Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse: Your Dream Bangalore Getaway Awaits!
Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse: My Bangalore Getaway - The Good, The Grumpy, and The Gloriously Mediocre (But Honestly, I'd Go Back!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your polished, corporate brochure review; it's me, bleary-eyed from jet lag and far too much masala dosa, spilling the beans (and maybe a little sambhar) on my stay at the Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse. Let's be honest, after a 20-hour flight, ALL hotels feel like a dream. But this one… this one had some seriously dreamy bits, punctuated by, well, let’s just call them “character-building moments.”
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- Description: Honest and detailed review of the Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse, covering accessibility, dining, amenities (spa, pool), cleanliness, service, and overall experience. Includes personal anecdotes and insights for both leisure and business travelers.
Right, on with the show!
First Impressions & Accessibility - Wheelchair Warriors, Take Note! (And They Did…Mostly!)
Getting to the hotel was a breeze, thanks to the readily available Airport Transfer. Bangalore traffic is…legendary (read: terrifying), but our driver navigated it like a champ. The hotel itself is smack-dab in the city, which is both awesome and a potential headache. Getting around is easy with taxis and the concierge was hugely helpful in navigating the local chaos.
Accessibility: This is where things started off REALLY well! Wheelchair accessible throughout all areas, which was a massive relief. Elevator access, wide doorways – they've clearly put some thought into this. Now, look, I’m not a wheelchair user myself, but I was traveling with someone who is, and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Getting around the public areas was easy. The facilities for disabled guests really do make a difference. The room sanitization opt-out available was a blessing knowing the commitment they made to cleanliness.
Now, a bit of a rant, because no hotel is perfect: The ramp to the pool…. (breath) was steep. Seriously steep. It was manageable, but it could be improved for people with mobility issues. That said, this is a minor gripe in an otherwise impressive run of accessibility.
Rooms – My Sanctuary (Mostly) & That Annoying AC
The room itself? Pretty standard, but comfortable. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (THANK YOU!) was a godsend, especially to send a quick email to my boss and a photo to my mother. Air conditioning in public area was nice too. The Air conditioning in the room, though… sigh. It fluctuated, and it sounded like a dying yak at times. But look, compared to the humidity outside, I'm not complaining. Non-smoking rooms were available, which, being a non-smoker, I appreciated. I did love the bathrobes.
Things I Loved (and Hated) in the Room:
- Loved: The extra long bed. Seriously comfy. Blackout curtains– essential for fighting jet lag. And the view (even from my non-high floor room). And the coffee/tea maker was a life-safer in the morning.
- Hated: The AC (as previously mentioned). The slight musty smell in the hallway (easily fixed with a little air freshener).
Cleanliness & Safety – Sanitized Kitchens & Peace of Mind?
This is where the Holiday Inn REALLY shone. Post-pandemic, cleanliness is HUGE for me, and they seriously deliver. Rooms sanitized between stays, daily disinfection in common areas, staff trained in safety protocol… the whole shebang. Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, which is excellent. Anti-viral cleaning products and professional-grade sanitizing services are a huge plus. The safe dining setup really made me feel comfortable. And the individually-wrapped food options at breakfast felt reassuring. The sanitized kitchen and tableware items are great! The doctor/nurse on call gave me a peace of mind. I took a long breath knowing they were serious about keeping us safe.
My only (tiny) gripe: I'm not sure if having my room sanitization opt-out available made the room clean or not.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Curry Coma Cometh (and it's GOOD!)
Okay, the food! Buckle up, foodies.
- Breakfast (Buffet): AMAZING. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Buffet in restaurant – you name it, they had it. Seriously, the dosa station was worth the trip alone—crispy, flavorful, and served with the most amazing sambhar. (I seriously had three plates. Don't judge.) The coffee/tea in restaurant was decent, too. I didn't try the breakfast takeaway service, but it's a nice option for early starts.
- Restaurants: Multiple! A la carte in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant– loads of choices. I mostly stuck with the Indian food, because, well, when in Rome (or, Bangalore). Vegetarian restaurant options were ample, which is a big deal in India. One night, I even had the most delicious soup in restaurant.
- Other: The Poolside bar was a great spot for a sundowner. There's a snack bar for a quick bite. The happy hour was a nice touch, too. I did not try the room service [24-hour], but I saw the menu and I was tempted.
My Curry-Induced Confessions:
- I may or may not have accidentally ordered a dish that was WAY too spicy for my delicate Western palate. (Eye-watering, fire-breathing experience. Learn from my mistake, order mild.)
