Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Travel ~ The stunning vistas, culture, customs, and novelty of the place become a blur as I take a trip into myself only to discover new things that I never knew existed!

A crown jewel in the business district of Pune, Conrad Pune is the epitome of curated services, eclectic style, plush and richly textured experiences. The hotel ever so graciously hosted my husband, Vikram, and me for 3 nights in the city.

Arrival

Our ride from the airport to the luxury property was a short but interesting one. Like so many of the lively Indian cities, Pune has a unique atmosphere ~ the colours, the sounds, the people ~ it has that something that makes one instantly fall in love with the city!

Being all about luxury and opulence, the gold “Conrad” logo at the exterior entrance to the Conrad Pune truly sets the tone for an unmatched experience. Upon entering the Conrad lobby, the contrast couldn’t have been more striking than what we had experienced on our cab ride, where we could observe a little bit of the real-life of the city. The reception area in shades of purple and gold is spectacular and spacious and leaves you with an air of the roaring 20s given its impressive Art Deco sculptures and decor.

We were warmly greeted by the affable Deepa Chandiramani, Marketing and Communications Manager, along with her team, and experienced the heartfelt satisfaction that emanates from a serene and ceremonial Indian welcome with the tikka and aarti that had all the characteristic traditional attributes.

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g

 

Onset

Something has always enticed me about the Conrad hotels. As with most of them, the whole design at the Conrad Pune is thought out perfectly and is timeless and distinctive. The design language of the property takes you on a journey of innovation and tranquillity owing to its distinctive features. The mesmerizing facade of 40 feet high ceilings, beautifully crafted lighting, carefully curated collection of original artwork, the use of water as a design element, and ample sunlight reaching out with its warm fingers into the spaces ~ completed my literary fantasy!

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

Room With a View

There’s nothing better than experiencing the beauty of a city at a certain height. Defining this statement, we were assigned with a room on the thirteenth floor that provided an unobtrusive view from where Pune could be perceived most magnificently. The city looked calm and peaceful from up there ~ so close, yet so far away.

Weary from our journey, I was relieved to simply stretch my arms out, flop on the comfy bed, and take a deep breath. Our room fit perfectly into the overall design of the property and was equipped with everything one could wish for ~ from a spacious bathroom equipped with a luxurious soaking bathtub, to an impressive snack bar and a very welcome espresso machine.

Now it’s not just the calming atmosphere that makes one appreciate the Conrad, it’s also the unique application of technology. The room had touch panels to control the electronics and motion sensors that automatically turned on the light in darker areas, so you didn’t need to search for the switch in unfamiliar territory.

366g

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

I reluctantly tore myself away from these creature comforts and after a quick recharge, Vikram and I set out to explore the city; but with plans made in mind to schedule an appointment with the deep-soaking bathtub later on in the evening, in the company of some aromatic bath salts. Keeping in mind the heat of the city, there’s no denying the comfort of a bath after a long day of sightseeing. Adding to the appeal is a rubber ducky by the tub {this is fairly iconic to most Conrad hotels globally}, and what’s even better is that you can bring it home with you as an entity of reminiscence.

But if a deep soak is too much for you, be assured that the on-room marble-tiled overhead rain-style shower will leave you feeling pampered with its custom mixed Aromatherapy Associates shampoo, conditioner and body wash. And with the, once again, great light design and imposing mirror ~ you will be able to contemplate your body in all its glory!

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g

 

Exploration ~ The City, its Essence, Sights, and Sounds

The Conrad acts as a nucleus for explorative activities in the area, and depending on how much time you have on hand, they chalk out good travel itineraries with intended places to see and exciting activities that are 1, 3, and 5 hours long, making it easy to incorporate them in your schedule. And yes, these activities are novel and unorthodox.

Since we had a day to spare for sightseeing and were interested in the famous cultural destinations of Pune, we decided to do a 5-hour tour. Our tour began at the iconic Vohuman Café, where we were treated to a scrumptious breakfast. It was a good way to start and from there we went on to visit Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum followed by Shaniwar Wada Palace.

The palace is actually more of a fortress and looks daring and quite intimidating with its dark colours and bulky architecture ~ they don’t call it a haunted fort for nothing. But it is surrounded by a huge geometrical garden that invites exploration. The museum, on the other hand, offers a great display of historical artisan works and gives a glimpse into the rich cultural history of the region. What makes museums special to me is that with a little fantasy they are a time machine into a past long forgotten, and enable you to explore a world usually unreachable and unimaginable.

