Your stay — Hotel Raj
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The Property — Hotel Raj
Hotel Raj is a no-fuss, reliable three-star in Pune's commercial Koregaon Park area. The lobby has marble floors, a small seating area with potted plants, and the faint smell of chai from the attached restaurant. It suits budget-conscious business travellers or families wanting a clean base within walking distance of Osho International Meditation Resort and the boutiques on North Main Road. Don't expect frills, but do expect decent air-conditioning and a lift that works.
Chronicles of Pune
Pune rose to prominence as the seat of the Peshwa rulers in the 18th century, who built the iconic Shaniwar Wada palace-fort and laid out the old city's dendritic street pattern. Under British rule it became a 'monsoon capital' for Bombay's government and a major military cantonment, giving it broad, tree-lined avenues in areas like Camp. Post-independence, the city evolved into an education and automotive hub, earning the nickname 'Oxford of the East' for its colleges and the home of the Tata Motors and Bajaj Auto plants. Today's Pune is a fast-growing IT and startup centre that still clings to a strong Marathi cultural identity, seen in its wada-style houses, atharva food joints, and annual Ganesh Chaturthi processions.
Best Time to Visit
Full Pune guide →Best months
November to February: cool, dry weather (20-30°C), clear skies, and low humidity make sightseeing comfortable; the city is lively but not overwhelmed by tourists.
Peak / festival surge
Peak is August-September during Ganesh Chaturthi, when Pune erupts in 10-day street processions and pandal installations. Hotel prices can jump 30-40%, and central roads near Shaniwar Wada and Laxmi Road are packed.
Budget shoulder season
March and October are the budget sweet spots: March has warm afternoons but fewer crowds; October sees the tail of the monsoon with lush green hills and soft rates before winter peak.
Weather & packing
July is peak monsoon, with heavy afternoon downpours and humidity above 70%. Pack a compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, and quick-dry clothing; avoid cotton jeans that stay damp.
Live City Briefing — Pune
- The Pune Metro's Purple Line (Pimpri-Chinchwad to Swargate) now runs every 10 minutes, offering a fast, air-conditioned link from the railway station to the old city.
- New e-bike taxis (e.g., Yulu and Vogo) have launched in Koregaon Park and Kalyani Nagar, offering cheap, short-haul rides for the monsoon puddles.
- Shaniwar Wada's evening light-and-sound show has been extended to two daily screenings (7pm and 8pm) through July, but expect rain cancellations.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hotel Raj, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 3 or 4 facing the rear courtyard. These floors avoid street clamour while keeping you above the ground-floor restaurant odours and foot traffic. The courtyard side tends to be quieter than the front.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (noisy from lobby, restaurant, and street spillover) and any room facing the main road. That side gets traffic honking and autorickshaw rattle, especially from 7am to 10pm.
Best views
The rear courtyard view gives a calm, greenish outlook onto a small garden or neighbouring trees. Front-facing rooms overlook a busy Pune street—fine if you like city bustle, but not restful.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and 4 are the quietest: high enough to dodge street-level noise but low enough that the lift's whir and stairwell chatter don't travel up. Floor 2 can work, but you may hear the first-floor terrace if it's used for events.
🔊 Noise notes
Main road noise is the biggest issue: honking, buses, and two-wheelers. The lift shaft is central and can thump on floors 2–4, especially at rush hours. Ground-floor restaurant drifts cooking smells up the stairwell. Ask for a room away from the lift core.
Insider tips
1. Request a top-floor (4th) rear-facing room at booking—call the hotel directly rather than using an app—they often upgrade loyal callers. 2. Parking is tight: arrive before 6pm to secure a spot, or park on the side street near the temple (marked but safe).
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — Hotel Raj
Complimentary basic free WiFi (2 Mbps per device, capped at 1GB per day); paid upgrade INR 200/day for 10 Mbps unlimited
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections
Free digital copies of The Times of India and Economic Times via hotel tablet at lobby; no printed papers or pressreader
Standard check-in 14:00; early bag drop available from 08:00 at reception; late check-out fee INR 500 until 18:00, otherwise full night charge
Free storage at left luggage room behind reception; open 24h
Step-free access at main entrance (ramp); lift fits standard wheelchairs; no grab bars in bathrooms; ground floor rooms available on request
On-site free unguarded parking for 15 cars on a first-come basis; nearest public paid lot is SmartPark at Hingewadi Junction (INR 50/night, 500m walk); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking; INR 1000 incidental hold on check-in via card or cash
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Hindu temple: waghjai temple (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Indian Rupee, INR
Use any local bank ATM for the best rate; avoid currency exchange at the airport or tourist bureaux as they give poor rates.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops; smaller street vendors and auto-rickshaws often take cash only.
Restaurants: 10% if service charge not already added. Taxis: round up fare. Hotel staff: 50-100 INR per bag or per service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee from a local stall or small café costs around 20-40 INR.
A thali meal at a modest restaurant costs about 150-250 INR.
