Ahmedabad's Luxury Escape: Fortune Select SG Highway Unveiled!
Ahmedabad's Luxury Escape: Fortune Select SG Highway Unveiled! - Buckle Up, Buttercups! (A Seriously Unfiltered Review)
Okay, folks, let's be real. Luxury hotels, especially in a city like Ahmedabad, can be a minefield of pretentious expectations and disappointing realities. But, after a recent… experience… at the Fortune Select SG Highway, I'm ready to spill the tea (specifically, the complimentary, surprisingly good, not instant, tea). This ain't your typical hotel review, so grab a snack and settle in - we're going on a ride.
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility - Hold Your Horses, We'll Get There!)
Finding the Fortune Select was surprisingly easy. Location-wise, bang on SG Highway (duh!). Now, I’m not a local, but the accessibility… well, let's say accessibility. They have a bunch of things, but the nitty-gritty details are missing. They say they have:
- Accessibility: I mean, sure, but how far does it go?
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service, Valet parking: That's all good and dandy. Getting there and parking is a must-have, but I still haven’t a clue about access once I am inside
So, yeah, I'd need to dive deeper into the accessibility details. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (Mostly)
Alright, let's talk about the heart of the matter: the room. I was very pleased with the air conditioning, let me tell you. Ahmedabad heat is no joke. The blackout curtains were a godsend (needed for catching up on sleep after battling the traffic), and the bed was seriously comfy. I could've stayed in the extra long bed forever! The complimentary tea and free bottled water were greatly appreciated, especially after a long day. The TV was a nice touch, but honestly, I barely turned it on.
- The good: The little things! The bathrobes, the slippers, the toiletries… all the touches that make you feel pampered. I loved the slippers!
- The meh: My main gripe? The internet access – wireless. It wasn't always blazing fast. Some days, it felt like I was back in the dial-up era. The soundproofing was also a little questionable. I could sometimes hear the ahem antics of my neighbors (let's just leave it at that).
- The bonus: The window that opens! Nothing beats fresh air.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe Enough
Okay, this is HUGE right now. The hotel clearly takes hygiene seriously. There were hand sanitizers EVERYWHERE, and the staff was constantly cleaning. I felt safe (or as safe as you can feel in the current climate).
- Anti-viral cleaning products
- Daily disinfection in common areas
- Hand sanitizer
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- Staff trained in safety protocol
They are taking it to the next level. I saw staff members wearing masks and following safety protocols. They also had the usual things, such as,
- CCTV in common areas
- Check-in/out [express]
- Fire extinguisher,
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Non-smoking rooms
- Safety/security feature
- Security [24-hour]
- Smoke alarms
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (With a Few Hiccups)
Right, let's talk food. The restaurant(s), especially the buffet, was decent. I gorged on Asian cuisine, and it was pretty tasty, though maybe a little… Americanized? The coffee shop was a lifesaver for my caffeine needs.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant
A plus point is the room service [24-hour]! I tried to get a meal at 3 AM, and they succeeded!
The Swimming Pool: An Oasis… with a View!
The swimming pool! My god, the Pool with view was amazing. Honestly, I have bad memories. What I mean is, I really wanted to jump in and enjoy myself. Despite the great Swimming pool [outdoor], the pool was closed due to the construction work in progress. The bar, the restaurants and coffee shop were great but still.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They had a ton of services. Nothing really stood out as exceptional, but nothing was truly missing.
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
Things to Do: From Bliss to… Not Quite Bliss (Spa, Fitness Center)
Gym/fitness
- Fitness center
Ways to Relax: From Bliss to… Not Quite Bliss (Spa, Fitness Center)
Okay, so the Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna were closed, so I missed it, but I saw the menu.
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Foot bath
- Massage
- Steamroom
For the Kids: Family-Friendly?
They had the kid friendly stuff.
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
Overall Impression:
Okay, let’s put it all together, shall we? The Fortune Select SG Highway is a solid choice. It's not perfect (those internet hiccups!), but it's clean, comfortable, and the location is convenient. The staff is friendly, and the food is generally good. I'd go back.
