy was incredible. Seeing the devotees, hearing the chants, it was a sensory experience that went straight through me. I really do think my experience of the place was different because I'm not a Hindu, it was so deeply personal.
- Afternoon: I ended up chatting with some locals. This is the best part, because I love to meet people! I talked to a group of women. They told me about their lives. They were lovely people, and it was amazing to be a part of something so real.
- Evening: This time, I ate in a restaurant, not in the hotel. I had one of the best dosas ever. I made friends with one of the waiters. He told me all his plans and hopes. It was lovely to just be a part of it.
Day 5: Srirangapatna - History, Ruins, and a Moment of Reflection
- Morning: Off to Srirangapatna. The history alone is astounding – Tipu Sultan's fort, the place of a key battle, and just steeped in a real sense of what was.
- Afternoon: A walk around the ruins. The quiet, the faded grandeur, it gave me an incredible moment. I found somewhere isolated, and just sat there for a while. It was a real moment of calm in all the busy.
- Evening: Back to the hotel. The routine is nice!
Day 6: A Day for the Senses, and a Little Bit of Everything
- Morning: I made sure to walk around the garden. It's something you just have to do in the morning.
- Afternoon: What happened. Well, there was a massage. Oh, it was amazing. I think I fell asleep. But I also decided to buy some items from a shop on the street.
- Evening: Dinner. I'm still hungry.
Day 7: Departure - Goodbye Mysore, Hello, Reality (Maybe?)
- Morning: Breakfast, last coffee. Packing. Saying goodbye to the staff who had become friendly.
- Afternoon: Leaving. Saying goodbye to a whole experience.
So, there you have it. My imperfect, messy, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable week in Mysore. Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I change anything? Maybe book a better room. But honestly, who knows? That’s life, eh? And that, my friends, is the beauty of it all. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a mountain of laundry to face. Wish me luck.
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Mysore's Royal Retreat: Your Honest Guide to The President Hotel (Plus a Few Rambles)
Okay, spill the beans! Is The President Hotel *really* royal? Or just…fancy?
Alright, let's be real. "Royal" is a strong word, right? I wouldn't expect a crown and scepter breakfast service. But… it's definitely a cut above your average hotel chain. Think more like a *graceful* aunt’s house than a actual palace. Think of it a good place to stay. Nice enough to make you feel a bit special, yeah, but also… approachable.
I remember one time – this was during my *first* trip, mind you – I was convinced I was going to embarrass myself. I’d somehow managed to spill coffee on my shirt about five minutes before arriving. I walked into the lobby, mortified, and the staff? They were so chill! Offered me a wet towel (saved my life, seriously), and didn’t even bat an eyelid at my coffee-stained existence. That's kinda royal in my book, you know? They made me feel *human*.
The rooms! Are they worth the hype? What about the view? (I DESPERATELY NEED A GOOD VIEW).
The rooms... okay, let's be brutally honest, they're good. Not mind-blowingly amazing, but GOOD. Spotlessly clean (essential, right?), spacious enough to not feel claustrophobic while you're trying not to make a mess, and usually tastefully decorated.
The view? *That* depends, darling! Look, the Presidential Suite, that’s where the real glory lies. (Yes, I tried to peep inside. No, I didn't succeed. But, still.) The city views, with the Chamundi Hills in the background? Stunning. Seriously, I've spent a good portion of my life just staring out the window in those rooms. It's the perfect place to sit, have a cup of tea, let your thoughts wander; and honestly, sometimes that's all I need.
Now, not all rooms are created equal. Some face the pool (nice), some might face… the car park (less nice, but let’s be honest, you're not there to stare at the car park!). Ask for a view when you book. It’s worth it. Trust me.
The food! What's the deal? Is it all bland hotel fare? (I’m a foodie, you see…)
Okay, this is where The President actually shines. Forget bland! Seriously. The in-house restaurant, **Masala Theory**, is an absolute winner. And not just because I love Indian food. The variety is incredible. From local Mysore specialties to international dishes. You can get great dosas for breakfast. And they also have a fantastic dinner buffet. Don't be afraid to try!
Here's my favorite anecdote: I went there one time, completely exhausted from a day of exploring. I was in no mood for anything fancy, just needed fuel. And the chef – this wonderful man, he'd seen me looking lost – he created this off-menu dish just for me! It was this spicy, fragrant curry and fluffy rice. *Best* hotel meal I've ever had. It completely restored my faith in humanity, I swear. This hotel is a great place, especially with the food, you can just sit and enjoy the hotel.
Let’s talk about the pool. Is it as Instagrammable as it looks? (Priorities, people!)
The pool *is* pretty. In fact, it's probably one of the main reasons the hotel stays busy. The lighting at night is gorgeous. The water? Clean and refreshing. (No rogue leaves, thankfully). It's not massive, so don't expect Olympic-sized swimming. It is the perfect place for a quick dip after a long day of sightseeing.
But, here's the real talk: on weekends, it can get a little… busy. So if you're serious about your Insta-perfect pool shots, go early. Or, you might end up with a bunch of people in the background, which kinda ruins the whole "I'm lounging in luxurious serenity" vibe. Honestly, I prefer the early mornings for the view. But you will have your best time when you're relaxed, don't be afraid to sit back and enjoy it.
Service? Is it friendly? Attentive? Or just… polite?
The service is genuinely friendly. Not the fake, forced kind. The staff at The President seems to enjoy their jobs. They are attentive without being smothering. And they’re really, really helpful. I remember when my luggage got lost at the airport. The hotel staff helped me track it down. Their quick actions really made a difference.
Honestly, the staff is the biggest thing that makes this hotel so good. Because, despite the pretty rooms and the pools, the service is what makes it feel like a home away from home. And that? That's priceless.
Is it family-friendly? Or more suited for couples/solo travellers?
It's pretty family-friendly, which is great. Lots of families stay there, and the staff seem genuinely accommodating of kids. It's not a boisterous, all-out kid-centric resort with screaming water slides. So if you're looking for that, keep searching.
The pool is safe, the food options are varied, and the atmosphere is generally relaxed. The hotel is also great for solo travellers like me. The staff makes you feel welcome, and the hotel is in a good location that is easily accessible. Ultimately, though, it's good for everyone. Just make sure you know where you're going!
Location, Location, Location! How convenient is it for sightseeing?
The location? Excellent. It’s pretty close to some of the must-see spots in Mysore. Mysore Palace? You can probably walk there, depending on how hot it is. The Brindavan Gardens are a small drive away. The hotel is also near good restaurants and shops, but it's still quiet enough. Convenient, right?
My biggest tip: Get a driver! Mysore traffic can be… interesting. Having a driver from the hotel (or a recommended one) makes life *so* much easier. It’s worth the extra cost. Trust me, you'll thank me later.
Any hidden costs or things I should be aware of?
Hidden costs… hmm. Well, like any hotel, there's the usual: drinks from the mini-bar, laundry, that sort of thingStay Finder Review
