Travel writer Bindu Gopal Rao finds a stay at Radisson Bengaluru City Center, a new age boutique hotel mixes business and pleasure seamlessly in a hotel that is high on its design quotient.
Located on the banks of the placid Ulsoor Lake in the heart of Bengaluru, the newest addition to the hospitality space, Radisson Bengaluru City Center is shaped like a yacht and is around shopping malls, restaurants and religious places that make for all an inclusive break. I was welcomed with a tender coconut water infused with mint and lime – said to be a perfect detox drink.
Design Matters
The first thing that strikes you about this hotel is its outer façade that resembles a ship complete with figurines of ship men at work. The white and blue façade is the perfect precursor to what to expect inside the eclectic interiors. The open reception has an open design with grey factory feel flooring with bright coloured seating and tables stacked against one edge of the wall. Behind the reception table is the relaxation lounge that has an eclectic combination of seating including white swinging chairs, lounge sofas and comfortable chairs in bright hues of yellow, orange and purple.
An alcove browsing station with a vending machine and a tree of life illustration are some of the arty elements of the reception. Interestingly, there are no numbers you will see on the doors – even the lifts have the number etched as a design. A key feature is the poly-art design that is a common element across the hotel. All the lobbies that lead you to the rooms have a yellow and grey tone with large photos of the city – these have been specially commissioned for the hotel.
Room Story
The hotel has 90 well-appointed rooms and suites spread over seven floors. These include various categories including, 52 City View Superior Rooms, 14 Deluxe Rooms, 9 Lakeview Deluxe Rooms, 5 Junior Suites, 3 Suites, 6 One Bedroom Suites and one room for differently abled guests. All rooms include Free Wi-Fi for up to three devices, complimentary hot breakfast, 24-hour room service, a sleeper sofa, LED satellite TV, Work desk, phone with data port, minibar (chargeable basis), complimentary bottled water, coffee/tea facilities, seasonal fruits, local snacks and artisan baked goods, hair dryer, shower cubicle, free daily newspaper, in-room safe, complimentary hot chocolate at night and individual climate control.
There is also a pillow menu including an Aloe Vera Pillow, Down Pillow, Tencel Pillow, Anti bacteria feather lite Pillow, Ortholite Pillow and Pregnancy Pillow (for pregnancy and post pregnancy phases that helps the hips, neck and lower back). The hotel also understands that accessibility is important and has accessible rooms that include accessible features as well. I stayed in a suite that was expansive with stunning views of the Ulsoor Lake. A separate living and bedroom area and a television that actually turns 360 degrees so you can watch it from either space, a rocking bed that actually rocks, a study table and a separate shower and bathroom space makes this as comfortable as it is luxurious.
Food Matters
Currently the hotel operates one restaurant on the first floor that is called Slo’ Food Co.2, which is the all-day dining restaurant that serves a buffet breakfast each morning and international dishes for lunch and dinner. Slo’ Food Co.2, has an interesting concept as far as food is concerned. With an eclectic mix of Indian dishes, Bengaluru’s local flavours, Pan-Asian specialties and continental fare, each item on the menu has a slow food connect. Whether it is the fact that the dish itself has taken a while to make or being sourced from the local farms, this is good food made from the heart.
This sophisticated eatery also supports the local millet movement, and is also the first restaurant in the city to prepare dishes in the “slow food” style, including using the sous vides method for consistent perfection and crock pot cooking that retains nutrients in the food. Attached is the bar at an elevation that is right over the reception and you can see the brand’s philosophy defined clearly ‘#yesican’. In the pipeline is the roof top gastro bar that will come up adjacent to the swimming pool that will allow you to enjoy signature cocktails while soaking in the stunning views of the city. The restaurant supports the honey bee movement and a live honey comb is part of the breakfast. This apart the plan is to soon have flavoured honey for breakfast on all the tables.
Do More
While you are here, take the time to head to the in house Bodhi Spa that offers an array of treatments to destress your body and relax your mind. I specifically recommend that you try the 90 minute Mandara treatment. This is derived from the Sanskrit legend about the God’s quest to find their elixir of immortality. The massage combines traditional Eastern and classical Western deep tissue strokes to destress and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit and is a modern day secret to eternal youth. Adjacent to the spa is the fitness center that is equipped with the state of the art equipment and is great for health conscious guests.
The hotel also has a board room as well as a small meeting room with a capacity of 40-45 people. As Sapnil Kalkar, General Manager says, “it is our staff that makes a stay here unique. This is a bespoke experience and focuses on style with a purpose. It has a functional design and each member of the team ensures that guests are well taken care of and have had some very positive feedback.” In fact he promises a 100% satisfaction guarantee that you will be happy during your stay here. You can reach out to any staff using the ‘One Touch Service’ on the phone or mail Sapnil directly. Now that is a win-win situation – try out the Radisson experience when you are in Bengaluru next – its arty, edgy and new age.
Address: No. 2, Gangadhar Chetty Road, Ulsoor Bengaluru 560042 India
Phone: +1800 1080 333 (India toll-free)
Website: radisson.com/bangalore-hotel
Photography courtesy of Radisson Bengaluru City Center
