My wife and I had to visit Rawalpindi in an emergency and had never been to Pakistan.before. Someone recommended the Shalimar hotel to us and we decided to take the risk.
When we arrived outside the hotel, we were a little disappointed and very worried as to what we had got ourselves into. My wife is very picky and choosy, so you can imagine, I was worried. However, as soon as we went in, we were pleasantly surprised. The room was was clean and all the basic necessities that we required. The beds were clean and comfy and the bathroom was clean and again, did the job, the only problem was that the pressure of the shower wasn't great, but tat that price you couldn't complain.
The room was airconditioned and it worked very well, remember we were there in the peak summer season. We were both taking malaria tablets, but there were no signs of mosquitoes or flies. This was a great relief.
Room service was excellent and timely. We constantly ordered food and teas/coffees etc and they were of a good service and very reasonably priced. The laundry service was excellent and I on a number of occassions had clothes ironed and washed at short notice. On a few occassions I asked for my shirts to be ironed asap and they were returned in 15mins..
Our room was cleaned everyday and were given fresh clean towels on a daily basis.
We had a mini bar in the room, no alcohol, but soft drinks only, aswell as the 'God Send' bottled Nestle water with a seal on it. (be careful not to drink any other brand of water other than Nestle and always check the plastic cellophane seal).
The hotel staff were very helpful and a true display of 'Service with a smile'.
Breakfast was complementary and was a buffet with a wide variety of things to choose from.
Had a swim in the pool, but I was worried about whether it had been treated properly for use, so I kept away. But saying that, it did look beautiful.
The hotel is opposite the Pearl Continental (better known locally as the PC), but the Shalimar is at the 3rd of the price.
I would really recommend it.
- Shalimar Hotel Rawalpindi
