Dwarka is a fairly developed and yet a rapidly developing suburb of New Delhi. Proximity to some important markets and to Gurgaon, the corporate hub, has fueled its growth. Well planned Metro Rail network in the area has also helped the boom. If you are looking forward to stay here, there are a handful of good hotels in and around Dwarka. Newly opened Radisson Blu Dwarka is one of them. We stayed in this hotel for 3 nights and not just analysed but also experienced their hospitality to give you a review that can help you decide whether or not to stay here.
Booking and Rates:
We booked our stay online and got an excellent ‘Pay 2 Stay 3’ nights deal. First, breakfast was not included, later included and then not included (more on this later). Booking process was quite simple and hassle-free. We didn’t pay in advance but just used our credit card hold to block the rooms (and rates). Prices were very competitive. In fact it was one of the most economical luxury hotels in all of Delhi, partly because of the pay 2 stay 3 offer. (See current offers/deals here)
Location and Public Transport:
The hotel is located right opposite Dwarka Sector 13 metro station, automatically making it well connected to the city. The Indira Gandhi International Airport (operates both Domestic & International flights) is also not very far. It can be reached via Metro+Airport Express or through radio taxis that can be booked for as low as Rs.10 per km.
Reception:
People at reception were very cooperative, polite and professional. My partner reached the hotel before me and the room was booked in my name. However, after a word with me over the phone and collecting my partner’s documents, they allowed to check-in. As a Club Carlson Gold member, I was also offered asked for an upgrade, which I was promptly offered. At this point I was told that since I have been upgraded, breakfast is also complimentary now. I happily accepted, again.
Room: First Impression.
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! I booked the lowest price with a pay for 2 and stay 3 nights offer, yet, I was upgraded to a 2 room suite. I have stayed at several hotels since I was upgraded to Club Carlson Gold Elite status, but this was the best upgrade I have ever received. I couldn’t wait for the porter to leave, before I could jump with joy. Both rooms were tidy and very clean. Couldn’t find anything to complain about.
Living Room:
Living room had a 32 inch LCD TV with most of the local and international channels available. Several beautiful lamps, a sofa-cum-bed, one round dining table, a mini bar and a sitting chair with a small table were neatly arranged across the room. There was a washroom attached to the living room as well.
Bedroom:
Bedroom was thoughtfully designed with a large comfortable bed, LCD TV, work station with regular stationery, 4-5 lamp shades, a master light control next to the bed and a small table. Room was clean and well maintained (of course). Iron/Ironing board and an electronic safe were also provided.
Bathroom:
Bathroom was decent. The shower cubicle was nice with motorized curtains. However, it was strange that such a nice suite didn’t have a bathtub. Toiletries were excellent and of high quality, as expected. Bathrobes, hair dryer etc were standard. There was an option to listen to your TV in the bathroom as well.
Complimentary Wifi:
Radisson normally offers free wifi to all its guests. I just had to call the reception and they gave me a username and password to connect to the hotel’s wifi. It was nice to see that I could logon to all my devices (total 4) with the same set of user/pass without any problem.
In-room Dining:
The in-room dining service at Radisson Blu, Dwarka was prompt and priced like any other luxury hotel. Food was really yummy and always came with side-dishes we were not expecting. Right from ordering on phone to delivery in the room, the staff was very pleasant to talk to and proactive as well. They would happily assist us in deciding on food options and rearranging chairs before we sat to eat. As I always say, in the hospitality industry, small gestures matter more than big promotions.
Housekeeping:
Housekeeping was nice but a little slow. Even after switching on ‘Clean my room’ light for more than an hour, we had to call them and ask for cleaning. Though it is quite possible that it was an odd hour. However, I must admit that the housekeeping staff at this hotel is exceptionally good. And I won’t mind the delay just because they do superb work.
Breakfast @ the Spring
If there was one thing that was disappointing at this hotel, it was their breakfast. The day we were due for check-out, we decided to try the complimentary breakfast buffet. But it was a big disappointment. Indian food was not prepared well, and in some cases not even properly cooked. Though the continental was decent, it was not great. In fact, I ended up having only fruits. If you are trying Indian food for the first time, don’t make an opinion about Indian food on the basis of what is kept next to that ‘Indian’ placard.
And if this was not enough, we were presented a bill for the complimentary breakfast. At this point of time our room rate didn’t include breakfast. I told them that I got complimentary breakfast with the upgrade, the reservation desk refused to acknowledge. I chose to not argue further as I already got an excellent room upgrade plus one night free offer. I am not that greedy, you see.
Checkout:
Seamless, organized and quick. Was done with and out in minutes.
Staff:
As Club Carlson’s feedback form asks, ‘Yes, they enjoy their job’. From reception to people who answer calls, from chef who came to us for our feedback to the person who served it, from housekeeping to in-room dining, to every person with a Radisson badge in the hotel, they were all warm, well trained, polite and professional. It was a delight to be with such people.
Privacy:
Completely non-intrusive, no unnecessary personal details asked, no skeptical eyes. They understand privacy well.
As a Club Carlson Member:
As a club carlson gold elite member, I am entitled to a few extra benefits. Here’s what we got.
In-Room Welcome Gift: I have never got that. They don’t like my face I think.
Complimentary Room Upgrade: Yes, the best upgrade ever.
Bonus Points: Got, and got a lot of them. 😉
To stay or not:
Radisson Blu Dwarka is going to be my first choice in New Delhi. Of course only if I am not reviewing any other hotel. If you want to stay in this area, it’s the ideal choice because of its price, location, staff and proximity to Metro.
Reservation and Offers::
If you are a Club Carlson member, you may book directly from the site. Don’t forget to check offers and current prices for Radisson Blu, Dwarka here.
respected sir/madame as on 10/08/2012 we family of 4 went for a dinner at radiation blu dwarka and trust me it was the worst food i had in my entire life of a five star it does not has a category or quality of a 5 star all the food was cold poor service if anything is finished it is finishes no one there is bothered to refill it up highly disappointing hope for a positive response
bill no.0333882
Hello. My name is Dana and I work in the Online Customer Care department of Carlson Rezidor hotels. I wanted to apologize for your experience at the Radisson Blu Dwarka. I would like to discuss this further with you. Please feel free to contact me at the email provided. ~Dana