Avoid Ritz Palace, Amritsar

sabby80 · Dec 13th, 2006, 19:10

I'd been to Amritsar recently with family & we travelled halfway across town to Ritz Palace hoping to find clean toilets & good food - surprisingly enough found neither!!
The toilets were'nt great, there were very few & extremely inefficient & rude waiters. Theres too much hype abt this place. I'll never go there again for sure.

gautam · Dec 13th, 2006, 19:15

why dont u add this review to the hotel listings sections here

zzzehar · Dec 17th, 2006, 06:01

thanks for the update. I belong to Asr and never knew that monster hotel on the Mall Road is such a junk.

sabby80 · Dec 17th, 2006, 13:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by zzzehar

thanks for the update. I belong to Asr and never knew that monster hotel on the Mall Road is such a junk.

Ya in fact the experience was so bad - everyone in my family ended up cursing me for having dragged them there!! we got there at 7 in the evening hoping to get a taste of the great food that amritsar is well known for! The waiters categorically told us the buffet wld not start before 7:30 so we'd to settle for yucky sandwiches - but to our dismay the buffet started at 7:15 & our awful grilled sandwiches arrived at 7:40. We just abt managed to catch our train - after a terribe dinner.

zzzehar next time I go there I'll take ur advice I guess! by the way we had our lunch in a dhaba just outside amritsar & the parathas were the best I've ever had in my life!!

shere · Dec 17th, 2006, 18:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabby80

Ya in fact the experience was so bad - everyone in my family ended up cursing me for having dragged them there!! we got there at 7 in the evening hoping to get a taste of the great food that amritsar is well known for! The waiters categorically told us the buffet wld not start before 7:30 so we'd to settle for yucky sandwiches - but to our dismay the buffet started at 7:15 & our awful grilled sandwiches arrived at 7:40. We just abt managed to catch our train - after a terribe dinner.

zzzehar next time I go there I'll take ur advice I guess! by the way we had our lunch in a dhaba just outside amritsar & the parathas were the best I've ever had in my life!!

Not having a go or anything but could you guys have not waited till 7:30 and just had the buffet ? It was only half an hour to wait.

Thanks for the tips etc. The SGPC controlled Harimandir Sahib accomodation is truly awful and disgusting toilets. However help is at hand, The Guru Gobind Singh Ji NRI Trust from the UK are building a new accomodation block. From their track record at Harzur Sahib (Nanded) they will ensure it is well run and kept clean.

The Nishkam Sewak Jatha from the UK have also built a new block which should be good clean accomodation.

mangrove · Dec 17th, 2006, 21:05

Because they had a train to catch, duh

Thanks for the tip on the Ritz Plaza - hope you add it into the hotel listing section as a comment on the restaurant at least.

shere · Dec 17th, 2006, 21:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by mangrove

Because they had a train to catch, duh

Thanks for the tip on the Ritz Plaza - hope you add it into the hotel listing section as a comment on the restaurant at least.

Must have enough time if they could wait till 7:40 for grilled sarnies. Buffet was at 7:30 so they could have had buffet and still made train.

mangrove · Dec 17th, 2006, 21:16

I don't even know why I'm arguing on sabby's behalf... just interepreted as they were hoping to not have to wait until 7:40pm for their sandwich in the first place... as they cut it close with catching their train.

Nick-H · Dec 17th, 2006, 21:43

Oh god, how many times have I been through that 'what's quickest?' experience in a restaurant --- and sat watching everything else being served to everybody else!

Even 'what's ready, and can be served right now?' often doesn't do the trick.

With one exception.... When you see the Meals Ready at a South Indian Veggie joint, you can have mounds of rice and assorted curries on a banana leaf in front of you in moments!

cyberhippie · Dec 17th, 2006, 22:33

May have been wise to try and eat a bit earlier if you want to catch a train, there's no telling how long service takes at any restaurant!!

I really don't think the reasoning above is enough to condemm a restaurant that has no right to reply!!

