BACKGROUND Grand Mercure is an upscale brand of AccorHotels. In step with AccorHotels’ format, Grand Mercure synergises local culture where the property is situated, with French notes as the hotel group was born in France. This is the second Grand Mercure property to launch in the country; the first one opened in Bengaluru, and the third property opened recently in Vadodara. 

WHAT’S IT LIKE? On first look, if you arrive post sunset, the otherwise peach and beige building looks like it is bathed in gold. Yellow lights projected on the facade give it a regal effect. 

I stepped into the lobby with vibrant interiors. Artistically placed panels of Mysore silk, for which the city is known, decorate the space. Ornate photo frames hint of Mysuru’s once celebrated royalty. Guests get a sense of South Indian traditions when welcomed with traditional “Swagatham” by a staff member. A vermilion dot is placed on your forehead and you’re presented with a perfumed wooden garland. It’s a ritual the front staff performs on every guest checking in. 

The well designed lobby has a large reception desk lit by a row of bright yellow lights hanging above it. Opposite it is a small cluster of coffee tables and chairs, a gift shop to one side, and a bar and restaurant on the other. I enjoyed working at the Mac corner in the lobby, a common feature across Grand Mercure properties in India. 

WHERE IS IT? Grand Mercure Mysuru is 180km from Bengaluru International Airport, 13km from Mysuru Airport and 2.5km from the Mysuru railway station. 

ROOM FACILITIES I stayed in the highest category, Deluxe suite (48 sqm). It has a separate living room and bedroom in addition to a balcony. The living room extends to a compact dining space and kitchenette equipped with a microwave.

A beautiful mural adorns the wall behind the bed. The room gets its vibrant appearance from the tasteful bright sofa-chair, cushions, photo frames, and printed carpet. The bed is comfortable and the work desk is large enough to spread my papers in an organised manner. The bathroom has printed tiles that dress the water closet, bathtub and hand shower cubicle. 

The other room categories — Deluxe (24 sqm), Executive (35 sqm, includes balcony), Junior suite with a balcony (40 sqm) and without a balcony (35 sqm) — are built in a similar manner. I was charmed by the turndown service that is available across all room categories — warm words written on a leaf and two pieces of chocolate. 

All 146 rooms and suites are equipped with a work desk, 40-inch LED television, tea/coffee making facilities, minibar, free wifi, hand shower cubicles and views of the city. The Junior suite has a separate bathtub. Adding to the Mysuru feel are Channapatna wooden toys, typical to the region, on shelves above the minibar. 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS La Uppu is the multi-cuisine, all-day international restaurant at the lobby level. Its name that translates to “The Salt” is metaphoric for the Mysuru tradition of placing salt on your plate before your meal. Silk Bar, next to La Uppu, looks pretty in a purple blue haze. By The Blue, the rooftop and poolside restaurant serves traditional cuisine from different North Indian regions. The upcoming rooftop herbal tea lounge, Galleria will have an impressive menu of teas and coffees. Deli Shop is the delicatessen at the lobby level. 

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES Regent is the 200 sqm banquet hall at the lobby level, which can be divided into two. On the mezzanine floor, there are two boardrooms of 46 sqm each — Balmuri and Edmuri.

LEISURE FACILITIES A gym on level six is open round the clock; “Zazen by O2” spa is open from 9am to 6:30pm daily; the rooftop swimming pool is open from 6am to 7pm.

VERDICT Contemporary style laced with traditional décor, in a blue and purple palette, renders a cheerful feel. The entire property exudes a sense of luxury, and the staff ensures you’re treated like royalty. 

PRICE Internet rates for a midweek stay in October started from ₹11,499 for a Deluxe suite.

CONTACT Grand Mercure, New Sayyaji Rao Road, Nelson Mandela Circle; tel: +91 (821) 402 1212; accorhotels.com

Sharmila Chand