An Epicurean AFFAIR
The Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, Noida nails old-world luxury like no other urban property with its exquisite Privé Collection rooms and suites. Find out why it deserves a stopover in your New Delhi itinerary. By SHIKHA PUSHPAN
FOR YEARS, Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, Noida was just another business hotel for me, until I had an opportunity to stay in one of its gorgeous suites in the new Privé Collection. Designed along the lines of
Venetian and French decorative theme, the suites exude a regal aura with Victorian chandeliers, dreamy drapes, and generous touches of velvet. The neoclassical design follows through the corridor right up to the vanity corner in the rooms, transporting you into lavishly appointed living spaces of a colonial bungalow.
While the carefully coordinated colour schemes, bed canopies with footstools, rococo-inspired ceilings, and antique furniture do make you feel special, it’s the private butler service that sweeps you off your feet. Prince Bhati, my butler, knew just when I needed to be pampered with crème brûlée and the perfect pairings for my favourite Pinot Noir. The intuitive service at the property is one of the best in the class. For instance, when I wanted to call it a day, a turned-down bed and chocolates by its side awaited me in my room, along with a hand cream and lip moisturiser. For those who like to enjoy their nightcap, the Privé Lounge is exclusively open to guests staying at the rooms of the
Privé Collection, and offers a selection of canapés to go with your favourite cocktail. Or, borrow a book from the well-stocked library if it’s the musty scent of old pages that puts you to sleep.
The hotel extends its Victorian theme to the recently refurbished all-day brasserie SXVIII (pronounced S18). Floorto-ceiling windows offer uninterrupted views of the manicured gardens outside, while antique artefacts, and ornate ceilings overlook sumptuous buffet tables serving everything from sushi to tortellini. I liked the fennel- and saffron-infused seafood soup, tuna niçoise, and oven-roasted sea bass. Made in India, the Indian restaurant on the first floor, features a striking astronomyinspired ceiling and offers the Maharaja and Maharani quarters for a private dining experience. The place pays special attention to presentation—for instance, sultani seekh (a type of kebab) was served on a sword! We reserved the pan-Asian restaurant, R.E.D. (Rare Eastern Dining), for the evening. As I had a hard time choosing between chá li wasabi cha tou and prawn sui mui for starters, the Singaporean head chef Raymond Sim took charge and rolled out some signature dishes, such as salmon and cheese pillow, scallops served with red radish and home-made salsa; and tuna tartare with chilli teriyaki and capelin fish roe. I rounded off the experience with a spring-roll ice cream (deep-fried spring rolls filled with lychee ice cream and served with fresh fruits), and went home content.
At the Privé Collection rooms and suites, colonial paintings share space with antique brass wall scones, upholstered arm chair makes one feel comfortable to a fault, and ornate chandeliers watch over guests from baroque ceilings, lending the space an unmatched global appeal perfect for the discerning international traveller.