Escape to Paradise: Your Dream 1-Bedroom in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi!
Escape to Paradise: My Dream 1-Bedroom in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi! - A Review You Can Actually Trust (Because I'm a Mess, Just Like You)
Okay, let's be real. Finding a good hotel in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, is like finding a decent cup of coffee at a motorway service station. You hope for the best, but you brace yourself for… well, disappointment. So, going into Escape to Paradise (and that name alone sets expectations high, doesn’t it?) I was cautiously optimistic. And then I lived there.
Let me tell you, this isn't your polished, corporate review. This is me, after a week of living, sweating, and surviving inside those walls. So, grab a coffee (or a beer, no judgment) and let's dive in, shall we?
First Impressions (and the Awkward Bits):
Getting there was a breeze. Accessibility? Yeah, pretty good. The car park [free of charge], which is a godsend in Bahria, was right outside. The elevator was a welcome sight after lugging my ridiculously oversized suitcase. Speaking of suitcases, the luggage storage was a lifesaver. But… there was a slightly awkward moment with the check-in. The check-in/out [express] they advertise? Not quite. Turned out my booking got a little… lost. (Sigh). Thankfully, the staff (who were incredibly patient, bless them) sorted it out quickly. Contactless check-in/out? Not really. But the smiles and genuine helpfulness more than made up for it.
Rooms, Rooms, Glorious Rooms (and a few Grumbles):
My 1-bedroom suite was… generous. Really generous. Like, enough space to host a small dance-off. The air conditioning was a LIFE SAVER. The blackout curtains? Absolute game-changer for sleeping in. I mean, I tried to sleep. I really did.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Check and double-check! Glorious, icy bliss.
- Alarm clock: Used it (mostly to hit snooze).
- Bathrobes: Didn’t use it (I prefer my own, slightly stained, one).
- Bathroom phone: Never touched it, thankfully.
- Bathtub: Yes! Soaking in a bathtub during the heat will change your life!
- Blackout curtains: Praise be.
- Carpeting: Fine.
- Closet: Plenty of space (for my shopping spree aftermath).
- Coffee/tea maker: Essential. (Can confirm, the coffee was pretty decent. Much better than the motorway coffee).
- Complimentary tea: Always a win.
- Daily housekeeping: Clean and efficient.
- Desk: Perfect for pretending I was working.
- Extra long bed: Needed it after eating all the dessert.
- Free bottled water: Hydration is key, especially in this climate.
- Hair dryer: Did the job.
- High floor: Nice view, if you like seeing the world from above. Less car noise.
- In-room safe box: For your valuables. I tried to keep the valuable things in the room… it didn't work.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Not relevant for my stay
- Internet access – LAN: I didn't connect but it was there.
- Internet access – wireless: WI-FI was available in all rooms.
- Ironing facilities: Needed it.
- Laptop workspace: Again, perfect for pretending
- Linens: Clean and fresh.
- Mini bar: Tempting. Very tempting.
- Mirror: Check my face every 5 minutes (you know you do it too).
- Non-smoking: Excellent.
- On-demand movies: Didn't use it.
- Private bathroom: Of course.
- Reading light: Yes.
- Refrigerator: Stuffed with snacks and drinks.
- Safety/security feature: Felt secure.
- Satellite/cable channels: Plenty of choice.
- Scale: Oh dear.
- Seating area: Comfy.
- Separate shower/bathtub: Nice.
- Shower: Good water pressure.
- Slippers: Nice touch.
- Smoke detector: Thank goodness, I need that.
- Socket near the bed: Crucial for phone charging.
- Sofa: Perfect for collapsing on.
- Soundproofing: Pretty good. (Important if you've got noisy neighbors like I did).
- Telephone: Available, but I didn't use it.
- Toiletries: Were fine.
- Towels: Fluffy.
- Umbrella: Thankfully, didn't need it.
- Visual alarm: Thankful.
I've got to be honest, there were a few minor imperfections. The soundproofing, while good, wasn't perfect. You could sometimes hear… lively conversations from the hallway. Also, the coffee/tea maker was a bit of a slowpoke. But these are small potatoes. These were the only imperfections I faced.
Stuff to Do (and Eat!) – Let's Get Messy:
Okay, so, the real meat of the review. Things to do: Mostly, I did stuff like eat, sleep, and avoid the relentless sun. But the hotel offered a bunch of things.