Vikram and I continued our sightseeing by enjoying a walk around the streets of Pune; getting lost in the markets, browsing through colourful stalls, taking in the vibrant colours of the saris women wore, and searching for hidden corners where we could observe the beautiful people of the city and its traditions. The whole premise of the tour was a way of connecting with the city, and you could feel the deep love the guides have for their own culture ~ a love for sharing.

Our entire day tour that was made a reality by the hotel as they helped us knit together landscape, folklore, and food has been documented here. Feel free to browse through… 🙂

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

As twilight settled in, and on our return to the hotel, we decided to head down to the temperature-controlled pool for a swim. The light design really complimented the ambience, and the gurgle of the water cascade tickled my ears. Floating on my back, the water warm against my skin, I looked forward to day 2 of our stay at this gorgeous property. But something lured me back up ~ the delicious evening snacks and curated cocktails offered up by the poolside lounge, Kabana that renders you with a feel of the city.

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g

 

Getting back to the room had wonderful surprises awaiting us. Apart from an assorted selection of hand-crafted chocolates and cookies, and a fruit platter by the bedside {the room’s evening turndown service}, was a warm letter of welcome from the GM, as well as two Conrad Pune Teddy Bears placed against the fluffy pillows. And this, my friends, is what I call perfect service ~ the hallmark of a world-class hotel!

366g

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

Unique Dining Experiences

The next morning I woke up with the gentle but demanding smell of a strong coffee wafting through the room. Floating through the sunlit room I followed the enticing aroma to the in-room breakfast I had ordered the night before. With the view of the city and the morning sun as my room light, I sat down and gathered strength for our day ahead.

Though a holiday trip, I can say with confidence that the life of a blogger is like a switch that is always on. I started my morning with some quick responses to emails. And, I must add that I was never someone who enjoyed working from bed until I actually tried it. The idea of never having to leave the plush mattress and pillows is definitely one that I can get behind!

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g
366g

 

With the options of either the full buffet breakfast experience at Coriander Kitchen or a more private one at the Executive Lounge; the hotel provides a diverse range of choices for guests staying in the executive room or suite. And, although the food library at Coriander Kitchen {with its temperature-controlled shelves} is enticing with its bite-sized portions of freshly cut fruits, salads, and dessert ~ with the need to save some space for the local delicacies of the city ~ Vikram and I opted to dine at the Executive Lounge {a delightful space where staff are eager to serve their guests in a warm and comfortable environment} over the next two days.

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g

 

What makes the gourmet experiences at the Conrad hotels world over extraordinary is authenticity coupled with their distinctive philosophies.

The Conrad Pune offers six perfectly crafted dining outlets {excluding the Executive Lounge} that each offer something different. Coriander Kitchen is their casual all-day diner; Koji is their Asian speciality restaurant perfect for smooth Japanese sake, and delectable signature dishes; Zeera is their fine-dining Indian restaurant that presents diners with the choicest regional Indian cuisine; Kabana, with its beautiful terrace garden and cabanas with plush sofas, is perfect for those lazy days; the bar, Masu, is a popular nightspot and has an in-house DJ and an Asian themed cocktail menu in the evening; and lastly their 24-hour delicatessen, Pune Sugar Box {PSB} dishes up exotic baked goods and dessert.

 

* Coriander Kitchen *

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

* Koji *

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g
366g

 

* Zeera *

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g
366g

 

* Pune Sugar Box {PSB} *

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

Afternoon Tea is served at the Executive Lounge from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM ~ it’s where we escaped to a moment of high refinement when indulging in their finest selection of loose-leaf and herbal teas, coupled with an exquisite selection of sweets and savouries. It was also where, from the big glass front, I could take in the irresistible glow of the city underneath me.

I would suggest you enjoy your afternoon tea and savouries until 5:00 PM and then go on to experience their unlimited cocktails, wines, and beers in the two hours that follow. I must mention that the little sofa chairs here {that seat up to two adults on each side} are quite cosy and comfy, and seem to be a favourite seating area offering superb cityscape views.

And if you stay long enough, you can see the myriad hues flitting across the sky as it heralds twilight. It is fascinating to see the sky from this angle. I realised one of the advantages of planning a visit in summer is the comparatively clearer skies and cleaner air.

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

It was hard enough for me to leave this oasis of comfort and elegance behind but knowing that a spot at the Spa awaited, I was excited to head out.

