Sambodhi Retreat

This expansive resort is highly regarded as a premier venue for weddings and events, offering a grand setting amidst natural surroundings that provide a peaceful ambiance. Its pet-friendly policy is a distinctive feature, allowing guests to bring their companions. Guests frequently highlight the spacious grounds, multiple swimming pools, and generally good food as key attractions. The staff are often described as friendly and helpful, contributing to a positive experience. The resort caters well to families seeking a relaxing getaway, couples looking for a serene escape, event organizers planning large functions, and pet owners traveling with their animals. For those planning events, it is advisable to ensure detailed coordination with the hotel in advance, and having a personal vehicle is recommended for easier access.

Facilities & Amenities
The resort boasts an impressive array of facilities, including multiple swimming pools, with some guests appreciating the more private igloo pool option. The expansive grounds are a significant draw, featuring natural beauty, lush greenery, and dedicated walking paths that allow guests to enjoy the serene environment. For convenience, a golf car service is available to transport guests across the large property. Recreational options like games and jhulas (swings) are also present, adding to the leisure activities. While the resort offers a wide range of amenities, some guests have noted mixed feedback regarding in-room amenities such as Wi-Fi and TV connections, and occasional issues with hot water, though these are often addressed upon request.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room condition and cleanliness is varied. While some guests found their rooms to be beautiful and hygienic, others reported issues such as stinking rooms, an old interior, or a general lack of maintenance, with isolated reports of mosquitoes or even frogs inside. Bathrooms also received mixed reviews, with some being described as congested or in poor condition. The resort offers different room types, including Igloo, Grass Roots, and Monuments rooms, with the VIP green cottages being particularly praised for their design and spaciousness, suitable for larger families. Additionally, some guests experienced problems with hot water availability and even a wet extra bed.

Dining & Food Quality
The food quality at the resort receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many guests describing meals as tasty, delicious, and exceptionally good. Specific dishes like sushi, lobster, Kashmiri pulao, and non-veg noodles have been highlighted as particularly enjoyable. The breakfast buffet is frequently praised for its variety and quality, often noted as being complementary. The restaurant ambience is generally well-regarded, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. However, restaurant service is a significant area of concern for many, with numerous complaints about slow service, limited staff, long wait times, and unprofessional handling of crowds. Some guests also reported a bad smell in the restaurant area.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's location elicits mixed opinions from guests. While many appreciate its peaceful setting and being away from city hustle, a common point of feedback is its distance from Gaya city, which some found irritating to reach due to traffic jams. The resort is conveniently situated approximately 15 minutes from the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, making it accessible for spiritual visits. However, public transport is not readily available, leading guests to strongly recommend having a personal vehicle for convenient travel. Furthermore, parking facilities are noted as limited, with some guests indicating that parking is primarily available on the road.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receive positive feedback for their friendliness, politeness, helpfulness, and cooperative attitude, particularly at the reception and within the restaurant. The check-in process is often described as smooth and fast, contributing to a welcoming arrival. However, there are notable complaints regarding rude staff behavior and a perceived lack of professionalism and coordination, especially concerning event management and restaurant service. Some guests reported instances of poor room service and a general lack of responsibility from staff when addressing issues, leading to frustration and delays in problem resolution.

Additional Information
This resort is highly recommended as a premier event venue, particularly for weddings, birthday parties, and other functions, offering a grand setting and extensive facilities well-suited for such occasions. A standout feature is its pet-friendly policy, which is greatly appreciated by guests traveling with their dogs, providing a comfortable and accommodating stay for animal companions. For guests planning events, it is crucial to ensure thorough and detailed coordination with the hotel staff in advance, as some past events experienced a lack of support and sequencing issues during execution. The hotel also offers candle light dinners, which are a popular choice for guests seeking a special and romantic dining experience.