Escape to Luxury: Hotel MBC Citadel Nashik Awaits!
Escape to Luxury? Let's See About That: Hotel MBC Citadel Nashik - A Review (With a Few Sidetracks, Naturally)
Okay, so the brochure promised me “Escape to Luxury.” Honestly, after the last few months, I was very ready for an escape. And MBC Citadel in Nashik? Well, it sounded the ticket. Let's dive in, shall we? I'm gonna be brutally honest, like, spilling my coffee on the review honesty.
First Impressions (and the Elevator… oh, the Elevator):
Landing in Nashik, the air felt…well, it felt like Nashik. Dusty, maybe a hint of something frying, you know how it is. The hotel itself? Impressive from the outside. Solid. Citadel-esque, as the name suggests. The lobby? A bit too shiny. You know, the kind of shiny that makes you feel like you should have polished your shoes before entering. (This is probably the only time I'll ever write this kind of sentence)
Accessibility & Welcoming Feels (Because That Does Matter, Damn It!):
Crucially, they seemed to be thinking about accessibility. Wheelchair accessible, which is a huge plus, and the elevator… now, about that elevator. It was… well, let's just say it had character. The doors closed with a bit of a thunk, the buttons seemed to be from the 80s, and it occasionally made noises that made me question its structural integrity. But, yeah, a lift is a lift. It’s there. Points for that. Facilities for disabled guests in general were clearly addressed, which is a huge sigh of relief. No awkwardness or feeling like you're an inconvenience. Good start.
The Room: My Little Sanctuary (or the Place Where I Found the Slippers!)
The room itself… ah, the room. Pretty standard luxury hotel fare. Air conditioning blasted – a welcome relief from the Nashik heat. The bed was comfy, a perfect safe box – and thank god for the in-room Wi-Fi [free]! Seriously, modern life is so dependent on that. The complimentary tea… I practically inhaled it after the journey. One of the best parts of the entire experience, the slippers. Slippers are one of the best parts about hotels. Linens were crisp. The desk was adequate for getting some work done (even if I spent most of my time staring out the window that opened). The private bathroom was, well, private. Bathtub? Check. Shower? Check. Hair dryer? Check. The usual suspects. Even had bathrobes! (I feel like I'm starting to repeat myself)
Internet - The Digital Lifeline (and OMG, the LAN Cable!):
Okay, so the Internet access – wireless (Wi-Fi [free]) was a lifesaver. Essential. Absolutely. Internet access – LAN, though? Seriously? Who uses LAN cables anymore? It's like finding a rotary phone in your room. Still, points for completeness, I suppose.
Cleanliness & Safety (The Pandemic Edition):
This is where MBC Citadel really shines, and frankly, where I was most impressed. Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. Loads of hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol. A LOT. They were meticulous. Daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays, the whole shebang. I’m talking anti-viral cleaning products, professional-grade sanitizing services, the works. Seriously, I felt safe. They even had individually-wrapped food options. I got the sense that the hotel staff didn't want me to get sick. And I appreciated that. There was an option to room sanitization opt-out, which is really nice. You get to choose. Smart.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because We All Need Fuel!):
Alright, let's talk food. The Breakfast [buffet]… yes, it was there. This is my primary issue. The Asian breakfast? Fine. But the Western breakfast? A little… underwhelming. The coffee tasted like despair, and the omelets were… well, they were there. The restaurant had A la carte in restaurant, and buffet in restaurant (although, COVID restrictions applied). The coffee/tea in restaurant was better than in the room. There was also a poolside bar. I didn't partake, but it looked inviting. The snack bar was convenient for a quick bite. The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver. That's just me. Had the vegetarian restaurant. Good options.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (Let’s Get Pampered!):
Here’s where things REALLY get interesting. The spa! Oh, it was… something else. (This is my first real negative.) I booked a massage. The spa itself? Pretty standard. The sauna and steamroom are there to give an impression. Foot bath? Yes. I can't help but feel like they didn't understand the assignment. The pool with view was amazing to be honest. The Swimming pool [outdoor] was pristine, glistening in the sunshine. A truly relaxing respite from the city.
Services and Conveniences (The Nitty Gritty):
The things you expect. They did it. Concierge, daily housekeeping (thank god!), laundry service, luggage storage, currency exchange… the usual. Cash withdrawal and a convenience store were a definite plus for those late-night cravings. They even had a gift/souvenir shop – perfect for those last-minute presents you always forget. Had a doorman which I'm indifferent to. Don't know what they're there for.
