The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

BEST FOR Elaborate event spaces

DON’T MISS

Cantonese cuisine at The Lantern

PRICE

Internet rates are upwards of ₹18,600

CONTACT

99, Residency Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025 ritzcarlton.com

BACKGROUND Situated in the centre of technology and innovation hub, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore blends luxury with comfort. The hotel was founded in 2013 and is known as the first Ritz-Carlton hotel to be established in India. The 16-storey hotel showcases award-winning restaurants and state-of-the-art event spaces, making it ideal for every kind of traveller.

WHAT’S IT LIKE Upon entering, I was greeted by the pleasant sta in the hotel lobby. With a tastefully minimalistic design, the 227-room hotel provided a calming ambience to unwind in. The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore o ers a wide range of dining options to tease your palate, and plenty of quiet spots to comfortably recharge after a busy day.

WHERE IS IT This hotel is located in the heart of Bengaluru, one km from the closest metro stop and three km from Lalbagh Botanical Garden, Cubbon Park, and the Vidhana Soudha. Guests can also visit the Dravidian-style bull temple, the exceptionally designed Bangalore Palace, the National Gallery of Modern Art, and the HAL Aerospace Museum.

ROOMS The hotel o ers 227 spacious rooms and suites that have been carefully designed with a range of amenities to make for a comfortable stay. Each room draws inspiration from traditional Indian design and features floor-to-ceiling windows that o er panoramic views of the city, marble bathrooms, Nespresso machines, free wifi, a wide flat-screen television, as well as a Dean & DeLuca-curated minibar. Guests can choose from a range of well-furnished rooms including suites, which provide exclusive access to the club lounge. I stayed in the Club Deluxe Room. This room was 48 sqm with a stunning city view, and had access to the club lounge, along with express check-in and checkout, and five elaborate food presentations, every day. The elegantly designed marble bathroom had a bathtub, and the signature 400-thread count Frette linen bed was perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep.

FOOD AND DRINK The hotel’s vast array of dining options is a delight for every gourmand. I enjoyed a hearty breakfast with a colourful platter of freshly cut fruits, a delicious dosa, and an egg white omelette at The Market. I visited the club lounge in the evening and sipped on a flute of Sangiovese wine, pairing it with the subtle flavours of aged cheese, and delicious, crispy-coated fish fingers. The Lantern is ideal for premium Cantonese cuisine, while the poolside bar o ers salads and refreshing cocktails in an outdoor setting. Riwaz o ers authentic North-Indian fare, seasoned with regional flavours. Ganache is an ideal patisserie for nursing a sweet tooth, with a mouth-

With an eye for hospitality, the Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is ideal for a combination of work and relaxation watering array of cakes, macarons, and hot chocolate.

MEETINGS The hotel curates a compelling atmosphere for events and celebrations. With 1,858 sqm of spacious private banquet areas that are designed with exquisite décor, the hotel also o ers a pillarless ballroom and an outside landscaped foyer with a dedicated entrance. The team of in-house event planners assist with every aspect of planning, right from floral arrangements to specially designed dishes, courtesy of the master chefs.

LEISURE The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Bangalore spans the entire fifth floor of the hotel and is a 1579 sqm wellness retreat that provides exquisite treatments inspired by Eastern and Indian medical practices, as well as a men's and women's salon, a world-class fitness centre, and a luxurious outdoor heated pool.

VERDICT With an eye for hospitality, the Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is ideal for a combination of work and relaxation, catering to the needs of leisure as well as business travellers.

Ravi Lalwani