Recently I was invited to the 100th Marriott hotel in the country – the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Center in the multinational information technology hub of Bengaluru. This beautifully designed 360-room property features 39 suites, stylish interiors and panoramic views of the garden city.
Marriott International’s 100th property in India also offers the Sheraton brand’s signature amenities and facilities like Shine Spa for Sheraton™, Sheraton Club Lounge, Sheraton Fitness and Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience.
It was a delight to be hosted in the expansive and luxurious Presidential Suite. On arrival I was welcomed by personalized amenities such as desserts, fruits, chocolates and vodka based cocktails and a handwritten note by General Manager Faiz Alam Ansari.
With a stunning ambience and ideally positioned on the eighth floor of the hotel, The Presidential Suite offers a dazzling view of Plunge, (the Pool Bar). This spacious, decadent suite comprises of a range of thoughtfully designed spaces, from a large living room to a dining room with a graceful table for eight and a fully-stocked pantry from where the staff can cater to private dinners and receptions.
The contemporary master bedroom boasts of a king-size bed which accents the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. Adjacent to the bedroom is a walk-in dressing area with a butler’s entrance to the main vestibule.
The expansive, marble en-suite bathroom features an alluring oversized spa tub with Jacuzzi features along with a separate rainforest shower, a dual marble vanity and separate WC stall, including a restful relaxation area. Guests who are in suites enjoy exclusive access to the Sheraton Club Lounge, which offers complimentary continental breakfast and evening hors d’oeuvres.
Faiz Alam Ansari, Complex General Manager of Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center and Aloft Bengaluru Cessna Business Park, said: “The opening of the Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel and Convention Center is an important milestone for Marriott International – its 100th hotel in India.
“The hotel offers premium meeting spaces and state-of-the-art conference facilities, providing guests access to six iconic food and beverage venues and innovative experiences. As one of Bengaluru’s largest premium meetings and conference venue, we foresee a strong development in the hospitality sector in India and are positive of our growth over the next few years.”
The hotel has 149 Deluxe rooms, 93 Premier Pool View rooms, 79 Sheraton Club rooms, 7 Deluxe Terrace Suites, 19 Junior Suites, 8 Junior Suites with Kitchenette, 4 Executive Suites and one Presidential Suite.
A wide range of amenities and services are available in all rooms, which include High Speed Internet Access, 48-inch LED flat screen television, The Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience, Minibar, Tea/coffee and a Bathroom comprising a rain shower and a bathtub. The Club Rooms also offer upgraded amenities.
“India is one of Marriott International’s most important markets in Asia, with the second highest- number of hotels and rooms after China,” said Paul Foskey, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International. “Given India’s robust economy and rising middle class, we see an incredible opportunity to continue working with owners to open hotels from across Marriott’s extensive array of brands, particularly in the upper midscale, upscale and luxury segments.”
“Achieving this milestone solidifies our commitment to the region and is a testament to the strength of our brands, our strong team, and the confidence from our owners in delivering world-class hotels and personalized services to our guests,” said Neeraj Govil, Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International.
“We shall continue to pave the way for aggressive expansion with our strong pipeline of hotels. It is an exciting time to be at the forefront of the hotel industry and we have set ambitious goals for the future. Marriott International continues to strive at providing unique experiences, leading in technology innovation as well as ensuring that our loyalty programs continue to provide elevated benefits to our member base.”
Sharing his views on this landmark opening, Irfan Razack, CMD, Prestige Group, said: “The hospitality industry is a dynamic one with the needs of the clientele constantly changing. Moreover, we are dealing across a spectrum of clients with varied needs. At Prestige, it has been our constant endeavor to stay one step ahead of changing market dynamics and create benchmarks in the hospitality sector in South India.
“In keeping with this vision, it gives us great pleasure to partner with Marriott International to bring the esteemed Sheraton Grand brand to Whitefield, Bangalore. Bangalore being a tech hub is a city for business travellers and as a developer, we have capitalized on the business convention traffic.
“For us, the segment of corporate travel and MICE contributes significantly, and is a major driver for year on year growth of our hospitality portfolio. The Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Whitefield Hotel & Convention Centre is one such project with the hotel including a hi-tech convention centre which can seat up to 2200+ people.
“With a robust inflow of both tourists and business travellers to the city, we expect this property to be a game changer within the existing hospitality market. We look forward to a long and positive partnership with Marriott International in further elevating the hotel industry in India.”
While I was a guest in the hotel, I spent a lot of time at the Shine Spa for Sheraton™ which offers signature therapies to relax the body and revitalize the mind, presenting guests with transformative spa treatments and the finest sauna experience. With a wide range of treatments, personalized programs and packages available on the menu, specially trained therapists offer an elevated and enriching experience.
Spa Manager Genu Nayar and her team of efficient therapists ensured that I had a relaxing time in the spa especially when I went for the Shirodhara treatment which is an Ayurvedic therapy and works wonders for frequent travelers and those who are in high stress jobs.
The hotel’s food and beverage team led by Director of Food and Beverage Saurabh Thakur and Executive Chef Jatinder Pal ensures that foodies are never disappointed during their stay. The signature all-day dining restaurant, Feast, is a casual dining option, offering freshly prepared local and international cuisine, buffet-style or à la carte, where guests can savour new tastes and flavours.
Its vibrant décor and open counters encourage interactive culinary experiences.The restaurant also offers one of the largest assortments of desserts, a vast array of cocktails and an exhaustive wine list. A private dining room within the restaurant comfortably seats up to 12 guests.
Executive Chef Jatinder Pal created an interesting south Indian breakfast which was served on banana leaves with the menu written on the leaves separately making it a unique experience.
InAzia, the Pan-Asian restaurant, offers a range of cuisines from across Asia. Chef Rungtiwa Sorlae has created a unique menu that includes classics from Vietnam, Thailand, China, Indonesia and Japan with a modern twist.Crabmeat Celery Crystal Dumplings, Seafood Thai Curry and Massaman Curry, Pad Thai prawn noodles are some preparations that can’t be missed.
Chime is an exciting new lobby bar that offers a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, an extensive list of wines and martinis prepared with homemade infusions and delightful snacks.
Managed by Rohan Rege, Chime is a great place to try innovative cocktails such as Aviation, Ancestor’s Gift, Angel’s Share paired with delicious food in a refined ambience. The design is cool, eclectic and moody with the use of stone, wood and creative lighting.
Upper Cut, the grill and barbecue restaurant that offers premium steaks, fresh seafood and free-range poultry is an outdoor venue where one can dine under the stars, Executive Chef Jatinder Pal created fantastic cuisine such as pan seared scallops with textures of cauliflower, mouth watering pizzas, fresh seafood and delightful desserts.
Sheraton Grand Bengaluru Hotel & Convention Center is a beautiful hotel and is a destination in itself with lots to keep a guest busy with during their stay including the tastefully designed rooms, unique restaurants that serve fantastic food, a bar which has a refined ambience, a spa that is perfect for rejuvenation and relaxation and a friendly team that understands the essence of hospitality. Worth several visits when in Bangalore!
Website: starwoodhotels.com
Address: Prestige Shantiniketan Hoodi, Whitefield Landmark: Opposite Manipal, Hospital WF, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560048, India
Phone: +91 8071 008 100
