BACKGROUND
It used to be Ista up until 2013, when Hyatt took over. The premium hospitality brand is one amongst six Hyatt (sub-brand) properties in India, and one of the first 5-star deluxe properties in Amritsar. The other five are in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Raipur.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
It faces the city mall and has the same entrance. At the gate, vehicles go through a security check by designated guards. To enter the lobby, you walk through a metal detector and pass your bag through a screening machine.
The lobby has an outdoor feel to it. Your first view is that of a landscaped display of flora enclosed behind a glass wall. In the evenings, fire fountains come to life amid this display, giving it a very primal feel.
To the right of this is the reception and bakery, and to the left is the business centre, way to the restaurant and the lift that leads to the rooms.
WHERE IS IT?
The dome of the Golden Temple is visible from the top floors of the hotel. As distances aren’t much in Amritsar, the airport isn’t a long drive either.
ROOM FACILITIES
The rooms are still sized as per its previous owner Ista, ranging from 27.5 sqm to 119 sqm. Open the room door and you’re already at the foot of your bed. To make up for the lack of space, rooms have large windows with a seating area for two, allowing plenty of natural light. Fortunately the bathrooms are comfortably sized with a shower in all 238 rooms, and an additional bathtub in the ten suites; the brand of toiletries is Biotique.
A well-sized work desk by the window, 32-inch LCD TV, tea/coffee maker, minibar, free wifi, a cupboard big enough to hold a full-sized suitcase, and an iron and ironing board are available in all rooms and suites. Creative towel art add a happy vibe to the already bright room.
Bedside panels make it convenient to control the room’s lighting. Unfortunately, the only socket that worked for me was the one by the work desk, taking away the luxury of hitting snooze on my phone’s alarm when still in bed. Nonetheless, it was a cosy sleep with ergonomically designed beds and a choice of pillows for comfort.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Collage is the multi-cuisine restaurant where the breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are served. The a la carte menu has local options, of which the tandoori chicken is the most delectable.
ThaiChi is more formal with a mix of Thai and Chinese preparations. Each month it has a special menu in addition to the usual one.
The Lounge Bar has a good mix of wines and cocktails. Happy hours from 5pm to 8pm offers a 25 per cent discount.
The Pastry Shop by the reception has a handsome display of confectioneries.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
The meeting rooms have a capacity of six to ten people. A corridor with high-end boutiques of artefacts and shawls leads to the banquet area from the lobby. Istana can be divided into two as per requirement, and the outdoor garden area is also available for events. Together they can accommodate 600 people.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The 24-hour gym has weights, and cardio machines and overlooks the mall’s parking lot. The outdoor swimming pool deck sometimes hosts early morning yoga sessions. The spa has eight treatment rooms and a salon.
VERDICT
The rooms are cosy, especially during winter as the heating isn’t suffocating. The business centre is convenient with a receptionist to assist, internet, and a printer and scanner to use.
TESTED BY
Neha Gupta
HOW MANY ROOMS?
248 — 238 guest rooms, 10 suites.
HIGHLIGHTS
Towel art.
PRICE
Internet price for a mid-week stay in September started from ₹4,480.
CONTACT
Hyatt Amritsar, MBM Farms, G. T. Road; tel: +91 183 2871234; amritsar.hyatthotels.hyatt.com
