My home in Bangalore - Melange Astris

Prior to coming I spent a LOT of time researching where to stay. One common theme is ideally to stay close to doc’s clinic, but during the pandemic sometime, doc moved clinics so all the recommendations on the support group on facebook were no longer applicable. 

I had pre-requisites that I wasn’t willing to compromise on – main two being I wanted a balcony and a kitchen. The other things were: room service option for the days I wasn’t feeling well enough to leave the room or cook, a laundry, and a gym for a treadmill to walk easily and be close to my room should I need it. As a bonus I wanted a park nearby.

I really wanted to stay in a 5 star hotel but it quickly became clear that it was unrealistic financially as well as it would not provide me my pre-requisites (the idea of staying in a room without an opening window for such an extended period of time makes me shudder). A friend from the support group advised me she was staying at the Melange Astris which I had seen in my searches but hadn’t considered. Now I’m glad I did.

 ·         Breakfast is included every day and includes standard things like toast, cereal, juice, fruit, sandwiches, tea, freshly made coffee (which isn’t bad actually – coming from a Melbournian that says something!), and an array of other things that change daily for the most part (paratha, sauteed veggies, beans…). You can also order freshly made Dosa’s with various fillings. It’s all vegetarian which means no egg also.

·        The breakfast area is also the restaurant for lunch and dinner (‘Life Tree’) and is really very good. The staff are used to fistula fighters coming here and accommodate the ‘zero spice’ request (a part of the doc’s recommendations is no spice which is understandable hey!). Occasionally they get it wrong but it’s ok! There are western options on the menu and they are very flexible…even if things aren’t showing on the menu, if they can provide, they will. Actually I think this is the case for all things in India! For reals. Just think outside the box I say. The restaurant is also poolside which is nice and all the staff are absolutely lovely.

·         The laundry room is super handy, but there are only a couple of washing machines and dryers. This means occasionally you may have to wait for one to be free, but seeing as we have all the time in the world here, does it really matter?! (That’s my perspective anyway. Appointments are very quick and become more spaced out which leaves you with a lot of free time). The machines do need some maintenance but they do the job. I believe there is also a service to have your laundry done for you but I have never used it.

·         Reception is available 24 hours and staff are lovely. I have had packages delivered from Amazon and they will keep that safe until you collect. Security at the entrance are also super helpful and open car doors for you, wave down your Uber, help with shopping and are just all round lovely.

·     There are places in walking distance. There are restaurants, pharmacies, shopping strips and probably a heap more I am yet to discover. There is a supermarket about 5 minutes walk away where you can not only buy groceries, but also housewares (there is also one across the road from the clinic). I have bought supplies such as storage containers for example. But having said that, the group I mentioned that has been coming for years have items that they share or pass on when they leave. I now have a clothes horse if I don’t wish to use a dryer, and will ask to borrow things if needed. Mini community.  There is also a store called Nature’s Basket which focuses on imported groceries – it’s pricey (like home) but handy. (Oh and there are apps called Swiggy and Big Basket where you can order groceries which will be delivered to you in about 30 minutes)

·         The clinic is anywhere from 30 – 60 minutes’ drive away. This is not as close as I would have initially preferred, but there is more happening in this hood then there is near the clinic. On particularly painful days I just lie down in the back of the Uber, but as I mentioned previously, the drives are interesting anyway. Appointments become less frequent which leaves a lot of down time to explore - I preferred being in the centre of things for this reason.

·         I have met other fistula fighters from the Israeli group here, which wouldn’t happen in other accommodation (except I believe others from the group stay at Sheraton which is double the price if not more…couldn’t afford that as I’m here for up to 4 months, and wanted a kitchen and an opening window).  Having others here provides a support and also you share rides to the clinic as well as socialise when you wish to.

There is also Cubbon Park nearby (I have yet to walk it but will when my butt allows).

Ok I think that’s all the main bits I can think of right now.

I’ve included pics of 2 different types of rooms and most areas of the hotel.

                                                                    Out front:

                                                                    Reception:

Ground floor seating

Laundry room

    

                                                            5th floor library & chill out area

Rooftop

Partial photo of the gym (on the rooftop)

Stairwell. Just cause

Life Tree restaurant/breakfast area (4th floor)

Luxury suite: 

includes kitchen (no oven) - all in one spacious room

Grand royal suite (I think). Same as luxury suite pretty much but separate bedroom

And just cause I'm really excited about it - here's an eagle that's preparing her nest in the tree outside my balcony!