Florence Lodge Nanded: Your Dreamy Escape Awaits (India)
Florence Lodge, Nanded: My Honest (and a Little Messy) Dive into a Dreamy Escape
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the chai on Florence Lodge in Nanded, India. They call it a "dreamy escape," and well, let's just say it mostly delivers… with some delightful quirks along the way. This isn't your perfectly curated travel brochure review; this is the real deal, warts and all. Get ready for a whirlwind tour of fluffy towels, questionable Wi-Fi, and the occasional existential crisis brought on by a particularly stunning pool view.
Accessibility - A Mixed Bag but Mostly a Yes!
First things first: accessibility. Florence Lodge seems to try to be inclusive. I'm happy to report they have elevator and have facilities for guests with disabilities. They even have wheelchair access at the entrances and in public spaces – a big win! It's never perfect, but the effort is visible. I am not sure about the specific steps required to use the facilities for people with disabilities, ask before booking.
Getting There and Getting Around
- Airport Transfer: They've got airport transfers, which is a lifesaver after a long flight.
- Car Park: Free car park, excellent news for those driving around!
- Other options: Taxi and valet available
Tech & Connectivity - The Modern Traveler's Dilemma
Okay, let's be real. This is where things got a little dicey. Internet access is advertised, but… Wi-Fi is "free" in rooms, but I found it a gamble. The connection wasn’t always the speed of light (I think my grandma's dial-up was faster) and the LAN cable in the room didn't seem to work either. I ended up wandering down to the lobby a few times, hoping for better signal. "Internet services" are listed but they don't tell you how good they are. This is a definite area for improvement, Florence Lodge! However, at least they had:
- Room Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi in public areas
- Internet in the rooms
Rooms - My Sanctuary, Mostly
The rooms themselves? Pretty good, actually! They're all "non-smoking" – yay! They've got:
- Air Conditioning (essential!)
- Blackout curtains (bliss!)
- Coffee/tea maker and complimentary tea (my morning saviors)
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- Safe box
- Satellite/cable channels
- Shower and separate bathtub
- Smoke detector
- Wi-Fi, if it's working
- Window that opens (fresh air, yes please!)
They also list a bunch of other great thing like:
- Additional toilet
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Interconnecting room(s) available
- Internet access – LAN
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- On-demand movies
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- 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
I spent an entire hour just staring at the "Soundproofing" feature, my mind wandering… What even is "soundproofing" anyway? Does it actually block out the chaotic symphony of life outside? I guess this room was pretty quiet!
Dining – A Delicious Adventure
Oh, the food. Let's talk food. This is where Florence Lodge really shines. The restaurant is a real treat.
- Breakfast is legendary: Their Asian breakfast offering is substantial, but you can also get a Western breakfast if you have a craving. I mean, the buffet is a glorious spread!
- Dinner is excellent They have both International, Asian and vegetarian options, which means everyone is going to find something they like.
- Poolside bar is a great place to begin or end your day.
- Room service is 24 hours, which is great, and they even do breakfast in the room!
I have to tell you about the desserts. One night, I swear I ate enough gulab jamun to single-handedly keep them in business. Okay, maybe not, but they were that good. Be prepared to potentially loosen your belt a notch. I am telling you, just looking at their menus makes me hungry.
They also have:
- A la carte in restaurant
- Alternative meal arrangement
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour]
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Bliss Out Time
Okay, prepare to be spoiled. Florence Lodge gets the whole relaxation thing.
- The Pool with a View: This is where you'll want to hang out. The outdoor pool is perfect for cooling off. The view alone is worth the price of admission. I spent a solid afternoon reading a book, alternating between dips in the water and basking in the sun. Pure bliss.
- Sauna/Spa: If you need a little extra pampering.
- Fitness Center: Work out and unwind.
They also feature:
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Fitness center
- Foot bath
- Gym/fitness
- Massage
- Pool with view
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa/sauna
- Steamroom
- Swimming pool
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
I'm not much of a spa person, (I'm a bit too ticklish to do body wraps), but the pool? Chef’s kiss.
