When you travel, you expect the unexpected. Well the year 2020 proved that even while not traveling you can expect the unexpected. In February, I visited New Zealand and by the time I was back to normal, the government imposed lockdown. It kept extending until it was time to finally unlock the nation!
During the entire duration of the lockdown and quarantine, the urge of traveling still tingled within. The waft of fresh country side air bouncing off the face played in my head many times. A road trip with friends or wife, while munching on favorite snack and listening to favorite music was something I really looked forward to. Finally, after spending a good 8 months in oblivion, away from the pleasures of traveling, we decided to venture out for a staycation.
About Fortune Park Orange
We didn’t want to travel across states. We just wanted to drive an hour or so from Gurgaon and check into a hotel which can ensure safety against covid. Our agenda was just to check into a hotel which has a comfortable stay, delectable food and a conscience to take adequate cleanliness measures to remain a covid free zone. We narrowed down our search to Fortune Park Orange. The hotel belongs to the reputed ITC Hotel Group and has good reviews. Located near Sidhrawali, reaching Fortune Park Orange is very convenient.
The rooms here are comfortable and the service impeccable. The hotel has really evolved with the circumstances and implemented many safety measures. However, at the same time, there is no compromise in the quality of hospitality here.
Safety Measures at Fortune Park Orange
The safety measures taken at Fortune Park Orange were more than adequate. They have tried to reduce physical contact wherever possible.
You can indulge in anything here, as long as you are following safety precautions and guidelines.
At the time of gate entry, the gatekeeper holds a placard to communicate the procedure. Hence, you don’t need to roll your window down and create a chance of transmission. The placard reads that the gatekeeper is going to check the car and requests your cooperation. He also communicates to show the Aarogya Setu app and upon successful status check, your vehicle is allowed inside. At the time of check in, the staff doesn’t really touch your belongings and is wearing the face shields and masks continuously. Your documents are collected either in advance over email or you are requested to send a scanned copy / photo of the ID proof via WhatsApp. Again a conscious effort to eliminate touch.
You are advised to carry your own baggage which is also a fair practice to reduce touch. If you have buffet meals included in your stay package, you can talk to the restaurant and they’d be happy to provide the food of your choice to your room. This way, you can avoid crowded places as well. Generally, hotels don’t serve buffet food to the rooms, but they have made an exception in interest of guests.
If you decide to visit their restaurants, you can still do so. However, the concept of physical menu has been eradicated. You will be suggested to view the same on your WhatsApp. One of their staff members will send you the menu or you can scan the a QR code from your phone to gain access.
Each floor of the hotel has sanitizer stands installed. There are clearly marked areas of the hotels where social distancing has to be followed. Overall, I was very impressed with the safety precautions taken here.
All these safety measures are audited internally on a regular basis and the GM of the hotel takes a stock of daily situation. Any deviation from the established safety standards is considered seriously and necessary actions taken to ensure such mistakes are not repeated.
Savoring the delicious food
In addition to the safety measures at Fortune Park Orange, I also enjoyed the meals. I have always been a fan of hotel buffet spreads. This time, the spread was delivered in our rooms. However, we also had dinner at their restaurant and the lip smacking food just reminded me how awesome indulgence can be! The chef made some really amazing Pasta and at the end of the meal, we retired to our rooms, to enjoy the rest of our comfy stay.
The breakfast in the morning was also sumptuous. They say that your breakfast should be like that of a king and our spread was no less! Fulfilled and satisfied, we ended our staycation and returned to Gurugram, my home these days.
After visiting Fortune Park Orange, one thing is very clear. The hotels in India have most certainly evolved from the covid slump. They have not only adapted themselves to ensure safety measures, but also renewed their processes to motivate their guests to be responsible too.
A Trip cannot be called complete without a photo shoot 🙂
Do check out my post on the best romantic restaurants in Gurgaon. My post on the best things to do in Gurgaon might help you.
I can’t wait to travel again soon! I do need to fill in potential trips that I would have taken, had 2020 not come along with the covid pandemic.
Remember, the pandemic is still around. You can go ahead and start traveling again. But be careful and let the hotels follow their newly set of rules. Human race is tuned to adapt and evolve. So let’s do it together!
In case you are in and around Delhi NCR region and considering a relaxing staycation, Fortune Park orange is definitely worth considering.
So happy to be traveling again! Stay safe, keep traveling 🙂