Islamabad's BEST Hotel: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Luxury You Deserve!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to unleash on you the definitive review of Islamabad's BEST Hotel: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Luxury You Deserve! This isn't your stuffy, corporate-speak regurgitation; this is the REAL DEAL. The raw, unfiltered experience, complete with my gripes, my gasps of delight, and the kind of honesty that'll make you want to book a stay right now. Get ready, it's a rollercoaster.
First Impressions and the Accessibility Angle:
Okay, so first things first: navigating Islamabad in a wheelchair? Let's be real, it's not always smooth sailing. BUT! This hotel? They actually get it. The accessibility? Top-notch. Seriously. Ramps where they need to be, elevators that are actually spacious (none of that claustrophobic nonsense), and accessible rooms that don't feel like afterthoughts. That's HUGE. Because, you know, the last thing you want on vacation is to feel like you're battling the architecture every step of the way. (Accessibility, Wheelchair accessible, Facilities for disabled guests, Elevator) Kudos. Just… kudos.
Getting Online and Staying Connected (or Disconnecting, If You Want):
Listen, I need my internet. It's a sickness. But I also like escaping the world, which is where the hotel really shines. (Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Wi-Fi in public areas) The Wi-Fi? Solid. Reliable. (Unlike my ex-boyfriend, but that’s a story for another time). You can also hook up to that ancient LAN connection if you’re feeling retro – hey, I’m not judging! Public areas are great, too; I was happily sipping coffee in the lobby the other day, replying emails, while people-watching. Perfect. Plus, the sheer joy of knowing that it keeps up with the times is good, like, I need that.
The Room: My Sanctuary (and Occasional Mess):
My room? Oh, my room. (Available in all rooms, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens). The blackout curtains? Heaven. I slept like a log, which is saying something because my internal clock is usually set to "anxious alarm." The bed? Oh, the bed. Seriously, I think I could live there. It's THAT comfortable. I loved the little touches, like the complimentary tea (I’m a sucker for a good brew). It's safe and secure because of all the Safety/security features. The bathroom was impeccable, the toiletries are great, and did I mention the bathtub? This is a must-have, and this place delivers. Now, let's get real. Even though it's fancy, I'm not perfect. I left a trail of clothes on the floor once. But the daily housekeeping? Magical elves, they are. Things were spick and span when I came back. (Daily housekeeping).
The Food, Glorious Food (and My Vegetarian Struggles):
Okay, listen up, foodies! This hotel? They know food. (A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). The breakfast buffet? A masterpiece. Seriously, EVERYTHING. Fresh fruit that actually tastes like something. Omelets made to order. Pastries that would make Marie Antoinette jealous. (Breakfast [buffet]). Now, as a vegetarian, I can be a fussy eater. But the vegetarian options? They were AMAZING! No sad, wilted salads here. (Although, I had one salad, and it was sad). Everything was fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. There were a few times the vegetarian dishes were bland, mind you, but room service stepped in and took care of it. (Room service [24-hour]). The poolside bar is a great place to unwind after a long day and the happy hour is perfect for catching up with friends. (Poolside bar, Happy hour).
Things to Do (or, You Know, Do Nothing):
This place? It's a playground for relaxation. (Things to do, ways to relax, Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]). The spa? Bliss. I got a massage and almost cried. In a good way. The pool with a view? Perfect for a languid afternoon of sunbathing and people-watching (yes, I’m nosey – sue me!). The gym? Well, I went. Once. (Who am I kidding?). The swimming pool is beautiful and is a must see attraction to enjoy your time here. The gym/fitness is there as well.
Cleanliness and Safety: My OCD-Fueled Approval:
I'm a bit of a germaphobe. So, I’m going to be brutally honest here: (Cleanliness and safety, Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment). The cleanliness? Impeccable. And I mean, impeccable. The staff really are trained in safety protocol. They go the extra mile. I spotted them daily disinfecting in common areas. Hand sanitizer everywhere. The rooms were sanitized between stays. I felt so safe, I actually relaxed. Huge props for the anti-viral cleaning products.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Stomach's Happy Place:
I've already gushed about the food, but let’s dig a little deeper. (Dining, drinking, and snacking, A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant). My only complaint? Too much choice, which is not really a complaint. The coffee shop is great for a quick caffeine fix, and the poolside bar is the perfect place to unwind. I ate at the restaurant that serves international cuisines and it was amazing. If you're lucky, they might even have a special dessert!
