Kaziranga's BEST Hotel? Continental's Secrets Revealed!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving headfirst into the wild heart of Kaziranga… and the supposed secrets of Continental's! Let's just say my expectations were… sky high. I mean, "Kaziranga's BEST Hotel?" That's a bold claim. And let me tell you, after my stay, I have opinions. Lots of ‘em. This isn't your polished brochure review, folks. This is the REAL DEAL.
First Impressions, or, "Did I Pack the Right Boots?"
Accessibility: Okay, let's start with something practical. The accessibility situation? It had its moments. They say they have facilities for disabled guests (shouting with voice), but actually getting around with a wheelchair, for example, would be a challenge. The main areas are okay, but I definitely saw some tricky spots. (Score: Respectful intent, but execution could be much better.)
Getting There & Around: Okay, so the airport transfer was a lifesaver. Especially after that long flight. My taxi was waiting and the driver knew where he was going – thank goodness! They've got a car park that's free of charge if you're driving yourself, but honestly, in Kaziranga, I'd recommend the hotel transfer or a taxi. Car park [on-site] is helpful because you have it close at hand. Valet parking? Nope, didn't see it. Bicycle parking? Didn't notice that either, but I hardly used the bicycle.
Check-in/out [express] & [private]: They got the Check-in/out pretty quick! I mean, let's be real, you are exhausted from the long trip, you would be looking for any way to drop your luggage and just lie-down. Check in was really fast.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Worrying & the Reassuring.
Alright, let's talk about the elephant in the room: COVID. Did Continental's take it seriously? Well… Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Seemed like it, but sometimes it felt a little rushed. Hand sanitizer stations? Plentiful. Individually-wrapped food options? Yep, on the breakfast buffet, which was… interesting, but more on that later. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? They tried! Rooms sanitized between stays? They claimed it, and the room did look clean, but I'm not sure how much I trusted it. Staff trained in safety protocol? Seemed like a mixed bag. Some of the staff were GREAT, others… not so much. Safe dining setup? They tried. I'll give them that. Sanitized kitchen and tableware items? Probably. Sterilizing equipment? I saw it being used and I suppose it was.
My Personal COVID Horror Story: Okay, let me just insert a quick anecdote here. One morning at breakfast, I saw a waiter using the same rag to wipe down everything – tables, chairs, the coffee machine. I nearly lost it! I discreetly mentioned it, but it definitely left a mark on my otherwise positive impression. (Score: Mixed. Trying hard, but inconsistencies need addressing.)
The Actual ROOM: A Mixed Bag of Bliss and Annoyance
Okay, let's get into the nitty-gritty. My room? It could have been better.
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens
- The Good: The bed was HUGE and comfy, the blackout curtains were amazing for sleeping in after a late night in the bar, and the free Wi-Fi actually worked (mostly!). The free bottled water was a life-saver. The desk was a good size and I could easily use my laptop. The coffee/tea maker was a nice touch, perfect for that early morning brew. The bathrobes were luxuriously soft.
- The Okay: The TV had a good selection of channels but I did not really spend much time watching it. The shower was pretty decent, but the water pressure was a little weak. The mirror was in a comfortable position and the toiletries and the hair dryer were all in the same place (bathroom). The refrigerator's temperature was cool enough to have a nice chilled drinks.
- The Annoying: No additional toilet, not that I needed it, but it was nice to have. The soundproofing (or lack thereof) was a problem, I could hear the neighbors' phone ringing at 3 AM! This made me very mad. The internet access – LAN was available, but I didn't have much use for it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Sometimes)
Okay, the food. A la carte in the restaurant? Yes. Plenty of options. Asian cuisine in the restaurant? Absolutely. It was delicious, and one of the highlights of the trip. Breakfast [buffet]? Yes, and it was a bit of a mixed bag. Coffee/tea in the restaurant? Yep. Desserts in restaurant? Absolutely. International cuisine in the restaurant? Yes, some of the Western dishes were a bit… well, not great. The poolside bar was a nice touch, and the selection of drinks was pretty good. Restaurants? Several on site. Soup in restaurant? Yes, a wonderful soup option. Vegetarian restaurant? Yes, a variety of vegetarian options. Western Cuisine? They have it but avoid it.