Dining:
- A la carte in restaurant: Yes! The restaurant menu was quite extensive.
- Alternative meal arrangement: Yes!
- Asian breakfast: Available!
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yes!
- Bar: Yes, but I didn't spend much time there.
- Bottle of water: Yes!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Yum.
- Breakfast service: Good.
- Buffet in restaurant: They had a good breakfast buffet.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes, and it was good.
- Coffee shop: I didn't spot a separate coffee shop.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yes!
- Happy hour: I didn't attend.
- International cuisine in restaurant: Yes!
- Poolside bar: I did not see.
- Restaurants: The main restaurant was convenient.
- Room service [24-hour]: HUGE win. Perfect for those late-night cravings.
- Salad in restaurant: Yes.
- Snack bar: Didn't see one.
- Soup in restaurant: Available!
- Vegetarian restaurant: I didn't spot one.
- Western breakfast: Also available, if you're not into the Asian options.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Yes.
The restaurants were decent, but, for me, the real star was the room service. Like, seriously. 24-hour room service is a dangerous weapon in the hands of a hungry traveler. I may or may not have ordered a mountain of fries at 3 AM. Don't judge me. The quality of the food was pretty good too. And the breakfast buffet? A delightful assault on my tastebuds. (Warning: May induce a food coma).
Ways to Relax (Or, My Attempt to Be a Zen Traveler):
Okay, here's where I failed spectacularly. I intended to use all the relaxation facilities. I really did. But life got in the way.
- Body scrub: Nope.
- Body wrap: Nope.
- Fitness center: (Cringe). I glanced in. Looked… serious.
- Foot bath: Not for me.
- Gym/fitness: (See fitness center).
- Massage: Sadly, no.
- Pool with view: (I'm getting to this, bear with me.)
- Sauna: Nope.
- Spa: Sadly, also a no.
- Spa/sauna: Nope.
- Steamroom: NOOOOPE.
- Swimming pool: (Okay, finally). Yes, and… it was lovely. The pool with view was particularly stunning. The water was cool and refreshing, and the views of Bahria Town. (I think it looked pretty.)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes
The Swimming Pool Story:
Okay, this needs a story. The pool, which was one of the biggest selling points in the ads when I booked, was amazing. Seriously amazing. The panoramic view, the water temperature, the feeling of… freedom from the world. However, on the second day, during my midday swim, I had a minor incident. I was enjoying a swim, when I realized the sun was getting to me. So, I headed into the shade. Then, I came across an outdoor table. I sat at it, and tried my
Escape to Paradise: Tembo Beach Club & Resort, Koh Samui Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is a messy, glorious, and probably slightly-over-caffeinated journey to a charming one-bedroom apartment in Bahria Town, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. And frankly, it's less "itinerary" and more "emotional rollercoaster with a really comfy bed at the end."
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Chai Quest (aka, the fight for caffeine)
- 12:00 PM - Land in Islamabad, Pray For No Delays: Oh, the sheer optimistic joy of landing! Or at least, the hope of landing on time. Let's be real, Pakistani airport security is a whole other adventure. Expect delays. Expect questions about your shoes. Expect to discover you packed too many (or not nearly enough) adaptors.
- 1:30 PM - Transfer to Apartment - The first ride in a local taxi: The ride in from Islamabad? Buckle up. It might involve a rogue goat, a questionable dance-off between a truck driver and his radio, and a near-death experience involving a motorbike weaving through traffic. Remember to negotiate your fare before you get in. Learn the word "kitna?" (how much?) fast. Also, try to be polite, even if you're internally screaming.
- 3:00 PM - Check-in, Apartment Inspection, and the Chai Desperation Begins: Okay, home sweet…one-bedroom! I'm expecting… well, charm. And hopefully, at least a functioning air conditioner, because Pakistan heat is serious. The first order of business? Locate the kettle and the chai. I'm not kidding. Survival depends on this. The water filter situation? Cross your fingers.
- 3:30 - 4:00 PM - The Chai Quest (aka, the caffeine crisis): Okay, so, no instant chai. This is a learning opportunity. Maybe I’ll accidentally burn the milk or add too much sugar – a right of passage. Maybe I'll have it perfect first time – unlikely but I'm keeping my fingers crossed. If nothing else, it'll be a story!
