Background
A paragon of luxury, this is the first Ritz-Carlton-branded property in Pune, and the second in India after Bengaluru.
What’s it like?
The three-storey tall lobby welcomes me with an easy check-in process. Guests can also opt for in-room check-in available via the Marriott Bonvoy app. The design of the hotel’s lobby, and social and meeting venues is very grand featuring a mix of Art-Deco, Maratha heritage, British and modern influences, accompanied by alluring views of the city’s skyline and the Poona Golf Course — an enchanting sight to behold.
The grandeur of the beige-gold lobby is magnified by two large chandeliers that also added a golden glow to my walk-in.
Notably, the hotel’s stunning landscape makes it an incredible city landmark.
Where is it?
A 10 minutes’ drive from Pune International Airport, the hotel is located on the downtown business district. It takes about three hours by road from Mumbai.
Rooms
The hotel houses 198 guestrooms and 35 plush suites. I stayed in a Club King Golf View room on the 16th floor which had massive glass panels with magnificent views of the verdant Golf Course and the city. The white, grey colour theme decor with a combination of wooden and bold furnishing makes this an enchanting abode. The room comes with a king-size bed, a plush sofa and a comfortable chair, an LED TV, a bar cabinet featuring a Nespresso machine and an in-room refrigerator. The bath area is equipped with Asprey London amenities.
Food and drink
The hotel has a vibrant collection of F&B offerings. I had dinner at Ukiyo, a modern Japanese restaurant and bar that celebrates Asian cuisine with great finesse. Sushi platter, Japanese sake and tantalising robata grill are must-haves here.
I spent my golden hour at the chic rooftop lounge Aasmana serving a selection of crafted beverages and creations from the royal kitchens of India such as delectable kebabs, spiced sweet potato cakes, seafood dishes, tandoori chicken tikka and Lucknowi biryani to name a few. Chef Qureshi prepared a scrumptious bajra salad with hung yogurt for me. For mains, I had dal aasmana which was cooked overnight and the rich flavour left a lasting impact on me.
Redefining the city’s social scene is the hotel’s signature Afternoon Tea experience (read the full review on businesstraveller.com).
A healthy avocado toast and a cup of a flat white is all that I needed for a happy breakfast hence in the morning I headed to the Three Kitchens and Bar, an all-day dining outlet, which serves plenty of Indian and international cuisine.
Meetings
Each event space comes with an adjoining outdoor/deck area. This combination works well in a city where the climate is salubrious. The elegantly designed The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom is an interesting pick for weddings. There is also the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. And the stunning wedding studio will help you curate a wedding with bespoke services.
Leisure
I indulged in a 60-minute signature spa that included a steam and sauna. My masseuse started with a foot cleansing ritual followed by a full-body massage done with a rose and geranium Forest Essentials oil in a soft-lit room with calming music and soothing scents. The pool is also open for a refreshing dip.
Verdict: The address spoils its guests with world-class luxury and signature Marriott hospitality.
Price: Upwards of ₹10,500
Contact: The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Golf Course, Airport Road, Yerawada, Pune, Maharashtra 411006, India