My favorite thing? The Asian cuisine! The curries were out of this world. I ate that chicken curry for almost every meal!
(Score: Asian Cuisine: 5/5. Western Cuisine: 2/5. Overall: Mixed) The "Things to Do" and "Ways to Relax" Situation:
Here's where Continental's really tried to shine, but the results were a bit… inconsistent.
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
- The Spa: The spa was absolutely fantastic. I had an amazing massage, and the pool with view was serene. The pool was cold but lovely. The sauna was great, steam room was fine.
- The Fitness Center: It was small, but clean.
- The Fitness Center: It was small, but clean.
- The "Rest" of the Things: Didn't use the body scrub and body wrap, the foot bath was not as relaxing as I thought.
Services and Conveniences: The Good, The Bad, and the "Huh?"
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, Facilities for disabled guests, 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.
The Good: The daily housekeeping was efficient. The concierge was helpful with booking tours. Luggage storage was convenient. The safe deposit boxes are always appreciated. Cash withdrawal was easy with ATM on-site.
The Okay: The convenience store was well-stocked. The elevator was a bit slow. They have dry cleaning, but I didn't use it.
The "Huh?": They offered seminars and meetings and banquet facilities, but honestly, I didn't go to either one.
For the Kids: A Family Friendly?
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal
- They claim to be family-friendly. I saw some kids running around, but I didn’t experience it directly
Kaziranga Continental: Diary of a Slightly Disgruntled (But Ultimately Smitten) Traveler
Okay, here we go. Kaziranga. Hotel Kaziranga Continental, Bokakhat. This is the itinerary, right? More like a suggestion, I suspect. Because, let's be honest, the whole "perfectly planned trip" thing? Never happens.
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (Both Literal and Figurative)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Hotel Kaziranga Continental. God, the drive to Bokakhat… Let's just say the roads weren't exactly paved with gold. Or even regularly maintained asphalt. More like a slightly bumpy, dusty, and occasionally pothole-filled adventure. I'm already craving a massage. And a stiff drink. Oh, and did I mention I’m traveling alone? Great.
1:30 PM: Check-in. The lobby… it’s… functional. Think… a comfortable waiting room in a slightly tired doctor's office. The staff, bless their hearts, are all smiles. Which is good, because I'm already on edge from the drive.
- Note: The room? Clean enough. Bed? Firm. View? Well, it's of the car park. But, hey, at least I'm not sharing it with any wildlife… yet.
2:00 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. They call it the "multi-cuisine" experience. I call it… a gentle introduction to the local fare. The biryani was… okay. The naan felt suspiciously like it had been pre-made and then re-heated. But the lassi? Divine. Pure, creamy, sweet oblivion. I’ve ordered a second. And a third. Don't judge me.
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Nap. Necessary. The heat is… intense. I think I sweated off half my body weight just carrying my suitcase. Plus, jet lag. I swear, every time I try to close my eyes, the image of that pothole I nearly swallowed flashes before me.
5:00 PM: A wander around the hotel grounds. Finding them… unexpectedly pleasant. Lush greenery, a few stray dogs (who seem much happier than I am, frankly), and the sound of cicadas chirping. It's… calming. I'm starting to breathe. Maybe this won't be a complete disaster.
- Quirky Observation: Spotted a monkey trying to steal a mango off a tree. He looked disappointed when he realized it wasn't ripe. Relatable.
7:00 PM: Dinner. More "multi-cuisine." This time, I brave the chicken curry. Spicy. Very spicy. Tears streaming down my face. But, hey, at least it's flavorful! And they brought me extra rice, thank god.
Day 2: The Kaziranga Adventure (Rhinos and Regrets)
- 6:00 AM: Wake-up call for the early morning jeep safari. I question my life choices. Why did I sign up for this? Why didn't I just stay in the air-conditioned room and watch Netflix?