- I went back for seconds (and thirds) of the mango lassi every single day. No regrets
- I could have happily lived in their breakfast buffet. Seriously.
Ways to Relax (and Pretend You're Not Working) – Spa Day Bliss…Almost
The good: The spa/sauna was fantastic. The pool with view was stunning. I highly recommend the massage – my muscles were screaming for it after the flight, and the masseuse worked wonders. They offer Body scrub and Body wrap, but I didn't get a chance to try them. Steamroom and Foot bath were great after a long day of meetings and sightseeing.
The not-so-good (but still okay): The fitness center was a little small. I didn’t get a chance to try the gym/fitness, but it's fine for a quick workout.
Services and Conveniences – The Perks That Make Life Easier
The Holiday Inn shines here.
The Good:
- Concierge: Super-helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. Got me a last-minute reservation at that amazing restaurant, and was on hand for questions.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Perfect for a business trip, and even my personal one.
- Cash withdrawal: Super convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: The room was always spotless, which is impressive.
- Elevator – (see accessibility)
- Baggage storage – essential for my endless shopping and overpacking.
- Business facilities – if you actually have to work, they've got you covered.
The Bad (minor things):
- I didn't use the Convenience store, so I can't weigh in.
- The gift/souvenir shop was a little pricey, but hey, it's a hotel.
For the Kids – Family Friendly, or Just Tolerant?
I didn't travel with kids, so I can't speak to this from personal experience. But based on what I saw: Family/child friendly, with some Kids facilities, and the Babysitting service is a definite plus.
Things that Didn't Matter to Me, But Might to You:
- Car park [free of charge] – nice to know it's there!
- Safety deposit boxes – always a plus.
- Smoking area – if you smoke, you'll be happy.
- Pet’s allowed unavailable – since I didn't bring a pet it didn't matter to me.
- Proposal spot (lol, not for me on this trip), but hey, if you're feeling it…
The Final Verdict – Would I Go Back? (Absolutely!)
Look, the Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse isn't perfect. The AC could use an upgrade, and a couple of ramps need a little tweaking. But the pros far outweigh the cons. The cleanliness, the service, the AMAZING breakfast, the accessibility, and the convenience – all of them
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: Hanting Hotel Laiyang, Yantai - Your Dream Getaway!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious, messy, slightly chaotic reality of a trip to Bangalore, staying at the Holiday Inn Racecourse. And let me tell you, I'm already half-expecting a chai-fueled meltdown at some point. Here goes nothing…
The Bangalore Blitz: A Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (and My Sanity's Last Stand)
Day 1: Arrival, Chaos, and the Quest for Decent Coffee
- 6:00 AM (ish) - Wake-up Call From Hell: My alarm didn't go off. Or maybe it did, and I just hit snooze approximately 87 times. Regardless, I’m late. Already. The universe, I swear, is actively conspiring against me.
- 7:00 AM - The Flight is a Nightmare: Budget airline, middle seat, screaming child. You know the drill. I swear, I saw the pilot wink at me, as if to say, "Good luck, pal, you'll need it."
- 12:00 PM - Landed (Miraculously) in Bangalore: The airport? Actually pretty decent. They even have those fancy moving walkways. Score! Now, finding that pre-booked airport transfer… less so. I spend the next hour sweating, waving my arms like a demented windmill, and generally embarrassing myself until I finally locate the driver. My first Indian adventure!
- 1:30 PM - Check-in at the Holiday Inn Racecourse: Okay, first impressions… the lobby is swanky. Air conditioning blasting! This is a good sign. The staff seem friendly, bless their bureaucratic hearts. My room? Clean. Spacious. Shower pressure? Above average. This might just work out.
- 2:30 PM - The Coffee Emergency: India. Coffee. Need. NOW. Seriously, if I don’t get a caffeine injection, I'm pretty sure I'll combust. Scramble out the hotel in search of a decent fix. The hotel coffee shop is a disaster. I am a woman on a mission.
- 3:00 PM - The Coffee Discovery (or Possibly the Caffeine Overload): Found a tiny little "cafe" a few streets away. Smells like hope. Ordered a South Indian filter coffee. Oh. My. God. It's ambrosia. Dark, rich, and strong enough to raise the dead. I down two cups, just to be safe. Feeling… alive. Maybe a little jittery.
