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.
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!
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.
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!
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… 🙂
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.
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!
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!
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.
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 *
* Koji *
* Zeera *
* Pune Sugar Box {PSB} *
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.
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.
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.
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 Fontes in conversation with Pavan Chennam, Executive Chef at Conrad Pune
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.