- 6:30 AM: The jeep arrives. The anticipation is killing me. Everyone else in my jeep (a nice family from Mumbai) chat excitedly. I nod and try to look enthusiastic, while inwardly praying for a caffeine IV drip.
- 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Jeep Safari. Okay. Wow. Okay, I get it. This is… incredible. The immense savanna, vibrant green. The feeling of fresh air on my face. The sheer size of the rhinoceroses… I mean, these things are tanks with attitudes! We saw elephants, swamp deer, and even a few birds that I couldn't identify but were pretty. It’s like an animal documentary come to life. I felt a genuine rush of elation. Seriously, I am so glad I did this. Completely worth the early wake-up call. My only regret? Not bringing binoculars. So much detail missed.
- Anecdote: At one point, a rhino got very close to our jeep. We all held our breath. The driver just smiled and said "They're curious". I thought I was going to faint.
- 10:30 AM: Breakfast at the hotel (again). Pancakes this time. They're… better. The coffee, however, is instant and tastes like disappointment. Still, the memory of those rhinos keeps me going.
- 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Relax. Read my book. Soaking in the feeling of being exhausted but content. Almost content. I can hear a distant siren. Probably the sound of the fire trucks the other end of the savanna. I'm going to assume everything is fine.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. More "multi-cuisine." Chicken. Curry. Still spicy. More lassi.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Decided to go for a "walk". Emphasis on the quotation marks. It was more of a shuffle around the hotel grounds. The sun is brutal. Found a shady spot under a tree and just… sat there. Thinking. About the rhinos. About the fact that I brought the wrong shoes. About… everything.
- Emotional Reaction: Unexpectedly, I felt a profound sense of peace. Just being there, surrounded by nature, away from the noise and chaos of everyday life. It was… good. I feel happy, maybe not excited, but definitely happy.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Chicken. Curry. You guessed it. But less spicy this time! Success! Chat with the family from Mumbai, who tell me they saw a tiger in the distance. I am filled with raging jealousy. Still, another lassi.
Day 3: Wrap-Up and Departure (And a Plea to the Gods of Laundry)
- 7:00 AM: One last breakfast. Trying to decide if I can smuggle a lassi onto the bus. Decision pending.
- 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Morning at the hotel's museum.
- Messy Structure: The museum was… interesting. A good introduction to the region's culture and history. It felt like a very passionate display. I definitely need to do some research before I travel again.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the smiling faces at reception. Promise to come back. (Maybe. Depends on the laundry situation. My clothes are… ripe.)
- 10:30 AM: Departure. The dusty roads await. The long journey back… Begins.
- Final Thoughts: Hotel Kaziranga Continental. It wasn't perfect. The food was hit-or-miss. The Wi-Fi was sketchy. But Kaziranga… Kaziranga was something else. A truly awe-inspiring experience. I'm leaving with memories I will cherish. And a suitcase full of dirty clothes. Sigh. Worth it. Definitely worth it.
- Opinionated Language: If you’re looking for luxury, this ain’t it. If you're looking for an authentic experience, a chance to connect with nature, and a front-row seat to witness the majestic beauty of rhinos, then book your trip now. Just bring bug spray. And maybe a hazmat suit for the laundry.
Continental's Secrets Revealed! (Or, Why You Should Probably Stay There...Mostly)
Okay, spill the tea! Is the Continental really THE best hotel in Kaziranga? Like, are we talking five-star luxury or... well, you know?
Alright, alright! Let's be real. "Best" is subjective, right? But after a trip that could *only* be described as a jungle feverish adventure, I’m here to say... yeah, the Continental is probably as close as you'll get to a top-tier experience in Kaziranga. Think... charming, slightly worn-around-the-edges, but still totally comfortable. It’s *not* the Ritz-Carlton. Don't expect marble floors and gold-plated taps. But it *is* clean, the staff are fantastic (mostly… more on that later!), and the location is just... *chef's kiss* - right on the edge of the action.
Picture this: I arrived after a bumpy (read: dusty) jeep safari. My clothes were practically coated in a layer of Kaziranga grit. The Continental was *the* oasis I desperately needed. Fresh towels, a decent shower (essential!), and a bed that didn't feel like sleeping on a rock. That, my friend, is luxury after a day of wildlife spotting and bumping around.
