Hotel Alaknanda

Chose this hotel on our trip to Haridwar as we wanted to recreate and relive my wife's old memories of this hotel....but, it was not to be. Located right next to the Roorkee - Rishikesh highway, the facade of the hotel is pretty grand and impressive. But the dissappointment begins right after checkin. Damp and stained walls, dirty window panes and doors, ancient and unclean furniture, unclean curtains, visibly broken AC (we didn't use it in Dec, but it was still broken!), lacklustre, non-chalant service....almost everything spoke of the "how do I care" government run attitude....It was quite evident that the people running the hotel neither had the intent nor the resources to serve the guests and it didn't really matter to anyone anyway! The hotel's location on the riverfront and the accessibility of an almost private ghat and riverside promenade, is enviable. But if you would check the proximity of Har Ki Pauri, it is a good 25 min walk ***** the promenade, or a 10 min e-rickshaw ride - only problem is that there is almost never any e-rickshaw since it is on the highway, you would have to call them on the phone through the reception and be at their mercy! Overall, if you want to just sit in the balcony and watch the river and relax....think a lot, consider this hotel and then book one of the properties on the other side of the river....and if you want to experience Haridwar with all it's hustle and bustle, again think a lot and book one of the properties on the otherside of the river.....believe me.....its not worth!

This is the best place to stay in Haridwar simply because of its location, views and access to Ganga. Easily accessible via road, just before you take the flyover for Rishikesh, a side lane leads to the hotel. As we entered, we were completely taken aback by the Ganga view. A small lawn followed by few steps, and there was the mightiest river and the cleanest ghat. This ghat is mainly used by the hotel guests, so almost like a private ghat. We stayed in the suites. There are 4 suites, but only 2 have attached balcony. The other two have huge bay windows in the sitting area, so amazing views there too. Neat and clean rooms, quite spacious too. Hotel has a lift, so no problem for the elderly. Food however was disappointing, bland, monotonous and limited options. But one can crossover to a hotel situated on the opposite side which has a much better restaurant. Ample parking available. Our trip was memorable due to this hotel and ghat, a almost private ghat which made ganga snan so much easier. We didn't need changing rooms, as rooms were right there, few steps away.