Cleanliness & Safety - Feeling Safe & Secure
Big thumbs up here. Florence Lodge takes safety seriously.
- Sanitation: They appear to have a lot of safety precautions:
- Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Hygiene certification.
- Individually-wrapped food options.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Sterilizing equipment.
- Security: They also provide a good level of security:
- CCTV in common areas.
- CCTV outside property.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Front desk [24-hour].
- Safety/security feature.
- Security [24-hour].
- Smoke alarms.
Services & Conveniences - The Little Things That Matter
- Check-in/out: They have contactless check-in/out.
- Concierge: Super helpful.
- Dry cleaning/Laundry
- Convenience Store
- Daily housekeeping: The rooms were immaculate
- Facilities for disabled guests.
- Luggage storage: You'll appreciate this if you are seeing the sights before you head to the airport.
Florence Lodge offers a lot of services to make things easier for you, like:
- 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
Family & Fun - Fun for all ages!
The kids are
Unbelievable Luxury Awaits: JI Hotel Qidong Lvsi Port - Nantong's Hidden Gem
Okay, buckle up, buttercup. This isn't just a travel itinerary; it's a therapy session disguised as a plan. We're heading to the Hotel Florence Lodge in Nanded, India, and frankly, I'm already sweating. Not just from the potential heat, but from the thought of trying to organise anything. Let’s pray to the travel gods this actually works.
The Unofficial, Slightly Chaotic, and Utterly Honest Nanded Adventure (Hotel Florence Lodge as Base Camp)
Day 1: Arrival and the Awkward Dance of Settling In
- 6:00 AM (ish): Wake up in a cold sweat, convinced I’ve missed the connection at the airport. Triple-check passport. Panic is a cruel mistress.
- 7:00 AM: Taxi to Nanded. Praying they've got AC. I swear, if the only transport option is a tuk-tuk, I’m going to need a whole box of tissues to mop up the resulting existential crisis.
- 11:00 AM (fingers crossed): Arrive at Hotel Florence Lodge. First impressions? I really hope the pictures online haven't been heavily filtered. Praying for clean sheets, people. Clean sheets.
- 11:30 AM: Check-in. Deal with the inevitable bureaucratic slow-dance. Language barriers, forms I can't read, and the existential dread of being utterly lost in translation. Wish me luck.
- 12:30 PM: Room assessment. Inspect every nook and cranny. Is the bathroom a death trap? Does the AC actually work? Is there any sign of actual coffee in the room? This could make or break everything.
- 1:30 PM: Lunch at the hotel restaurant. (I'm picturing a slightly sad buffet. I'm already anticipating a culinary adventure, that's for sure.) Fingers crossed they have something remotely familiar. Otherwise, I'm going full-on "tourist who only eats chips" mode.
- 3:00 PM: Nap. Needed. The flight, the pre-trip anxiety, the sheer unfamiliarity of it all – it's exhausting. This is non-negotiable.
- 5:00 PM: First foray outside the hotel. A short stroll around the area. Observe. Soak in the sights, the sounds, the smells. (Hopefully, they aren't too overwhelming. The smell of the unknown can be incredibly intimidating, y'know?) Try to look like I know where I'm going. Fail spectacularly.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant (if I'm feeling brave). Attempt to order something adventurous. Probably end up pointing at the menu and hoping for the best.
- 7:30 PM: Early night. Jet lag is a beast. Plus, tomorrow's probably going to be a marathon of temples and crowds.
Day 2: A Temple Triumph…or Total Trauma? (Plus, Breakfast Shenanigans)
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Did I sleep? Did the AC keep kicking me alive? Check the sheets. I'm really obsessed with these sheets.
- 7:30 AM: Breakfast. Pray for actual, real, freshly brewed coffee. Pray harder for something other than watery scrambled eggs. Will I be able to handle Indian breakfast? That's the real test.
- 8:30 AM: Head to the Gurudwara Hazoor Sahib. This is the big one. The sacred site. The reason I'm actually here. Honestly, I'm slightly intimidated. I've heard it's incredible, but also incredibly crowded. Deep breaths. Prepare for sensory overload.
