India (Frommer's, 4th Edition) (200 page)
14/7 M.G. Rd., Bengaluru 560 001.
080/2559-4666.
Fax 080/2559-4667.
www.theparkhotels.com
. [email protected]. 109 units. Rs 17,000 deluxe double; Rs 18,000 deluxe balcony double; Rs 19,000 deluxe terrace double; Rs 21,000 luxury double; Rs 22,000 residence floor; Rs 24,000 terrace suite; Rs 28,000 premiere suite; Rs 3,000 extra bed. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; lounge bar; airport transfers (Rs 2,100, free for Residence rooms); babysitting; currency exchange; doctor-on-call; health spa; library; outdoor pool; room service; theater; valet. In room: A/C, TV, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 150/half hour, Rs 750/full day).
Shreyas
One of the best Yoga retreats in India, Shreyas is simply addictive. Chanting in a machan, open platform for
yogasana,
gardens for getting your hands dirty, paths for evening walks, Balinese and Thai massage for ultimate relaxation, secreted niches for contemplation—it’s all here. One can endlessly explore the spaces and be surprised every turn of the way. We recommend the tented cottages which are a delight with their large windows, bamboo screens, chunky chests and smart
daris;
spacious bathrooms open into a pebbled yard. Evenings are utterly magical with hurricane lamps and paper lanterns and impromptu dining decor. No alcohol/meat/tobacco may seem harsh but it’s surprising how easily you will take to fresh pomegranate juice with barbequed tofu and embrace the overall wellness ethic. Limited to just three accommodation choices (a three-room garden cottage, three poolside cottages, and eight tented cottages) set in 10 hectares (25 acres), the atmosphere is discreet and personal, amenities are luxurious and service a living reality of what Shreyas stands for—excellence.
Santoshima Farm, near Golahalli Farm, Nelamangala, Bengaluru 562 123.080/2773-7102.
Fax 080/2773-7016.
www.shreyasretreat.com
. 14 units. $340 single, $460 double; extra bed for up to 8 years of age although children are not encouraged. Rates include all meals, daily yoga and chanting sessions, all recreational facilities. Taxes extra. Visit the website for specific packages. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Dining room; airport transfer (Rs 2,250); cricket net with bowling machine; doctor-on-call; gym; music/film/book libraries; ozonated pool with Jacuzzi; spa; steam room. In room: A/C, hair dryer, Internet (complimentary).
Taj West End HotelA member of The Leading Hotels of the World,
West End dates back to 1887, when it was a 10-room Victorian boardinghouse. Today the luxury hotel has expanded hugely but retains its old-world charm while providing guests with 21st-century conveniences. The stately lobby features a central atrium with skylight, dark walnut paneling, teakwood fluting on the walls, lots of plants, plush sofas, and a grand piano. Accommodations are spread over more than 9 hectares (22 acres) of untamed gardens with lush foliage—although there is a buggy to whisk you to your room after check-in, it’s a delight to walk through the meandering paths under century-old trees. Rooms comprise various pitched-roof-veranda blocks and more recent structures modeled on similar colonial architecture; each has a private balcony overlooking the extensive gardens. Try to book in the Heritage Wing, which has four-poster beds and old-fashioned Bengaluru-theme lithographs. Some of the Luxury and Grand Luxury rooms are by comparison rather ordinary, but the private balcony with lovely views is a consolation.
Race Course Rd., Bengaluru 560 001.080/6660-5660.
Fax 080/6660-5700.
www.tajhotels.com
. 117 units. Rs 22,500 luxury double; Rs 24,500 luxury grand; Rs 29,500 taj club; Rs 40,000–Rs 2,00,000 suites. Rs 1,500 extra bed. Taj Club rooms and suites include breakfast and airport transfers. AE, DC, MC, V.
Amenities:
3 restaurants; bar; airport transfer (Rs 2,670); babysitting; currency exchange; doctor-on-call; fitness center; golf and riding on request; laptop computers for hire; room service; 2 outdoor tennis courts. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, minibar, Wi-Fi (Rs 240/hr, Rs 722/day). Taj Club units: butlers, DVD players, fax machines on request.
Villa Pottipati
Surrounded by fruit and flowering trees, this stately villa is the most authentic and reasonably priced heritage experience you can have, and amazingly enough, right in the heart of this city of steel, glass, and concrete. Service is personal and exceptional, with the kind of attention guests probably enjoyed a century ago, and furnishings in keeping with the heritage character. Set meals are served indoors, or outdoors under a canopy of mango trees; everything we tried was delicious. As at all Neemrana properties, each guest room is different; if you’re fussy, ask for a tour of unoccupied others before making your mind up. The Venkatagiri Suite, with a turquoise-blue Venkatagiri sari covering the bed, offers incredible value, with a living room, a private dressing area, an area for kids, two large wardrobes, a bathroom with a large bathtub, and a veranda. The Rajadurga Suite rewards early birds with spectacular sunrise views. The fabulous Kanchipuram Suite has a private pillared balcony, an anteroom for kids, and an old-fashioned, lime-green bathroom.
142, 8th Cross, 4th Main Rd., Malleswaram, Bengaluru 560 003.080/2336-0777
or 080/4128-0832 through -0834.
Fax 080/5128-0835.
www.neemranahotels.com
. 8 units. Rs 4,000–Rs 6,000 double; Rs 800 extra bed. Rates include morning “bed tea” and evening tea. Taxes extra. AE, MC, V.
Amenities:
Dining room; bar; airport transfer (Rs 900); concierge; currency exchange; doctor-on-call; outdoor pool. In room: A/C, TV, hair dryer, Wi-Fi (Rs 200/day).