Methinks sabby's ear's are still ringing from the dressing down the family handed out

zzzehar · Dec 17th, 2006, 23:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabby80

Ya in fact the experience was so bad - everyone in my family ended up cursing me for having dragged them there!! we got there at 7 in the evening hoping to get a taste of the great food that amritsar is well known for! The waiters categorically told us the buffet wld not start before 7:30 so we'd to settle for yucky sandwiches - but to our dismay the buffet started at 7:15 & our awful grilled sandwiches arrived at 7:40. We just abt managed to catch our train - after a terribe dinner.

zzzehar next time I go there I'll take ur advice I guess! by the way we had our lunch in a dhaba just outside amritsar & the parathas were the best I've ever had in my life!!

you couldn't find something to eat in Asr? sound weird. that place in known for eating. anyways, ritz used to be good when I used to ride my bicycle past it every morning in those good old school days. It's been over 15 years now. these don't you don't get to see any customers there, all I noticed last weekend were a few "tajsats" vans guess they are catering for the airport/flights and all.

sabby, you could have tried the mall right opposite ritz, there are a few good restaurants there.

advice to all of you visiting Asr :
In Asr, always try and eat from small dhabas or places that are known for food. rather, whole of Asr is known for that but these star rated hotels just don't do justice to the place and its food.
like, near mall road, you have lawrence road - a lot of places (restaurants) to eat and they all serve delicious food. most of the food served at hawkers (yummy) in Asr is also served in the restaurants on lawrence road. while in Asr, don't ever hesitate to eat from hawkers, It's safe, yummy and inexpensive. Also, ask for Art Gallery on MM Malviya road. the best pao bhaji, bhel puri, gol gappas, burgers are served outside the art gallery from 5 pm till late night - again from hawkers but you will find every TDH eating there. It's kinda of drive in - where ppl park their cars on the road itself and wait for the waiter to take the order.
for non veg (chicken & meat), try friend's dhaba on queen's road - his keema naans are delicious. I haven't had such keema naan anywhere else in India. near golden temple, try bharawan da dhaba - the best veg food you will ever have.
for b'fast try "kanha sweets" on lawrence road - open around 7:30 am, serves poori chana and aaloo kulchas (asr is famous for this).
all these places are popular in asr, just let rickshaw walla know the name of the shop and he will know where to go.
happy eating !

and yes ! (sabby/IMers) you are most welcome to PM/email/call me for any help the next time you visit the place.

mangrove · Dec 18th, 2006, 00:24

zzzehar - you are making me hungry!!

zzzehar · Dec 18th, 2006, 00:55

guess what? - me too waiting to go there and fly, eat and be merry.
As the festival of "Lohri" (13th Jan) is approaching, I too am looking forward to spend some time in Asr flying kites and be with my parents.
I don't recall the history behind the festival but we fly a lot kites and by the end of the day there's a bon fire kinda thing in which you throw some eatables...peanuts etc ! (throw some light)
As a kid, I used to love flying kites (who doesn't in Asr?) - It's been almost 7 years since I have felt that glass coated thread, that BBQ on terrace with music systems and dance parties.
Fortunately, this time, I managed to get leaves on every Thurs/Fri along with my regular Sat/Sun weekly offs till "Lohri" to go back home and fly kites.

mangrove · Dec 18th, 2006, 01:16

I've heard of this festival, sounds wonderful!

What are Amristari food specialties by the way? I know you've named a few...

sabby80 · Dec 18th, 2006, 01:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by mangrove

Because they had a train to catch, duh

Thanks for the tip on the Ritz Plaza - hope you add it into the hotel listing section as a comment on the restaurant at least.

Ha Ha Thanx mangrove. u've got it just right!! Its quite frustrating when u hav to wait for a grilled sandwich for 40 mins while the buffet which was supposed to start at 7:30 starts & 7:15 & lots of other people hogging away!!
We'd just come back from wagah & wanted to see the golden temple by night before catching the train & there we were sitting in a bloody restaurant!! We finally just got a glimpse of Harmandir sahib by night & dashed to the station & somehow managed to board the train!

