**Shaniwar Wada's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury OYO Span Executive Hotel in Pune!**
Shaniwar Wada's BEST Kept Secret: Luxury OYO Span Executive Hotel in Pune! - A Review That's Actually Real
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I’m about to spill the (well, hopefully clean) tea on the OYO Span Executive Hotel near Shaniwar Wada in Pune. They bill themselves as luxury, and honestly, after a messy week navigating Pune's traffic (seriously, it's like a choreographed chaos routine), I needed some luxury. Did they deliver? Let's get into it, warts and all.
First Impressions & The "Is This Place Real?" Moment:
Finding the place was a minor odyssey. Google Maps led me on a merry chase, involving one wrong turn, a near-miss with a rickshaw, and a moment of existential dread about my life choices. Finally, I rolled up, and… well, it looked like an OYO. That initial branding, you know? It's not always the most confidence-inspiring. But before I could fully judge, a very friendly doorman in a crisp uniform practically whisked me out of the car (valet parking – major points!).
This is where things start to get weirdly… good.
Accessibility & "Bless the Elevator!" Moment:
I didn't personally require full accessibility, but I made a point of checking things out. The lobby and common areas felt pretty accessible, with ramps and an elevator (thank the heavens!). Everything seemed well-considered, which is a HUGE win for inclusiveness. Kudos, OYO Span! The elevator was, thankfully, a real elevator, not one of those tiny, rickety things that feels like a death trap.
Rooms – The Good, The Slightly Odd, and The "Where's My Remote?" Moment:
I booked a "Luxury" room, and it was pretty swish. The air conditioning blasted cold (a godsend in Pune's heat!), the bed was enormous and comfy (extra long, even!), and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver when I was battling jet lag. They had all the usual suspects: a safe, a mini-bar (stocked, even!), robes, and slippers (bonus points!).
Okay, now for the niggles. The TV remote was MIA for a solid hour. I eventually found it, wedged between the sofa cushions in a particularly aggressive position. The decor? A little… beige. And the artwork was, let's say… eclectic. My room had a giant abstract painting of what I think was a sunset over a field of… I don’t know. I might still be trying to figure it out.
Also, the Wi-Fi? Advertised as free. Definitely free. And generally working. But there were moments, late at night during an important video call, when it decided to take a nap. You’ve been warned. Get that LAN cable ready for backup.
Cleanliness and Safety – My Anxiety's Best Friend:
Post-pandemic, cleanliness is critical, and OYO Span genuinely nailed this. They were serious about hygiene. Hand sanitizer was everywhere, staff wore masks, and they’ve got a whole laundry list of anti-viral cleaning procedures. My room was spotless. I actually felt comfortable enough to relax, which is a huge win. They even had a room sanitization opt-out option, should that be your thing. (I didn’t opt out. I'm still slightly paranoid.)
Dining – The Buffet Brain Freeze and the Unexpectedly Delish Soup:
Here's where things veered from smooth sailing to a choppy sea. The breakfast buffet? A glorious mess. Seriously, the spread was vast. Western, Asian, hot, cold, sweet, savory – you name it, they had it. But the sheer volume of options was overwhelming, and I think I took three laps around the buffet before I even knew what I wanted. (This is a "me" problem, I admit).
The coffee was… okay. Standard hotel issue. But the soup they served a la carte for dinner? Unbelievable. I went for the tomato basil, and it was rich, creamy, and possibly the single best thing I ate all week. Seriously, go for the damn soup. You will not regret it. The staff in the restaurants were, as with the rest of the hotel, supremely polite and helpful.
Relaxation & "Spa? More Like a Dream Come True!"
This is the game-changer, folks. The spa. Oh, the spa. After days battling traffic, work stress, and buffet brain freeze, the promise of a massage was pure heaven. I indulged in a full-body massage and, honestly, it was one of the best I have ever had. They also had a swimming pool with a view (a bonus!), a sauna, and a steam room. (I didn't actually use those, because I was too busy blissing out after my massage). I mean, just the thought of a spa after braving Pune felt like a reward.