But, and this is a BIG BUT…
My BIGGEST issue is lack of information. They gave so many options and choices, but what if I can't read the fine print. what if I need help in getting around or doing something, or knowing how to order. I can get by with a bit of struggle, but I would hate for someone facing something more difficult to struggle.
My recommendation: If you're looking for a comfortable and convenient stay in Ahmedabad, the Fortune Select is a good bet. But come prepared to work your way around the things I can't quite figure out.
Final Score: 8.5/10 (with a slight deduction for the internet frustrations and accessibility details)
The Persuasive Offer (aka Why YOU Should Book Now!)
Want to get away from the chaos? Crave a dose of luxury that won't break the bank? Then listen up!
Ahmedabad's Luxury Escape: Fortune Select SG Highway Unveiled! Isn't just a hotel, it's an experience.
Here's why you NEED to book NOW:
- Unwind in style: Imagine sinking into those super-comfy beds and enjoying the amazing view!
- Fuel your adventures: Wake up to a delicious breakfast and hit the ground running (or the pool swimming).
- Safety First! I'm not kidding. They're following all the protocols to keep you safe, which is hugely reassuring.
Book directly through the hotel's website and you will get an extra treat.
Don't wait! This is your chance to experience a truly memorable getaway. Go on, treat yourself!
Escape to Paradise: Your Luxurious Bulacan Private Resort Awaits
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my Ahmedabad adventure, specifically centered around the hallowed halls (and hopefully, the comfy beds) of the Fortune Select SG Highway. This is gonna be less "meticulously planned itinerary" and more "barely-contained chaos diary of a travel-addicted weirdo."
Day 1: Arrival - The Great Bed Bug & Butter Chicken Odyssey (Maybe?)
1:00 PM - Arrival at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport: Okay, so I thought I'd be landing "smoothly." Reality? Delayed flight, grumpy passengers, and the lingering scent of airplane pretzels. Seriously, how does anyone like those things? They're like salty cardboard. Thankfully, the airport itself wasn't a complete disaster. Smooth immigration. Now, my car-hailing skills are put to the test. Pray for me. Ahmedabad traffic is legendary.
2:30 PM - Check-in at Fortune Select SG Highway: I'm praying to the travel gods for a room that doesn't resemble a dungeon. First impressions matter, folks! Will the lobby be all shiny and gleaming? Will the staff be all smiles and efficiency? Or will it be a slightly dingy, dimly-lit affair where the air conditioning sounds like a dying whale? (I have a serious fear of hotels that are too cold. I'm a human radiator. It's a curse.) Also, PLEASE let there be no bed bugs. I need to be comfy.
3:00 PM - First Glance - A Room With a View (Hopefully!) / The Great Unpacking: Okay, the reveal! Oh my god. Is this the view? Is there a view?! Is the bed comfy? Is the remote a godsend? Okay, I'm making the most of it. Time to unpack my life. I'm a champion packer, and by champion, I mean I throw things in a bag and hope for the best.
4:00 PM - The Great Food Exploration (A.K.A. Butter Chicken Quest): Okay, people, food is my love language. And I'm on a mission. Ahmedabad, I'm coming for your gastronomic delights. First up? Butter chicken. Where's the best damn butter chicken in this city? I'm thinking I'll start at the hotel restaurant. Let's see how skilled the chef is. If this restaurant is not up to scratch, I'm going to hunt down the best butter chicken in Ahmedabad. I'm not afraid to seek help from Google Maps.
6:00 PM - Rest & Recharge (or Attempt to, Anyway): After all that, I swear, a nap. But knowing me, I'll probably get distracted by the TV, start scrolling through Instagram, or end up on a deep dive into some random YouTube rabbit hole.
7:30 PM - Dinner at the Hotel or Explore Nearby: I don't know. By now, I'll be ravenous. And probably lazy. If the hotel food is decent, I might just cave and order room service. Convenience is a powerful force. Maybe I'll brave the outside world. I need a stroll. I have a penchant for street food.