For the Kids (Because Families Travel Too!):
Family/child friendly. They had babysitting service and kids facilities. It didn't apply to me, but it's good to know.
Getting Around (The Transportation Tango):
Car park [free of charge], a real win. Airport transfer available (though I didn't use it). They also offered taxi service.
The Quirks and the Quibbles:
- The Soundproofing: Actually, maybe a tad too good, because at one point I thought I'd locked myself out of my room because I couldn't hear myself using my keycard.
- The Gym: It was there. That's about all I can say.
- The “Luxury” Factor: Did I feel like I was experiencing pure, unadulterated luxury? Not particularly. It was comfortable, clean, and safe. But it wasn’t wow. It was a very pleasant stay.
The Verdict: Worth the Escape?
Yes. Absolutely. If you're looking for a solid, reliable, clean, and safe hotel in Nashik with a decent spa, go for it. MBC Citadel delivers. It's not going to blow your mind, but it will provide a comfortable base for exploring the city. Plus, the peace of mind knowing they're taking hygiene seriously in the current climate is priceless. And hey, the slippers were pretty great, too. Would I go back? Maybe. But I'd probably bring my own coffee.
Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret? This Hotel Will Blow You Away!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, Pinterest-perfect itinerary. This is a real person’s descent (or maybe ascent, who knows!) into the heart of Nashik, India, based at the HOTEL MBC CITADEL. Prepare for rambles, rants, and maybe a little bit of soul-searching. Let's get this show on the road…
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Hotel Debacle (aka, "Where's My Room?!)"
Morning (ish) - Arrival Chaos: Arrive at Mumbai airport. Already feeling the jet lag breathing down my neck like a judgmental aunt. Pre-booked car service…supposedly. After a frantic twenty minutes of waving my arms around and shouting "MBC Citadel?!" (apparently, the driver wasn't quite up-to-speed on his English), we're finally squished in a tiny hatchback, hurtling towards Nashik. The ride? Let's just say it involved a lot of honking, near misses, and a healthy dose of existential dread.
Afternoon - The Citadel Tango: Arrive at the MBC Citadel. Ah, the sweet, sweet promise of air conditioning and a clean bed. Check-in… well, let’s just say it wasn't quite as swift as advertised. Turns out, my "confirmed booking" had mysteriously vanished. Cue me, standing at the reception desk, feeling like a lost puppy, battling exhaustion and a rapidly escalating internal monologue involving burning everything down (just kidding… mostly). Finally, after much negotiation involving raised eyebrows and a pleading look at the manager, I have a room… that might have a view. Fingers crossed!
Room Revelation: Okay, the room isn't awful. Tiny, yes. View of the… well, a brick wall. But the air conditioning is (thankfully) working. I'll take it. The bed? Surprisingly comfy. I plop down, ready to collapse, but then… the rumbling starts. My stomach. It's screaming. Must. Find. Food.
- Restaurant Reconnaissance: Walk down to the the Hotel MBC Citadel restaurant. The menu is a delightful mishmash of Indian and… um… international cuisine-esque attempts. I'm still battling the after-effects of long travel, which means I can't process the menu properly, I give up, and order the 'safe' option, Butter Chicken. Its good, really good. It fixes everything. Except my overwhelming feeling to sleep for a day after.
Evening - First Wander & Cultural Overload: Drag myself out (reluctantly) for a 'cultural exploration'. Nashik is… a lot. The sounds! The smells! The people! It’s an assault on the senses in the best possible way.
- The Market Maneuver: I try to visit a local market, but I'm quickly overwhelmed. The sheer volume of people, the pushiness of some of the vendors… I retreat back to the hotel, feeling like a slightly defeated panda.
- Self-Reflection and Curry: Back in the room, I order room service (aka, another plate of Butter Chicken). I stare out the window at that brick wall and realize… this is it. This is the beginning. This is the messy, unpredictable, possibly life-altering experience I was hoping for. And, despite the initial chaos, I’m strangely… excited.
Day 2: Temples, Tantrums, & Taste Bud Euphoria.
Morning - Sunrise Stumbles and Temple Trials: Wake up. Feeling a little better, surprisingly. Decide to be a 'cultured traveler' and visit a temple. The Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple. It's early. The air is cool. The temple is beautiful. The crowds? Intense. I am jostled, prodded, and generally swept along by the flow of humanity. I try to focus on the beauty, the history, the… wait, is that a monkey?! Where did that come from?! Seriously, people, watch your snacks.
