Arousing the architectural splendour of Mysore, The Leela Palace Bengaluru stands magnificently between expanses of plush green gardens making for a gorgeous spot. The five-star hotel boasts an enjoyable blend of global and royal Indian design: think majestic public spaces, opulent brass antiques, sparkling chandeliers and fresh flowers, plus a gallant collection of contemporary art speckled through the hotel.
Hotel
This stately property sways from the moment you step into the palm lined entrance leading past a beautiful marble fountain into a windswept lobby that overlooks lush gardens, waterfalls, and lily ponds. The majestic airy porte-cochere at the entrance is breath-takingly beautiful. As I step inside, I discover shimmering chandeliers, fresh flowers, tailor made furniture, classical frescos and landscaped gardens that add to the neoclassical grandeur.
A variety of loungers and futons safeguard this imposing arrival spot and the public areas are afloat with light. This is the kind of hotel that seeks to overwhelm guests with its opulence, but it’s also cosy enough to instantaneously feel comfortable with copper domes, arches, and baroque ceilings echoing the magnificence of palaces of a bygone era.
General manager Madhav Sehgal has the Andaz and Hyatt behind him and has amassed a remarkable team. Austerity and candour are the key: ‘Dial guest services for everything’.
Room
Impressive without being garish, the bedrooms are mini art deco palaces in their own right, and there are 24 suites including the Maharaja. The rooms are some of the most spacious in Bengaluru, each room is lavishly furnished with antiques and thoughtful touches such as bowls of fruit; the traditionally styled contemporary bathrooms feature home grown Tishya products.
For even more stately splendour, book a suite with a separate living and bedroom or one of Royal Suites flanking the gardens with their own balcony, and if you want to make the most of your time relaxing, simply tap the room service button. Storage space is abundant, with robes offered and carpet slippers fetched at turndown. Home comforts include irons, kettles, Nespresso coffee makers, sound systems and wide-screen televisions. The whole ambience conveys luxury, privacy and originality galore.
Food and drink
Cocktails at the Library bar are outlandish: don’t be surprised to taste Amla or even Szechuan pepper honey mixed in with your gin. The bar is also known for its great collection of premium whiskies and other spirits.
The stand out restaurant is Le Cirque Signature an outpost of an international chain where the talented chefs perform to serve the finest of contemporary French and Italian cuisine.
Beyond the lobby’s glass doors, the restaurants continue outdoors toward the manicured gardens and the effect is dazzling. Citrus, the all-day dining has a nonchalant vibe and presents daily buffets and a la crate options offering a full English breakfast, hot fluffy omelettes or Indian crisp pancakes made to order; creamy pastries and more.
This alfresco area is home to the award-winning restaurant Jamavar, celebrated for its Imperial Indian food. Some of the dishes that wowed during my visit included a Gosht ki nihari, a traditional Awadhi lamb delicacy flavoured with saffron and the Tandoori broccoli – a modern Indian dish that is tandoori baked broccoli stuffed with corn, cheese and fresh pomegranate making it a unique delicacy make for repeat guests. Zen, the Asian restaurant, surrounded by panoramic views of the resort is was favourite spot for lunch.
To do
The hotel courtyard, with its sitting areas, a lush garden and waterfall, is serene, while the agreeably appointed spa features a jacuzzi, plus treatment sauna and steam rooms. And the spa here styles the flawless setting for ‘balancing senses’ and is a work of art that is a total mind and body encounter. The fitness centre has the full range of Technogym machines. Come here for flawless five-star service in expansive milieus.
Outside of the hotel you can head to Indiranagar and MG Road for some smart buys or let the concierge suggest some local cultural experiences to suit you.
In a nutshell
Splendid, welcoming, elegant, comfortable, instantaneous – just how we like it. The Leela Palace Bengaluru offers an experience of spot-on superlative indulgence. Whatever your itinerary is, relish the Leela Palace difference.
Factbox
A deluxe room costs approx. INR 17,000 and The Royal Suite approx. INR 1,57,000 per night including breakfast.
Address: 23 HAL Old Airport Road, Bengaluru – 560008, India.
Phone: +91 (80) 3057 1234
Website: theleela.com