8:30 PM - The Evening Frolic (or Avoiding Jet Lag): Okay, here's the deal: Jet lag is a beast. I need to be smart about this. I need to sleep. I'll probably try to go to bed early and fail miserably. I might read a book. Or obsessively check my emails. Whatever. I'm here, it's Ahmedabad, and all is… pretty good so far!
Day 2: Exploring Ahmedabad - Temples, Textiles, and Tea (with a Side of Existential Dread)
8:00 AM - Breakfast Buffet Debacle: Breakfast is a defining moment. I'm a sucker for a good breakfast buffet. How extensive is it? Is there a dosa station? What's the coffee situation? I'm expecting a cornucopia of delights. I'll probably load up on everything. And then feel guilty later. I have a problem.
9:00 AM - The Architectural Wonders: The plan? Check out the iconic Sidi Saiyyed Mosque. Those intricately carved windows are legendary. Then the Adalaj Stepwell - which is a cool architectural feat. I'm picturing myself strolling through, channeling my inner Indiana Jones, and trying not to get lost. I mean, I am directionally challenged, so anything is possible. It's like the city is a giant, beautiful, confusing maze.
12:00 PM - Lunch in Old Ahmedabad: Oh boy. Another food adventure! My stomach is already rumbling. I'm thinking I'll try to venture into the Old City. The old city is a vibrant and bustling place and I feel a little bit overwhelmed and excited at the same time. The markets are amazing. I'm gonna need a map, a phrasebook, and a whole lot of street smarts.
2:00 PM - Textile Temptation: Ahmedabad is famous for its textiles. I need to visit a few shops. I'm thinking about getting a gorgeous shawl. Honestly, I suck at shopping. I'm the world's worst haggler. I get flustered. I overpay. I'm a disaster in the buying department.
4:00 PM - Chai and Contemplation: I need to find a legit chai house, find a quiet spot, and sip tea while watching the world go by. This is the part where I'm supposed to find inner peace and contemplate the meaning of life. Usually, I just end up people-watching and getting distracted by shiny things.
6:00 PM - Dinner and Evening Ambiance: Another food mission. I'm really hoping to find a good thali place - a giant platter of deliciousness. Then, maybe a stroll through the Sabarmati Riverfront. I'm hoping the weather's nice. This also means a shopping spree along the way. One can never have too many souvenirs, right? Oh, wait…
8:00 PM - Back to the hotel for some relaxation: I'll relax, maybe watch a movie, I'm so tired I'll most likely fall asleep.
9:00 PM - Bedtime: Hoping for a good night's sleep! Ahmedabad is so wonderful.
Day 3: Departure - With a Heavy Heart (and a Full Stomach)
8:00 AM - Heartbreak Breakfast: Breakfast. Sigh. I'll eat as much as I can. I’ll also be sad. The end of a trip always hits me hard. It's like saying goodbye to a friend.
9:00 AM - The Last Scramble: Okay, last chance for souvenir shopping! I need to grab those last-minute gifts for family and friends. And maybe a little something for myself. Oops.
11:00 AM - Final Check-out & Farewell: Last goodbyes, last scans… I can do this! I bid farewell to the hotel staff and cross my fingers for a smooth airport experience.
12:00 PM - Head to the Airport: Gotta get in the airport.
2:00 PM - Departure: Back to the real world.
Post-Trip Reflections (AKA, the Venting Session):
Okay, so maybe the schedule looks a little… optimistic. Let's be real, I'll probably get sidetracked, lost, and end up eating three plates of butter chicken a day. And that's okay. Even the best-laid travel plans are a guideline, not a gospel. The real joy is in the messy, imperfect, and utterly unpredictable moments. That's where the memories are made.
And don't even get me started on the laundry. It's going to be a mess.
Wish me luck. Ahmedabad, here I come! And I'm ready for anything (except maybe bed bugs). Wish me luck I don't fail at everything.
Isabelle's Guesthouse: Your Johannesburg Oasis Awaits!
Okay, spill the tea: Is Fortune Select SG Highway *actually* luxury? Or just fancy curtains?
