Apple Residency Patan: Gujarat's Hidden Gem? (Luxury You Won't Believe!)
Apple Residency Patan: Gujarat's Hidden Gem? (Luxury You Won't Believe!) - A Rambling Review (and Plea to Book!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your typical, sanitized hotel review. This is me, freshly back from Apple Residency Patan in Gujarat, and I'm still trying to process the sheer… experience. "Luxury You Won't Believe" they say, and honestly? They’re not entirely wrong. But let's be real: life ain't perfect, and neither are hotels. So, grab a chai (or a Kingfisher, no judgement), and let’s dive into the glorious, messy, and surprisingly delightful world of Apple Residency.
Accessibility, Ugh… (and a Few Breezes of Fresh Air)
First things first, the nitty-gritty. Accessibility is… well, it's present, but not perfect. The property has Facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator which is a big plus, especially if you're like me and prefer not to lug luggage up a million stairs. I didn't personally need a wheelchair, but I did see ramps in some areas. They’re trying, which is more than some places. I'd advise checking their specific accessibility features and confirming your needs directly with them before booking.
Getting There & Around: Easy Peasy (Mostly)
Accessibility (Getting Around): Reached the hotel via Airport transfer, which was smooth as silk. Car park [on-site] and Car park [free of charge] are massive wins. Honestly, the convenience of just pulling up and parking is a lifesaver. Valet parking is another option if you're feeling fancy. They also offer a Taxi service, which is handy if you plan to explore Patan without your own wheels. I didn’t use it, but it seemed readily available.
Internet & Staying Connected (Blessedly Easy)
Okay, let's talk about the internet. Because, let's face it, we're all addicted. Wi-Fi [free] in the rooms? YES! And it actually worked, which is a miracle in itself. I could stream Netflix (yessss) and upload Insta stories without wanting to chuck my phone across the room. Plus, free Wi-Fi in public areas and Internet access – LAN were also big bonuses. I even saw some people actually working on their laptops. Imagine!
Cleanliness, Safety & All That Jazz: Feeling Pretty Secure
This is where Apple Residency really shines. In these crazy times, they've seriously upped their game. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Rooms sanitized between stays – it made me breathe a little easier, you know? They even have Hygiene certification, which is reassuring. They have Hand sanitizer everywhere and Staff trained in safety protocol.
Safety & Security is King (Or Queen!)
Okay, I confess, I'm a worrier. So, the fact that they have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], and a Front desk [24-hour] put my mind at ease. Other features like Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Safety/security feature make for safe stay.
Dining: A Feast for the Senses (and the Occasional Hiccup)
Right, the food. Where do I even begin? Let's just say I gained a few kilos. Restaurants? Plural! A la carte in restaurant? Yup. Asian cuisine in restaurant? Oh, yes, and it was divine. I'm still dreaming of their butter chicken. They have various restaurants on-site, which is excellent. Coffee/tea in restaurant? Check. Desserts in restaurant? Dangerously delicious. I may have skipped a few lunches to make room for those. There's even a Snack bar for those late-night cravings and a Poolside bar for those sunset cocktails. Room service [24-hour] made sure I never went hungry. I made ample use of the Breakfast [buffet] and the occasional Breakfast in room if I was feeling lazy. Breakfast takeaway service is great for those on the go.
The Imperfections (Because Life Ain't Perfect)
Now, here’s the truth bomb. One morning, the coffee in the room was weak enough to see through. And one evening, the bar was a bit slow. And the salad I ordered… let's just say it wasn't the highlight of my culinary journey. BUT! These are minor quibbles. Overall, the food was excellent, the variety was impressive, and the service was generally top-notch. They also have Vegetarian restaurant.
Ways to Relax: Pure Bliss (Mostly)
Okay, THIS is where Apple Residency goes from "nice" to "OH MY GOD, I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE." The Swimming pool? Gorgeous! The Pool with view? Even better! I spent hours just floating around, staring at the sky. Then there's the spa. The Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Sauna, Pool with view, and Massage were pure decadence. I had a Body scrub and a Body wrap, and I swear, I felt like a new person. The treatments are worth every single rupee. You can also use the Fitness center if that's your thing. There is also a Foot bath to relax.
