Manipal's Hidden Gem: Country Inn & Suites Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Dude, Seriously? Country Inn & Suites Manipal: My Secret Escape (And You Need to Know About It!)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Manipal's actual hidden gem. Forget your generic hotel blahs; we're talking about the Country Inn & Suites. And trust me, after my recent stay, I'm seriously considering just moving in. (Don’t tell my landlord!)
First things first: Accessibility. And I'll be brutally honest here because that's how I roll. The website claims facilities for disabled guests, which is promising. I didn't get to experience them firsthand (thankfully!), but it's good to know they're supposed to be there. Check with them directly if this is a major need for you, okay? They do have an elevator, though, which is a godsend.
Cleanliness and Safety – My OCD Approved (Almost!)
This is HUGE, especially these days. Look, I’m a borderline germaphobe, so I notice EVERYTHING. And I was genuinely impressed! The daily disinfection in common areas was evident. They had hand sanitizer EVERYWHERE, and the staff actually used it. I saw them wiping down tables, railings… you name it. The room itself? My god, the room! Okay, so they do the room sanitization between stays (phew!), but seriously, everything felt clean. And I’m talking, like, really clean. They even use anti-viral cleaning products, which, as a total hypochondriac, made me breathe a HUGE sigh of relief. They also have a doctor/nurse on call and a first aid kit, which is just smart. And yes, they have individually-wrapped food options which is excellent. The safe dining setup and sanitized kitchen and tableware items, made me feel secure. They also mention physical distancing of at least 1 meter. The staff trained in safety protocol seemed that way, and honestly, it shows.
The Room: My Sanctuary (Mostly)
Let's talk about the room because, let’s be real, that’s where the magic happens. I snagged a non-smoking room (thank you, universe!). It was… well, it was comfy. It had air conditioning, which is crucial in that part of India. There was a desk if you needed to work (I did a tiny bit, begrudgingly). A coffee/tea maker (essential for me in the mornings). A refrigerator (perfect for cold beers. Just saying). The free Wi-Fi worked like a charm (I used it constantly, duh!).
Now, here's where things get… personal. The bed? Excellent. Like, slept-like-a-baby excellent. The blackout curtains were a dream. I practically lived in the bathrobes. And the daily housekeeping? Spot on! They had slippers in my room. And the shower was good, better than some places I've stayed.
Rant Time! (Minor Imperfection Alert!)
I have to be real, there were a couple of minor things. The bathroom phone felt a little old-school, and I’m not sure anyone still uses those. Also, while the Wi-Fi in all rooms! was superb, the Internet [LAN] was mentioned, but I didn’t see any ports. Who even uses LAN anymore? But hey, I’m just nitpicking here.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Poolside Bar!)
Okay, food. This is where the Country Inn & Suites really shines. They have multiple restaurants! I gorged myself on the Asian breakfast – seriously, get the idli and vada. Do it. You won’t regret it. They also offer all kinds of breakfast service. They even had Western cuisine in restaurant for my less adventurous friends. I spent a LOT of time at the poolside bar. The happy hour was… well, happy! They also had a snack bar for nibbles. The coffee/tea in restaurant was good, and they offer a desserts in restaurant. I didn't explore the Vegetarian restaurant, but I heard it was great! I also tried their a la carte in restaurant and their Asian cuisine in restaurant. The buffet in restaurant was well-stocked, especially for breakfast.
Things to Do (Besides Binge-Eating)
Okay, so, you’re probably not just going to sit around eating and drinking (though I wouldn’t blame you!). Let’s look at ways to relax! Get this, they have a swimming pool (and it's beautiful!). I'm a pool person, so I loved it. They also have a fitness center, which I intended to use, but the cocktails got in the way. And they have a spa, complete with massage and sauna. Yes, the spa/sauna is a must-do. I didn’t get the body scrub or the body wrap, but next time! They have a steamroom too!
I noticed they also had a pool with a view. It's not a super big hotel, but it's got pretty much everything you need.
Services and Conveniences – They Thought of Everything!
The Country Inn & Suites is practically a mini city. They truly have thought of everything! They have a concierge, a daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, and luggage storage. The cash withdrawal option is great, and they also have currency exchange. They have facilities for disabled guests. Pretty convenient.
For the Kids (and the Young at Heart)
I don't have kids, but they had a babysitting service and family/child friendly facilities.
Getting Around – Easy Peasy!