Things To Do & Getting Around – The Pune Puzzle:
Okay, so you are in Pune. Shaniwar Wada is a very short cab or rickshaw ride away. The hotel offers airport transfer, which is a blessing. (Seriously, Pune airport is… well, it's an experience.) The hotel's location is pretty central, making it easy to hop around. Honestly, the biggest challenge is figuring out how to navigate Pune itself. Embrace the chaos, and take a deep breath.
Services and Conveniences – Mostly Smooth Sailing, with a Few Glitches:
They've got all the basics: laundry, dry cleaning, currency exchange, a concierge (super helpful!). There's a (small) convenience store, which is a lifesaver for late-night snack cravings. The business center seemed functional. I didn't need it, but it was there.
This is a place that wants to be a good hotel. There were minor hiccups, but nothing that ruined the experience.
For the Kids (And the Kid in You):
They offer Babysitting service, and the hotel appears to be family-friendly with kids facilities.
Final Verdict: The Secret's Out! (Mostly Positive!)
OYO Span Executive Hotel is a surprisingly good option. It's not perfect, and it has its quirks, but its pros far outweigh its cons. The staff is friendly, the spa is heavenly, and the cleanliness is top-notch. While the decor is a bit bland and the Wi-Fi can be a bit flaky, the overall experience is a positive one. This place is worth the price. Would I stay here again? Absolutely. Especially if I'm craving that tomato basil soup and a serious relaxation session. Okay, OYO Span, you’ve almost convinced me. Almost. Consider this review my testament to your unexpected brilliance. Just fix that damn Wi-Fi.
Alisa Premier Cruise: Your Unforgettable Hạ Long Bay Escape!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the gloriously chaotic mess that is MY Pune adventure. Capital O Span Executive Hotel near Shaniwar Wada? Sounds swanky, yeah? Prepare for the reality… which is, well, me. And I'm not exactly known for my smooth transitions.
The Utterly Unrealistic (But Highly Entertaining) Pune Itinerary… According to Me
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Chai Catastrophe
- Morning (Because I'm trying to be productive, bless my deluded soul): Land in Pune. Airport pick-up supposedly organized. (Insert nervous sweating emoji here). Seriously, getting from A to B in a foreign country? It's a lottery. Pray for a driver who speaks some English. Pray harder for a ride that doesn't involve a near-death experience dodging rickshaws. Cross fingers, and begin the journey from the airport to Capital O Span Executive.
- Mid-Morning (The Chai Incident): Finally, I'm in Pune! Check-in… hopefully smooth. Then, the essential mission: Chai. This is India. Chai is life. I picture myself gracefully sipping cardamom-infused perfection, bathed in the warm glow of… wait for it… disappointment. I've got specific expectations for the perfect chai, but most likely will get the opposite. Oh well, that's the adventure.
- Lunch (The "Is That Chicken?" Dilemma): Right, sustenance. Find a place. (Google maps will be my best friend. Or worst enemy. Who knows?). I'm craving something truly authentic. Something… spicy. Something… edible. My first Indian meal? It's going to be a rollercoaster. I imagine myself bravely pointing at something on the menu, praying it’s not got… a lot of heat . The great chicken mystery. That's the title of the chapter.
- Afternoon (Shaniwar Wada Expectations…and a Possible Meltdown): Shaniwar Wada. The supposed highlight. I picture myself wandering amidst majestic ruins, absorbing history. The reality? I'll probably get lost. I'll probably sweat buckets. I'll probably take a million selfies (because Instagram). I might attempt to eat… street food. I may cry from the heat. Then, I'll buy a trinket. And… maybe, just maybe, I'll actually appreciate the history. Or maybe I'll just be really, really hot.
- Evening (Food Coma and Desperate Search for Wi-Fi): Dinner. Maybe a proper restaurant this time. Or maybe street food again. I'm a risk-taker. (Or a glutton. Let's be honest.). The important part? Find that blessed Wi-Fi. Update the socials. Brag (a little) about my Pune adventures. Then, crash. Hard.
