Wyndham Baku: Azerbaijan's Most Luxurious Escape? (See Stunning Photos!)
Wyndham Baku: Azerbaijan's "Luxury" - Is It Really? A Messy, Honest Review (with Photo-Worthy Moments)
Alright, folks, let's talk about the Wyndham Baku. Azerbaijan's "Most Luxurious Escape," they say. Cue dramatic music and a montage of sun-drenched photos. But after my stay? Well, let's just say my experience was a bit… more real. Buckle up, because we're going to dive deep. This review is not your average, sanitized hotel brochure.
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(Accessibility - Let's Start at the Beginning, Shall We?)
First impressions, even before you get past the grand entrance with its gleaming marble (which, by the way, is stunning, I'll give them that), accessibility is… well, it’s a mixed bag. They do claim to have facilities for disabled guests, and there's an elevator, which is essential. But the real test? The hallways. Navigating those long corridors in a wheelchair? I imagine it could be a bit of a trek. My friend who does use a wheelchair had to use the guest elevator. And the staff, while polite, sometimes seemed a little unsure about navigating the nuances of accessibility. Small things…but they add up. There's also no designated car park space so it's more of a hope and pray situation where you'll find one.
(Wheelchair Accessible? Okay, So… )
Now, the website boasts accessibility. And yes, there ARE accessible rooms. Are they perfectly accessible? I'll let you be the judge. The bathroom was… okay. The grab bars were there, but I couldn't help but feel like the space could have been optimized just a tad more. The roll-in shower? Yep, it’s there. But the floor gets slick fast. They need a better non-slip mat, seriously. This is a luxury hotel, right? Little things make a big difference.
(Inside the Room: The Good, the Bad, and the… Well, More Good!)
Okay, let's move on to the rooms themselves. Here, the Wyndham mostly delivers. The Air conditioning worked like a charm (thank goodness, Baku gets HOT), and the views? Stunning. I mean, seriously, the photos do lie. The city sprawls out before you, especially if you’re on a high floor (which I was!). The bed was crazy comfy, the extra-long bed a godsend after a long day of sightseeing. Blackout curtains? Yes, please! I even had a little reading light, which I loved.
- The Little Things That Matter: Free bottled water. Always a win. Bathrobes and slippers? Luxury, baby. A safe inside the room (very important for security). A coffee maker to start the day, and a stocked mini-bar. Plus, an alarm clock.
- The “Almost” Perfect: The furniture seems of high-quality and looks great, the room felt clean. The internet access, with free wi-fi, worked well. And… they do offer a complimentary breakfast with Asian cuisine.
(Food, Glorious Food - Or, at Least, Some of It!)
Alright, foodies, let’s talk about the dining experience. The Wyndham has multiple options, including the main restaurant (which offers both international and Asian cuisine!), a coffee shop, and a poolside bar. The breakfast buffet? A massive spread. Think everything from traditional Western fare to some interesting Azerbaijani dishes. I'm talking pastries, eggs cooked various ways, a salad section, and some seriously good coffee. But, I’m going to get HONEST here. The quality wasn't always consistent. Some days the pastries were flaky perfection, other days… not so much. It was a bit of a lottery.
(A Single Dinner: The Ups and Downs of Dining)
Let's get specific about my dinner at the main restaurant. I ordered the "Chef's Special." I was expecting culinary fireworks. Instead, the service was slow. The waiter, bless his heart, seemed flustered. The starter arrived, a cold soup (I’m not a fan of them), and it was fine. Then, the main course: beautifully plated, a work of art… that tasted a bit… bland. The presentation was there, but the flavor, the oomph? Lacking. I feel bad saying this because the staff were lovely, but… yeah. It was a slight letdown. I’m someone who appreciates service, but honestly, the taste of food is the main thing.
However, I do have a positive to share. The bar. The pool bar. The staff here seemed to be more alive and the drinks were delicious.
(Spa & Relaxation: Is This Place a Paradise?)