My Deep Dive into Pure Relaxation
I spent a glorious afternoon getting lost in the world of spa. I dove straight into the Spa, and as some of you remember, I'm a massage fiend. I'm talking, the kind of person who books a massage before I even check into a hotel. Well, this place did not disappoint. The masseuse knew exactly what spots to hit, the essential oils smelled like heaven, and I actually fell asleep. Don’t tell anyone. The next day? I hit up the Pool with view and the Sauna. It was the most relaxed I've felt in ages.
Rooms & Amenities: Comfort and Charm (and Maybe a Few Minor Quirks)
The rooms themselves? Pretty damn swanky. Air conditioning, Blackout curtains, a ridiculously comfortable bed, and a giant TV with Satellite/cable channels. (I’m a sucker for a good movie marathon). Air conditioning in public area makes the whole experience amazing. I had a room with Additional toilet . The Bathroom, with its Bathtub and Separate shower/bathtub, was spacious and well-appointed. They've thought of everything: Hair dryer, Bathrobes, Slippers, and even a Free bottled water. The Coffee/tea maker in the room and Complimentary tea were a godsend after a long day of exploring. My room had a Balcony.
I have a strong preference for Non-smoking rooms, and I'm happy to say Apple Residency does that.
The Little Things (That Make All the Difference)
It's the details that often make the experience. They have Daily housekeeping, so your room is always spotless. In-room safe box, Luggage storage, Doorman service, Concierge, and Laundry service. Daily housekeeping. Ironing facilities. Additional toilet.
For the Kids (If You're Bringing the Little Monsters)
While I wasn't traveling with kids, I noticed they have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, which is awesome. It’s definitely Family/child friendly.
Services & Conveniences: Everything You Could Need (and More)
Concierge service got me sorted and they have a Cash withdrawal facility which is handy. Currency exchange, Dry cleaning, Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge], Food delivery.
Business Travelers (Yes, They Cater to You!)
Apple Residency has your back. They offer Business facilities. Meetings/banquet facilities, Meeting stationery, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Audio-visual equipment for special events, and Xerox/fax in business center.
The Overall Vibe: Is it a Hidden Gem?
Honestly? Yes. Apple Residency Patan is a hidden gem. It's not perfect, but it's got heart. It's got style. It's got amazing food, a stunning spa, and a level of comfort that will make you never want to leave. The staff are genuinely friendly and helpful. They really make you feel welcome.
The Imperfections (Because Life Ain’t Perfect)
Ok, I'm keeping it real. One of the minor annoyances was the slightly inconsistent responsiveness of the room service. Sometimes it was lightning fast, other times… well, let’s just say I had time to meditate on the history of Gujarat waiting for my coffee. And, and okay, fine, the view from my room wasn’t quite as breathtaking as the marketing photos. But honestly? These are minor quibbles. The pros massively outweigh the cons.
The Emotional Verdict: I'm In Love (and Already Planning My Return)
I’m already plotting my return. I miss the spa, the
Shanghai's Hidden Gem: JI Hotel Near Jiaotong Uni (Cangyuan Rd)
Okay, buckle up buttercups. This isn't your sterile, perfectly curated itinerary. This is PATAN. This is APPLE RESIDENCY. This is sanity's potential undoing, or the best damn thing that ever happened. Let's do this.
The Patan Potion: An Apple Residency Pilgrimage of the Slightly Unhinged (and Very Hungry)
Day 1: Arrival & "Oh God, Where Am I?" Orientation and the Sweet Smell of Dust
- Morning (ish - flights are a lie):
- Touchdown in Ahmedabad. Breathe. Deep breaths. This is India, not your sterile, perfectly-ordered world. Find your driver. Pray he doesn't use the horn as his primary mode of communication. Hint: he will.
- The drive to Patan. Ahhh, the drive. The landscape shifts, a slow-motion montage of vibrant saris drying on rooftops, cows regarding you with supreme indifference, and that ever-present, unforgettable smell of…well, let's call it "the essence of India." (It's probably a mix of spices, exhaust fumes, and the ghosts of empires past.)
- Anecdote Alert: Last time I did this, I swear I saw a camel wearing sunglasses. Either my eyes were playing tricks on me due to the jetlag, or I've finally lost it entirely.
- Finally, Apple Residency. Whew. Looks like Google Maps knew what it was doing for once. Check in. Marvel at the (hopefully) air-conditioned room. Unpack. Question every decision you've made in your life to get here.
- Quirky observation: The bedspreads. They always have a story to tell, don't they? So many silent nights and perhaps some illicit chai spills.
- Afternoon:
- Properly check out the property - this place would be great for a movie location.