- 4:30 PM - (Or 5:30 PM, depending on chai success) - Settling In: Once I have my chai in hand, I'll be able to just simply enjoy my room. I'll assess the wifi and make sure to buy a local sim. (The wifi will inevitably drop out at some point, because that's just life in Pakistan).
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Local Restaurant (Finding the Good Stuff) - The First Meal: Research, research research. I'll need to find a proper restaurant. It's the first real meal and it needs to be good. I'm thinking butter chicken, a nan and maybe some shami kebab.
- 7:30 PM - Local Stroll (The Sensory Overload): I have to get out and see the town. The smells, sounds, and general chaos will be overwhelming. I plan on trying to get some good street food and just enjoy the ride.
Day 2: Exploring Rawalpindi & The Unexpected Beauty
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast & Plan of Attack: Probably eggs and paratha. I'll need some serious energy. I'll have to research what to see and do.
- 10:00 AM - Local Market - The Art of Bargaining: The first real test of my negotiation skills. This is where the real shopping happens. I'll have to be careful and not to get ripped off.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch - Street Food Adventures: Definitely trying the street food. Maybe a samosa chaat? Just crossing my fingers for a clean kitchen.
- 1:00 PM - Rawalpindi's Historical Gems (If They're Open…): Probably some old mosques, the usual sites. Hopefully, they're not too touristy. I'm hoping for some authentic experiences.
- 3:00 PM - The Unexpected Discovery: Maybe stumble upon a hidden gem, a quirky little shop, or a breathtaking view. That's the beauty of traveling off the beaten path, right? You never know what you'll find.
- 5:00 PM - Relax and reflect: Reflect on all the things that I've seen. Hopefully, I'll have some chai and some good food to go with it. This is the true beauty of a slower pace, the beauty of experiencing some of the more basic things.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner: Time for a final meal out. Perhaps something more comfortable.
Day 3: Departure & The Goodbye Sigh
- Morning - Slow start: Time to catch up on some sleep.
- 10:00 AM - Farewell Chai and Packing: One last cup of chai (perfected, hopefully!). Packing, lamenting the fact that I didn't buy enough souvenirs.
- 11:00 AM - Last-Minute Errands: Grabbing last-minute essentials or maybe even squeezing in one last quick experience.
- 12:00 PM - Airport transfer: Head back to the airport, with a mixture of relief and wistful sadness.
- Departure: Leaving with a mix of exhaustion, excitement, and a thousand stories to tell.
The Fine Print (aka, Disclaimers & Ramblings):
- Flexibility is Key: This isn't a rigid schedule. Things will go wrong. Embrace the chaos. Laugh when you get lost (you will get lost).
- Food Safety: Eat with caution. Listen to your gut (literally).
- The "Good" and the "Bad": Be prepared for both. Pakistan is a country of extremes. The beauty is in the contrasts.
- Emotional Rollercoaster: Prepare for a range of emotions. Frustration, joy, wonder, exhaustion. It's all part of the adventure, baby!
- My Thoughts: This is my truth, my experience.
So there you have it. A messy, chaotic, and hopefully hilarious journey to a one-bedroom apartment in Pakistan. Wish me luck. I'm going in caffeine-fueled and open-minded. Wish me luck, I'll let you know what happens.
Escape to Paradise: Superpro Samui Resort Awaits!
So, what *is* this whole FAQ thing anyway? Are we talking recipes? Existential dread? My ex’s questionable dating choices?
Honestly? I have NO idea. I started this whole thing with a vague idea of... answering questions? But then my brain, which is basically a squirrel on espresso, took the wheel. Expect everything and nothing. Sometimes it'll be about the practicalities of life. Other times? Well... remember that time I accidentally wore my pajamas to the grocery store? Yeah, we might be revisiting that trauma. It's all a gamble, folks. Think of it as a grab bag of… well, me. And yeah, maybe *some* discussion of your ex... if you’re lucky (or unlucky, based on your perspective).
Okay, okay, but *specifically* – what are we *not* going to talk about? Politics? My boss's awful perfume? Things I don't want to think about?
