BACKGROUND

Pullman in Aerocity is an upscale lifestyle brand by Accor Hotels. It is the 100th Pullman globally and shares premises with its midscale cousin, Novotel — a combination never done before. Yet, both properties function separately and remain true to their brand’s characteristics, without interfering with the other. 

Pullman Aerocity opened doors in November last year, making its debut in the Delhi NCR region. 

WHAT’S IT LIKE? 

Spacious and chic. The property has plenty of open space and allows ample natural light into its white lobby. Its bare, white flooring is intermittently draped in rugs, in step with the minimalist design. 

The vibe is young. It’s lobby-bar lends an informal attitude and in the evenings, the lounge music from here peps up the atmosphere at Pullman. 

A stylish decor comes through in the form of 6,000 raindrop lights that follow you from the ballrooms on the lower level, through the lobby, and to the bar at the lobby that is poetically adorned in colours of the peacock. Designer Meriem Hall was inspired by the “rhythmic style of a peacock dancing at the sight of dark clouds waiting for the rains in the offering”.  

The open plan lobby bends into the 24-hour cafe on one side and descends to a stairway on the other side. Guests even have the option to occupy one of the many wooden seats (surprisingly easy on the buttocks) that overlook the common outdoor seating between Pullman and Novotel. 

WHERE IS IT? 

It is barely a five-minute drive from Delhi’s international airport, and is within proximity to Gurugram’s business hub. 

ROOM FACILITIES 

Like most upscale Accor Hotel properties, Pullman rooms greet guests with a modest assortment of desserts, and I was welcomed with a tray of macaroons and a bowl of mixed fruits. 

The 270 rooms and suites are divided into: Deluxe room (36 sqm), Deluxe Executive room (36 sqm), Superior suite (72 sqm) and Presidential suite (140 sqm). With the exception of the Deluxe, all other room and suite categories have access to the Executive Lounge. 

All rooms have a well-sized work desk, espresso machine, tea/coffee maker, minibar, LED TV, iron and ironing board, wifi, shower and bathtub. On entering the room there is a bench for the suitcase, handily fitted outside the bathroom. Light switches by the bedside saves one the trouble of going on a treasure hunt for switches at bedtime. The visor between the bathroom and room is translucent, which means you can’t leave the bathroom light on if you want complete darkness at night. 

My work desk, adjacent to a glass wall, looked over the outdoor seating shared between Novotel and Pullman. I preferred working in the hotel’s common areas as the rooms are not as brightly lit, probably for the effect of a cosy feel, which they certainly have. 

The Elle programme is designed for solo women travellers: closer to the lifts, no inter-connecting rooms, and service by an all-women staff including a female concierge. 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS 

Cafe Pluck is the 24-hour delicatessen, which means that sweet cravings can be dealt with at any time of the day. The in-house coffee roaster is the star attraction here. Pluck, a separate eatery on the property is where the lavish breakfast spread is served. It prides itself on serving the freshest produce prepared from ingredients from its in-house farm. This is also where you can indulge in teas from around the world. Honk is a fine dining Asian restaurant whose menu, ironically, is a contemporary mix of various Asian street foods. 

The lounge bar, Pling is on the lobby level and is adjoining to Pluck. 

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES 

The meetings and banqueting space is common between Novotel and Pullman. A dedicated MICE manager helps customise itineraries for large corporate groups. 

The 1,181 sqm Peacock Ballroom can be divided into smaller areas of 404 sqm, 396 sqm and 381 sqm. Additionally, there are 13 meeting rooms whose sizes range from 33 sqm to 146 sqm. 

Each of the spaces have wifi access, videoconferencing facilities, audio-visual equipment, and a projector. 

LEISURE FACILITIES 

Also shared between Pullman and Novotel guests, the 24-metre outdoor pool is accessible even during winters as it is heated to comfortable temperatures. In addition to this, you can access the sauna, spa and the 24-hour gym. 

VERDICT 

In spite of being stylish and chic, Pullman Aerocity has a certain warmth to it. Perhaps it is the young staff that is friendly and casual, making you feel right at home. 

FACT FILE: 

  • PRICE Internet price for a mid-week stay in July started from ₹9,756. 
  • CONTACT Pullman Aerocity, Asset No 2, Aerocity Hospitality District, IGI Airport New Delhi; tel: +91 11 46080808; accorhotels.com 

Neha Gupta Kapoor