- The Temple Tantrum: After a few hours of relentless pushing and shoving, I'm officially "templed out". The sheer intensity of it all is overwhelming. I need a break. I retreat to a quiet spot, sit on a conveniently-located step, and promptly have a mild meltdown. Tears? Maybe. Frustration? Definitely. But, after a good cry, the world starts to feel a little less… crowded.
Afternoon - Spice Route Sensations: Take a tuk-tuk (the local mode of transport) to a spice market. This is what I really came for. And wow, the smells! The colours! The… sneezing? Apparently, a direct hit of chilli powder is a common occurrence.
- The Spice Shop Scandal: I find a tiny spice shop tucked away in a back alley. The owner, a wizened old man with twinkling eyes, seems to know everything about everything. He pours me samples, explains the origins of each spice, and tells me stories about the medicinal properties of various herbs. I buy everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. My luggage will be carrying enough spices to set off alarms at the airport.
Evening - Culinary Crescendo: Head back to the hotel for a nap, then decide to be brave. Explore the local street food. First place, "Vada Pav", an potato-based sandwich of epic proportions, and the second, "pav bhaji", bread with spicy vegetable curry, I'm pretty sure my taste buds have had a religious experience. And the best part? It only cost a few rupees! Feel like I've finally cracked the code for survival.
Day 3: Rivers, Regrets, and Reaching for the Stars.
Morning - Holy Waters and Existential Reflections: Visit the Godavari River. The scene? People bathing, praying, and generally carrying on with their lives in a way that feels simultaneously ancient and modern. I sit on the steps, watch the river flow, and… think. About life. About travel. About whether I should have asked for a different sized room (still regret the brick wall).
- The River Regret: Okay, I should've brought a camera. And maybe a notebook. And probably less of the "stressed tourist" vibe. I mostly regret not getting a closer look into the river.
Afternoon - The Artful Escape: Visit a local art gallery in the city. The art is… well, it’s art. Some of it I understand. Some of it I don't. But I realize I am looking at something beautiful, and feel a sense of quiet.
Evening - The Stargazing Struggle: Decide to be ambitious. Find a spot outside the city to stargaze. Pack a picnic. Get in a car, drive for an hour, find a dark, empty field outside of town. The sky? Absolutely stunning. The stars? Dazzling. The mosquitoes? Voracious. After a frantic retreat back to the car to avoid being eaten alive, my stargazing experience is a bit of a bust. But, hey, I can at least say I tried. The picnic? Let the mozzies have it.
Late Night Wrap-Up: Back at the Citadel. Eating the rest of the dinner, watching something completely incomprehensible on Indian TV. Today was a mixed bag. Exhausting, inspiring, frustrating, and beautiful. I’m starting to fall in love with the messy, imperfect reality of Nashik.
Day 4: Farewell (For Now) & Future Ramblings.
- Morning - Final Impressions and Hotel Goodbyes: Pack my bags. Say a reluctant goodbye to my tiny room with the brick wall view. Check-out is even faster than check-in! I guess people just assume the hotel is going to be left in ruins.
- Daytime - Last Bites and Souvenir Hunts: One last breakfast of Butter chicken and coffee. A final wander through the market, looking for last-minute souvenirs, I buy everything I missed the first time.
- Afternoon - The Departure Descent: Back to the hatchpack. The ride back to the airport is less terrible than the first one, although I do find myself silently praying the driver knows the route this time.
The MBC Citadel? Not my favorite hotel experience, but I got what I needed. Would I recommend this itinerary to anyone? Not necessarily. But would I recommend that you embrace the chaos, the unexpected detours, and the moments when you want to throw your hands up in the air and scream? Absolutely. Because those are the moments that make travel… real.
Nashik… it’s a trip. And I’m already thinking about when I can come back. This isn't goodbye; it's "see you later, you crazy, wonderful place".
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So, Escape to Luxury: Hotel MBC Citadel Nashik... Is it *actually* luxury? Like, legit, or just "Indian-Hotel-Luxury"?
Alright, let's get this out of the way. "Luxury" in India and "Luxury" in, say, Switzerland, are two different beasts. The MBC Citadel... leans into the "Indian-Hotel-Luxury". Think opulent (sometimes a *little* much) decor, a staff that *tries* really hard to please (bless their hearts!), and amenities that are fancy, but may or may not *actually* work flawlessly. Like, the jacuzzi in my room? Beautiful! Did the jets work consistently? Absolutely not. Did it *still* feel luxurious while I lay there, letting the bubbles intermittently caress me? Absolutely, yes. So, depends on what you're expecting. Come with realistic expectations and you'll be fine. Come expecting *true* five-star European levels of perfection, and you might need a stiff drink (which, thankfully, they’ve got).
