Sofitel Mumbai BKC

BACKGROUND Sofitel Mumbai BKC is one of Accor’s most prominent addresses in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The French hospitality group’s other hotels in the city are operated under the Novotel and ibis brands.

WHERE IS IT? The effortless marriage of French flair and Indian hospitality is unmissable from the moment you step into the property. The “Bonjour Namaskar” greeting sets the tone. As soon as I entered the lobby, I gravitated towards the rotating totem featuring motifs of Indian and French elements such as a peacock, art and fashion. I was told the totem’s role is to create pleasant and positive vibes. In terms of health and safety, my bag was thoroughly disinfected prior to security scanning and contactless temperature mapping was conducted. Basic details such as my name and contact number were also recorded on entry. Hands-free sanitiser dispensers were also placed throughout the property. The check-in staff were well-equipped and informed about the sanitisation and hygiene protocols, which are carried out according to Accor’s ALLSAFE programme.

WHAT’S IT LIKE? The hotel is located in the commercial and financial hub of Mumbai, the Bandra Kurla Complex, and provides easy access to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It is less than a fiveminute drive from Bharat Diamond Bourse.

ROOMS I stayed in a Prestige Suite (pictured), which I would like to define as an “uber-luxe cocoon”. The living and sleeping areas featured bold furnishings in striking hues like royal purple, coupled with elegant artworks. High-speed Wi-Fi and a Bose audio entertainment system took care of my mandatory multimedia content consumption for the day. In the evening, I made myself a cup of coffee from the inroom coffee machine and watched bustling city life pass by me through the giant windows. The bathroom had a separate tub and a shower and the aroma of the French Note toiletries was divine. Guests are allocated rooms at least 24 hours following prior occupancy to allow for cleaning and sanitisation procedures.

FOOD AND DRINK

A multi-cuisine buffet breakfast featuring local and international delights at Pondichéry Café, the hotel’s all-day dining venue, set me up for a productive day. Guests were asked to wear transparent gloves while taking food from the counters for hygiene purpose. That did not deter me; I tucked into an eclectic feast of pancakes with maple syrup; sausages; south Indian delicacies like vada (savoury fried snacks) and dosa (rice pancake); and north Indian favourites such as chole puri (spicy chickpeas with fried bread). A cappuccino rounded off my hearty indulgence. I tried out in-room dining for lunch; a margherita pizza and a plate of hakka noodles satiated my hunger pangs in between work and the food arrived piping hot.

Dinner was at Artisan, the hotel’s chic outlet that blends music and gastronomy. I opted for the kung pao sweet and spicy potato wedges followed by the classic house fries, which are a must when visiting this venue. For a comfort-food fix, I ordered the fusilli alfredo pasta for my main and finished with a five textured chocolate cake, which was sinfully decadent.

MEETINGS The meetings and events offering is extensive, ranging from a grand ballroom to intimate indoor venues and scenic outdoor spaces, including poolside and the pretty Kitchen Garden.

LEISURE If you like to work out, it’s best to plan ahead as guest numbers at the Sofitel FITNESS health club are restricted due to social distancing measures. For some R&R and pampering, there’s a Sofitel SPA and the Savio John Pereira Salon.

VERDICT Ideal for a business stay where all your work, leisure and dining needs are met with style, substance and sophistication. Sanchita Nambiar

The “Bonjour Namaskar” greeting sets the tone