Recently I visited Bangalore, one of my favorite cities in India and stayed at the Grand Mercure Bangalore on invitation. The city of Bangalore, also known as Bengaluru, is one of India’s most diverse destinations whether it is because of its splendid gardens and parks, or the fact that it is the silicon valley of India which seamlessly blends modern with traditional culture.
On arrival I was accorded a warm welcome by the General Manager Rayan Aranha and his team in the hotel. As I visited this hotel just before Christmas, the hotel was decorated beautifully and the atmosphere was really festive and cheerful! My two bedroom suite had a welcome note by the General Manager along with an edible gingerbread house and a bottle of French wine.
My suite was stunning and done up in shades of whites and beige all over with pink slippers and a pink bathrobe in one of the bathrooms. The suite featured 2 bedrooms, a separate living room, a king size bed and twin beds, two showers, kitchenette, refrigerator with mini-bar, dining table, LCD TV, USB port, work desk, music system, high speed internet access, day bed, iron and ironing board.
Grand Mercure Bangalore, well known for its extended stay concept and situated in a peaceful, residential and serene part of the city, is ideal for both short and long stays. Whether for business or leisure, Grand Mercure Bangalore offers genuine hospitality and a hearty welcome. The hotel is located in Koramangala, close to the city centre and 45 kilometres from the Bangalore International Airport. Grand Mercure Bangalore offers 126 suite style rooms which includes 17 studio suites, 98 one-bedroom suites, 10 two-bedroom suites and one presidential suite.
“Grand Mercure Bangalore is an upscale lifestyle hotel, specializing in extended stays. All our spectacular suites feature fully equipped kitchenettes and private balconies. The most unique feature of Grand Mercure is its incredible location, in a serene up-market area in Koramangala, offering our guests peace and quiet while being close to the city center and major business districts,” said Rayan Aranha General Manager-Grand Mercure Bangalore.
Appropriately named after the location of Grand Mercure Bangalore, 12th Main offers an unmatched experience into the world of global gourmet cuisine. A perfect intimate setting for casual dining along with an option of al fresco area seating for relaxed and pleasant evenings along with an open live display kitchen enhances a guest’s experience where chefs prepare culinary masterpieces. Grand Mercure as a brand develops around four key pillars: a sense of welcome, a sense of food, a sense of wellbeing and a sense of culture and discovery. It is a cultural touchstone in each destination, capturing guests’ imagination and bringing local stories to life.
In keeping with this concept, the Executive Chef dished up an interesting menu consisting of Mix green and asparagus salad, Tom kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), Sarson wali machli, hariyali paneer tikka, Mutton Donne Biryani, Chicken Sukha, Raita and Stolen , Gluten free Christmas pudding and Cheese cake “At Grand Mercure Bangalore, this particular journey towards the sense of food brings us to very old and authentic way of serving’ Biryani’ in Donne (container made out of dry banana or other leaves). The entire concept of serving Donne Biryani was to make international travelers feel the taste and experience the food culture of this part of Karnataka,” said Executive Chef Gopal Jha.
As the name suggests, By the Blue offers fantastic views of a starlit sky overlooking the pool. This restaurant serves North West Frontier cuisine in a romantic ambience where you can also enjoy a glass of wine. By the Blue is popular for its Sunday brunches owing to its superb location.
While I was a guest at the hotel, I also visited the O2 Spa for a massage. O2 Spa has efficient spa therapists and the extensive menu offers body scrubs, body wraps, body massages, oil massages and salon services as well. I tried the Balinese massage along with the Australian tea tree Oil Exfoliating body scrub followed by the Cocoa butter deep moisturizing body wrap. O2 Spa is a great place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Grand Mercure Bangalore is a fabulous hotel-like a destination in itself when one is looking for a relaxing stay in Bangalore owing to its ideal location, efficient service, beautiful suites, good food, warmth and hospitality of the General Manager and his efficient team. Worth several visits!
Address: 12th Main Road, 3rd Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560034, India
