What People are saying
Bad Management
bill d on 04/02/2018 19:54
We stayed here for two nights as part of our 2,500 mile trip to Southern India and Kerala arranged by Citrus Holidays, with our own excellent driver, Shreekanth. Upon check-in the staff didn't give us the feeling that we should be there. After a while, whilst certain formalities were taken care of, we were then shown to our room. First impressions were fine, it had a 'sunken' sitting area - a bit worrying if you got up in the night and took the wrong turning !!!! It had lovely views of the hills and overlooked an area with a building where people were living - we even saw a man relieving himself there. Never seen that from a hotel room before !
On the first evening there was a tented area to the left and there were crowds of people, presumably a private party, playing music which did eventually end. Bedroom furnishings were average but the bed was fine. The bathroom was quite nice, with black tiles and all good toiletries. I am glad it was because on the second day after a trip on the railway to Coonor one of us was immediately very sick upon arrival back into our room. So only one of us partook of the included meal that evening and breakfast the following day. The sick person stayed in the room in order to get some much needed rest and this is where the problem began. Immediately under our room number 609 there was a terrace that lead from the dining room and men would come outside to have a smoke, chat, etc. The noise was very prominent and this went on until well after 11.00 am by which time we decided to do something about it. Several telephone calls to reception resulted in no conclusion, and they denied that there was anyone out there, when we could see several men. We asked for the Manager - "not available", "what about a duty Manager then" (one of us had booked conferences for 80 persons) and knew that good hotels appoint a Duty Manager to be there to sort things out when the General Manager is not there. It was getting later and we had our driver picking us up in the morning for a long six hour drive to Cochin. Eventually we did get a knock on the door and were again told that there was no-one outside our room - at which point we produced our camera showing several men looking up at our room. He had a key in his hand and immediately showed us to a suite (which we didn't need) which was just a few yards along our corridor but facing towards the front of the hotel. It was extremely impressive with large table, chairs, etc., and a lovely comfortable bed in which we spent a very comfortable 'rest of the night'. Such a pity that someone couldn't have stepped in at the onset and offered us an alternative as obviously they had a room available.
Room 609 was near to the restaurant and we could hear the noise from this in our room.
When we stayed last year the swimming pool was undergoing a re-furb and wasn't available.
The dining room could be somewhat chaotic at times depending upon the number of guests, many of whom seemed to consist of all male, possibly attending a conference.
In hindsight we would have chosen a different hotel, but the thought of staying in a grand hotel in Ooty really appealed, unfortunately, its grandeur of yesteryear has long gone and this hotel needs some careful thought to bring it back.
One of the best hotel in Ooty
KrunalPastagia85 on 04/02/2018 18:20
I stayed in Gem Park in January 2018 last week. Start with Location it is located on uphill where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Ooty city and hills. Though hotel is located slightly far from main market but still you wonât regret when you experience mesmerizing view. The hotel staff greeted very well and there was no problem in check in. Very smooth and easy. The hotel staffs are very well behaved and provided very good services to guests. The rooms are also well maintained, spacious neat and clean with all facilities. Provide free Wi-Fi is also plus point. The food of the hotel is good especially buffet dinner which has variety of items and also good bar. The second restaurant which was Chinese was also good. The hotels has also very well maintained garden with beautiful flowers and plants. Unfortunately the swimming pool was under maintenance. The Kids play areas including indoor games are also very well maintained. Undoubtedly recommended for all. I fully enjoyed my stay in Gem Park and obviously one of the finest hotels to remember. Kudos to Hotel Gem Park.
Faded Glory
traveladviser43 on 28/01/2018 04:05
Touring Kerela and Goa 7
Gem Park Hotel - Ooty
You will see from my profile that as an experienced traveller I always submit truthful reports. The experience at the Gem Park begins at the protracted check in. Not only were our passports copied but we were required to fill in an intrusive form requiring personal details. In addition we had to be photographed, seemingly for security purposes. Where is that warm friendly welcome to make you feel wanted.
Meals are charged at a reasonable rate, then a service charge is added and two lots of fifteen percent taxes. So what you initially thought was quite reasonable, suddenly becomes quite expensive. The food selection is a la carte at lunchtime and buffet in the evening. The food served was of good quality with the main courses at the correct temperature. In the main foyer there was a notice inviting you to come to happy hour between the hours of 1900 and 2000. Beware, after partaking we were charged for doubles at full rate as we had payed for the drinks after eight. To give management their due, after I complained my bill was reduced to two singles at happy hour rates and my overcharged bill was cancelled. However how many more guests fell into this trap, I guess the answer is to pay for drinks as you order them. Our companions were told that beer was not part of the offer, disgraceful this should be made more evident.
Now for the state of this once grand building, we were directed to the second floor into what are described as deluxe rooms. However, the corridors are bare and cold, the rooms are tired, with dirty arm chairs and old utility furniture. The bed, a large double was very low to the floor but proved to be comfortable and warm as the outside temperature was only 7C. The bathroom has a hairdryer and a shaving point, toilet, wash basin and a shower. Power cuts are brief but frequent, more annoying than disruptive. Would I wish to stay here again, I'm afraid the answer is no.
The outside grounds are really beautiful with the Japanese garden a delight of topiary and formal gardens. However when we found the swimming pool it was empty and in disrepair. The views are spectacular as the hotel is on top of the hill looking down into the bowl containing Ooty and the surrounding hills. With improvements this hotel could be returned to its former glory and become the hotel to stay in the whole of Ooty.
Did not meet our expectations
Ishiarusha on 22/01/2018 10:12
Our check in was very clinical with no warmth or real hospitality.
The whole thing felt beaurocratic and following of rules in a military fashion.
Our room was spacious and clean with very nice views. As there were no shops nearby we asked for more bottled water and we were given a bottle like we were shown a big favour with no niceties.
The bathroom and shower were very good with nice products but I had to phone twice to get a shower cap.
The bed was very low and very uncomfortable and we did not sleep well due to the old worn mattress with springs poking in your back.
We were told that this would be changed but we did not notice a difference.
Given that there were VIPs and ministers and actors staying here, we were surprised at the staff attitude.
There was a guard with a gun outside our room as we had a minister next to us.
The food was mainly Indian with some Chinese choices. The restaurant staff were accommodating and attentive and were kind enough to give us a variety of fruit as we donât eat desserts.
The breakfast was also very Indian but there was an omelette station.
At dinner we were told that tea and coffee were chargeable which seems very petty given that we ate very little, and the cost is only a few rupees.
Unfortunately the swimming pool was under construction. We would have loved a swim.
We found the spa prices expensive.
The lobby was cold as were the reception staff.
The heater in the room was not great and we were cold in the room.
There was a picture of cocktails and drinks at Happy Hour but on checking it out the range available was very limited to local drinks and only one whiskey cocktail.
Overall this was not the best experience and the first time we did not interact with the staff.
The rooms are comfortable but need modernisation and new beds.
The garden is beautiful and we enjoyed the quietness and bird singing.
Wonderfully situated
Peter T on 22/01/2018 04:08
The Gem Park Hotel in Ooty is difficult to find and, once found, to arrive at. It is a large up-market hotel, with bars and restaurants and a huge reception area. The lifts work very well and the rooms are furnished properly. For once, there was soap, lavatory paper and tissues etc provided. The Gem Park also boasts wonderful views of Ooty.