Resort Review – 24 Hours At U Tropicana, Alibaug

Hey guys!

So a lot of people keep telling me that “Bandra is sooo much like Goa,” “Lonavala’s greenery is just like Goa’s” and “the houses in Udvada are similar to those in Goa.”

I completely, 100% disagree!

No place on earth is “just like Goa.”

However, one place comes pretty darn close – Alibaug!

The winding, lined streets, serene beaches and tiny shops can transport you to my sunshine state for a while, cost you next to nothing in travel and you can get there in under an hour. Think of it like you’re going from Malad to Bandra in a cab.

I recently spent a weekend at U Tropicana, a boutique resort in Alibaug, to attend their Oktober Fest event – but I HAVE to tell you about the property too!

GETTING THERE:

Travelling to Alibaug was way easier and quicker than I thought it would be. As compared to Lonavala, Khandala, Matheran and other surrounding getaway spots, Alibaug is the most painless of the lot.

Head to Gateway of India, which is a 10-15 minute cab ride from Churchgate and VT railway stations. Just before you enter the security check area, you’ll find a line of ticket windows to your right from where you can buy a ferry ticket to Mandwa jetty. The ferry’s don’t depart every 10-15 minutes like they do in Goa, so be sure to check the timings here and plan accordingly to avoid waiting two hours for the next one.

As suggested by U Tropicana, the best ferry to take is by an operator called PNP. For Rs. 165, we made it to Mandwa Jetty in a comfortable, air-conditioned ferry in 45 minutes flat. From there, we were picked up by the resort vehicle which took us to the hotel in 15-20 minutes.

On the way back to Mumbai, we saw a non a/c ferry that was about to leave from Mandwa Jetty and thought of trying it out. Big mistake. It dangerously rocked from side to side all the way and we breathed in fumes for 40 minutes. I don’t even know how that boat is allowed to ply – it’s probably breaking half a dozen pollution-control norms.

Take the a/c boat. Period.

Alternatively, you could choose to drive. It is scenic, but will take you four hours.

THE RESORT

U Tropicana is one of the most luxurious resorts in Alibaug. Spanning 12 acres, it is set amidst landscaped gardens and greenery. It exudes peace the moment you step in.

The lobby is earthy, yet colourful at the same time. It’s modern-meets-traditional architecture has been carried forward in every space in the hotel – from its rooms to library and restaurant. A refreshing concept of service that UTropicana have observed is that guests can enjoy their rooms for 24 hours, depending on their check-in time – a small step that ends waiting time at the lobby and rushed breakfasts on the day of check out.

You can also select the flavour of tea and scent of soap that you’d like in your room. Neat!

THE ROOM

My room was strategically located – the last one on the right (see image below), so I had a view of the pool and the lawn on which the Oktoberfest event was being set up.

The executive-style room were simple, yet spacious and comfortable, ideal for basic travel needs. What I loved most was the inviting bed, ample natural lighting and high speed internet!

What’s also worth mentioning is that the mini bar is well stocked with drinks, juices, chips, chocolates, biscuits and more – and not at exorbitantly high hotel-room prices! I noticed that most of the rates were just Rs. 5/- over the MRP which is pretty decent. Also, two drinks are complimentary. Apart from that, every room has tea and coffee-making facilities as well.

Morning coffee and some quiet reading were done from this balcony right here! At night, you’ll need to watch out for mosquitos!

There’s nothing special to say about the bathroom. It had everything a guest could want!

AMENITIES

On check-in the receptionist briefs guests on amenities and the timings that guests can use these amenities. The first place I headed to was the library since it was the closest to my room (yay!) I quite liked this silent, cozy room and I will admit that they had a small, but very impressive selection of books.

For fitness buffs, there are free cycles you can use to zip around the property as well as a fitness centre at your disposal. A games room on the ground floor has darts, a carom board and pool as well as board games.

If you like exploring, the staff can arrange a sightseeing trip to the nearby beaches and temples, one of which you need to climb 600 steps to get to. *flashback Hampi*

U Sante Spa was probably the highlight of my stay at the resort. A relaxing one hour massage, followed by a short sauna treatment and time in the jacuzzi. A-mazing!

Like a true weekend getaway, the tranquil massage left me rejuvenated to face Mumbai’s fast paced city life again.

OKTOBERFEST

Sooo.. the main reason for visiting U Tropicana in the first place was to attend their OktoberFest event. The evening promised a lot of excitement – fire jugglers, flaring bartenders and a three-piece band, however, it was a very quiet evening with a handful of guests enjoying a buffet while a DJ played Bollywood music in the background. Hmm….

As far as the food was concerned, I sampled a little from every section – Italian, Continental and Mexican. The Indian food was the restaurant’s saving grace, being miles better than the rest. German food was limited to a variety of sausages, which in my opinion, needed more time on the grill.

A photo booth kept me entertained, as you can see.

Being the first OktoberFest at U Tropicana, and possibly the first ever in Alibaug, at least its a step in the right direction. I was glad to have dinner by the pool, though – something that wouldn’t ordinarily have happened in Mumbai.

THE FOOD

A 24 hour restaurant offers an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner and a buffet breakfast until 11 am. The breakfast had a decent spread – juices, hot beverages, breads, donuts, eggs and sausages, hash browns and the regular south Indian options. Take a look

Chocolate milk like a boss

Lauki (bittergourd) juice never looked this cute!

For lunch, since I already knew that Indian food was the best, I went straight to that section of the menu. It didn’t disappoint.

While the food was good and the restaurant staff was polite, I felt that service was way too slow. Servers needed to be asked multiple times for the same thing, and after several reminders, we still left without getting the dosa we asked for at breakfast. Attention to detail is needed here. Unlike the immaculate state the lobby was in, the menu was almost in tatters at the restaurant. Lots of little things to be improved upon.

WHAT I LOVED

The view from my room! I’d have loved some more time to take a dip in the pool. (I’ll be back, U Tropicana!)

The smooth operations at the lobby, quick transfer to my room and friendly hotel managers.

The fact that every single hotel staff could speak and understand English – it’s not something that’s very common.

The Spa – highly recommend you get a massage if you ever visit.

WHAT WOULD MAKE IT BETTER

Quicker housekeeping service and restaurant staff. Needed to repeatedly ask for something in order to get it.

Disposable slippers in the rooms would have been great

GET IN TOUCH:

Find details about the Hotel, their tariffs and book your stay:

Website – UHotelsResorts.com

Address: Chondi Naka, Mapgaon Alibaug, 402208 India

Hope you’re having a wonderful Diwali, guys! There’s so much to look forward to this season… good food, long weekend trips, Christmas is coming! Woot!

Thanks for reading, and see ya soon! In the meanwhile, keep in touch on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

-J