This review is part of our recent Ziarat trip. Details of the trip here
Transportation Reviews: Karachi-Quetta-Ziarat and back
Shalimar Hotel Ziarat from Inside |
Shalimar
Hotel is not only the major commercial accommodation in Ziarat but it is also the
only place which keeps alive round the year even in the harsh winters – when the
whole valley puts on the white blanket. Lonely Planet also lists this hotel;
both on its printed as well as online versions, but the contact number given in
the printed version is obsolete. (New Number: 0833-560353)
This budget
place enjoys good reputation among frequent travelers, both businessmen and
tourists, mainly due to the facilities which cannot be found around the rustic
hill station. During our recent trip (November 2012), we spent
three nights there and found that livable, however, with much room for
improvements.
Booking
Since it was
the off-season, I did not bother advance booking; however, I did call Zahoor –
the hotel manager – before leaving Karachi to make sure if they were open and
to enquire about the best commuting options from Karachi. He was responsive,
not only on the phone but afterwards also, and guided us well.
PTDC Motel
The other decent
accommodation option in Ziarat was PTDC (Pakistan Tourism Development Company)
Motel which we would have preferred due to its cleanliness, tranquil environment,
and cozy cottages should there have been heating arrangement.
Location
Both Shalimar
Hotel and PTDC are on the main Ziarat road but on the opposite corners of the
city with former being on the entrance when coming from Quetta. The bus dropped
us right in front of the hotel and it took me 10 minutes to negotiate the deal
with Zahoor who allotted Room # 15 and Jamshed to us. On the way back also, the Quetta bound coaster
(pre-booked) picked us up from the hotel. We found the hotel conveniently located;
close enough to the hustle-bustle that it does not look haunted in a town which
gets dead as the sun sets down but not too close to the level of annoyance.
About the Room
The room was
spacious with wall sized glass windows on two sides to get maximum sun exposure.
On the flip side, it was located far behind which made it inconvenient
especially when the intercom system was not functional. The double bed, blankets,
and bed sheets were very clean while the carpet floor was grimy and the toilet
was too small and rundown. I had to insist to get a bathroom wiper and the
carpet was vacuum cleaned only once and that too when we had already spent a
night. In order to keep kids away from the rug, I requested an extra mattress which
they provided free of charge and without reluctance.
Electricity and Gas
Initially they
provided us a slightly faulty gas heater which was replaced the next day. Gas pressure
used to get week around sunset for an hour and they had a policy to close the valve
at 11pm. Even if they do not disconnect the supply, it is highly advisable to
turn the heater off before sleeping, ignoring which may be life threatening. There
was two hours of electric load shedding twice a day (7am and 3pm) in addition
to the occasional breakdowns during daytime for indefinite hours. During nights
also, power disrupted a couple of times but luckily for a few minutes only.
Surprisingly, there was no alternate illumination in the room except for the
candles which one can get from the staff on demand and our cell phones.
Other Services
Room service
was satisfactory and unfussy; we ordered food and tea quite a few times which always
reached us without much waiting. Food quality
was also good enough with realistic prices. They have various well maintained conference
style dining areas as well on both floors in addition to 16 bedrooms on the
first floor out of which only 3-4 were occupied due to offseason. During our
stay, there was a meeting of health department which occupied those dining
halls.
Staff was easygoing,
soft spoken, and well mannered. Security was also good and the overall ambiance
was family friendly. Although the room occupancy was low when we visited but
the place gets high in demand during spring and summers so advanced booking
would be wise during the season.
Overall we found
Shalimar Hotel Ziarat recommendable to those visiting the hill station, either
with family or friends, except for ones too demanding.
Facilities:
Gas Heater
(included)
Hot Running
Water (included)
Washing
Machine (self use, free of charge)
Iron (self
use, free of charge)
Television
(only Geo News)
Restaurant
Short Comings:
Broken
Intercom System
Rundown Washroom
Unclean
Carpet
Room Charges: Rs. 1,200 for the double room
Shalimar Hotel Ziarat from the Front |
Shalimar Hotel Ziarat from the Backside (Room#15 is on the Right Corner) |
A View from Inside the Room - Just OK! |
Sipping Hot Qahwa in the Room |
Do Turn the Gas Heater Before You Sleep |
Main Ziarat Road in Front of Shalimar Hotel |
Zahoor - the Responsive Manager of Shalimar Hotel Ziarat |
Kaleemullah Kakar (front) and Zahoor are Responsible for the Room Service |
Shalimar Hotel Ziarat - Conditions |
Restaurant of Shalimar Hotel Ziarat with the Inside Family Room |
Stairs for the First Floor |
One of the Dining Halls on the First Floor (Noticed the Telephone!?) |
A Typical Double Bed in Shalimar Hotel Ziarat |
Bathrooms can be Improved |
Kindly post the phone numbers of the hotels if possible.
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