BACKGROUND
A “smart luxury” brand of Hilton Worldwide, Conrad launched in Pune in April this year. It is the first Conrad property in the country and is positioned to cater to the needs of luxury travellers, with focus on high level corporate executives.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Once your bags are scanned and you’re frisked, a hostess greets you as you walk through heavy glass doors. In fact, she will come to your assistance each time you re-enter the lobby that has a rich feel to it.
The decor includes intricate designs in frames hung on pillars with panel lighting, granite tiles, patterned cushions, sofas in dark brown and deep blue, and an assortment of figurines and vases just like one would decorate a home with.
Sofa sets in the lobby act as impromptu meeting spaces. Servers from the 24-hour deli, immediately come out to take your order. Alternatively, you can even walk to the confectionery counter to choose from bread, biscuits, chocolates and desserts.
A balcony from the lobby overlooks the coffee shop that abuts a two-storey tall and significantly wide gallery that displays an equally large water fountain. Listen carefully and you can hear birds chirping from there. Plenty of natural light enters through the window. The reception in the far right corner of the lobby is against a backdrop of a panel of lights that gets brighter as the sun sets.
WHERE IS IT?
Situated just off the main road, it is a ten-minute drive from the business hub of Kalyani Nagar, about 2.5km from Pune station and 9km from Pune Airport.
ROOM FACILITIES
Booked into an Executive room, I was directed to level 13 that has an exclusive check-in counter for Executive rooms and suites on levels 13 and 14. Guests of these room categories have a separate breakfast buffet with live cooking stations, 24-hour refreshments and evening cocktails with snacks at the Executive Lounge. The same floor has four boardrooms, available free to guests of levels 13 and 14 for two hours a day.
In-room check-in is offered to all guests of the hotel. Internet rates start at `200 plus taxes per hour.
The three room categories, Deluxe, Premier and Executive are spacious at 42 sqm. Natural light brightens the room through a sound-proof glass wall. While you can’t hear the city, my neighbour’s doorbell was loud enough to mistake for my own.
Working with space optimisation, the luggage rack folds under the 40-inch flat
HD TV unit. I would have never found the cupboard if it wasn’t pointed out to me. Inconspicuously tucked into the wall, it is spacious with an additional narrow slot for the iron and ironing board. For long stay guests, the loft on top of the cupboard works well to stow suitcases. The minibar that doesn’t clutter surface tops is neatly arranged in an ornamental cupboard. The black-out curtains, room
lights and air-conditioning can be controlled with a touch panel by the bedside. Reading lights are attached on corners of the bed’s headrest, which also have the option of a soft blue night-light.
An MP3 dock, pillow menu, alarm radio, work desk, tea/ coffee maker, espresso machine, free water bottles, and welcome chocolates are offered in all rooms. Bathrooms have a separate rain shower and bathtub, two sinks, a 22-inch TV fitted into the mirror and Aroma Therapy toiletries.
All rooms except the Deluxe have a jetted/hydro spa tub. Suites have a separate bedroom and living room, dining table and chairs, and sofa-cum-bed. Premier rooms are on higher floors than the Deluxe, but lower floors than Executive rooms.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
Zeera, the Indian restaurant is on the same level as the all-day Coriander Kitchen where the breakfast buffet is served. Kofi on the lobby level is an Asian restaurant, through which Masu, the Asian-inspired cocktail bar can be accessed. The pool bar serves healthy juices in addition to alcoholic beverages. It is open during the day too.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
The 24-hour business centre is accessible from the lobby and is free of charges. The ballroom has a capacity for 8,000 people and can be divided into three parts. There are nine additional meeting rooms (including the four on level 13) ranging from 16 sqm to 87 sqm.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The 24- hour gym has weights, and cardio machines. A whirlpool is built into the swimming pool. The spa is on the same level as the pool and gym.
VERDICT
Pune isn’t a holiday destination, but the property offers everything to make it a luxurious staycation option
