Tavasmi Hotel in Puri - A beautiful looking hotel run by immature owners who believe that cheating with Booking.com is ok in long run

When we were in Odisha, we saw a pattern wherein lot of hotels are getting bookings through Booking.com but their intent is not to pay the commission to the web-portal. It started with this hotel called Tavasmi in Puri. As traveler it was tourblesome to see hotels doing it with OTT platforms on which we rely for safe and guaranteed bookings. Any ecosystem flourishes only when all players of the game try to play a fair game. Negotiations are ok but not cheating.

When we were in Odisha, we saw a pattern wherein lot of hotels are getting bookings through Booking.com but their intent is not to pay the commission to the web-portal. It started with this hotel called Tavasmi in Puri. As traveler it was tourblesome to see hotels doing it with OTT platforms on which we rely for safe and guaranteed bookings. Any ecosystem flourishes only when all players of the game try to play a fair game. Negotiations are ok but not cheating.

 


So we booked this hotel through Booking.com. First of all, name of the hotel on Booking.com was different and we landed at the address mentioned, which looked like a house and it was weird. Then a boy comes and he took us to the hotel you see in photograph above - Tavasmi. 


We check in to our room. Ohh wait, when we were in Bhuvaneshwar, we were getting hints that this hotel may decline our booking. So we called the owner and made 50% payment before reaching here. So during checkin, they only accept cash. Another sign of running a business as a newbie. We ignored and moved on. 


Room was nice as it's a new hotel and this was most important part for us & it was sorted. The more we interacted with the staff at Tavasmi, more we realised that we can't rely on them for anything. Before stepping out of the hotel, we asked about food options. They said that dinner can be pre-booked and will be served when you come back between 8-10. We came back and they had forgotten :). We stepped out to grab a meal and came back. 


Next day we were heading to Konark and checked out. On the way, I was talking to Vibha to write review of this hotel and make sure right info is available to other travelers. And then we figured out that hotel had marked us 'No show' :). First we thought that probably they wanted to avoid our review but then we realised that we hadn't expressed anything to them so why would they do so. Then we saw this pattern with hotel in Konark as well and it seems Hotels in Odisha are struggling to pay commission to Booking.com but it's not fair to the platform which is helping them get bookings. Plus, in future, how would we be confident that such bookings will be honored. 

 

Related Blogposts :

The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the eastern state of Odisha, India, is not just a magnificent architectural marvel but a place where history comes alive through a mesmerizing light and sound show. This cultural extravaganza takes visitors on a breathtaking journey through time, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich heritage and mythology associated with this awe-inspiring temple.Konark Sun Temple Light and Sound Show - A Great experience with bad administration




Nestled on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar in Odisha, India, lies a quaint town that beckons with vibrant colors, intricate crafts, and a rich tapestry of cultural heritage. Pipili, known as the "Appliqué Village," is a place where artistic expression meets tradition, where skilled hands bring fabric to life, and where every corner tells a story. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the captivating charm of Pipili and its exquisite appliqué work.Pipili in Odisha: Where Colors and Crafts Weave Tales of Tradition





Nestled amid the picturesque landscapes of Odisha, India, lies a place of tranquil beauty that resonates with historical significance. Dhauli, a serene hillside on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, holds within its embrace a rich tapestry of spirituality, history, and natural splendor. Join us on a virtual journey as we explore the multifaceted allure of Dhauli.Dhauli: Where Serenity Meets History in Odisha, India




Tucked away in the lush landscapes of Bhubaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha, lies a temple that whispers secrets of ancient mysticism and feminine power. The Chausath Yogini Temple stands as a mesmerizing testament to a bygone era, where the divine feminine was revered, and the esoteric arts held sway. Join us as we step into the enigmatic world of the Chausath Yogini Temple, a realm where spirituality, history, and artistry intertwine.Chausath Yogini Temple Bhubaneshwar, Odisha: Unveiling the Mystique of the Yoginis



Raja Rani Temple in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha: Carved Stories from a Bygone Era




Exploring the Ancient Beauty: Parshurameswara Temple in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha








Nestled in the heart of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, the Mukteswara Temple stands as a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship and rich cultural heritage of ancient India. With its intricate carvings, architectural finesse, and spiritual significance, the temple is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.Mukteswara Temple: A Marvel of Architectural Elegance in Bhubaneswar, Odisha




Situated in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, the Odisha State Tribal Museum is a treasure trove of knowledge that celebrates the indigenous tribes of the region. The museum pays homage to the age-old traditions, rituals, and lifestyles that have shaped the lives of these communities for generations.Odisha State Tribal Museum: Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Indigenous Heritage





