Allen's Reviews

Can't say enough good things about this hotel

Wonderfully friendly staff. All the amenities of a proper 5-star hotel: Spa, fantastic restaurants (try them all, seriously), and the pool is great.

This is one of only a couple of places you want to stay while in Bangalore if you can afford it (here or the Leela Palace) – many of the other hotels in town are 1-2 stars less than what you’d expect at a typical Western hotel – keep that in mind.

The Spa: Went there myself for a massage. It’s run by the Banyan Tree group and the value for the price here was supurb.

The Fitness room: Smaller that one would expect at at a hotel of this caliber, but usually not too crowded. Two treadmills. A couple of exercise bikes. Free weights. About a half dozen machines.

The restaurants: Rim Naam. Great Thai spot – probably the best restaurant of the four at this property. I recommend trying the fresh seafood kept at the grill…walk to the back of the restaurant by the koi pond to have a look at what’s been shipped in that day.

Szechwan Court – Decent Chinese Szechwan style and some Cantonese dishes. The atmosphere isn’t as top notch as Rim Naam, but there is a dessert buffet that’s very nice.

Polo Club – this is the spot to meet up with friends, but be sure to grab one of the seats next to the pond and fountain outside. If you’re lucky there’s usually live music nightly by a local guy in a tuxedo with a guitar singing Steve Miller and Eagles tunes. Pretty surreal.

Would I go back or recommend to a friend? Yes.

PS – the hotel will pick you up from the airport in Bangalore. Be sure to keep your eye out for them and if it’s your first time here, stay away from all of the other guys there trying to ‘help out’ with your bags.

Reviewed on: May 10, 2006