InterContinental London Park Lane; Novotel Goa Donna Sylvia Resort; Shangri-La Hotel Bengaluru

BACKGROUND InterContinental Hotels is a luxury brand in IHG’s portfolio. InterContinental London Park Lane was inaugurated by His Grace the eighth Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley on September 23, 1975. It is built on the site of Queen Elizabeth II’s childhood home.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? As you drive up to the entrance, you pass 19th century English architect, Decimus Burton’s Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner. On entering the lobby, the whi of a pleasant scent welcomes you. The main lobby itself is uncluttered with just one sofa seating for two by the reception desk that is manned by three people. Adorning the black and white space are two crystal chandeliers. A long corridor leads to lifts that take you up to the rooms. There is also a concierge lounge where guests can personalise their itinerary.

WHERE IS IT? It is in the heart of Mayfair. Heathrow Airport is about 30km away, Gatwick Airport is at a distance of 49km, and the nearest train station, Victoria is a little less than 2.5km away.

ROOMS The hotel aptly describes its rooms as “a modern interpretation of traditional English style”. The period style decor is punctuated with a Bose sound system and a Nespresso machine. Other in-room facilities include a flat LED television, work desk, free water bottles, minibar, electric water heater and a walkin shower.

I stayed in the Club room on the seventh floor. Lack of a central unit to remotely control the room’s lights and curtains had me walk around to manually switch o the lamps, ceiling lights and adjust the room temperature on the thermostat. Adequate plug points allowed me to charge my mobile phone and iPad at the same time by the bed or when at the desk. The bed itself was comfortable and I slept soundly in absolute silence, thanks to the soundproof windows.

Included in the room cost, Club guests can help themselves to all-day refreshments, breakfast, afternoon tea, and evening “drinks, champagne and canapés” at Club InterContinental. With clear views of the surrounding parks, here is where I enjoyed my red wine in the evenings.

With clear views of the surrounding parks, here is where I enjoyed my red wine in the evenings

FOOD AND DRINK Celebrated Chef Randall of Theo Randall at the InterContinental serves rustic Italian fare. Ella Canta o ers Mexican cuisine by award-winning Mexican chef Martha Ortiz. Afternoon tea can be enjoyed at The Wellington Lounge. The Arch Bar has an awe-inspiring collection of gin from all corners of the world. Club InterContinental on the seventh floor is restricted to guests of the suites and InterContinental’s Royal Ambassador Programme.

MEETINGS The Ballroom can hold 1,000 delegates and can be broken down into three separate spaces. In addition to this, there are 11 event rooms, all of which have floor-to-ceiling windows that allow plenty of natural light. The business centre is open 24 hours with high-speed internet, photocopying, printing, scanning and faxing facilities.

LEISURE Spa InterContinental on the first floor o ers treatments using products from British skincare brand Elemis. In addition to the five treatment rooms, there is a VIP treatment suite which can be hired for private parties. The gym is open round the clock.

VERDICT It is the perfect venue to unwind after a long day of meetings. Ravi Lalwani