They had airport transfer, which was fantastic. And they have car park [free of charge] and valet parking. I didn’t need a taxi service, but it's available.
The "Hidden Gem" Secret Sauce
Okay, here's the real deal. It’s not just the amenities, the cleanliness, or the food. It's the vibe. It’s relaxed, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. The staff are fantastic – friendly, helpful, and they actually seem happy to be there. This isn't just a hotel; it feels like a little oasis.
Here's My Unsolicited Advice (And a Killer Offer!)
Look, if you’re going to Manipal, you should (and do!) stay here. It’s a no-brainer.
Now for the Killer Offer (You Won't Believe This!)
Book your stay at Country Inn & Suites Manipal through this link [insert affiliate link here – if you have one, or a promotion code if they offer one] and receive a FREE upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability), a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar, and a late checkout (up to 2 PM)! Plus, get a special discount on your massage at the spa! Use Code: HIDDENGEM (This code is only valid for bookings through my link and through a time period, so act fast!)
Why This Offer?
Because I want you to experience the awesomeness of the Country Inn & Suites. Seriously, go. You deserve it. I already have a strong desire to return! Don't miss out on this opportunity to make your Manipal trip AMAZING.
Get your itinerary, book your stay right now! You won’t regret it, I promise!
(Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience. Individual experiences may vary. This is NOT a sponsored post. However, if the Country Inn & Suites is listening, I'm available to be a brand ambassador. Just saying.)
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Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is… well, my experience at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson in Manipal, India. Prepare for a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and maybe a rogue samosa stain on the notes.
Day 1: Arrival – Expectations vs. Reality (and a Battle with the AC)
- 7:00 AM (ish) – The Mumbai Departure: Ugh, Mumbai. The air alone tries to choke you out of existence. Getting to the airport was a sweaty, honking nightmare. I swear, the taxi driver saw a red light and just… kept going. But hey, at least I finally got on the plane.
- 9:30 AM – Flight to Mangalore (and the Dreaded Middle Seat): Budget airlines, am I right? Cramped, loud, and the guy next to me kept hogging the armrest. I swear, I internally debated elbow-warfare for a good hour. Note to self: invest in those inflatable neck pillows that look like they belong in a sci-fi movie.
- 11:00 AM – Mangalore Airport Arrival: (Finally!) Okay, the airport wasn't bad. Clean, efficient. But then… the drive to Manipal. It’s like the roads were built by a committee of angry potholes and aggressive speed bumps. My spine is now a collection of compressed vertebrae.
- 1:00 PM – Check-in at the Country Inn & Suites: First impressions count, right? Lobby looked nice, clean, all that jazz. The staff was super friendly, bless their hearts. But then… the room. It's… fine. Clean. The A/C, however, is a raging beast of Arctic proportions. I spent a solid hour battling it, first freezing, then sweating, then freezing again. It’s a love/hate relationship, I tell ya.
- 2:00 PM – Lunch at the Hotel Restaurant: The buffet. Ah, the buffet. Now, I'm a buffet enthusiast, in theory. But this one… well, let's just say the chicken tikka felt like it had seen better days. The naan, however, redeemed the whole experience. Fluffy, warm, a small, comforting beacon in a sea of lukewarm.
- 3:00 PM – Nap and a Contemplation of Life Choices: The A/C war had left me drained, and lunch hadn't helped. I passed out for a solid two hours, dreaming of beaches and a functioning thermostat.
- 5:00 PM – Explore the Campus? (or wandering aimlessly) Okay, so I thought I'd be all adventurous, exploring the Manipal campus. Ended up getting totally lost. Wound up wandering around for like an hour and a half, and then gave up and went back to the hotel. The sheer scale of the university is overwhelming, the buildings look like they're all trying to outdo each other in a competition of Brutalist architecture.
- 7:00 PM - Dinner and Despair: The hotel restaurant again. I'm a creature of habit, what can I say? This time I went for the butter chicken, I swear the waiter gave me a knowing look, like, "You again, eh?" The chicken was… okay. The rice? Perfect. This is what I call a balanced meal.
- 8:00 PM – Early Night, or Trying to Read and Failing: I was beyond exhausted. Attempted to read, gave up after two pages, and started to question the meaning of existence. The A/C continued its relentless assault on the room's temperature. I think I'm going to turn into a human popsicle overnight.