And here's a secret: One time I showed up there totally soaked. Why? Don't ask. The point is the staff didn't bat an eye, and even had a hot cup of Assam tea waiting for me in the lobby. That kindness... that's what sells you.
What about the rooms? Are they... you know... *nice*? Or more "rustic charm"?
Okay, let's talk rooms. They *aren't* pristine resort rooms. They are CLEAN. They feel well-maintained, despite maybe not being *brand new*. The beds are comfy – that's the main thing. I’ve had some hotel room nightmares, okay? So, trust me, a comfy bed matters. The AC usually works well, which is a godsend in the Kaziranga heat. The bathrooms are functional, and the hot water... well, it usually cooperates, but sometimes you might have to wait a few minutes. It's the jungle, people! Embrace the quirks.
And then again, I was there last year and it still felt fresh even now. It's the small details that matter, and the fact that they care to maintain it...
Consider this: If you're expecting a sterile, cookie-cutter hotel experience, you *might* be disappointed. But if you're looking for a comfortable, well-managed place to crash after a day of adventures, you'll be perfectly happy. And let’s be honest, you're not going to Kaziranga to spend all your time in your room, are you? You're there for the rhinos!
Tell me about the food! Where do I get my fill of deliciousness? (And is it safe to eat?)
Ah, the food! This is where the Continental *really* shines. The restaurant is fantastic. The food is delicious, and yes, it is very safe! They have a good restaurant and even room service.
The breakfast buffet is a must-do! Seriously, fuel up before your safari. They have everything from eggs and toast to parathas and local delicacies. The lunch and dinner menus offer a good variety, with both Indian and Continental dishes. Try the local Assamese thali – it’s fantastic! And their curries are divine. (I might have secretly ordered the butter chicken every single night... don't judge!)
Okay, here's my *one* tiny complaint: The dessert selection wasn't always the most exciting, so don't expect elaborate pastries. But really, who cares when you're surrounded by such amazing food?
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Friendly? And how good is their English?
The staff at the Continental are generally *lovely*. Genuinely friendly and helpful. Their English is quite good, much better than my Hindi which is, you know, practically non-existent. They're always willing to help with anything from arranging safaris to giving you directions. They are *patient*. I say that from personal experience. I get lost easily. Multiple times. They’ve always shown up right when I needed them.
There was this one time, though... I managed to lock myself out of my room. At 3 AM. I was a *mess*. (Don't ask why I was up at 3 AM. Long story involving a rogue mosquito and way too much coffee.) The night staff were incredibly understanding, got the door open in a jiffy, and didn't even make me feel too embarrassed. That level of service is gold.
Okay, now for some honesty. There was one waiter who seemed a little... distracted. I think he might have been new. But honestly? Everyone has a bad day. Overall, the staff is a huge positive.
Is there a pool? Because a dip after a dusty safari sounds heavenly...
Yes, there is a pool! And it's pretty great. It's not some massive, Olympic-sized affair. But it's clean, well-maintained, and a total lifesaver after a sweltering day in the park. I spent several blissful afternoons lounging by the pool, reading a book, and sipping on a cold drink. It's the perfect way to unwind and recharge before dinner... and maybe another safari the next day!
My only tiny critique: You'll probably want to bring your own towel. They provide them, but they aren't always the plushest. But hey, that’s easily fixed, right?
What's the location like? Is it easy to get to the park and other attractions?
The Continental is *perfectly* located. It’s practically on the edge of the park! It’s a short drive to the entry point for the jeep safaris, which is *essential*. No long commutes or stressful traffic to deal with. That accessibility makes a huge difference, especially when you're eager to get out there and spot some rhinos!
Getting to other attractions like the Kaziranga National Orchid and Biodiversity Park is also pretty easy. The hotel can arrange transportation if needed, or you can easily hire a taxi. The location is definitely a major plus.
Are there any downsides? Be brutally honest!
Okay, okay, time for the truth. Here's the deal...
First: If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs.Luxury Stay Blog
