A recent visit to Bangalore proved to be an enjoyable one what with a fabulous stay at the Ritz-Carlton. This is the country’s first Ritz Carlton and one that has raised the bar for luxury hotels all over the country. Right from the location to the ambience, the décor, the staff, the service, the facilities, the food, everything is top notch here.
Located on Residency Road in the heart of downtown Bangalore, the Ritz-Carlton houses 277 rooms, a stunning décor which encompasses Jaali (lattice screen) design from the Mughal era and many architectural and interior design features, including pointed archways.
An impressive marble staircase is the center piece of the hotel’s interior and decorative paintings and sculptures are all carefully blended to form an essential part of the hotel’s character. With 1,280 pieces of contemporary art from prominent artists, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is home to the largest collection inside a hotel. Paintings by Bose Krishnamachari, Paresh Maity and Sujata Bajaj line the lobby with a statue of Picasso by American sculptor Robert St Croix near the entrance.
With business cards that say that you are in residence at the Ritz-Carlton to personalized stationary and pillow sheets with your names sewn on it, a stay at the hotel is one of exclusive luxury. What works for the hotel is a combination of elegant and luxurious décor, high end cuisine and most important the attitude of the staff which matches up in every possible way.
Business facilities offered at the hotel include a range of meeting rooms featuring the stunning 600 square meter Ritz-Carlton Ballroom, one permanent boardroom and three function rooms with natural light. Those looking for rejuvenation can visit The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA for a relaxing experience with Ayurvedic and internationally-acclaimed treatments. An expansive state-of-the-art fitness facility with a fully-equipped Technogym, and an outdoor swimming pool with poolside lounge and bar surrounded by lush foliage are also located on the same floor.
The Market is a great restaurant to sample the number of options that Executive Chef Anupam Banerjee and his team offer guests. There is food from East Asia, Europe and India, live stations, an elaborate dessert station, a sushi counter, etc. The Market has three interactive show kitchens along with wood-burning and tandoor ovens to produce culinary masterpieces from around the world and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast as well. Those who prefer a glass of wine with their meals can choose from an extensive selection of both New and Old World wines. While in The Market, it is a good idea to try the Bengali desserts as this hotel has a talented Halwai (a chef who creates desserts).
For those who can’t do without a cup of tea late afternoon, the stylish Lobby Lounge in the hotel is a must visit. Here The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary Afternoon Tea is served in a relaxed, contemporary environment and is a great place to try bite size sandwiches, pastries, tarts, savories etc. An impressive library captures the effortless comfort of a well-appointed living room along with artistic masterpieces completing the experience. The lobby lounge also has live entertainment on weekend evenings.
The Lantern is a unique combination of casual fine dining and cutting-edge nightlife. Resembling a Chinese lantern, the restaurant explores diverse aspects of Chinese cuisine in a pleasing ambiance. While at Lantern, it is the delectable Dim Sums that are a must try after which you can move onto ordering the mains. There is a wide choice of seating both indoors and outdoors. One can’t help but admire the exotic textiles and porcelain vessels that line the walls. Dining at Lantern is like embarking on a fragrant journey into Chinese kitchens that serve healthy and flavourful food. Try the Truffle Scented Edamame Money Pouch, Crispy Vegetable Cheung Fun, Crystal Vegetable Dumpling and the Mapo Tofu while dining at The Lantern.
Riwaz, a fine dine that serves Indian cuisine is a great place to experiment with smoky, robust flavors, tender grilled meats and an assortment of Indian breads. Given the nature of the cuisine it would be a better idea to go there during lunch. An open kitchen, traditional methods of cooking, contemporary desserts, an extensive wine list make up for a memorable meal at Riwaz. Must tries are the Nalli Nihari, Bhatti ka Kukkad, the Subj aur gucchi di galouti and the Afghani Korma.
Located at the hotel’s lobby level, an evening at the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Bar is for those who enjoy their drink in a sophisticated environment coupled by efficient service. This bar spells luxury with a capital ‘L’ and offers great food to match along with drinks. Renowned cognacs, robust ports, hand-selected whiskies and classic cocktails alongside rich comfort foods and artisanal cheeses are on offer here. The décor is inspired from the sophisticated intimacy of 19th century English Gentlemen’s Clubs and the intricate ornamental screens of the indigenous ‘Jaali’ tradition.
Grill 99 is the newest addition to the Ritz-Carlton’s fabulous repertoire of eateries. This al fresco restaurant boasts of a fantastic location by the poolside and is located on the 5th floor of the hotel. With a water body and beautiful greenery on the fringes, it was a delight to be able to enjoy the freshest of seafood grilled to perfection and matched with fine wines. An unmatched ambience of refinement runs through the restaurant that has 24 covers most of which are cozily tucked into alcoves lending the place a touch of romanticism. The clever play of light and shade is made to enhance this aspect adding to the ambience of Grill 99. Warm, intuitive service adds to the atmosphere, providing discerning diners an urban retreat in the city with unparalleled service and a classic menu.
The menu has lots to choose from whether it is hearty grills and steaks with highlights such as Prawns Grilled with Herb Butter, New Zealand Lamb Chops, Tenderloin, Rib Eye and whole roast Organic Chicken – all succulent and grilled to perfection. It is a great idea to begin a heary meal with soups like Heirloom Tomato and Garlic soup with Basil cream and fragrant Pumpkin and Rosemary Soup with Herb oil. Sides like Creamed Spinach, Sauté Mushroom, Braised Red Cabbage, Onion Confit while sauces like Béarnaise sauce, Pepper Sauce, Salsa Verde, Fennell butter sauce add that extra zing to unique creations on the menu. “We have tried to keep the Menu as classic and authentic as possible to let diners enjoy excellent quality fresh produce, done to perfection within a relaxed, yet refined atmosphere. Paired with fine wines, a dinner at Grill 99 promises to be memorable. Add to it, Bangalore’s pleasant ambient surrounds and you have the perfect recipe for a great dining experience”, remarked Executive Chef, Anupam Banerjee.
A stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore is ideal when you are in the mood for decadent luxury and comfort. There is so much to do within the hotel that one doesn’t feel the need to step out at all as the hotel is a destination in itself!
Address: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore No 99 Residency Road, Bangalore, India 560025
Phone: +91 80 4914 8000
