TRIED & TESTED
Shangri-La’s — Eros Hotel; Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park; 25hours Hotel Frankfurt The Goldman
BACKGROUND Hong Kongbased Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has two properties in India — in Bengaluru and in New Delhi. Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel in New Delhi is owned by Eros Group and managed by the hospitality company. It opened in September of 2005.
WHAT’S IT LIKE? My Uber drove to the entrance of the hotel through a pathway lined with greenery. The signature “Shangri-La Essence” scent welcomed me. Its lobby is rich and tastefully decorated in a signature Shangri-La style: gold hues, enamouring chandeliers and a large floral arrangement in the centre. Reflective marble flooring adds to the charm of the aesthetically decorated space. On the right is Grappa, its cosy lobby lounge and Mister Chai, its teashop, while turning left takes you to its shopping arcade. Hong Kong-based Leese Robertson and Freeman Designers have taken inspiration from the works of Edwin Lutyens for the hotel’s design. Lutyens was one of the greatest architects during the British Raj.
WHERE IS IT? It’s located at Connaught Place, in Delhi’s city centre. Government offices, shopping centres, embassies and commercial, financial and business districts are in close proximity. The hotel is a 30-minute drive from the domestic and international airports. The exhibition grounds of Pragati Maidan are a few minutes away.
ROOM FACILITIES This 322key property features 288 rooms and 34 suites. Accommodation is categorised as Deluxe rooms, Premier rooms, Horizon Deluxe rooms and Horizon Club Premier rooms, Executive suites, Speciality suites and the Presidential suite. Overlooking a panoramic view of the city’s diplomatic area, my Horizon Club Premier room on the 18th floor was well appointed with contemporary Asian furnishings. It was nice to sit by the lounging area near the window in the mornings with my cuppa, while reading the news. Categories upward of “Horizon Club” can access the Horizon Club Lounge on the 19th floor. Since I was staying at a Horizon Club Premier room, I could avail of a number of additional services, including private check-in/out, complimentary tea/coffee with my wake-up call, evening cocktails
and canapés (during happy hours between 6pm and 8pm) and an option for breakfast at the Horizon Club Lounge.
Rooms across categories offer beds dressed in fine linen, a safe-deposit, a mini-bar, ironing facilities, a plasma LED TV (40inch) and artwork.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The hotel features five restaurants and bars. This includes Mister Chai, its 24-hour restaurant at the lobby level which emanates a traditional teashop ambience in a contemporary setting. The food selection here is inspired from the streets of India, including vada pao, butter-chicken samosas, chaat and bun maska. Breakfast is served at its all-day, multi-cuisine (European and Southeast Asian) restaurant Tamra. The hotel has two speciality restaurants — Sorrento (Italian) and Shang Palace (Chinese). Dinner was at the latter where I relished pan-fried sea bass as an appetiser and cod in black bean sauce for the main-course.
MEETING FACILITIES Located on the first level is its Shangri-La Ballroom that can be partitioned into four halls namely Ganga, Yamuna, Vyas and Tapti, and can accommodate up to 440 people in theatre style. There are three Private Meeting Rooms (I, II and III) that measure between 66 sqm and 120 sqm.
LEISURE FACILITIES I worked out at their 24-hour fitness centre in the morning. You can opt for a yoga session by appointment. There is an indoor Jacuzzi, an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna and steam room. Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts’ signature CHI, The Spa offers varied treatments.
VERDICT Thanks to its discerning hospitality, I felt at home during my stay at Shangri-La’s - Eros Hotel. Facilities are designed to suit both leisure and business travellers, making it an ideal choice in a city that’s bustling with options.