- Rambling Thoughts: Now that I think about it, I'd love to write a script that is shot here - how beautiful!
- A proper lunch: Patan doesn't mess around with its food. Dig in. I hope you have a good stomach because it's an experience.
- A wander around the local market. This is where you throw away all preconceived notions of personal space. Embrace the chaos. Bargain. Buy something you don't need. That's part of the fun.
- Emotional Reaction: The colours! The fabrics! The noise! My senses are overloaded. It's a glorious, beautiful, overwhelming mess. I'm utterly, completely, happily lost.
- In the late afternoon get a rickshaw to run you to Rudra Mahalaya Temple. Take your time, and enjoy.
- Properly check out the property - this place would be great for a movie location.
- Evening:
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant or try some street food. I am going rogue and going rogue, because these are experiences that you will not find anywhere else. So soak it up.
- Opinionated Language: Forget your diet. Forget your inhibitions. Just. Eat. Everything. You're in Patan, damn it!
- Collapse. Sleep. Dream of camels in sunglasses (or whatever this place unlocks in your brain).
- Dinner at the hotel restaurant or try some street food. I am going rogue and going rogue, because these are experiences that you will not find anywhere else. So soak it up.
Day 2: The Rani ki Vav & Textile Troubles
- Morning:
- Early start. Rani ki Vav. Seriously, go early. Beat the crowds. Prepare to be gobsmacked. This stepwell is insane. Its an incredibly beautiful and spiritual place to be.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: Words can’t do this place justice. I'm practically speechless. (And I'm rarely speechless, even when lost for words.) The architecture is so intricate, the history so palpable. I feel a tiny, almost insignificant, speck in the face of history.
- Minor Category: Photography Frenzy. You'll want photos. Lots of them. Don’t be shy. Take an obscene amount.
- Return back to Apple Residency for Breakfast, refuel, and get ready to continue the adventure.
- Visit the Patola saree weavers. These are not just clothes; they are pieces of art. Prepare to be wooed by the intricate craftsmanship and the sheer beauty of these double-ikat creations.
- Doubling Down: The Patola weaving. Seriously, I spent hours there. Learning about the process. Watching the looms. The dedication, the artistry. And the prices, oh my god. Be prepared to fall in love.
- Early start. Rani ki Vav. Seriously, go early. Beat the crowds. Prepare to be gobsmacked. This stepwell is insane. Its an incredibly beautiful and spiritual place to be.
- Afternoon:
- Dive back into the market. You need more textiles. You just… do.
- Messier Structure: Oh, and I forgot to mention! Bargaining! It's a dance. A negotiation. A test of wills. Start low. Be friendly. And remember to laugh.
- Possibly get a massage (if the Apple Residency offers one). You deserve it. You’ve survived Day 2.
- Dive back into the market. You need more textiles. You just… do.
- Evening:
- Dinner. Relax. Write. Reflect. Or just stare at your Patola saree and wonder how you're going to fit it into your suitcase. (Hint: You won't).
Day 3: Farewell Patan…For Now. Until I Get Lost Here Again.
- Morning:
- A final breakfast buffet. (Try the jalebis. Just…try them.)
- A last wander around. Maybe one more sneaky purchase. Maybe a final selfie with a random cow.
- Check out. Say a fond farewell to the staff. Thank them for their sanity-assisting assistance.
- Afternoon/Evening:
- Depending on your onward travel, start the journey.
- Honest, Funny Ending: I miss Patan already. Honestly, I'm already planning my return. Maybe I'll learn to handle the horn-happy drivers. Maybe I'll actually get a Patola saree that doesn't make me cry. Maybe. Probably not. But that's the beauty of it, isn't it? Embrace the chaos. Embrace the dust. And embrace the fact that you've just experienced something utterly, wonderfully, beautifully Patan. Now, get out there and get lost. You won’t regret it.
Apple Residency Patan: Gujarat’s Hidden Gem? (Luxury You Won't Believe!) - Let's Get Messy!
Okay, spill it. Is Apple Residency *really* the luxury bomb everyone's making it out to be, or just another overhyped Instagram trap?
Let's talk rooms. Worth the price tag? Are they *actually* as spacious as they look?
What about the food? Give me the lowdown! I'm a foodie; is it going to satisfy?
Patan itself – is there anything to actually *do* there, or am I just paying for a fancy room in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, spill the T. Any dealbreakers? Things that drove you absolutely insane?
Would you go back? And more importantly? Should *I* go?