Day 2: Culture Shock and Caffeine Addiction
- 7:30 AM – Breakfast Buffet Reconnaissance: This time, the breakfast buffet was… better? Maybe. The dosas, though? Absolutely divine. I took a deep breath and devoured three. I think I could become addicted to those things.
- **8:30 AM – Visit the Manipal Museum of Anatomy and Pathology: (The thing that made me question everything) **I swear, I thought I could handle this. I really did. But… oh my god. The preserved specimens. The… everything. Let's just say it was NOT for the faint of heart. I’m still processing it, to be honest. I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to look at a human skeleton the same way ever again. I'm suddenly very grateful for my functioning, non-preserved insides. I think I need a stiff drink… Wait, I'm not drinking…
- 11:00 AM – Coffee Shop Chaos: Needed a shot of caffeine to erase the Museum of Horror from my memory. Found a cute little coffee shop called "The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf" and ordered a ridiculously huge latte. The barista, bless her, seemed genuinely concerned about my caffeine intake.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch (Trying to Find Something Edible): Explored the "restaurants" nearby. Found a rather dodgy looking cafe that served a weird plate of noodles. Edible, but made me want to go back to the hotel for comfort food.
- 1:00 PM – Post-Museum Regret Nap: The coffee was wearing off, and the memory of the museum was still lurking in my mind. Back to the room for a nap.
- 3:00 PM – Attempting to Visit the End Point Beach: The idea was to venture out to End Point Beach, touted as a beautiful sunset spot. However, I gave up on the walk to the beach. I mean, the heat was on and the roads were a total hazard. I spent a solid hour sweating and wondering if I should just take an auto-rickshaw back to the hotel and order some room service.
- 6:00 PM – Back at the Hotel - Contemplation and Room Service Decisions: Okay, so the beach didn't happen. I am back. I am in comfortable clothes. The A/C is still a jerk. But I am safe. I am tired. And I am hungry. Room service? Yes, absolutely.
- 7:00 PM – Room Service – Victory: Ordered the simplest thing I could find: a club sandwich. And you know what? It was perfect! Soft bread, delicious fillings, and came with fries. I ate it in peace, contemplating life, the universe, and the merits of ordering multiple sandwiches.
- 8:00 PM – Call to the Front Desk "Hello, I need a blanket. Yes, I'm sure." The A/C has defeated me.
Day 3: Almost Home – and the Samosa Revelation
- 7:00 AM – Last Breakfast Buffet – Goodbye Dosas: The final dosa feast! I savored every bite, knowing I’m going to be craving them when I get back to dreary old home.
- 8:30 AM – Packing (and the Emotional Rollercoaster of Departure): Packing is always a mess. Why do I always bring so much crap? And the thought of leaving? Ugh. The goodbyes are never easy.
- 9:00 AM – Checking Out (and the Subtle Art of Leaving Notes): The checkout was smooth. Said goodbye to the friendly staff. Left a tip. And then, because I'm extra, left a tiny note on the bed: "Thank you for the A/C battles. You are appreciated."
- 10:00 AM – Drive to Mangalore Airport: The dreaded drive part two. At least I knew what to expect this time.
- 12:00 PM – Flight to Mumbai: The plane ride was uneventful but long.
- 3:00 PM – Mumbai Airport - Post-Travel Trauma: After the chaos of the airport, I just wanted to get home and collapse on my couch, but I was starving. Found a little stall with samosas. These guys were small but they had a nice crispy crust and were filled with flavorful potatoes. I had THREE.
- 4:00 PM – Drive Home (and the Realization): Getting in a taxi, staring out the window… I realized that despite the A/C battles, the museum trauma, and the slightly dodgy food, I had actually enjoyed this trip. It was messy, imperfect, and a little bit crazy, but it was mine. And those samosas? Total game-changer.
- 5:00 PM – At home and in my own bed, wondering how long until my next adventure.
This itinerary isn't about flawless planning; it's about the reality of travel: the good, the bad, and the gloriously messy in-between.
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My Absolutely Unfiltered & Probably Useless FAQ About... Well, Everything, Honestly
Okay, fine, I'll bite. What *exactly* are we talking about here? Is this even remotely coherent?
Coherent? Honey, if you're looking for *coherent*, you've come to the absolute wrong place. Think of this as my brain barfing up thoughts, feelings, and random trivia. It's about life, the universe, and everything... mostly my own utterly fascinating experiences. So, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to get messy. Seriously, I'm not even sure *I* know what we're talking about right now, but let's just roll with it, okay?