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter:
They really do think of everything. (Services and conveniences, Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center). The concierge? Super helpful. They had suggestions for places to visit, and they even helped me book a car. The dry cleaning service? Saved my bacon when I spilled coffee on my favorite shirt. The facilities for disabled guests were immaculate. The staff were always there.
For the Kids: The Family Edition (or, My Babysitting Experience):
Okay, I don't have kids. But I was babysitting my nephew during my stay. (For the kids, Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal). There were kids facilities! I loved that he could chill there with his favorite games. They also have babysitting service.
The Nitty Gritty: Location, Design, and the Other Important Bits:
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because here's my utterly chaotic, opinionated, and probably-slightly-inaccurate (but totally heartfelt) itinerary for a stay at the Hotel Star Islamabad, Pakistan. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions and a serious lack of organization, just like my actual life.
Hotel Star Islamabad: A Week of Glorious Mess (and Hopefully, No Food Poisoning)
Day 1: Arrival, Awkwardness, and the Allure of the "Room with a Slight Tilt"
- 6:00 AM (ish) – The Pain of Pre-Dawn Departure: Ugh. Airports. I swear, no matter how meticulously I pack, I always forget something crucial. (This time? My phone charger. Blessedly, I’m sure they have one at the hotel, but I’m bracing for sticker shock pricing). The flight was bumpy. I hate turbulence. I think I made eye contact with the pilot and gave him a look of pleading.
- 10:00 AM – Arrival and the Cab Drama: Finally in Islamabad! Stepping out of the airport… the air is different. Spicy, somehow. And the taxi drivers! Negotiating the fare felt like a high-stakes game of poker, but I think I didn't get completely ripped off. (Fingers crossed).
- 11:00 AM – Hotel Star Check-In: A Moment of Truth: Found the hotel. It's… clean (ish?). Lobby is a little… spare. Check-in went smoothly (thank goodness), though the receptionist’s facial expression could have launched a thousand ships. I requested the “room with a view” only to be told they are fully booked. I think I was subtly hinting for an upgrade.
- 12:00 PM – The Room Reveal (and a Slight Panic): Okay, the room isn’t awful. It’s… functional. It does have a slight tilt, though. Like, I swear if you leave a marble on the floor, it’ll roll to the far corner. Is this a structural issue? Am I going to die? Maybe I should just get used to it. The air con is making a funny clicking sound. And the TV? Don't even get me started; there are only two channels, and one of them is showing a Pakistani soap opera that seems to consist entirely of people yelling at each other. I'm already invested.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Hotel Star Restaurant: The hotel restaurant is… well, it exists. I went for the Chicken Biryani. It was… edible. I was still full of the feeling that I’d been up at the crack of dawn, so my taste buds didn’t really register anything specific.
- 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM - That Rest Time: I crashed hard in the bed. The slightly tilted, clicky-air-con room did its job of keeping me in a semi-coma.
- 6:00 PM – A Walk to Find Something…: I tried to go for a walk to unwind, but I got lost within 30 minutes. I met a lovely old man who gave me directions and told me all about his grandchildren. He seemed very happy.
Day 2: Exploring and Emotional Rollercoasters
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast: More Biryani! More biryani for breakfast, even though I swore I wouldn't. I think I may need to make myself a vegetarian.
- 9:00 AM – Faisal Mosque: Awe and (Mild) Guilt The Faisal Mosque is enormous and very, very beautiful. I had to borrow a scarf, which felt awkward. But the sheer scale of the place is humbling. I felt a tinge of unworthiness, like I didn't deserve to be there. Such a profound experience, and I took a lot of photos.
- 12:00 PM – Lunch in a Local Eatery: I found a little place with amazing samosas and a spicy chutney. The food was cheap, and the people were kind. I got some stares, of course, but overall a very positive experience.
- 2:00 PM – Saidpur Village: The Tourist Trap Blues: Okay, Saidpur Village is a bit touristy. It's pretty, sure, with the old buildings and the… well, the shops selling touristy stuff. I felt a little sad. Sad that it felt so sanitized.
- 4:00 PM – Rawal Lake: The Sunset and the Tears: Rawal Lake, and the sunset was genuinely beautiful. I watched, and I started to cry. I think it was the fatigue. The beauty. The sheer vastness of the place. I don't know. But it was a cathartic sob, and I needed it.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner: Back at the Hotel Restaurant: I chickened out and went back to the hotel restaurant. I ordered a Chicken Tikka Masala and tried not to think about how many calories.
