Hotel La Sara Regent

I will tell you the good and the little bit that was bad. First the bad: The elevator went out while I was there. They repaired it the same day, but I had to climb and descend from 5th floor twice which is not easy for a 60 something with a bad hip. HOWEVER, I found the elevators to be unreliable elsewhere in India so to a certain degree, its almost to be expected. (I was actually in an elevator at my dentist's office when the electricity went out.) So, for that reason, I will request ground floor in future trips to India despite them allegedly being louder due to street noise. Second thing that could use improvement: The bed was a little bit hard. Third thing somewhat a negative: the neighborhood of Koramangala is a little further than some drivers want to go late at night. However, I always ultimately found a way. But, its a quiet neighborhood (comparatively) and my dentist is there. Alot of IT business are in Koramangala also so its definately a good choice if traveling to work in the area. Now the good: 1. Clean. Clean rooms and linens. 2. The shower: Great big sunflowerhead and FABULOUS jasmine soap. The water was always hot when I showered. 2. The breakfasts: I have alot of dietary restrictions (gluten sensitive vegetarian with many allergies) and there was always something I could eat. Just go ahead and pay for breakfast to be included because its good and just too convenient not to. 3. There are 2 excellent restaurants and a coffee shop within the block, and an ice cream place directly across the street. and last but certainly not least...THE STAFF and their customer service: World class. Every single one of them was kind, friendly, helpful and personable and I kind of miss them actually. One more suggestion...I got the small studio room and did not realize it did not have a closet. Next time I visit, I will get the next larger room. But I wouldnt think of staying anywhere else.

I was here for 3 days only but increased my stay because of good service staff is helpful rooms are clean. I think this hotel deserves a lot. Beautiful location,rooms,housekeeping staff and all the staff is really professional. I wish you all the best. Thanks nandhana regent.

As I hit the bed for a night’s sleep on Day One at Nandhana Regant, I had the first disappointment: No Sports Channel, and, very surprisingly, no English Channel. The youngster at the counter said he can only give what is available. When I pointed out to his that these channels are promised in the menu card placed in my room, he said he didn’t know about it, as if he is a separate entity from the hotel. I said I will pay, he said nothing could be done for the night. When I asked him to put me through to his manager, he said, I could talk to his manager the next morning at 11 am. Next morning, when I meet Ramesh, the Manager, he is more responsive, and says he will get some channels added. Afternoon, I return to my room. No change. The girl at the counter reassures me, it will be done. Night, 10.30, I return. After waiting for 20 minutes, the youngster gets me Mr Ramesh on the line, who starts with his excuses. Day 3 morning, at 11.57, I get a call from the reception asking if I am continuing. I check out at 12 noon, give the room card at the reception and leave. After 7 to 8 minutes, I get a call, “ You did not pay your food bill”. So, hauling my luggage, I walk back. I tell Ramesh, “I came back because I donot want to owe anyone anything, unlike you and his hotel”…. He starts with his excuses, about Tata Sky failing, adding that things within the hotel only are within his control. • Then I point out that the hotel staff offering breakfast was their mistake, yet I offered to pay, without a murmur. • I point out to him that on both days, the towel smelt of human sweat, which the boys changed for me after confirming the foul smell! • I tell him that not asking for food bill payment while checking out was the hotel’s fault. None of these had any external agency. So, for my benefit, he starts firing the restaurant supervisor and the receptionist. Typical! I told him that training his staff is his responsibility, and left, before he could pin that on any external force. I also wish they outgrow their geographical confines and keep a few national newspapers, not just Deccan Chronicle. And offer non- Telugu channels, if they are targeting cosmopolitan customers These frustrations have more than drowned a few good things I wanted to say, about design sense despite space squeeze, about the breakfast and location. After their people learn to take responsibility, Nandhana Regent can realise its potential, I guess.

At the outset let me state that the standard room is everything as shown in the Trip Advisor picture. The problem is that objects in the photograph may appear smaller than they are and in this case, most definitely. Cons: 1. The standard room is 7 X 10ft which is too small for two people. And only one pillow is provided for two people. Bed is 4 X 6ft. 2. Tata Sky is available and if you are a fan of Hindi TV soaps, then you are in luck. If you like English TV, then you are going to have to look in a mirror and speak to yourself. The night manager in the reception (not Tom Hiddleston) doesn't understand English too. 3. Had to waste nearly 3 mins of running water to get slightly hot water. Not very comforting after 600kms travel and enduring a sand storm. The night manager asked me to do that. I felt guilty as there was a sign in the bathroom stating 'Water is Precious. Don't waste it.' 4. No food after 11pm. 5. Breakfast was pedestrian and the masala omelette was a sad specimen if aliens wanted to clone one. Pros: 1. Good food via room service. 2. AC was consistent. 3. Bed was comfortable. 4. There are hotels and shops nearby. 5. About 4 charging points! Yeah! Won't visit again. The night manager also stated that if you are booking via MiStay, the customer gets the worst room at the same rates. Achche din had come.

This was my first trip to India so it's hard to calibrate the room against other local properties, but overall my room was clean, quiet, and comfortable. Not fancy, but no complaints. Breakfast was good, with a variety of Indian dishes that I enjoyed a lot with attentive service. The Nandhana restaurant served up excellent food with solid service.