Hotel Check: RK Sarovar Portico Srinagar

BACKGROUND

RK Sarovar Portico, a 3-star property, was first launched as Hotel City Forest in April 2011, and has been part of RK Hotels & Resorts since June 2013. Sarovar Portico is one of 11 brands of the group, and falls under the 3- and 4-star category of hotels.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?
As you enter the gate to RK Sarovar Portico, you drive up a winding 100 metre road, where a view of snowcapped mountains welcome you. The red, three- storied RK Sarovar Portico building is atop a short, L-shaped flight of stairs that lead you to the reception area. The design in minimalist with the welcome desk opposite automatic glass sliding doors, two sofa sets, and an electric fireplace mounted on one wall. There is also a small boutique that sells shawls, ponchos, and bedding. Next to it is a business centre, and stairs that lead you to the restaurant.

WHERE IS IT?
On Gupkar Road, 15km from the Jammu-Srinagar highway and 12kms from Srinagar airport. ROOM

FACILITIES

All 51 rooms and two suites are divided between the main building and an adjoining one. Four
rooms have the facility of being interconnected, for the benefit of large families travelling together.

I had to exit the main building to access the second one where my Superior room was situated. The room door opens into a wooden-floored, 20 sqm space. To the right is a dresser, which has a wide mirror that gives an illusion of space. It holds an electric tea/ coffee maker, two free mineral water bottles, and chargeable snacks from the mini-bar. An iron and iron board are available on request. These amenities are common across all rooms and suites. A 32-inch LED TV is mounted on a wall opposite the bed. Suites have 52 inch LED TVs. Instead of a desk is a small coffee table and two single-seat sofas. These are placed at the foot of the bed. The only free space in the room is that between the dresser and the bed.

The bed had clean white sheets and warm, woollen-polyester quilts. On either side are end-tables with a drawer each, light switches and plug points. I was visiting during winter and the adjustable heating, controlled with a remote, helped set the room temperature as desired. The white-tiled bathroom, with a walk-in shower, doesn’t have any heating though.

The room could do with more lighting. In spite of two windows, it doesn’t receive much natural light.

Each morning, loud prayers from a nearby mosque will wake you at sunrise. This is common throughout Srinagar and can’t be helped.

Room service is available round the clock, 24-hours in-room dining is prompt, and wifi is free.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Takht-e-Sulaiman is the restaurant, and their coffee shop is Sheesha. The restaurant offers all-day dining. Breakfast, lunch and dinner have a-la-carte menus in addition to a buffet. It isn’t an exaggeration to state that all the chicken gravy dishes are remarkable in taste, especially the wazwan, a local specialty. The outdoor coffee shop Sheesha, has four tables for four, each under a dedicated cabana.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

The business centre can seat two people. It has one computer with free Internet access. The Banquet hall in the basement can accommodate 100 people. There is one boardroom on the property with a capacity of 12 people, and is equipped with a tele-conference facility.

LEISURE FACILITIES
None.

VERDICT

Being centrally located, markets, tourists attractions and cafes are within walking distance. The rooms could do with a little bit of maintenance. The service is prompt and the staff is friendly.