Dec 13th, 2006, 19:10	#1
sabby80 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 139	Avoid Ritz Palace, Amritsar I'd been to Amritsar recently with family & we travelled halfway across town to Ritz Palace hoping to find clean toilets & good food - surprisingly enough found neither!! The toilets were'nt great, there were very few & extremely inefficient & rude waiters. Theres too much hype abt this place. I'll never go there again for sure.

Dec 13th, 2006, 19:15	#2
gautam Super Mode Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chandigarh - Blore NON-STOP Posts: 708	why dont u add this review to the hotel listings sections here __________________ "Your thoughts could be your prison" My pics on flickr Kerela backwaters - by beach

Dec 17th, 2006, 21:43	#9
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,853	Oh god, how many times have I been through that 'what's quickest?' experience in a restaurant --- and sat watching everything else being served to everybody else! Even 'what's ready, and can be served right now?' often doesn't do the trick. With one exception.... When you see the Meals Ready at a South Indian Veggie joint, you can have mounds of rice and assorted curries on a banana leaf in front of you in moments! __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Taj Plaza Hotel, Agra	Oliblom	Agra	0	Oct 31st, 2006 16:52
agra hotel : taj view, or howard plaza?	kj1234	Lodging and Hotels in India	5	Feb 24th, 2006 09:07
Hotel Hans Plaza Delhi	CBW	Lodging and Hotels in India	0	Dec 7th, 2005 00:48
How to avoid the Monsoon?	Mamamia	Chai and Chat	9	Nov 21st, 2004 10:40

Dec 17th, 2006, 06:01	#3
zzzehar Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: I see a Woman on Top - Feels Like Heaven :-) Posts: 374	thanks for the update. I belong to Asr and never knew that monster hotel on the Mall Road is such a junk.

Dec 17th, 2006, 21:05	#6
mangrove Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 294	Because they had a train to catch, duh Thanks for the tip on the Ritz Plaza - hope you add it into the hotel listing section as a comment on the restaurant at least.

Dec 17th, 2006, 21:16	#8
mangrove Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 294	I don't even know why I'm arguing on sabby's behalf... just interepreted as they were hoping to not have to wait until 7:40pm for their sandwich in the first place... as they cut it close with catching their train.

Dec 17th, 2006, 22:33	#10
cyberhippie Account Closed by User's Request Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: the Netherlands Posts: 6,013	May have been wise to try and eat a bit earlier if you want to catch a train, there's no telling how long service takes at any restaurant!! I really don't think the reasoning above is enough to condemm a restaurant that has no right to reply!! Methinks sabby's ear's are still ringing from the dressing down the family handed out

Dec 18th, 2006, 00:24	#12
mangrove Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 294	zzzehar - you are making me hungry!!

Dec 18th, 2006, 00:55	#13
zzzehar Account Closed Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: I see a Woman on Top - Feels Like Heaven :-) Posts: 374	guess what? - me too waiting to go there and fly, eat and be merry. As the festival of "Lohri" (13th Jan) is approaching, I too am looking forward to spend some time in Asr flying kites and be with my parents. I don't recall the history behind the festival but we fly a lot kites and by the end of the day there's a bon fire kinda thing in which you throw some eatables...peanuts etc ! (throw some light) As a kid, I used to love flying kites (who doesn't in Asr?) - It's been almost 7 years since I have felt that glass coated thread, that BBQ on terrace with music systems and dance parties. Fortunately, this time, I managed to get leaves on every Thurs/Fri along with my regular Sat/Sun weekly offs till "Lohri" to go back home and fly kites.

Dec 18th, 2006, 01:16	#14
mangrove Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 294	I've heard of this festival, sounds wonderful! What are Amristari food specialties by the way? I know you've named a few...

User Name		Remember Me?
Password