BACKGROUND

Los Angeles-based corporate housing and serviced apartments provider, Oakwood Worldwide is present across the United States of America and in over 85 countries. The brand’s portfolio is divided as: Oakwood Premier, Oakwood Residence, Oakwood Apartments and Oakwood Global Solutions. With five properties in India, Oakwood has two properties in Pune itself (Oakwood Premier and Oakwood Residence). 

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

Being a serviced apartments provider, the hotel instantly gives you the feeling of “coming home” as you enter its four-storey building. The surrounding area is green and residential — which is beneficial to long-stay guests. Oakwood Premier strikes a balance between being homely and commercial. Its reception, designed in shades of brown and white, add a sense of calm upon check-in. The layout of the property too is not conventional, with narrow pathways and several glass doors to its rooms and recreational areas on the ground floor. 

WHERE IS IT?

Tucked in a quiet street of the bustling Koregaon Park is the Oakwood Premier. Being in the heart of the city’s commercial centre, it’s surprising how quiet its surroundings are. Pune, being a relatively small city, the railway station is a ten-minute drive and the airport, a 15-minute one. The IT hubs and business districts are about 15km away. 

RESIDENCE FACILITIES 

My One-Bedroom residence with an attached garden (74 sqm) was comfortable and luxurious. The well-spaced out apartment has a large dining area in front of the stark white kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, oven and cutlery. An attached room for the washing machine and drier makes sure the space isn’t cluttered. The room and living area open up to a private garden, that is an enjoyable place to lounge and read in the evenings. An MP3 player fitted in the living-room plays almost every type of music device. The bathroom (with a rain-shower) connects the wardrobe area to the bedroom that’s designed with touches of golden and white to exude a subtle sense of luxe. The Studio Superior (54 sqm), Studio with garden (56 sqm), One-Bedroom Superior (72 sqm), Two-Bedroom Superior (107 sqm), Two-Bedroom with garden (110 sqm), Three-Bedroom Superior (130 sqm), Three-Bedroom with garden (130 sqm) are the other categories of apartments. 

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

The Oak Lounge, popular amongst the youth of Pune, is the property’s lounge, while The Bistro is its restaurant serving a multitude of continental cuisines alongside an impressive variety of cheese and bakery products. Their pesto pasta was comforting and not very creamy. Sen5es restaurant and bar offers a fine dining experience at the poolside and serves a multitude of cuisines. Private dining is available across rooms.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES

Oakwood Premier houses two boardrooms which can be hired for half or full day, depending on your requirements. The rooms are equipped with a projector, white-board, stationery, and flip-charts. 

LEISURE FACILITIES

Since most of the guests stay for long-durations, the Oakwood Premier has consciously invested in developing a range of leisure facilities that cater to them. This includes a children’s play-area, a fitness centre, resident’s lounge, spa, outdoor swimming pool, a tennis and a squash court. The hotel is pet-friendly and offers a basement car-parking as well.

VERDICT

Ideal for the long-staying business traveller who is looking to stay in the heart of the city. A comfortable and convenient option.

PRICE:  Internet rates for a One-Bedroom residence in June starts at ₹5,549.

CONTACT: Oakwood Premier, 81 Mundhwa, Koregaon Park Annex, Koregaon Park; tel: +91 020 2674 7474; oakwoodasia.com 

Akanksha Maker