Okay, the spa. This is where the Wyndham really tries to impress. They've got a pool with a view (which, frankly, is heaven on earth), a sauna, steam rooms, and all the usual massage, body scrubs, and body wraps. I’m obsessed with saunas, and this one did not disappoint. The spa is well-appointed, the staff are friendly.
- A Word of Caution: The "pool with a view"? It’s stunning, don't get me wrong. BUT on a busy afternoon, it can get crowded. And the loungers are slightly too close together for my liking. A little more personal space would be much appreciated.
(Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 Considerations)
Let’s talk about safety. The Wyndham, like everywhere else, has measures in place. They’re big on the hand sanitizer, which is good. And I saw staff constantly cleaning. They offer “Room sanitization opt-out available”, which is a great option. They also use anti-viral cleaning products. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly adhered to. But hey, this is Baku. Stuff happens.
(For the Kids - The Family Experience)
If you're traveling with kids, the Wyndham seems to make an effort. They have babysitting services, kids meal options (I saw some very happy children eating pizza), and they're generally family-friendly.
(Services & Conveniences: The Little Extras)
The Wyndham offers a slew of services: Daily housekeeping (thank goodness!), laundry, dry cleaning, luggage storage… the works. They have a concierge who is genuinely helpful, a business center. They even arrange airport transfers. They did a fantastic job providing an invoice, which was useful. And the staff are usually eager to help.
- A Minor Annoyance: The elevator situation: sometimes I had to wait… and wait… and wait. It's a big hotel, and the elevators get crowded.
(Getting Around)
They offer a taxi service which is the easiest way.
(In Conclusion: The Wyndham - Worth It? Maybe.)
So, would I recommend the Wyndham Baku? It's complicated. It’s not perfect. It has its flaws. But the views are incredible. The spa is great. The staff are generally kind and helpful. The rooms are comfortable. So, yeah, I think it’s worth it, especially if you can get a good deal. Just go in with realistic expectations, and be prepared to embrace the slightly… imperfect reality of "luxury." It's a great base to explore Baku and its surroundings.
Escape to Paradise: Vagamon's Vagamist Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my totally unplanned, gloriously chaotic, and probably slightly disastrous (but hopefully AMAZING) trip to the Wyndham Baku in Baku, Azerbaijan. Consider this less a travel itinerary and more a cry for help… with some sightseeing thrown in.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and Questionable Decisions
- 6:00 AM (ish) - The Great Landing: Landed in Baku. Everything is shiny and new and… hot. Like, immediately, skin-meltingly hot. The air conditioning in the airport seemed to be a cruel joke. Seriously, is there a conspiracy to make you want that taxi driver scamming tourists?
- 6:30 AM - The Taxi Tango (and the first scam?): Found (or was found by?) a taxi driver who spoke, like, three words of English total. Negotiating felt like a game of charades with very high stakes. Paid more than I probably should have to get to the Wyndham. Cue the internal monologue: Did I get ripped off? Probably. But hey, at least I'm IN BAKU!
- 7:30 AM - The Wyndham Oasis (and the Room of Doom?): Checked into the Wyndham Baku. The lobby is gorgeous, like a scene straight out of a James Bond movie. But my room… let's just say the view wasn't quite as breathtaking as I'd hoped, facing a blank wall. Ah, the joys of travel! Still, the bed looks comfy and I'm starting to hallucinate sleep already.
- 9:00 AM - Sleep is My Best Friend: Passed out for far too long. Jet lag is a beast. Woke up feeling like a zombie with a serious case of cottonmouth.
- 12:00 PM - Fueling the Wanderlust (or, Where the Heck Do I Eat?): Wandered aimlessly, starving, around the area. Finding a decent restaurant was proving impossible, and I have a suspicion the "tourist traps" are a real thing. I ended up in a little cafe, the staff barely spoke English, but it was better than nothing. The food, though? Well, let's just say Azerbaijani cuisine is… an acquired taste. Still not sure what I ate.
- 2:00 PM - City Walkabout: Took a walk. The architecture is a confusing mix of old and new, and the city is a kaleidoscope of colors. The ancient walls, the flame towers! It's all incredibly exciting. But the heat is relentless, people are staring, and I think I saw a cat wearing a tiny hat. Baku, you weird, wonderful place.
