TRAVEL AND LEISURE
MALHAR HAVELI
Get nature and cityscape into the same equation and the result is an undulating experience filled with tranquillity. Welcome to Malhar Haveli, a tastefully decorated home with an airy courtyard that stands tall in solitary splendour within the chaotic walls of Noida. Right from the entrance—with its large doorways, water bodies and arches—it transports you to the age of royalty. "Every wall has a story, just look around," says the owner Ashok Chugh. Designed with arches and doors over 100 years old, Malhar Haveli promises more than just a bed and breakfast stay. "I envisioned my walls to speak the mighty battle of Mahabharata, so I called two young
“I envisioned my walls at Malhar Haveli to speak the mighty battle of Mahabharata, so I called two young artists to give me a design” ASHOK CHUGH, OWNER, MALHAR HAVELI
artists to give me a design. And they did it. I got the stone cut and placed it on the walls," says Chugh. Malhar Haveli offers a village cottage experience along with six rooms. Every room is well-lit and ventilated, with several oil canvas paintings on wall. The food too is delectable—light and buttery aloo paratha for breakfast; gently spiced daal chawal with seasoned vegetables for lunch along with rich Indori sweets to sweeten your palate.
STAY FOR TWO Rs 2,200 AT F-19, Sector 40, Noida
RADISSON BLU MBD
The Radisson Blu MBD Hotel envelopes you in its plush opulence from the moment you step in. The Prive Collection, an ultra luxe
experience, a latest offering from the hotel seeks to pamper all your senses with its regally appointed rooms and a service that leaves little to be desired. The rooms have been designed in a blend of Venetian and French traditions with touches of the Victorian and contemporary, giving it a timeless and eclectic look. All the furniture is bespoke with special attention to the lights, including goosenecks, table lamps, chandeliers and standing lamps. The elaborate interiors are complemented by rich fabrics, high beds with footstools, elegant bathroom fittings, modern amenities and neoclassical carpets. The MBD Privé Collection has 33 rooms in rococo style that invoke urban luxury.
PRICE Rs 19,900 plus taxes per night
AT L2, Beside Centrestage Mall, Sector 18, Noida
PARK PLAZA
Indulgences don’t always need an excuse. But if you need reasons to feel spoilt, then Park Plaza has more than a few up its sleeve. Celebrate someone’s promotion here or organise an office meeting-cum-entertainment party—you can take a pick from one of these or just decide to spend a staycation at The Park Plaza Noida. Primarily a business hotel, this property has become the chosen one for frequent business traveller. The hotel comes across like a pleasant surprise, tucked away from one of Noida’s traffic-clogged roads. And the moment you walk in, everything about the noisy outside is forgotten. Plush interiors and warm staff ensure you feel at home right from the beginning. While the sense of grandeur prevails, it is still difficult to believe that the hotel houses 88 rooms. Yes, it is as huge as it can get. Of course the presidential suites are an opulent affair in themselves but we love the base category rooms with pretty floral blinds too. And when it comes to dining options, you’re definitely spoilt for choice. Be it the New Town Café, a global cuisine restaurant, the New Town Lounge that houses a well-stocked bar that serves delicious cocktails, or the popular Great Kebab Factory, there’s enough to keep travellers well-fed and happy. PRICE Starts at Rs 8,000 per night AT C Block, Sector 55, Noida
“The fact that you can pursue clay art anytime, anywhere and without any special moulds or tools is a boon for children” POOJA VERMA, OWNER, CLAYING THOUGHTS