Sprawling MTDC Resort @ Ganpatipule

When it comes to staying in small cities and towns that lack specifically star hotels, for me the apparent preference forever remains staying at the properties that has a Tag of State Tourism Development Corporation.

The best part of such units are that they have the best location possible, they are developed horizontally so they appear scenic and picturesque views are well maintained and guests do discover enough security staff that makes them feel safe and secure.

The major concern, however, with the State Run Hotels are fundamentally three. Firstly, being no discounted rates being offered on Flights and Hotels Booking Portals, secondly… separate Higher Tariffs on weekends, and thirdly… only profitable properties are run by the State Tourism Department, others being leased out to private companies that fall short to offer value service.

Ganpatipule situated on Konkan Coast of western India and is known for its beaches and most importantly the centuries-old Swayambhu Ganpati Temple that houses a large orange statue of Ganesh.

As always the choicest place to stay in Ganpatipule was my much-loved MTDC Resort that is adjacent to the famous Temple and has a beach in front of it.

The sprawling Resort is divided into three Huge Sections. One… Air conditioned and non-air conditioned big sized rooms with balconies opening towards the beach and a guest may witness sunset in the evening. Two… A few high rated suites on a small hill top that offers an unrestricted view of the vast ocean. Three… Separate Bamboo Shacks where each shack is well air conditioned and has either Sea or a River view.

Implausibly, Resort has two different Reception facilities that sounds so very distinctive.

Thanks to Front Office Executive Atul Chavan who offered me to check a few rooms and recommended Bamboo Shack no. 23 having river view. The best part of this specific Shack was… it is the only unit that has a deck which could be used to sit and sip tea in the morning and evening. But yes! If you are with a small kid, avoid it as deck doesn’t have a parapet. It is otherwise the best unit available positively.

I simply loved this unit.

This Resort has two F&B outlets, one in Section one that has been leased out to some company from Mumbai and the second one is in Section three that has an open air sitting arrangement and is managed by the Resort itself. Chef Rakesh Hublikar is unquestionably good at creating food items and you may speak to him if you wish to give him some exceptional instructions.

The Dinner prepared was quite interesting and the Service Team members were quite efficient when it came to the service of the same.

It is worth mentioning here that the State Run Hotels do have a huge problem and that is… since workers consider themselves to be government employees and are convinced about their job being secured, they never go extra miles to entertain their guests. The first rule of a good Hotel is… respecting your guests, greeting them, pleasing them. In such hotels, you would find Hotel Staff busy with their mobiles; no one bothers to look at you, no one smiles and your requests is not entertained agreeably. Officials and staff just remain to be on duty focusing their job description and that’s it.

The best part about this specific property is… staff members are well trained and they are for all time quick in offering first-rate services. What a pleasant surprise it was that Chavan, a Room Attendant cum Service Member recognized me instantly! He remembered which room I had occupied during my previous stay which was undoubtedly a pleasant surprise.

It is to be specially mentioned here that I had stood in need of some extra linen late at night and surprisingly it reached me in no time. Thanks to the Duty Manager.

Due to my busy schedule, I had to cut short my stay and the stay remained undeniably a treasured one, a cherished one.

Location of the Resort is glorious. Scenic splendor is stunning. Units are spacious - neat and clean. Food is good. And Service rendered by the Staff is quite considerable. The best part is that the Resort has a Boating Club with Aquatic Sports and since it is located in Section three - it is better to book a Bamboo Shack unit there if you wish to enjoy that. Otherwise also, this specific section is recommended as it is away from the adjacent Temple and the movement of people are less and the place is not chaotic.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks especially to Abhay, the Resort Manager, Atul and Priyanka, the Front Office Executives, Chef Rakesh Hublikar, Nayan, the Restaurant Executive, and Chavan, the Housekeeping Executive.

Strongly recommended if you are visiting Ganpatipule. I look forward to be back again.

Enjoy your stay and if wished, do drive and visit Swad Restaurant (3-4 miles) for an Authentic Maharashtrian Thali.

DWF (Don’t Waste Food)