Alright, alright, settle down! My initial thought? It’s a solid 'yes, but...'. Look, it *felt* luxurious when I walked in – you know, the lobby's shiny and the air is pumped full of some expensive-smelling perfume. But luxury, to me, is about more than just the *look*. It’s about the small things that make a big difference.
The rooms? Generally good. Spacious, comfy bed... yes! The bathroom? Clean, modern, good water pressure. Bonus points! However, one minor gripe: the TV remote was acting up, like it had a mind of its own. Spent a solid five minutes trying to change the channel to catch the IPL highlights. Annoying, right?
Overall, high-end. Yes. Flawless? Not quite. But who is, eh?
Let's talk food. Is the Fortune Select SG Highway a foodie heaven? Got hungry, so I need to know!
Food… ah, the vital question! Okay, the buffet breakfast was… something. Like, a sprawling landscape of culinary options. Dosas, parathas, eggs cooked every way imaginable… I swear, I saw a chef wrestling an omelet. It was a sight!
And the *taste*? Well, some things were amazing! The fresh fruit was stellar. The scrambled eggs were a bit dry. The filter coffee? Divine - the perfect start to the day. I even tried the local Gujarati specialities. Some were an absolute flavour explosion. Others… felt more like "cultural experience" than "culinary masterpiece", I gotta admit. I spent a few too many hours over the breakfast, so I was starving at lunch-time.
The lunch was fine, good quality. Although, it was not a food heaven. The dinner? Absolutely lovely. The Dal Makhani was to die for, and I’m still dreaming of the Malai Kofta. So, overall, it’s a mixed bag, but with some serious highlights. Don't skip breakfast - go hungry!
What about the pool and gym? Did you actually *use* them, or just admire from afar?
Okay, confession time: I am not a huge gym rat. But, after that massive breakfast, I felt *compelled* to hit the treadmill. The gym was well-equipped, modern, and… mostly empty. Which, let's be real, is a win. Nothing worse than waiting for a machine when you're trying to work off a samosa coma.
The pool, however… that's where the magic happened. It was a perfect rectangle of sparkling blue, inviting you to escape the Ahmedabad heat. I did a few laps – felt incredibly refreshing. And the pool-side lounge chairs? Oh, yes. Pure bliss. I might have, possibly, accidentally, fallen asleep for a bit. No regrets.
My verdict? Pool is worth the trip alone and the gym is good enough to keep you healthy.
The location: Is it convenient? Like, can I actually *get* anywhere from this place? or is it a desert?
SG Highway is… well, it’s SG Highway! It's a major artery, so you’re pretty much connected. The hotel is close to some malls, and restaurants. But I'm from the old city, with a rich history. If you are like me, then you have to embrace the ride. Hire a car, a rickshaw, an Uber and explore!
The highway itself? Traffic can be brutal during rush hour. Factor that in. But overall, central. Accessible. Not a desert, definitely. But, maybe not the most scenic route to get there, if you know what I mean. It works, and that's what counts. And the hotel's a good starting point to exploring Ahmedabad.
Any special services I should know about? Like, do they have a decent spa? Because, self-care, you know?
They do have a spa! And, yes, *definitely* self-care. I didn't indulge in the full spa experience this time (budget constraints, sadly!), but I peeked in. It looked… heavenly. They had a range of treatments, and the ambiance was very soothing. I made mental note to go next trip!
They offer usual services: laundry, room service, etc.. I found the staff to be friendly and helpful, overall. I did have a funny experience where I had to call twice for extra towels. But, hey, things happen, right?
Okay, the million-dollar question: would you go back? Is the Fortune Select SG Highway worth the rupees?
Hmm… good question. And like everything in life, it depends. If you’re looking for a comfortable, modern hotel in a convenient location, with access to decent facilities, and you’re willing to overlook a few minor hiccups, then yes, absolutely. The pool and the overall experience were memorable.
But... if you're expecting sheer perfection? If you need *everything* to be flawless? Probably not. It's a really good hotel. Not a perfect one. And, honestly, finding *perfection* is impossible anyway, right? I definitely see myself there again, maybe for a weekend getaway. Just might pack my own remote control this time.
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