- 4:00 PM - Attempted Explorations (aka, Getting Lost): Decided to venture out and explore the area. Google Maps is my frenemy. Ended up wandering down a street filled with rickshaws, cows, and a general sense of organized chaos. It’s glorious. And confusing. My brain is definitely overloaded.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a local restaurant: The restaurant was recommended by the hotel. Good food, but I didn't understand everything on the menu. Ordered a lamb dish, which turned out to be quite spicy. Lots of tears. Then, the waiter asked if I was okay.
- 8:00 PM - Crash and Burn (in the Best Way Possible): Back at the hotel. Exhausted. Contented. Sleep is calling, and I shall answer.
Day 2: Temples, Traffic, and a Deep Dive into the Heart of Bangalore (Maybe)
- 8:00 AM - The Great Breakfast Buffet Debacle: The hotel buffet. A symphony of smells and colors. I tried everything: the idli, the dosa, the fruit, some weird but delicious pastries I couldn’t even name. Accidentally ate something that tasted like it’d been deep-fried in sunshine. I'm pretty sure my stomach is a black hole now.
- 9:00 AM - The Temple Trek: Visited a couple of temples. The colors, the smells, the chanting… overwhelming, in the best possible way. The sheer devotion of the people is humbling. I just stood there, feeling… well, something. Spiritual, maybe? Or just really, really hot.
- 11:00 AM - Taming the Traffic Beast: Bangalore traffic. It’s a living, breathing organism. I swear, the rickshaw drivers have a sixth sense. Negotiating the roads is an Olympic sport. My pulse is still racing.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch Somewhere, Anywhere: Found a small place selling street food. Delicious, cheap, and probably slightly unsafe. Ate it anyway. Live dangerously, right?
- 1:00 PM - The Bangalore Palace: I took the "optional" tour. It was stunning, but mostly, I was glad I wasn't a royal.
- 3:00 PM - The Shopping Spree (or the Descent into Consumerism): Threw myself into the shopping frenzy. Silk scarves, spices, souvenirs that I'll probably never use. Spent all the money. Worth it.
- 5:00 PM - Chai & Contemplation: Found a quiet corner and savored a cup of chai. Watching the world go by. Taking a moment to breathe. Or maybe just feeling the caffeine kick in.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma: Still haven’t completely figured out the food situation. Going to try a different restaurant this time. Or maybe just order room service. (Lazy much?)
- 9:00 PM - Staring at the ceiling: Bedtime.
Day 3: Unexpected Delights, Departures, and the Bitter Sweetness of Goodbye
- 8:00 AM - Another Breakfast Bonanza: The buffet again. Gotta carb-load for survival.
- 9:00 AM - Unexpected Encounter: Met a local artist at a market stall. We talked for hours!
- 11:00 AM - Park Time: Relaxed in a park. Watched the local life. Admiring the colors and the crowds.
- 12:00 PM - Final Lunch (and a Tear or Two): Had a nice little lunch. Thinking of coming back to India.
- 1:00 PM - Packing Panic: Packing. Always the worst part. Did I buy too much stuff? Probably. Will I fit it all in my suitcase? Absolutely not.
- 2:00 PM - Say Goodbye to India: Head to the airport again. I have a mixture of feelings. So glad to go, and sad to say goodbye.
- 4:00 PM - Final Thoughts
- The Big Takeaway: This trip has been a whirlwind. Bangalore isn't perfect, it’s messy, loud, and occasionally frustrating. But it's also vibrant, beautiful, and full of soul. I've laughed, I've cried (probably from the spice), and I've definitely gotten lost a few times. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. India, you’ve got me. I'll be back eventually.
- 7:00 - The flight - Back to reality.
Post-Trip Reflection (aka, The Emotional Aftermath)
Okay, so it's been a week since I got back, and the jet lag… still a thing. My suitcase exploded. I'm pretty sure I've gained five pounds from all the delicious food. But most importantly, I'm changed. This trip? It wasn't just a vacation. It was an experience. I came back with a full heart, a slightly singed tongue, and a suitcase full of memories. And, of course, a deep and abiding love for South Indian filter coffee. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to book my next flight… to anywhere.
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Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse: Your Dream Bangalore Getaway? Let's See...
So, like, what's the *deal* with this "Racecourse" part? Is it actually, like, right *on* the racecourse? Because I'm picturing horses...