The Sudarshan Crafts Museum in Puri, Odisha, is a prominent museum dedicated to showcasing the rich and diverse heritage of Odisha's traditional arts and crafts. It is particularly renowned for its exquisite collection of intricate sculptures, traditional paintings, and various handicrafts. The museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the skilled craftsmanship and artistic traditions of the region.Sudarshan Crafts Museum - A place which can be nurtured as a great place for Art lovers but it's not there yet








Nestled in the heart of Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, lies a historical treasure waiting to be discovered. Udayagiri, which translates to "Sunrise Hill," is a complex of rock-cut caves that transports visitors to a bygone era of spirituality, artistry, and architectural brilliance. As the sun rises and casts its warm embrace over these ancient structures, one can't help but feel a deep connection to the rich history that dwells within.Unveiling Udayagiri: A Journey into Ancient Marvels in Bhubaneswar, Odisha





While in Bhubaneshwar ( Odisha , we planned to drive to Konark Sun Temple and witness it's grandness & heritage.Temple has beautifully carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A lot of portions of temple are in ruins, although remained part is being maintained. Some work was happening when we visited the temple this month (july’2016).Sun Temple in Konark is 65 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar and 35 km from Puri.ASI maintains the temple and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Konark Sun temple is also featured in the list of 7 wonders in India, along with Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai, Dholavira of Gujarat, Red Fort of Delhi, Jaisalmer Fort of Rajasthan, Nalanda of Bihar and Khajuraho of MP.The name Konark comes from Sanskrit words - Kona and Ark. Europian sailors had 2 important temples in this part of India - Konark Sun Temple and Jaganath Temple in Puri, which are called Black Pagoda and White Padoga respectively.Konark Sun Temple has used iron beams for it’s structure. It was made to look like Surya-Rath (Chariot of Sun God). There are 12 carved stone wheels which are 3 meters wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses, which you see on entry gate of the temple. It followed popular Kalinga Architecture.Maintenance of Konark Sun Temple was in progress and it made us feel good about the care ASI is taking of these beautiful heritage buildings in India. Although it made us worry about the way these structures are restored. Plain stones without any carving are being added to give support to the structure. It's understandable that same carving might be difficult to achieve but some creative stuff can be done. More than structure, the craved stones are decaying with time and wondering if there is a good way to avoid it. I am sure ASI must thinking about all these things.Konark Sun Temple is one of the most visited tourist places in Odisha and it's considered as one of the most popular places to visit around Bubaneshwar. We didn't want to miss and happy that it was a nice experience to be there. Although the weather was not suitable, but we had fun.There are some interesting facts about the architecture of Konark Sun Temple. Original temple had one part of the compound, which was 70 mgr high. Now the highest structure of the Sun Temple is 30 meters high, which is essentially the audience hall along with smaller structures like Dance hall and Dining hall.Orissa Tourism website lists few interesting details around history behind this temple.Surrounding of the Konark Sun Temple is pretty green and the weather made it greener for us.We had great time roaming around this beautiful campus of Konark Sun Temple, which has lot to surprise you and make you think how it was built many centuries ago. Here we tried to click family selfie with our DSLR and it came out well :)These are the Ashvas (horses) of Surya Rath. Somehow the faces are different and I am not sure why. There must be some reason behind these shapes.






























Trending Post Today !

Image

How to reach Kasol/Malana and top things to do around this stunning hill-station of Himalayan State of India

If you are a regular visitor of Travellingcamera , you must have noticed that title of this Photo Journey is not really matching with what we usually share. This post is inspired by lot of queries which come to us, especially in summer.  One of the mostly asked thing is the options to reach Kasol and Malana . Here we are trying to share some details the option to reach Kasol/Malana, places to stay , things to do and lot more.  Related post -  Kasol: A beautiful Himalayan hotspot
Image

Main places to see & Top things to do around Dalhousie : Stunning Hill Station in Himalayan State of India

  Dalhousie is one of the most popular Hill Stations in Himachal  and there is lot to explore around Dalhousie. This is small and very well maintained town in Chamba region of Himachal Pradesh . This Photo Journey shares some of the exciting places around Chamba and how to plan a good one day tour through Khajjiar, Chamba & Chamera etc. CHAMERA HYDROLIC PROJECT Chamera Hydroelectric Project is located in Banikhet, 7 kms from Dalhousie. The water body near the lake is very scenic and is a popular boating spot. Chamera Dam is around 40 kilometers from Chamba Town. It takes approximately 1.5 hrs to reach the place is road condition is good. Overall it’s a little dry terrain as compared to Dalhousie and Khajjiar. And temperature also goes up as we go towards Chamera Dam.  As you move out from Chamba town, you follow Ravi river for some time and then take right. After 45 minutes of drive, you get a glimpse of Chemera Dam.