That Cleopatra Experience

The rejuvenation floor boasts of having the city’s first temperature-controlled pool. The spa, round-the-clock fitness centre, and tropical garden gives a unique and personalised milieu that connects yet disconnects you from the outside world. There are oil lamps that are lit along the pathways in the evening that add to the delightful ambience. The moonlight, the lamps, and the evening breeze make it a wondrously sublime experience.

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

366g

 

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

Personal care is given during the spa treatments at Conrad Spa that leaves you feeling rejuvenated. The Pearl & Jasmine body scrub recommended by the spa manager was divine. The treatment uses Himalayan Salt Crystal Scrub and is said to leave the skin supple and smooth while restoring vitality and energy levels. This was followed up with a Classic Swedish Massage which was really relaxing. The open palm pressure which is said to improve blood circulation and ease muscular strain was calming and soothing to the mind, body, and soul.

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

366g

 

To conclude: Sometimes small things make all the difference, and that is exactly how Vikram and I felt during our stay here. There was this sense of belonging which the staff made us feel with their warm and caring gestures; for example, each time we visited the Executive Lounge, we were addressed by name, and our room was always made up every morning with all amenities in place… it was hard bidding adieu both to the Conrad Hotel and Pune.

I would personally recommend staying at the Conrad Pune as it is not only ranked among the top few luxury hotels in India but also belongs to the Hilton group, an international hotel chain.

 

Tanya Dhar in conversation with Pavan Chennam, Executive Chef at Conrad Pune

Conrad Pune ~ Luxury by Hilton

 

Disclaimer: This review was done on an invitation from Conrad Pune, and is a narrative of the author’s experience at the property. Due judgment and care have been applied by the author to remain objective and unbiased in the review.

Disclaimer: The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Urban Diaries.

Stay connected with me over Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest |

Written By

* I love bringing together a bunch of conflicting items and weaving my own sense of one-ness to them. *

58 Comments

  • I love your writing style, Tanya ~ you have a distinct and relatable voice that really comes through in your blog. Conrad Pune looks like a gorgeous hotel… here’s to another cool experience under your belt! ❤️

  • Such a special experience. ❤️ What I would give for the luxury of getting away and forgetting everything for a few days in a hotel as exotic as this! You’ve certainly convinced me that Conrad Pune is a property I MUST visit. The sooner the better!

    • It’s been fun focusing on storytelling while writing about Conrad Pune… I hope you make it there soon, Akshima.

  • Make headway on productivity when you get down to business with their inspiring spaces… Add to that, beautiful interiors, warm and friendly staff, and delicious food ~ why haven’t I been yet?!

  • My husband and I been to many of the same countries as you’ve been, but one of our absolute favourites was India. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to experience the culture! The next time around, we should stop by Pune. 🙂

  • What an incredible year it has been for you, and from what it sounds like also with respect to self-awareness and finding what makes you happy and healthy. Thank you for sharing your experiences so honestly, and for giving us a chance to follow along, Tanya. ❤️

  • Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax…

    I love your luxury hotel reviews, Tanya ~ particularly this one. And I adore the way you have narrated your experience. Keep exploring! ❤️

    • If you already love Conrad Pune without seeing it, you’re going to fall even more in love when you get to meet the amazing staff, Vrinda!

  • When life seems to be stilled, we can appreciate the beauty even more…

    Wonderful review, Tanya. I truly feel like I know what makes Conrad tick! And, the culture in Pune sounds absolutely fascinating and the people sound lovely. xx

    • The Puneries are so lovely! And the Conrad Pune was wonderful.
      The fact that the culture in Pune is so unique to our own {in Bangalore} simply made going there all the more interesting, Nikita.

  • “May we learn to be at peace with ourselves, and to be at peace with the moments we enjoy by ourselves.”⁠⠀

    Thank you for taking out the time to share your wonderful review, Tanya. Here’s to sunny days by majestic azure blue pools!

  • Elegance at its best! Who wouldn’t feel at ease in the comfort of their spacious and dreamy settings! Awesome photographs and review, Tanya! I visited Pune in 2015 and it was an extraordinary holiday ~ the Puneries are indeed lovely and the culture is amazing!

  • Gosh, I envy your lifestyle! And I love how summer just wraps it’s arms around you like a warm blanket at the Conrad! Thanks for sharing this review and these beautiful photos, Tanya. Keep up the amazing work – so inspired by you!

  • I love how you enjoy life, have new travel adventures literally every month, and are totally at peace with yourself! You are incredible! ❤️

    On a side note, I loooooove hot chocolate! And I wonder what else my life will never again be complete without…

    • Thank you for such wonderful appreciation, Siddharth.

