Globetrotter-Goan
January 19, 2025
From the moment we arrived, Lemon Tree Gangtok stood out for its warmth and hospitality. We were greeted with a traditional Sikkimese welcome, setting the tone for a memorable stay. Special thanks to Mr. Ayush at the front desk for his friendly demeanor and to Mr. Bhim at the travel desk for going above and beyond. When our pre-booked cab from Bagdogra didn’t show up, Mr. Bhim arranged an alternative on the spot—a lifesaver in the hills! Despite arriving late, our check-in was smooth, with the room ready and luggage promptly delivered. The room itself was clean and well-prepared, including the additional foldable bed we had requested, which was already set up before our arrival—a thoughtful touch. The hotel is equipped with all basic amenities: a safe, refrigerator, and a balcony with city views. But what truly set Lemon Tree apart was its provision of both an AC and a fan, a rarity in Gangtok and a necessity for us. This practical feature, combined with its central location, made it a more appealing choice than properties like Mayfair, which are further from the city center. Culinary Delights The dining experience was a highlight of our stay. Day 1 featured a buffet dinner with an impressive spread of Indian dishes, balancing vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. From fish and chicken delicacies to pasta, kashmiri pulao, burnt garlic noodles and chicken kadai with naan, every dish was delightful. The chicken soup was so good that even my son—who rarely enjoys soup—relished it. Desserts like hot gulab jamun, vanilla ice cream and the exceptional khaja sweet were a perfect finale. Breakfast was equally satisfying, offering a mix of North and South Indian staples such as paratha, poori, dosa and idli. The dosa and chutney, in particular, stood out for their authenticity. Muffins and other sweet treats rounded out the spread, making for a delicious start to the day. Chef Suman and attendant Deepraj ensured every meal met our expectations, taking feedback graciously. On days when occupancy was low and buffets weren’t available, the team offered an à la carte selection. Dishes like chicken thukpa (a bit too spicy for our taste), local chicken curry, veg manchurian, fried rice, butter naan, and the luscious rice kheer were prepared to perfection. Even with a set menu, the staff’s flexibility to accommodate our preferences was commendable. Room for Improvement While the overall experience was excellent, the centralized AC system was a constant source of frustration. Despite having a control panel in the room, adjustments had to be made manually by the AC operator, often requiring nightly calls to switch to cooling mode. This inconvenience detracted from the otherwise seamless experience. Individual temperature controls in each room would vastly improve guest comfort. Beyond the Hotel A special mention for the incredible people of Sikkim, who embody kindness and discipline. Whether it was the hotel staff, the drivers arranged by the hotel, or t