May 16, 2009 07:28 PM
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This place had very good potential to become a weekend family/group destination. I remember, first time I visited this place with my office group members way back in 2003; I went ga-ga about this place. I like it so much so that started visiting it very often with my family and friends. As late as 2005, I visited this place and it was well maintained posh facility worth spending~800 rs.
This had a grand entrance, 100s of small and big fountains in the garden, lively music being played across- overall a very relaxing and soothing experience. Water court was clean, well attended and fun. Other facilities like indoor games etc never excited me but I used to see people using it.
Last couple of times, my experience with Club Cabana was terrible. Felt cheated, irritated and frustrated. It is just 5 KM before international airport; not at all worth going. When I went today, all fountains etc are dried, water in not even drained hence stinking. Customer service remains good only till you pay advance - Rs 1000/- for Lunch, Water court, Hi-T, Bowling. Another 50 Rs you pay breakfast also can be taken. If you just want to have lunch there, Rs 600/-!
As we reached around 1.30PM, decided to have bowling first. Aisle was opened for me- nobody had bowled since evening(not sure if it is impact of recession). The attendant comes with a register and sits there to score for you:-) as digital score display is out of order.
After 5 turns, attendant remind, this was last turn. As bowling game in Club Cabana is defined as 5 turns each individual.
Headed for lunch, 2 vegetables - 1 gobhi, 1 paneer; 1 daal, breads, curd rice, 2 non-veg dishes; 1 sweet dish with ice-cream. This food was not worth Rs. 30/- if prepared at home. Lets not compare it that way. Same food in any restaurant in Bangalore would not cost more than 175, which costs 600 there. Anyway.
Headed for Wave-pool. Realize there was a TV serial was being shot there. Hence, the crew would keep moving their set from one ride to another and guests are expected to select their ride according to their convenience. This is not the first time, when I visited this place last time, couple of days before new year- entire club was under the control of an event management company to set up the arrangement for new year party. Hence, you can imagine all kinds of people(who are actually labors/helpers) surrounding the wave-pool just to watch ladies in swimming costumes, and one needs to be really cautious about all actions. Situation was more or the same- Balloons, wires, gensets pumping diesel smoke, was the set up arranged.
None of attendants, manager(Ravindra) were willing to accept that they have goofed up. Last time, I made a mistake by reaching the club without making a call/checking with them if club is ready to use 3 days before new year. But this time, I called them twice before going there.
In nut shell not a reliable place. Such a high potential entertainment destination completely destroyed and finished just because of poor management, greed for money.
Don;t go there unless desperate to waste money.
I think Bangalore has only 4 wave-pools as of now- Wonderla; Innovative Film City, Lumbini Garden and Club Cabana. Club Cabana is still best. Wonderla could be close - not sure about water quality on weekends due to crowd.
This might be only other reason to visit the place. Don;t even try doing anythingelse there.