Day 2: Temple Tantrums and the Spice Market Spiral
- Morning (Early Start? Ha! More Like, "Waking Up and Groaning"): Okay, so, technically the plan is to visit a temple. But the reality? I’ll probably hit snooze five times. Maybe six. Then, I’ll feel guilty, rush, and probably forget my sunglasses. I'm a terrible tourist.
- Late Morning (Temple Fiasco): The temple. The energy. The… crowds. I picture myself being respectful, feeling spiritual… and then accidentally bumping into someone and spilling their offering of flowers. It’s bound to happen. I'm clumsy. I have a feeling it'll involve a whole lot of staring, wondering if I'm inadvertently committing some sort of faux pas I don't even know about, and maybe even a brief, panicked moment of "Am I dressed appropriately?" Oh, and the potential for a truly epic temple photo (if I can manage to take one without looking completely clueless).
- Lunch (Spicy Revelation): Lunch! This is where the spice market journey begins. Try the Thali, try something I can't even pronounce, because… why not? Hopefully, somewhere with air conditioning.
- Afternoon (The Spice Market Avalanche): Oh, the spice market. I picture myself being swept away in a fragrant vortex of colors and aromas. I'll probably sneeze. I'll definitely bargain (badly). I'll almost certainly buy too much stuff. And I'll emerge smelling like a walking garam masala bomb. But, in a good way. My inner chef (a rather inept one, granted) will briefly be thrilled.
- Evening (The "I Need a Drink" Plea): Dinner. The end of the day's adventures. Possibly a rooftop restaurant. The drink? Definitely needed. The thought of more street food is simultaneously tempting and terrifying.
Day 3: Farewell… or, See You Later, Pune!
- Morning (The Souvenir Shuffle): Panic-buying souvenirs. Because I’ll have left it to the last minute. I'll buy something vaguely Indian-looking for everyone. And then a few more things for myself. (Who am I kidding? I'll probably spend most of my souvenir budget on myself). Finding presents to fit in the suitcase is a separate challenge.
- Lunch (Last Moments, Last Bite): One last delicious Indian lunch. Something I haven't tried yet. Maybe a repeat of something I loved.
- Afternoon (Departure, or… The Train That Nearly Wasn't!) Airport transfer. And the mad dash, of course. Will there be traffic? Will I miss my flight? Will I have enough time to buy that last-minute bag of chai masala? Probably not. But it’ll be a story.
Postscript: The Emotional Fallout
I expect a mixed bag of emotions. Joy. Exhaustion. Culture shock. A deep yearning for clean toilets. And, inevitably, the lingering taste and smell of spices—a constant reminder of this wonderfully messy, utterly unforgettable adventure. I hope to learn a tiny bit. I hope to eat a ton. I hope to laugh. And I guarantee I'll have stories to tell for years to come. Now, wish me luck, because I'm going in… blind.
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Shijiazhuang Pingshan!
Shaniwar Wada's Secret Weapon: The OYO Span Executive...Is It *Really* Executive? Let's Dive In!
Okay, seriously, *where* is this place? I'm looking for the hidden door to Narnia, not a hotel!
Alright, alright, keep your horses! Finding the OYO Span Executive near Shaniwar Wada is like... well, more like finding a decent parking spot near the Wada on a Saturday. It's *relatively* easy. It’s, like, practically *whispering distance* from the glorious Shaniwar Wada itself. Google Maps will be your friend, but be warned: the alleyways leading there might make you question your life choices. I remember once, trying to be all fancy, I got there in a rickshaw. Let's just say the driver, bless his heart, took the scenic route. It was... an adventure. A slightly dusty, possibly sweat-inducing adventure.
"Executive" is a strong word. What's actually "executive" about this place? Am I getting a gold-plated toilet or what? (I kinda hope so).