      One of my favourite parts of travel is discovering all the incredible food that I suddenly want to eat/drink until the end of time!

  • Another stellar post, and the Conrad Pune sounds awesome! I’ve been loving all of your Pune content, Tanya. Every post has me itching to book a ticket and go exploring! xx

  • You are the LIBRARY of photos! And, what beautiful memories at this delightful place! The stylistic layout, panoramic views, gourmet food experience, stellar service… Wow!

  • Thank you for such a gorgeous start to my day! ❤️ You are elegance incarnate in those beautiful clothes! ❤️

    It’s always amazing to read about your travels, Tanya. You have a way with words that makes your blog posts so engaging… Obviously your hard work, passion and dedication shine through! Thank you for sharing your stories! I can’t wait for the next one!

  • I’ve been to many countries far and wide, but never to India. Perhaps it’s time to change that. 🙂

  • The world is your oyster, girl ❤️! A beautiful write up, as always ~ you’re truly the best when it comes to travel blogging! Such an inspiration! Keep sharing. Cheers!

    • Your appreciation is much valued. Thank you, Sakshi.
      My list of places to return to is longer than my list of new places to visit!

  • That hot chocolate looks totally scrumptious, perfect for cool winter mornings! 🙂 I love tasting new flavours when I travel, too!

  • Always a pleasure to stay in a hotel that feels like a home away from home, isn’t it? The Conrad Pune is now on my list to visit… Looking forward to your next destination, gorgeous!

    • Go, go, go! It’s so worth staying at, Madhurima. I just know you’ll have as amazing a time as we did!

  • You look gorgeous, Tanya! Such a beautifully curated wardrobe, and those colours look amazing on you! ❤️

    Love the vibe of your photos a lot! They are always so lively and convey the emotive story beautifully! Keep following your Passion! The world is too big not to explore…

  • Its really an absolute delight to read your travel blogs (with those gorgeous photos)! Rainy days like today (in my city) are basically made for snuggling up on the couch, having a nice hot cup of tea, and catching up on your travel adventures! ❤️

  • There seems to be beauty in everything you see, Tanya! ✨ In my opinion, beauty comes from a beautiful mindset, when we decide to rather concentrate on the positive, the beautiful, and the good in our lives! Keep inspiring!

  • Tanya, its one thing to know your body type and wear clothes accordingly, but its another level of swag when you can look graceful, well put together, and also accessorise to make a statement! You’ve definitely nailed it on every count! ❤️

  • Thinking about my most memorable travel experiences of the past years… India is surely somewhere on top of the list!⠀⠀⠀
    ⠀⠀
    It is a melting pot of different cultures, religions, languages… and everything seems to be a little bigger and a little more than usual, even a little overwhelming in the first moment! India is probably not for the faint hearted with all its hustle & bustle, but once you look beyond the chaos, the crazy number of people everywhere… you’ll notice the incredible beauty of this country and its lovely people that will astonish you for sure!

  • I’ve never been the best at taking it slow… but if there’s something I learn form you (consistently), it’s to take it easy and relax. To stay positive and do whatever makes you feel good and at your own pace… Just a thought I wanted to share. ❤️

    • Awww Neeti, thank you so much!

      I don’t see my life as a contest. I stopped comparing myself/my work to others/that of other influencers a long time ago… I just create what I love and share my passions!

  • How in the world do you manage to come up with all these amazing blogs?!! (I bet you have an idea genie locked in your basement!) And, how blessed are you that along with pictures you can close your eyes and go back to those moments/adventures… Sigh!

    • This planet is the biggest piece of art ✨ – no painting, no sculpture, no poem, no melody will ever be able to compete with it!

  • Love your pictures – these are especially a favourite! ❤️ Life is truly about shaping it the way you want it, isn’t it? And with every decision you make, you move right toward where you want to be! I have loved following along on your journey, Tanya! Thank you for the constant inspiration!

  • The world is full of magic patiently waiting for us to open our eyes ✨! I’m obsessed with this post, Tanya!

  • Ahh ~ what a fairy tale! I was wondering where you get inspiration from, Tanya? I guess it’s from brainstorming and getting out and actually striving to make creative content!

  • You’re blogs just keep getting better and better, Tanya! You’ve literally been dancing around the planet these past few years, haven’t you?! Well, just keep doing what YOU want to do and what feels right to YOU ~ YOU are perfect just the way YOU are ❤️!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *