BACKGROUND

Fortune hotels are mid-scale and upscale properties, a project by the ITC hotel group that was launched in 1995. Today it has a total of 72 signed properties, of which 48 are operational. The 8096 sqm Fortune Select Grand Ridge opened in September 2013, and is a popular MICE venue for corporate groups. 

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The property is on the main road that leads to the revered Tirupati shrine. As you walk into the lobby, a hotel representative will escort you to the reception desk. In spite of clusters of sofa sets around coffee tables, wooden beams, and flower arrangements, the lobby design is minimalistic with straight lines and a monotone palette. Large French windows throw in ample natural light. Both restaurants and the bar are located on the far side of the lobby, and the lift to the other areas of the hotel are situated beside the reception desk. 

WHERE IS IT?

Fortune Select Grand Ridge is on Tiruchanoor Road, 4km from the city centre and railway station, and 28km from the Tirupati temple. It is a three-hour drive from Chennai, the capital of it’s neighbouring state, Tamil Nadu. 

ROOM FACILITIES 

My Standard room (30 sqm) had a cosy feel to it in powder blue colours, and dark wood flooring. A plush sofa set, good sized desk, small cabinet for clothes, iron and ironing board, a separate platform for your suitcase, minibar, tea/coffee maker, free high-speed internet, LCD television (either Sony or LG), and Fiama toiletries, are available across all 138 rooms. Except for the Presidential suite (98 sqm) that has a bathtub and a shower, the other rooms have just a shower. The suite and higher category rooms — Club rooms (30 sqm) and Executive Suite rooms (67 sqm) — also have a welcome fruit basket. 

Faith services are available to anyone who wishes to visit the famous temple in the vicinity. These include a Faith concierge, packages, itinerary and a specially appointed Faith manager. 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

If you are in the mood for creamy North Indian food, head to Zodiac the coffee shop. Their all-day menu has a good mix of cuisines from across the globe. This is also where the breakfast buffet is laid out. Don’t leave without indulging in their South Indian fare, bread varieties, and stews. 

Rainbow is more popular amongst the vegetarians for it doesn’t serve any meats or eggs. Not just Indian, but their preparations use recipes from different continents. 

Neptune is the only bar on the property. 

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES 

Fortune Select Grand Ridge has one business centre for four people; ballroom for 700 people, mini ballroom with a capacity of 300; Senate hall that can hold 175; and Nexus hall, boardroom and Executive lounge for 80, 20 and 50 respectively. Screens and projectors are available on request. 

LEISURE FACILITIES 

The gym has basic cardio and weights machines. It is open from 7am-7pm, so is the infinity pool. Palm trees planted around the pool give the feeling of being in a resort. The spa is open from 8am-8pm. 

VERDICT 

The rooms are quiet because of the location of the property. The staff is attentive, and room-service is prompt. I was most impressed when in spite of my 4am checkout, there was no slack in service quality. 

PRICE: Internet rates for a midweek stay in December started at ₹3,200. 

CONTACT: Fortune Select Grand Ridge, Shilparamam, Tiruchanoor Road, Tirupati; tel: +91 877 222 1818; fortunehotels.in 

Neha Gupta Kapoor