- 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Explore the Gurudwara. Take my time. Soak it all in. Observe the rituals. Attempt to understand (even if I don't fully). I hope to be respectful and curious. This isn't just a tourist site; it's a place of deep religious significance. The energy is what I will feel, will it be positive?
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. If I can find a vegetarian restaurant nearby, I'm in! If not, it's back to the hotel. I'm not afraid of a sandwich, really. I just hope to try something new.
- 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Post-lunch exploration. Wander around Nanded. See what catches my eye. Get utterly lost. Embrace the chaos. I might just stumble upon something amazing.
- 4:00 PM: Tea break (because, well, tea). Find a local tea stall and try to order something without making a complete idiot of myself. The language barrier is real.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel for a rest. This is important for keeping my sanity and my feet intact.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Explore the food scene again!
- 8:00 PM: Back to the hotel and hopefully, sleep, sleep, and sleep.
Day 3: The Day of the Local Market…or the Total Sensory Meltdown.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Repeat previous day's breakfast ordeal… or miracle?
- 8:00 AM: Venture into the local market. A sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds. I might get a little overwhelmed; I'm bracing myself.
- 9:00 AM to Noon: Navigate the crowded market. Try to haggle (badly). Admire the chaos. Buy something completely random. I'm preparing for the inevitable "look, but don't touch" situation.
- Noon -1:00 PM: Get out of the market. Sit on the other side. Get the senses back in a stable manner.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. The market offered amazing food smells, and I hope to discover the location and try it.
- 2:00 PM: Head back to the hotel. Needed, after experiencing the market.
- 4:00 PM: A massage. This would be the best idea, and I hope to get one. I don't know how to ask, but hopefully, I'll be able to enjoy it.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. I'm getting used to it now, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- 7:00 PM: Rest and relax in the hotel. Reflect.
Day 4: The Departure (and the Bitter-Sweet Goodbye)
- 7:00 AM: Last breakfast. This could either be a triumph or a tragedy.
- 8:00 AM: Final packing. Check for souvenirs.
- 9:00 AM: Check out of the hotel. Say a silent (or not-so-silent) prayer of gratitude for clean sheets and a working AC.
- 10:00 AM: Taxi/transport to the airport/train station.
- 12:00 PM: Departure. Say goodbye to Nanded. Reflect on the trip. What happened? What did I feel?
The Small Print (AKA, My Personal Disaster Contingency Plan):
- Medical Kit: Overpacked. Probably has things I don't even know what they're for.
- Phrasebook: Will be used and abused. Might still struggle.
- Emergency Money: Hidden away like a pirate's treasure. Just in case the credit card decides to be a jerk.
- Emotional Support… Me! I'm going, and I'm going to be an emotional wreck, but hopefully, it's for the best.
This itinerary isn't fixed. It's a suggestion, a starting point. I will likely wander off course, get lost, and make a fool of myself. This is the point. I'll let you know how it goes. Wish me luck. I'll need it.
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Florence Lodge Nanded: Your Dreamy Escape...Or Is It? (Let's Be Real)
Okay, So...What *IS* Florence Lodge, Exactly? And Should I Even Bother?
Right, so Florence Lodge. Think...a bit of a hidden gem, maybe? It's essentially a hotel/resort in Nanded, Maharashtra. They tout it as this idyllic getaway, all lush greenery and peace. Now, *should* you bother? Well, that depends. I went with some friends last year, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster. One minute you're swooning over the pool, the next you're batting away mosquitos the size of small birds. More on THAT later.
It's not the Ritz, okay? Temper your expectations. But if you're looking for a break from the city hustle and don't mind a few... *rustic*… charms, it could be worth a shot.
How's the Vibe? Is it Romantic? Family-Friendly? Party Central?!?!
The vibe? Hmm... Depends on the day. Okay, here's what I gathered. Romantic possibilities are there - the gardens are pretty, and the pool at night is lovely with all the lights. But...the *charm* can be a little... patchy. Picture this: a couple getting handsy by the pool, then BAM! A family of ten descends, kids shrieking, inflatable toys everywhere. It's a bit of a crapshoot.
