The Leela Palace Bengaluru

2024-05-05 -

BACKGROUND

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts operates 12 properties in India, in locations including Bengaluru, Chennai, Jaipur, New Delhi, Mumbai and Udaipur, with hotels to follow in Hyderabad, Agra and Sikkim. The group is a member of the Global Hotel Alliance, and Preferred Hotels and Resorts.

The Leela Palace Bengaluru opened in 2001 in the fast-growing city of Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), while The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru followed in 2021 in the city’s Special Economic Zone.

WHERE IS IT?

On Old Airport Road

– but unfortunately 45km from the (new) Kempegowda International Airport – which is at least an hour’s drive due to heavy traffic. Closer attractions include Cubbon Park

(an 11-minute tuk-tuk ride) and the central business district.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? Unsurprisingly palatial. The hotel’s pretty pink exterior, capped with copper domes, is nestled in 2.8 hectares of landscaped gardens, blooming with flowers and palm trees – a tranquil scene that feels worlds away from the chaotic traffic outside the gates.

Somehow this façade doesn’t upstage the ornate interiors, which include carved walls, high gilded ceilings, gold leaf accents, antiques and paintings galore – plus plenty of natural light from the large windows.

While it may not be a true palace, the IndoSaracenic architecture draws inspiration from the Mysore Palace in Karnataka – so much so that I was surprised it was built in 2001 and not in a bygone era.

The open-air entrance is enchanting, with marble pillars and large decorative doors depicting a peacock’s wings, while gold elephant-adorned gates are at the back of the property. Throughout the grounds you’ll spot sculptures of mythical Hindu creatures, including yali – part lion, part elephant and part horse – often seen in 16th-century temples. As well as sculptural works, the hotel also displays works by artist Bhim Singh Hada – including the portrayal of the Wadiyar brothers from the royal family of Mysore.

Guests must put their luggage through a security scanner outside before entering the open-plan lobby, where there’s plenty of seating, and a dramatic winding staircase popular for photo backdrops. We checked in at 4.30am, which I’m told is a busy time for the hotel given the arrival of flights from the United Kingdom and United States. Staff were quick to provide keys and take luggage to rooms so we could catch up on sleep.

People staying at the hotel are encouraged to take part in ceremonial rituals throughout their stay. We participated in the evening aarti ceremony in the lobby, whereby women in traditional attire light diya (oil lamps) in front of a statue of the goddess Devi– though I dripped wax on myself while trying to light the tall candles. Further experiences include a theatrical Yakshagana performance, where stories are told through dance, music and costume.

The property also has a great partnership with Phool, an NGO which upcycles petals from floral arrangements to create incense sticks and cones. This organisation employs

VIPs, including presidents and royals, opt for the 325 sqm Maharaja suite

women from marginalised communities in India, and uses more than 10 tonnes of flower waste per year.

ROOMS The 357 rooms and suites start from a generous 50 sqm, and feature an opulent design, with dark wood, plush fabrics and patterned rugs, yet remain comfortable and homely.

Notable are the 76 Royal Club rooms

(also 50 sqm) which have access to the club lounge, which offers express checkin/check-out and complimentary food and beverages. However, VIPs, including presidents and royals, opt for the 325 sqm Maharaja suite, which comes with an optional guest room, a huge bathroom with steam cubicle and Jacuzzi. It also offers high security (even covering the corridor to the accommodation).

Amenities in all room categories include a minibar, kettle with teabags and coffee bags (no coffee machine), complimentary cookies and small water bottles. There’s also a pillow

Jamavar is outstanding, with every inch adorned in gold leaf

menu if you are fussy. The turn-down service is beautiful, and the king-size bed has highquality soft linen, making for a seamless sleep.

While the hotel’s aesthetic has a historical feel, rooms feature modern amenities for today’s tech traveller – Bengaluru is India’s Silicon Valley, after all. The rooms have an HD TV, touchscreen light switches beside the bed, bedside table USB sockets and universal plug sockets at the desk. Wifi is fast, but disappears in various areas of the hotel.

Bathrooms, meanwhile, are sumptuous with dark carved wood and marble accents, plus Tishya by The Leela toiletries in recyclable packing, featuring a fragrance inspired by India’s national flower, the lotus. There are also fluffy white robes and slippers, a hairdryer and various items that you might have forgotten – from a bamboo toothbrush to a comb. The walk-in shower has a powerful hand-held faucet plus a rain shower; next to this is a bath.

FOOD AND DRINK There’s plenty of choice for dining at this palace – from the high-end Jamavar for Indian cuisine to allday Citrus (excellent buffets), pan-Asian Zen, and dinner destination Le Cirque Signature for French and Italian food. Service can be a little slow, but friendly, and there are outdoor dining terraces throughout.

Jamavar is outstanding, with every inch of the lavish dining room adorned in patterned fabrics, luxurious carpets, gold leaf wall paintings and silver table settings. As soon as you enter the gilded room you are greeted by the smell of delicious spices.

Choose the set menu (about US$60 for two) if you feel overwhelmed by the choice – we loved the creamy dal, cauliflower bezule (fried florets with curry leaves, chilli and yoghurt), and bharwaan gulab jamun dessert (golden fried cheese dumplings in rose syrup). I’m looking forward to trying Jamavar’s outpost in London’s Mayfair next.

Head to ZLB 23, open from 6.30pm to 1am, for an unmissable nightcap. The hidden bar befits its speakeasy vibe – unlike some establishments that market themselves as such. You’ll find it in Zia’s Garden – that’s my only clue – and dimly lit, theatrical interiors are inspired by Kyoto and the Prohibition era.

MEETINGS

The hotel is well-designed for meetings, events and weddings, boasting two ballrooms (409 sqm and 250 sqm) and 12 board and meeting rooms. We can vouch for the Maharaja Ballroom, which hosted Virgin Atlantic’s launch party for its new route to Bengaluru – a well-organised event with delicious catering, Virgin-branded tuktuks and great entertainment.

LEISURE

The hotel has a spa with a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi and treatment rooms, plus a fitness centre and beautiful outdoor pool with plenty of shade for those looking to escape the sun. There’s also a shopping arcade (The Leela Galleria).

VERDICT

A splendid hotel filled with nature and history – a fitting reminder of Bengaluru’s moniker as India’s Garden City. Rooms are well designed for both business and leisure guests, with impressive event spaces and delicious restaurants.

Hannah Brandler