Okay, hold your horses on the gold toilet. 'Executive' in this case... well, let's just say it's more "functional and clean" than "luxe and lavish." Think of it as a solid, dependable accountant. No flashy Ferrari, but gets the job done. The rooms? They are clean, generally well-maintained (though I did find a rogue ant once – a *single* ant, mind you, and I’m sure he was just lost). The air conditioning usually works, which is a godsend in Pune's heat. They have Wi-Fi, which is crucial for, you know, *executive*-ing (aka, scrolling through Instagram). And the best part? The price. It’s usually a solid deal, meaning you *might* have money left over for a decent Misal Pav. And trust me, that’s an executive decision you won't regret.
Is the breakfast any good? Because a bad breakfast can ruin an entire day... especially after a night in a budget hotel!
Ah, breakfast. The make-or-break moment. The OYO Span's breakfast is... well, it's there. It's included, which is a huge plus. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but it’s a decent spread. You'll find the usual suspects: toast, eggs (prepared in *varying* degrees of edibility – sometimes glorious, sometimes... questionable), maybe some idli or dosa if you're lucky (and if they haven't run out, which has happened to me). Coffee? It is what it is. Let's just say it'll wake you up, even if it's not the most *refined* coffee experience. I remember one time, the breakfast was so underwhelming, I actually walked to a nearby café *before* going to the Wada just to refuel. The breakfast is worth the price you pay, though.
What's the vibe? Is it noisy? Do I need earplugs?
The vibe is... practical. Think "efficiency apartment," not "boutique hotel chic." It's not the place for a romantic getaway. It's more for a quick business trip, a solo traveler, or someone who just needs a decent place to crash without breaking the bank. Noise levels vary. Being so close to the Wada means you’ll hear some chatter, and the occasional honking or the blare of devotional music from a nearby temple. I personally never needed earplugs, but if you're a light sleeper, pack them. Or, you know, embrace the chaos of the vibrant Pune life!
Okay, spill the tea! The *real* dirt. What's the best and worst thing about staying here?
Alright, alright, here's the unfiltered truth. The *best* thing? The location, hands down. You can practically roll out of bed and be at Shaniwar Wada. It's perfect for exploring the old city and soaking up the history. Plus, the price is hard to beat for what you get. I actually stayed there for a family trip, and it was perfect for a quick explore. The *worst* thing? Okay, here's where it gets messy. It’s not exactly a "luxury" experience. Don't go expecting room service that will be available 24×7. The staff are are helpful, but they’re not exactly over-the-top attentive. The internet can be spotty. And the occasional quirks... I recall once, the hot water vanished at 6 am. The whole experience left me slightly... chilly. But hey, you get what you pay for, and for the price, it's pretty darn good.
Is it family-friendly? Or should I leave the kids at home and just enjoy solitude?
Family-friendly, yes, but manage your expectations. The rooms are basic, so if you’re used to sprawling suites, this might not be the best choice. There were also a few times I needed to call the front desk regarding various things. It wasn't a 5-star experience. However, it's perfectly functional. I wouldn't suggest bringing a toddler who demands a lot of attention, mind you. The proximity to Shaniwar Wada is great for kids, and there are plenty of street food vendors nearby who can keep even the fussiest eaters happy. It's more about creating memories than, say, luxuriating at a fancy resort. Just be prepared for the usual family travel chaos.
Would you recommend it? Give me the final, definitive verdict!
Look, if you're expecting the Ritz, stay away. But if you're looking for a clean, convenient, and affordable place to stay near Shaniwar Wada, then yes, I absolutely recommend the OYO Span Executive. It's a perfectly good option. It’s not glamorous, but it's practical. Think of it as a trusty sidekick, not a glamorous movie star. You'll have a good time, you'll see the sights, and you'll save some money to spend on, you know, more Misal Pav. Just go with the right expectations. Prepare to embrace the slightly gritty, slightly chaotic, but ultimately charming reality of Pune. And hey, that golden toilet? You can always dream, right?
