Hotels & Hospitality
“Whether for business or leisure or a little bit of both, The Grand Ashok guarantees that guests will want to relive the experience time and time again,” says Harinder Singh.
A grand affair
A
sweeping driveway lined with tall trees leads you to the porch and expansive lobby. Recently refurbished, the hotel has a contemporary exuberance that is evident in its restaurants and rooms.
Getting on to the hot list of Conde Nast Travellers Top Ten Spa Destinations worldwide in 2007 for its spa Rejuve has been a delightful bonus for The Grand Ashok, which has been recently re-launched and re-branded as a premier five-star deluxe hotel.
The Grand Ashok Bangalore is owned and operated by Bharat Hotels India, a group which presently offers seven luxurious hotels in the five star deluxe segment. Says Harinder Singh, the General Manager, “A total refurbishment, renovation and makeover in a sleek contemporary style have completely changed the look and feel of the property.” Nestled in an oasis of manicured lawns and sprawling grounds, which are filled with over 80 varieties of trees, The Grand Ashok has powerful neighbours. The Chief Minister’s home and office are on either side and further down the road is the state guest house for VIPs. Indeed, the aura of power and pelf has subtly infused itself into the hotel’s character. For several years, it was the only hotel of its ilk – both in size and prestige, a location of choice for weddings, international conferences and the place to stay for business travellers and politicians. Today, even with more hotels offering similar facilities, the hotel continues to enjoy its day in the sun. The Grand Ashok has 147 Deluxe Rooms, 21 Club Rooms and 18 Suites equipped with business essentials and creature comforts. The Presidential Suite is an interesting blend of finest luxury and new age setting; its spacious rooms have enough options it comes with a personal butler who awaits your bidding, a private jacuzzi and ample space for entertaining, work and relaxation. Large picture windows admit plentiful natural light and offer sweeping, panoramic views of the entire city. The Executive and Club Suites exude comfort and space in a gracious residential setting while the stylish, intimate Deluxe Rooms offer serene views and a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle outside. It has the city’s largest banquet facilities along with a sophisticated Ballroom where one can entertain hundreds of guests in elegance and style. Besides its fabulous location, the hotel is known for its creative dining options and is the perfect hospitality choice for both the business and leisure traveller.
The wide driveway of The Grand Ashok is an invitation in itself
Best of Bangalore | 56
57 | Best of Bangalore
Centrally located, just 30 km from the Bengaluru International Airport and close to the city's prime commercial, banking, shopping and entertainment districts,the elegant interiors, great service, fine cuisine and contemporary design come together to create an experience that is truly grand and welcoming for any guest. The hotel has many creative dining options – the delightful rooftop pan-Asian restaurant Mandarin offers specialty dishes along with a panoramic view of the city. Come dinner time, there is peppy live music. A culinary high point in the city, Baluchi specialises in frontier food from Baluchistan and replicates glorious dishes such as succulent kebab platters, and fragrant biryanis.The aroma of meat roasting on charcoal grills wafting from the open live kitchen awakens a keen appetite. The round the clock coffee shop, 24/7, is trendy, bright and interactive and reflects Bangalore’s evolving lifestyle. The accent is on authentic dishes culled from Italian, Asian, Mediterranean and Indian cuisines to create a full-bodied meal rich in variety and taste. The attached terrace overlooks the pool and offers an al fresco experience. The contemporary lounge bar Sutra serves signature cocktails whipped up by expert bartenders and extends into a charming courtyard. With music to match, it is a surefire hit. The large sprawling garden and the deck chairs by the pool are ideal for relaxation; while the Rejuve Spa offers pure pampering using holistic therapies and massages. Trained therapists use Ayurvedic, Aromatherapy and traditional Western techniques. A beauty salon, relaxation pools and a gym are also on offer. A stroll around the extensive grounds at The Grand Ashok will take one past the tree lined tennis courts to a gazebo; this is the historic spot where Mahatma Gandhi once meditated. With a legacy of the past and a pulse on the present, The Grand Ashok has scaled up the value chain in the city’s booming hospitality sector. Tel: + 91 80 3052 7777 www.thegrandbangalore.com
Harinder Singh, General Manager