- 4:00 PM - The Absurdity of Souvenir Shopping: Tried to buy souvenirs. "Authentic carpets," "genuine knock-offs." The art of haggling… I'm failing. So much. Decided to retreat and regroup.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner Disaster and Sunset of Soul: Walked again to the restaurant, only to find it closed. Ended up with a kebab from some street vendor. The sunset was AMAZING, though. Made me feel alive, even with a stomach that was feeling a little… iffy.
- 8:00 PM - Back to Room of Doom: Collapse. Scroll social media for two hours. Contemplate life choices.
Day 2: The Old City, Oil, and the Search for Authentic Everything
- 9:00 AM - Finally, Breakfast! (Sort Of): The Wyndham's breakfast buffet was a life-saver, I gorged.
- 10:00 AM - Into The Old City: Armed with a bad map (and even worse sense of direction), I ventured into the Old City, or Icheri Sheher. Holy moly. It's like stepping back in time. Cobblestone streets, ancient walls, mosques. It’s overwhelmingly beautiful. I got lost immediately, but in the best possible way.
- 11:00 AM - The Maiden Tower (and the Lack of Maidens): Climbed the Maiden Tower. The view was stunning! Tried to learn about its history but got distracted by some school kids laughing at my attempt to take a selfie. Fair enough.
- 12:00 PM - Palace of the Shirvanshahs (and Mild Panic): Explored the Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Marvelous, history. Lots of history. Began to feel a vague sense of panic at the sheer amount of history I was absorbing.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch and a Lesson in Overspending: Found a restaurant in the Old City. The food was delicious, but the bill… let’s just say it was a painful lesson in tourist pricing. I'm starting to think I need a second mortgage.
- 2:30 PM - Oil and Its Aftermath: Explored the Oil-related sites. I’m fascinated by how oil has shaped Baku. The modern architecture is just so bizarre.
- 4:00 PM - Trying to Experience Baku: wandered the streets again. I had some amazing baklava and thought I was going to choke.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner at a Tourist Trap (and Acceptance?): The truth is, I went to a restaurant with a view of the flame towers. The food was fine. The company… well, it was myself. I'm starting to embrace the solo traveler life.
- 8:00 PM - Evening Walk Along the Boulevard: The Caspian Sea, the bright lights, and the cool breeze were a welcome relief from the day's heat. Decided Baku is a place I’m starting to genuinely like. The little things.
Day 3: Goodbye, Baku… (Okay, Maybe Not)
- 9:00 AM - Last Wyndham Breakfast: One last gorge-fest at the buffet. Seriously, the breakfast is the best part of this entire experience
- 10:00 AM - Attempting to Learn Some Words: Trying to learn basic Azerbaijani phrases. "Salam" (hello) seems to be the most useful, so far. Also: I have a feeling my pronunciation skills are… questionable.
- 11:00 AM - A Final Chaotic Walk: This time, without a plan. Just soaking it up. Feeling a weird kind of attachment to this crazy city.
- 1:00 PM - The Journey Home: Heading to the airport, with a smile on my face. Baku, you magnificent, infuriating, wonderful place. I'm already planning my return. And this time, I’m going to figure out what to eat.
So, uh, what *IS* this thing anyway? Like, the *point*?
Okay, so... this is supposed to be an FAQ, right? But, the real point? Honestly? I think I just needed to ramble. My brain's been trying to process a lot lately. Like, the news, my weird neighbor who wears a fedora *every* damn day, the fact that I can't seem to fold a fitted sheet without wanting to scream... You know, *life*. So, here we are. Asking questions. Answering them (sort of). Hopefully, it satisfies some intellectual itch, or at least, you learn something new. Or at least, someone else finds humor in my misery.
What’s the deal with *[insert a randomly-selected topic here, like “ferrets”]?*
Oh, ferrets. Right. Here’s the truth: I *want* to be the cool ferret owner. Picture it: me, in a cozy, hipster apartment filled with vintage furniture, a ferret gracefully gliding through the space like a furry, elongated ninja. But the reality? I’m allergic. Turns out, I'm like the universe's ultimate "almost." I get close to awesome things, only to have them, sniff, whisked away.