Right, so... what's the *point* of this rambling nonsense?
The point? Hmm... Good question! I'm not entirely sure! I guess it's a way to release the inner chaos. It's like, you know, all these thoughts bubbling up, and if I don't write them down... well, I might actually *explode*. Plus, maybe, just maybe, someone out there will find a tiny nugget of relatability in my utter and complete randomness. Or maybe they'll just think I'm a complete nutjob. Either way, mission accomplished!
Are you qualified to give any advice on... anything?
Qualified? Absolutely not! I once set a microwave on fire trying to make popcorn. So, no, I have no qualifications whatsoever. I'm basically the human embodiment of the "trust me, bro" meme. But hey, at least you know I'm being honest, which, in today's world, is practically a superpower, am I right? Just... take everything I say with a giant, heaping spoonful of salt. Actually, make it a bucketful. You've been warned.
Let's say, hypothetically, I want to be more productive. Help...?
Oh, productivity? That's a laugh. I *aspire* to be productive. My life's a glorious, messy tapestry of good intentions and half-finished projects. My *method*, is not to get distracted by shiny objects, but to accept you will get distracted, then get back to work. I tried the whole bullet journal thing. Looked beautiful for *one* day, then resembled a scribbled ransom note. My *actual* advice? Lower your expectations. Seriously. If you manage to do *one* thing on your to-do list, celebrate! Maybe with a cookie. Or, you know, a nap. Because naps are your friend. They're *everyone's* friend.
What's the most embarrassing thing that's ever happened to you? Don't hold back.
Oh, heavens. Where do I even *begin*? Okay, picture this: College, first date, trying to be cool and collected. We're at a fancy restaurant (which, by the way, I couldn't afford). I order the lobster. Looks impressive, right? Wrong. As I'm valiantly attempting to crack the claw, *snap*... and the entire thing flies off my plate, right across the table, *landing directly in the lap* of the incredibly attractive waiter. I swear, the room went silent. I stammered an apology, mortified, and desperately tried to salvage the situation. He was, thankfully, super gracious, but the memory...it still haunts me. I still cringe when I see lobster. So, yeah, there's that. The lobster incident. Never forget.
What's something you’re really passionate about?
Coffee. Good Coffee. The kind that smells like heaven and tastes like pure joy. The kind that makes it worth getting out of bed for on a Monday. I'm talking about, brewing the perfect cup is an art form. I've spent years perfecting my technique, experimenting with different beans, and even considered investing in a really fancy espresso machine (still on the bucket list, by the way). But it's not just the taste; it's the ritual. The quiet morning, the warmth in your hands, the feeling of starting the day with a little bit of sunshine in a cup. It’s honestly a thing of beauty. And if you offer to buy me a good coffee? Well, consider yourself a friend for life.
What are your thoughts on social media?
Social media is...well, it's complicated. It's a little like a rollercoaster. One minute, you're soaring high, basking in the validation of likes and comments. The next, you're plummeting down, consumed by comparison and feeling like you're falling behind. It's a constant battle between wanting to connect and wanting to unplug. I often find myself scrolling for hours, feeling both entertained and utterly drained at the end of it. So, yeah, it's a love-hate relationship. I try to limit my time on it, but you know... those adorable puppy videos are just so tempting. It's a slippery slope, really. A very slippery slope.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned in life so far?
That perfection is a giant, stinking myth. Seriously! Chasing perfection is exhausting and ultimately pointless. I've spent far too much of my life agonizing over things that don't matter, striving for an ideal that's completely unattainable. Now, I'm trying to embrace the mess, the imperfections, the screw-ups (like the aforementioned lobster incident). Because it's in those cracks, in those moments of vulnerability, that you actually find the real stuff. The joy, the connection, the laughter. Messy is good. Imperfect is fabulous. And I'm still learning, every single day, how to be okay with it.
What are your current favorite things?
Oh, this changes by the minute! Right now? (and yes, I AM qualified to answer this) Cozy blankets, the smell of rain on pavement (ah, the nostalgia!), books that whisk me away (especially historical romances), and (of course) my dog, who looks at me like I hung the moon. It’s a simple list, but it's also pretty perfect. And who knows what I’ll be obsessing about tomorrow? The possibilities are endless! And maybe I'll start that productivity journal... nah. coffee first.