Okay, deep breaths. The "Racecourse" isn't just a catchy name. It's *literally* next to the Bangalore Turf Club. And, yes, you *might* see horses. I, personally, wandered out during my morning coffee (more on *that* in a sec, don't get ahead of me) and was greeted by a majestic beast. Talk about a wake-up call! Don't expect them to be knocking on your window, but the proximity is definitely a selling point for some. For me, it was just... different. You know? Kinda cool, kinda... "where am I, again?" vibe.
Alright, alright, coffee! Tell me about the *coffee*. Coffee is life.
Okay, the coffee. This is important. The in-room coffee situation? Adequate. Not life-altering. Think... the kind of instant you brew in a hurry because you *need* caffeine before you can even *think* about going down to that buffet. The buffet coffee? Now, *that* was better. But honestly, the real winner was the little coffee kiosk near the lobby. Seriously, go there. Tell them you're a coffee snob (even if you're not, I'm sending you on a solo mission). They knew their stuff. I'd wake up early just for that. My *only* gripe? They ran out of my favorite oat milk *one* morning, and I nearly had a meltdown. Okay, maybe I *did* have a meltdown. It's the coffee, man!
How's the food? I'm a foodie. Or, you know, I like to eat.
The food! Okay, this is a mixed bag. The buffet breakfast? Absolutely worth it. So much variety! I'm talking dosa stations, idli heaven, fruit galore... and the pastries! Oh, the pastries. I went through a whole tray of croissants in one sitting. Please, judge me. I'm judging myself. Lunch and dinner at the restaurants were good. Not *mind-blowing*, but solid choices. The service was always top-notch. They were super accommodating to dietary restrictions, too. (I have this weird thing with gluten.) My advice: try the South Indian dishes. You're in Bangalore, after all! Embrace the spice! Just maybe don't eat *everything* like I did. My stomach regretted that for approximately 24 hours.
Okay, but like, is it *comfortable*? The important stuff. The *sleep*?
The beds... Oh, the beds. Heavenly! Seriously. I sunk right into them. The pillows were fluffy clouds of comfort. I slept like a baby, which is saying something because I usually toss and turn like a caffeinated fish. The rooms were clean, the air conditioning worked perfectly (a MUST in Bangalore!), and the soundproofing was surprisingly good. I didn't hear anything from the outside world, even with the racecourse nearby. Which, I confess, was a bit of a relief after the horse sighting. I'd say it's VERY comfortable.
What about the pool? I love a good poolside lounging session.
The pool! YES. Okay, here's the *real* tea. The pool is gorgeous. It's got a nice view, and the water was crystal clear. But here's the confession: I chickened out. I saw this *amazing* looking family in there, and I just... froze. I was feeling tired, and there were kids. (I love kids, truly, but sometimes... well, sometimes you just want the pool to yourself, you know?) Anyway, I spent most of my time at the poolside bar, judging people, and drinking mango smoothies instead. Which, you know, still counts as a win. Next time, I'm going in the pool. I'm making a declaration. This counts as a goal.
Location, location, location! Is it easy to get around? Bangalore traffic... ugh.
Okay, here's the truth bomb. Bangalore traffic is a *monster*. A beautiful, chaotic, frustrating monster. The hotel is relatively well-located. It's close to enough of the city's main attractions that you could get there with a ride, but if you're aiming for certain destinations, factor in a solid hour or two of travel time. Honestly, I downloaded a bunch of podcasts beforehand and just accepted that the commute was part of the experience. They do have taxis and auto-rickshaws readily available. I used the hotel’s car service a couple of times, which was convenient, but a bit pricier.
Did you have any *negative* experiences? Be honest!
Alright, alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty. The *biggest* downer for me wasn’t the hotel itself but the internet. It was spotty. And you know what it's like when your only chance to upload photos of your croissant haul hangs in the balance? Pure panic. The front desk was very responsive, they did try to fix it. But the intermittent connectivity got a little frustrating. And the view from my room? It was okay. Not mind-blowing. But the racecourse IS there, so that’s something you have to consider. Other than that… it wasn’t a disaster, so, all good.
Overall, would you recommend it? Is the Holiday Inn Bengaluru Racecourse worth it?
Yes. Absolutely. For the price, the service, the proximity to the racecourse (if that's your thing!), and the incredibly comfortable beds... I'd go back in a heartbeat. Just make sure to pack your own coffee, maybe, or be prepared for the emotional roller coaster of a less-than-perfect instant brew. And try to embrace the traffic. Think of it as a chance to listen to a podcast. Or eat more pastries. Both are good options. Just don't expect perfection. Expect a good time, and you probably will have one.