It tries to be both family-friendly and romantic, but sometimes it feels like it's trying to be everything to everyone, and ends up a little confused. Definitely not a party central spot, though. Thank God - I was hoping for some peace after a long shift!
Let's Talk Rooms. Are They Actually "Luxurious" Like the Website Claims?
Luxury? That's a strong word. Let's call them... comfortable. The rooms are spacious, generally clean, and the beds are decent. They have AC, which is a lifesaver in Nanded's heat. I'll give them that.
But there are tiny imperfections: you know, the usual stuff - maybe a slightly wonky showerhead, or a questionable stain on the rug (don't look too closely!). My friend, bless her heart, once found a spider in the bathroom - not a tiny one either. Luckily, she's a veteran arachnophobe so she screamed the place down, but the staff were quick to fix it! Still, the 'luxurious' part should be approached with a sprinkle of salt.
Food! Tell Me About the Food! Is it Worth the Calories?
Alright, the food. This is where things get interesting. The restaurant at Florence Lodge is a mixed bag, in my experience. The breakfast buffet? Generally good, if a little repetitive after a few days. They do a mean masala omelet. The lunch and dinner, though? That's where it gets dicey.
One night I ordered a chicken dish, which arrived looking...interesting. Let's just say the presentation was...lacking. And the chicken itself? Tougher than the manager's smile. Another time, I went for the dal makhani, and it was utterly divine! One of the best I've ever had. See what I mean? It's a gamble. My advice: stick to the familiar, be open-minded, and maybe carry some snacks. Just in case.
Oh, and one more thing. Be *really* careful about the spice levels! They tend to err on the side of, shall we say, 'fiery'. My friend, bless him, once nearly burst into flames after a particularly vindaloo-esque curry!
The Pool! Everyone Loves the Pool. Is it Actually a Good Pool?
The pool... Yes. The pool is a major draw. It's large, clean (mostly!), and a welcome relief from the Nanded heat. The water is kept at a nice temperature, and there are usually plenty of lounge chairs. And the views from the pool are actually great!
I spent, like, half my trip in that pool and I don't regret it! You know when you're so relaxed, you just want to float? That's the feeling. The only downside? Those pesky mosquitos. They come out in force at dusk. Bring bug spray. Seriously. I sound like a broken record, I know. But those things were brutal. I swear I got bitten more than anyone I knew!
Are There Other Activities? Anything Besides Swimming and Eating?
Hmm, activities... Besides the pool and eating, there's not a huge amount. They have a small gym, which, from what I saw, was rarely used. There are gardens you can wander around, which are pretty, but you might get distracted by the constant mosquito bites. They might arrange some local tours, but it's best to confirm beforehand.
Honestly though, the best activity is just relaxing and getting away from everything. If that's not your cup of tea, Nanded might not be the right place for you.
How's the Service? Are the Staff Helpful and Friendly?
The staff? They're a mixed bag, again. Some are absolutely lovely and genuinely helpful, going out of their way to assist you. Others can be a little… indifferent. It's completely dependent on who you get.
My advice? Be patient, and be polite. A smile goes a long way. Don't expect the super-attentive service you might find in a five-star hotel, but most of the time, they try. They do have a bit of a language barrier issue, sometimes, but they will try to get you what you need as best they can.
Okay, So...Should I Go? Give Me the Verdict, Already!
Alright, here's the truth. Florence Lodge is not perfect. It has its flaws. It's not the most luxurious place on Earth. But… is it worth it? Maybe!
If you're looking for a cheap and cheerful getaway, a place to unwind by the pool, and don't mind embracing a bit of the… unexpected, then yes, go for it. Just pack bug spray and temper your expectations.
But if you're expecting a flawless experience, or if you're super fussy about food and service, then maybe look elsewhere. Personally? I'd go again, with the right mindset. It's got a certain charm, a quirkiness that I can't help but love. Just don't expect perfection,Stay Scouter