Here’s what I *do* know: Ferrets are apparently super playful, surprisingly intelligent (like, they can learn tricks!), and they have this weird, musky scent. Which, fun fact, used to (and maybe still does) make them the perfect perfume ingredient for some. Oh, the things you learn just researching!
What’s your favorite thing?
This is a tough one, because what is 'favorite' to me is always fluctuating. Somedays, it's that first sip of coffee. Somedays it is seeing a sunset, and other times, it's just getting a good night's sleep. But let's say I had to pick something that's always been there for me. I'd probably have to go with my comfort food. A good, home cooked meal. And yes, I do mean making it myself.
Ugh, I'm bored. Tell me something *interesting*!
Okay, okay! Deep breaths. Something interesting. Let me see... Oh! I've been listening to this podcast about the history of... mayonnaise. Seriously! I never thought I'd care about mayo, other than to dollop it on my fries. But oh my god, it's fascinating! Did you know it's a French invention? And apparently, there was this huge culinary scandal back in like, the 18th century, involving a chef, a *very* important duke, and... wait for it... a *bad batch of mayo*! People got food poisoning, the duke lost his reputation, and it was all basically the culinary equivalent of a political scandal. I swear, history is just full of these bizarre, delicious-sounding dramas.
What do you hate? Like, REALLY hate?
Oh, buddy, let me tell you, the hate runs deep. I hate slow walkers. Like, people who *literally* stroll down the middle of the sidewalk, oblivious to the rest of us trying to navigate the human river. I hate when my headphones get yanked out of my ears by some rogue door handle. I hate the feeling of biting into a supposedly soft cookie and discovering it's rock hard. And I *really* hate when people talk on their phones in public places! It's the worst.
You mentioned something about work? What do you do? (if you're comfortable)
*Long sigh.* Okay, fine. Currently, I work in a place that... well, let's just say it's a "corporate environment". I spend most of my days staring at spreadsheets, trying to make sense of numbers that seem to hate me. I'm not going to elaborate. It's… fine. The pay is good. The coffee maker is… adequate.
Do you *ever* feel happy?
I do. I promise. I think... I do. Sometimes. It’s just… complicated. Like, happiness isn't a constant state, right? It’s more like… little pockets of joy. Like when the sun hits my face just right, and the coffee tastes *extra* good. When I catch a glimpse of a genuinely hilarious meme. When I finally *nail* that tricky recipe. I mean, it’s never perfect, life. But you know what? The messy, imperfect bits are what make it... well, *mine*.
Ever failed at something spectacularly? Spill the tea!
Okay, so... brace yourselves. Prepare for a tale of epic proportions. Last summer, I decided I was going to grow prize-winning tomatoes. I'd seen it done, I'd read the articles, I had all the fancy gardening gear. I even cleared a section of my backyard (which, let's be honest, was a monumental task in itself). I bought the best seeds, babied them with the best soil and water (the whole thing was going to be a spectacle, you see!) Everything was going swimmingly. I'm envisioning my prize winning tomatoes, all juicy and big for everyone to see, right?
Then, disaster struck. Not a little pest, nothing so predictable. No, the enemy was… *neglect*. A solid month of traveling for work. I asked a *friend* (who I'm now questioning if we're really friends if they can't feed a tomato plant) to come take care of it. I came home. A desert. A barren wasteland, punctuated by sad, shriveled tomato plants that I'm pretty sure would have preferred the sweet release of death. It was spectacular. A complete, utter, and spectacularly embarrassing failure. I still joke about it (mostly to hide the deep pit of shame that lurks within), but hey, at least I have a good story, right?
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Oh god. The big question. Honestly? I'm not sure *I'll* ever "grow up." I'm still trying to figure out what I want for dinner! But, if I had to dream... A chef! A travel writer! A professional dog cuddler! (is that a thing?)
As I grow older, ICheap Hotel Search
