India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) - Keith Bain [155]
Lemon Tree Close to the airport (10 min.) and the train station (20 min.), this smart, good-value hotel is a welcome addition to Aurangabad’s hotel scene; light-filled public areas and fresh-looking rooms that are modern and sleek with wooden floors, large beds (and orthopedic mattresses), and plenty of bright, cheerful enhancements (modern artworks and colorful fabrics) to spruce things up. The best ones face the garden pool—a fine place to rejuvenate after visiting the caves—and there are a host of amenities (including a spa) to keep you occupied should you be looking for distractions while in Aurangabad. They’ve added thoughtful touches, too, like having PlayStation in the hip little lounge, along with board games and a pool table. The best feature, though, must be the stellar service; staff seems genuinely concerned about your well-being.
R-7/2 Chikalthana, Airport Rd., Aurangabad 431 210. 0240/660-3030. www.lemontreehotels.com. 102 units. Rs 5,000 superior double; Rs 6,000 deluxe double; Rs 7,000 executive double; Rs 10,000 suite; Rs 1,000 extra bed. Rates include breakfast; taxes extra. MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; airport transfers (Rs 200); health club and spa; large outdoor pool; room service. In room: A/C and fans, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 160/hr.).
The Meadows Surrounded by 5.2 hectares (13 acres) of pleasant greenery, this small resort is great if you’d rather stay out of town. Accommodations are in a variety of simple cottages, the size and level of privacy varying according to price. Deluxe units are quite basic, so opt for the superior category (ask for G1), with white marble flooring, stiff cane chairs, and tiled bathrooms with drench showers. Save for the striped drapes, there’s not a lot of decoration, but the plain white rooms are fine when contrasted with the lush garden surroundings. There’s plenty here to keep young children occupied (including rabbits) while you relax in a quiet corner after sightseeing under the Maharashtrian sun (albeit with highway traffic noise now a constant presence). Breakfast is served poolside, under large, umbrella-like canopies; exotic birds, wild parrots, and butterflies provide the entertainment, and while staff aren’t all adept at English, everyone puts in a good enough effort. Note: Apparently, a major revamp and upgrade is scheduled, and with this might come a big jump in prices; call ahead to check.
Gat no. 135 and 136, Village Mitmita, Aurangabad-Mumbai Hwy., Aurangabad 431 002. 0240/267-7412 through -7421. Fax 0240/267-7416. www.themeadowsresort.com. Reservations (Mumbai): 022/6654-8361 or -8362. Fax 022/2203-3622. reservations@themeadowsresort.com 48 units. Rs 4,950 deluxe double; Rs 6,050 superior double; Rs 9,900 1-bedroom suite; Rs 13,200 2-bedroom suite; Rs 1,320 extra bed. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurant; bar; adventure sports on request; free airport and train station transfers; children’s playground; health club and spa; small library (books, music, and movies); large outdoor pool and children’s pool; room service; skating rink. In room: A/C, TV, DVD (in some), hair dryer, minibar (in suites), Wi-Fi (Rs 50/hr.; Rs 960/day).
Taj Residency This is far and away the best hotel in town, and built with plenty of architectural references to a Mughal palace; the management of this lovely hotel is aiming very high. Not only the look, but also the service, has undergone dramatic improvement, providing elegant digs for both business travelers and vacationing cave-explorers. The deluxe rooms in the newer wing (which seamlessly fuses with the original building) are the most fashionable accommodations—plush and superbly fitted, they all have views over the pool and surrounding garden.