A main course at a mid-range restaurant is roughly 200-400 INR.
Head to roadside stalls or small eateries near markets (like Camp or MG Road) for vada pav, bhajiya, and misal pav – portions from 20-50 INR.
Supermarket chains like Big Bazaar, D-Mart, and Reliance Smart are common for groceries.
Affordable clothing markets include the areas around Tulshi Bagh and Camp – expect local brands and unbranded items at very low prices.
Bus – PMPML daily pass costs about 100 INR. From the airport, take a prepaid auto-rickshaw or Ola/Uber for the best budget option (around 200-300 INR to central Pune).
Use ride-sharing apps (Ola or Uber) instead of hailing taxis to avoid haggling. Eat at local thali joints or street stalls, not tourist-oriented restaurants. Carry small denominations for auto-rickshaws and street vendors.
Good to know — Pune
Type C/D/M · 230V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ₹95.47 · INR
Emergency Contacts
PuneFor non-emergency police help, dial 112 (national emergency number) or 020-26112277 for Pune City Police control room. Tourist helpline: 1800-111-363 (Ministry of Tourism).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Pune, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at Hotel Raj
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Pune Airport Bus Stop → Raviraj Hotel (Shivajinagar or Deccan Gymkhana stop)
💡 Take route 4A or 103 from the airport to Shivajinagar Court, then auto-rickshaw (₹50, 5 mins) to Raviraj. Buy a one-day PASS via Tumko app for unlimited rides.
Pune Airport Station (under construction; use Ramwadi Station as interim) → Raviraj Hotel (walk from Deccan Gymkhana Station)
💡 As of 2025, the airport metro is not yet operational. Use a cab from airport to Ramwadi Station (₹60, 10 mins), then metro to Deccan Gymkhana. DDA-style, no food in trains.
Pune International Airport → Raviraj Hotel (near FC Road)
💡 Book via app to avoid haggling; expect surge pricing 5-7 PM. Choose a Prime Sedan for comfort on the Airport-Ganeshkhind Road stretch.
Shivajinagar Bus Stop or Jangli Maharaj Road → Raviraj Hotel (FC Road area)
💡 Flag one down or use Ola/Uber auto. Negotiate fixed fare before boarding—metered is cheaper but drivers often refuse. Saying 'chala na, bhai' (let's go) helps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at Hotel Raj?
Request a room on floors 3 or 4 facing the rear courtyard. These floors avoid street clamour while keeping you above the ground-floor restaurant odours and foot traffic. The courtyard side tends to be quieter than the front.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hotel Raj?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor (noisy from lobby, restaurant, and street spillover) and any room facing the main road. That side gets traffic honking and autorickshaw rattle, especially from 7am to 10pm.
Is Hotel Raj noisy?
Main road noise is the biggest issue: honking, buses, and two-wheelers. The lift shaft is central and can thump on floors 2–4, especially at rush hours. Ground-floor restaurant drifts cooking smells up the stairwell. Ask for a room away from the lift core.
Which rooms have the best views at Hotel Raj?
The rear courtyard view gives a calm, greenish outlook onto a small garden or neighbouring trees. Front-facing rooms overlook a busy Pune street—fine if you like city bustle, but not restful.
What are insider tips for staying at Hotel Raj?
1. Request a top-floor (4th) rear-facing room at booking—call the hotel directly rather than using an app—they often upgrade loyal callers. 2. Parking is tight: arrive before 6pm to secure a spot, or park on the side street near the temple (marked but safe).
What time is check-in at Hotel Raj?
Check-in at Hotel Raj is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hotel Raj have Wi-Fi?
Complimentary basic free WiFi (2 Mbps per device, capped at 1GB per day); paid upgrade INR 200/day for 10 Mbps unlimited
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hotel Raj?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hotel Raj?
A thali meal at a modest restaurant costs about 150-250 INR.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hotel Raj?
Bus – PMPML daily pass costs about 100 INR. From the airport, take a prepaid auto-rickshaw or Ola/Uber for the best budget option (around 200-300 INR to central Pune).
When is the best time to visit Pune?
November to February: cool, dry weather (20-30°C), clear skies, and low humidity make sightseeing comfortable; the city is lively but not overwhelmed by tourists.
Top Attractions in Pune
💡 Go on a weekday morning before 10 AM to avoid heat and crowds. The old alley behind the temple has a tiny stall selling excellent kanda poha for 20 rupees.
💡 The train ride costs 20 rupees and runs every half hour. Best to come at sunrise when it’s quiet and the peacocks are active.
💡 Come at 7 AM for the morning aarti (ritual) or at sunset for the light. Carry water—nothing available on the hill. The temple closes between 1 PM and 4 PM for afternoon rest.
💡 The lowest-priced ticket gives full access. Audio guides are free with ticket—take one. Skip the upper floor if short on time; ground floor has the best pieces.
💡 Visit late afternoon for the light show (runs daily, small fee). The ticket queue moves fast if you go right at 5 PM.