Day 3: Culture Shock (and the Urgent Need for Toilet Paper)
- 8:00 AM – Breakfast: Another Biryani! Don't judge me.
- 9:00 AM – Pakistan Monument: The Pakistan Monument. A tribute to the country. Its beauty left me in a speechless state.
- 11:00 AM – Daman-e-Koh: I went to Daman-e-Koh. A place with beautiful views. The monkey situation, however… yikes. I'm not a fan of monkeys.
- 12:00 AM – Lunch Gone Wrong: Spicy Misadventure: The lunch I had was a little too spicy. I think I may need a new hobby of trying to eat spicy food and still enjoy it.
- 1:00 PM – Urgent Toilet Paper Run: Disaster! I found myself in a situation. And let’s just say the hotel's bathroom amenities left something to be desired. This meant a frantic scramble to the local shop. It was not my finest moment. The language barrier added to the comic chaos.
- 3:00 PM – The Day of Rest: I laid in bed, watched the Pakistani soap opera, and tried not to think about the missing toilet paper.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner: More Spice, More Regret: Decided to be brave and order the spiciest curry on the menu. Bad idea. My mouth is still on fire.
Day 4: The Great Day of Rest
- 8:00 AM – Slept in. I was so tired from the last three days.
- 9:00 AM – Slept In.
- 10:00 AM – Probably still sleeping. Someone get me a stronger coffee.
- 12:00 PM – I ate something.
- 1:00 PM – More Sleep.
Day 5: Adventures in Shopping and Cultural Exploration
- 9:00 AM – Morning Exploration: I decided to head out and explore the local markets. I thought I might find interesting things.
- 10:00 AM – Market Life: The market was a sensory overload - the colors, the smells, the constant chatter. It was thrilling, even if I did get a bit overwhelmed. I wandered through stalls piled high with fabrics, spices, and glittering ornaments.
- 12:00 PM – The Gift I Didn't Buy: I almost bought a beautiful hand-stitched shawl. But then I thought, "Do I really need another shawl?" I left the store empty-handed.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch at Food Street: I went to food, a very special place. The food was varied and delicious.
- 3:00 PM – Cultural Outing: I stumbled (literally) into a craft workshop. I watched them create a unique piece of art. The experience was fascinating.
- 6:00 PM – Relaxing: I spent the evening back at the hotel. The clicking air conditioner was starting to annoy me.
Day 6: Embracing the Unexpected (and the Inevitable)
- 9:00 AM – Wake Up
- 10:00 AM – Check out Check out day today!
- 11:00 AM – Breakfast – I met a friendly fellow traveler at breakfast.
- 12:00 PM – Say Goodbye
Day 7: Departure - Reflections and a Vague Sense of Accomplishment
- 6:00 AM – Wake Up
- 7:00 AM – Check out.
- 8:00 AM – Airport run.
- 9:00 AM – Goodbye
Final Thoughts (and a Prayer):
So, that’s my week. It wasn’t perfect, far from it. There were moments of brilliance. Moments of pure, unadulterated frustration. Moments where I just wanted to crawl back into my tilted room and hide under the covers. But it was mine. I've seen things, tasted things, and felt things. I think I've done a bit of growing. And if I didn't catch
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Okay, Spill: Is This Hotel REALLY Worth the Hype? I Mean, Seriously?
Alright, buckle up. "Worth the hype" is a loaded question, right? Look, I've stayed in Islamabad hotels that felt like… well, let's just say I've seen more welcoming prison cells. This one? This one actually feels like you're *allowed* to relax. The hype? Yeah, it's mostly justified. The lobby alone… (shudders with a good memory) … it's like walking into a movie. Think shimmering chandeliers, and I swear, the marble floors are so polished you could see your reflection. I almost tripped admiring myself, and nearly face-planted in front of a very composed-looking man with a briefcase. Awkward, but hey, the floor looked *amazing*.
But… and there's always a but, isn't there? Sometimes perfection is… a little *much*. It's like being friends with someone who’s *always* perfectly put together. You start to feel a little inadequate yourself, you know? Still, the comfy beds are legendary. So the answer is a definite yes! And no. It's complicated, like my love life. (Heh).