What's the vibe like at the Citadel? Romantic getaway? Family fun? Business trip that needs a touch of glam?
Okay, this is where it gets interesting. The Citadel *attempts* to be all things to all people. I saw couples canoodling, families splashing in the pool, and folks in power suits pacing around the lobby during my stay – pretty much every type of human existence was represented, and it felt a bit like Grand Central Station at times. The overall vibe is… let's call it 'polished bohemia.' It's got the potential for romance, particularly if you snag a balcony room with a view. It's definitely kid-friendly, but be prepared for some noise. As for business... yeah, you could do that. Just, maybe pack some earplugs because the peacocks, bless their hearts, REALLY like to screech early in the morning. Seriously, it's a wake-up call you won't forget.
The food! Tell me about the food! Is it edible? Is it good? Is it… memorable?
Oh, the food. The food is a rollercoaster of emotions. The breakfast buffet is a glorious spread of Indian delicacies, with a few Western options thrown in for good measure. They had these incredible, fluffy idlis one morning that almost brought tears to my eyes. *Almost*. Then, later that day, I ordered a club sandwich for room service that was… well, a testament to the fact that even the best chefs have bad days. I'd say, stick with the Indian food. It's generally fantastic. The restaurants are pretty good though! I mean, the ambiance is lovely. The quality depends, but you'll always get something good and the staff is super friendly, so you'll eventually get through a meal and get some good laughs. And look, let's be honest, when you're on vacation, a slightly dodgy club sandwich is a *story*, right?
What's the deal with the pool? Is it a sparkling oasis of relaxation, or a crowded splash zone?
The pool... ah, the pool. It's beautiful, I will give them that. Long and inviting, with sun loungers strategically placed. But, the reality? It's a crowded splash zone at peak times. Kids. Everywhere. And parents, trying desperately to keep track of said kids while simultaneously attempting to look like they're relaxing. If you're a hardcore lap swimmer looking for zen, you’re probably out of luck between 10 AM and 4 PM. Go early. Go late. Or, embrace the chaos and join the fun. I opted for the latter, and actually, it was kind of hilarious. Plus, they have pool-side service which… what's better than that?
Okay, so the rooms. Spill the tea! Spacious? Clean? What about the noise?
The rooms are generally spacious, which is a massive plus. The decor is… well, let's just say they've gone all-in on the 'opulent' vibe. Think lots of dark wood, gold accents, and possibly, a chandelier or two. Mine was clean, mostly. I may have spotted a stray eyelash in the bathroom, but hey, I'm not judging. The noise, however… that's a whole other story. See those peacocks I was raving about earlier? They are LOUD. Also, if you're near the pool, you'll hear the aforementioned kids squealing. If you're closer to the road, you'll hear the constant honking of cars. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Seriously. They're a lifesaver.
What about the spa? Worth a visit, or a skip?
The spa... Okay, here's my honest, imperfect opinion: I *wanted* to love the spa. The ambiance was lovely – dimly lit, calming music, promises of pure relaxation. I opted for a full-body massage, and the masseuse was genuinely lovely. But the experience was… inconsistent. The pressure was sometimes okay, then too light, then almost non-existent. And the music kept skipping – it literally *skipped*. It felt like I was the only person and they were just trying to squeeze as much as possible out of a single CD-R copy. I'm not saying it was *bad*, but it wasn't the transcendental experience I was hoping for. *However*, the post-massage tea was delicious, and that counts for *something*, right?
Is there anything *particularly* annoying about the Citadel? Anything that really grinds your gears?
Where do I even begin? Okay, the internet. I'm sorry, but it was a borderline disaster. Intermittent at best, downright useless at worst. I tried to work for a few hours and was constantly battling dropped connections. Consider this a *huge* factor if you need to stay connected. Also and most importantly, the fact that the jacuzzi jets didn't always work. I *paid* for that jacuzzi! The injustice! Okay, I'm calming down. But still. And, on a less practical note, the sheer amount of stuff. So much gold, so much marble, so many… things. Sometimes, less is more, you know? A little bit of a minimalist approach wouldn't hurt.
The staff! Are they helpful, friendly, and generally awesome, or are they just going through the motions?
The staff are, without question, the shining stars of the MBC Citadel. They are some of the most genuinely friendly and helpful people I've ever encountered in a hotel. They remember your name after the first encounter, offer assistance before you even know you need it, and generally go above and beyond to make your stay pleasant. There are times when the service feels a little clumsy, but the heart is absolutely there. Honestly, their enthusiasm and warmth almost made me forgive the internet. *Almost*.