Well, I'm not promising *anything*, alright? My brain operates on a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" basis. But, yeah, I probably won’t dwell on the intricacies of international trade… unless it's *incredibly* boring. And, while I'm open to most things, if you're looking for unwavering positivity, this is absolutely NOT the place. I’m pretty good at channeling my inner grumpy cat. So, yeah, if you're looking for perfect neutrality, you've come to the wrong dysfunctional, self-loathing… place. And you sure as hell aren't finding it here. So just, maybe don't expect a whole lot.
So, should I trust your advice? Like, on anything? Should I buy that slightly used toaster oven you recommend?
Hahahahaha! God, no. Definitely not. Seriously, don't. I once tried to give myself a haircut after a breakup. It… did not go well. Let's just say my dog, bless his sweet little heart, looked better. So, you know, take everything I say with a massive, healthy dose of skepticism. Consider it more of a… chaotic brainstorming session. Or a cautionary tale factory. You might get some good ideas, you might get some hilariously bad ones, but the guarantee is no good ones. Proceed at your own risk! And for the love of all that is holy, don't buy the toaster oven.
Alright, fine, you've scared me straight. But how *do* I actually, like, *use* this thing? What am I supposed to do?
Honestly? That's a GREAT question! (Even I'm surprised). Here's the deal: you basically ask a question… even a stupid one, I won't judge (much). See if it generates something useful. Or, you know, just read what I’ve already vomited onto the page. You can also just, like, scroll for a while. Or close the tab and go get some ice cream, I really don’t care. There's no real "usage" plan here. It’s a digital stream of consciousness, more or less. Maybe something will click. Maybe you’ll find a kindred spirit in my chaotic ramblings. Probably not, but hey… miracles happen (rarely).
Okay, I'm starting to think you're making this up as you go along. Are you?
*Cough*... *Sweats profusely*... Um... Define "making it up"? Because, yes, this WHOLE THING? Winging it, baby! I just get an idea, throw some words at it, and pray a cohesive thought emerges. Think of it as a written improv show. But... alone. And with more caffeine. And possibly a touch of existential dread. So... yeah. I'm making it up. But hey, isn't life just one big improvisational performance? Except with, you know, bills and taxes and the lingering fear that someone *still* remembers that time you tripped and fell in the supermarket. Good times.
Let's say I disagree with something you say. What then? Am I allowed to have an opinion?
Oh, absolutely, YES! Please do! Please, disagree! Please scream into the void about how utterly wrong I am. That's *encouraged*! Seriously, I'm not aiming for universal agreement here; I'm aiming for... well, I'm aiming for *something*. And different opinions? They're the spice of life! The fuel that makes the internet inferno burn a little brighter. So, yeah, go ahead and disagree. Tell me your thoughts. Vent your frustrations. Maybe, *just maybe*, I'll learn something. Or maybe I'll just stubbornly dig in my heels and refuse to budge. It's a toss-up. You'll have to tell me. It's YOUR reality.
Will this ever end? Is there a "conclusion" to this digital trainwreck?
The million-dollar question! (That I, unfortunately, do not possess). No, I have absolutely no idea. It could end tomorrow. It could go on forever. It depends on how bored I get, how much coffee I drink, and how many more questionable life choices I make that inspire fresh content. I'm leaning towards "indefinitely." Because, let's be honest, the world needs more chaos. And I'm more than happy to provide it. Until then, enjoy the ride! Or don’t. I’m not your boss.
So, what's the *biggest* mistake you've made recently, and how did it go horribly wrong? Give me the good stuff, the juicy details!
AHHHHH! Let's talk about the Great Dog-Sitting Debacle of '23. I offered to watch my friend's golden retriever, Buster. Seemed simple enough, right? Feed him, walk him, maybe throw a ball. Famous last words. First, Buster is a *monster* of a dog. Adorable monster – but a monster nonetheless. I'm talking, like, 90 pounds of pure, unadulterated, slobbery joy. The first morning, I took him for a walk. He saw a squirrel. He. Pulled. Me. Into. A. Muddy. Ditch. I emerged, dripping, covered in muck, and smelling faintly of… well, I don't even want to know. Then there was the food situation. I swear, I followed the instructions! Except… Buster has the intelligence of a particularly dumb rock. He promptly ate his entire morning meal, and then, proceeded to try and eat the *Hotel Search Trek