The Rooms – Are They Actually Luxurious, Or Just… Expensive?
Okay, "expensive" is a given. Let's be real. But the rooms? They’re not just expensive; they're… transporting. I stayed in a suite once, and I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the floor when I walked in. Think floor-to-ceiling windows with a view that made me forget I was supposed to be working (oops!), a bathroom bigger than my apartment, and a bed you could legitimately get lost in. I spent a solid hour just bouncing on it. Don’t judge.
The robes were fluffy, the slippers were perfect, and the mini-bar? Oh, the mini-bar. I may have snuck a few extra bottles of water. (Don't tell anyone!) Here’s the thing: you *feel* pampered. You feel like a vaguely important person, even if you’re just there on a business trip and haven’t showered in a week. It's pure, unadulterated escapism. But the water bottles were tiny.
The Food – Is it Actually Good, Or just… Fancy and Pretentious?
Ah, the food. Okay, this is where things get… interesting. I'm a foodie at heart, and I've had some truly *memorable* meals. The restaurants are stunning. There's one with an outdoor terrace overlooking… well, I don't remember exactly what, to be honest, I was too busy devouring the butter chicken, which was divine, absolutely divine. Like, I may or may not have licked the plate.
But, there were some misses. There was this time I tried to order the "deconstructed samosa." It arrived looking like a plate of abstract art, and it tasted… well, abstract. Like, I’m pretty sure my taste buds were as confused as I was. And the prices?! My goodness! Still, for the MOST part, the food is exceptional. Just maybe skip anything that sounds too “deconstructed.” Stick to the tried-and-true classics, and you'll be golden. Or buttery, in the case of that butter chicken. (Ugh, I'm hungry now.)
The Service – Is it Actually Attentive, or Just… Fake Nice?
Okay, this is a big one. Service can make or break a hotel, right? And here? It’s mostly stellar. From the doormen who greet you with genuine smiles to the staff who seem to anticipate your every need… it’s impressive. I once forgot my phone charger (yes, I'm a disaster, I know). I mentioned it to a helpful staff member, and *poof*– a charger magically appeared. Seriously, it was like having a fairy godmother! They work hard at providing excellent services, and they are excellent.
But… and I'm being honest here… there was one instance. One time I was waiting for my laundry. And waiting. And waiting. I asked, politely, and was met with a series of increasingly vague answers. It eventually showed up hours late. Annoying? Yes. A deal-breaker? No. Overall, the service is top-notch, genuinely friendly, and remarkably efficient. But give them a little time, and some of the service could be improved on.
The Swimming Pool and Spa – Worth It For a Quick Dip?
The pool and spa? Okay, this is where I become a little… obsessed. The pool is gorgeous. Infinity edge, usually with sparkling water and amazing views. I’m not a swimmer, but I love laying poolside and enjoying the ambiance. One afternoon, I even saw a Bollywood star there in sunglasses. (I kept my distance, naturally. Didn’t want to be *that* person.)
And the spa? Oh, the spa! I had a massage that left me feeling like a limp noodle in the best possible way. The whole place smells amazing. The only downside? It's so good, it's easy to spend hours there, and suddenly your entire day is gone. Be warned: you might emerge feeling like you’ve been reborn (and possibly broke, depending on your treatment choices).
Is there WIFI? If so is it any GOOD?
Yes, and thankfully, it's pretty good. Pretty darn good, actually, given my experience with hotels. I've been in hotel rooms before, where the internet was so bad, it was like trying to send a text from the moon.
Here? It's generally reliable. You can stream, video chat, and actually get some work done without wanting to throw your laptop out the window. It's not always flawless, and it can be a bit slow at peak times. But it's generally fast enough to make you happy. And isn't happy all we really want from a really good hotel?
Would You Go Back? And Would You Recommend It?
Without a doubt, yes. Absolutely. I’d return in a heartbeat. Despite the occasional hiccup with the laundry service, the slightly esoteric deconstructed samosa, and the price tag. I’m more than inclined to go back.
Would I recommend it? Yes, with a few caveats. If you're on a tight budget, this is not the place for you. If you're easily intimidated by fancy things, maybe ease yourself in slowly. But if you want a taste of luxury, exceptional service, and a genuinely memorable experience in Islamabad? Go. Just go. And maybe bring me back a samosa that isn'Hotel Radar Map
