ITC, Maratha, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai

BACKGROUND ITC Maratha is a five-star business hotel inspired by the Maratha dynasty, located in Mumbai’s financial district. With sustainability at its core, ITC Maratha has been recognised as a LEED Platinum Certified hotel by the US Green Building Council in the existing building category.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE? As I approached the hotel by car, I spotted the domed roof, the main identity of the hotel, which is inspired by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. The hotel champions Indian and British history and pays tribute to the great Marathas. I noticed several Maharashtrian elements in the lobby including Shivaji Maharaj’s portrait. Another striking feature is the glass sheet etched with the ‘ Tree of Life’ motif and a poem in the ancient Modi script. My check-in was relatively quick and easy, with friendly staff (clad in neat Paithani sarees). I was asked to complete an online health and travel declaration form sent to me via email. ITC also has adopted a series of safety and hygiene measures including temperature checks, social distancing and mandatory face masks, to curb the risk of the virus spread.

WHERE IS IT? Sahar Airport Road, about 15 minutes from Mumbai International Airport.

ROOMS There are 380 guestrooms and suites. I stayed in the ITC One Room on the 15th floor, overlooking the swimming pool. A ‘ WeAssure’ label had been attached to my door handle, indicating my room had been serviced according to ITC Hotels’ health and hygiene programme. The room featured a king-size bed, a small sofa, a smart work desk, a tea and coffee table, an in-room refrigerator, a flat-screen TV, international plugs by the bed, and a small box (for a good night’s sleep) featuring products such as pillow mist, eye masks, earplugs, and stress relief mist by Forest Essentials. The bathroom was modern and functional and featured luxurious Essenza Di Wills toiletries. The room resonated with the brand’s ideology of ‘Responsible Luxury’ extensively.

FOOD AND DRINK I was eager to dine at the hotel given it boasts some of the best-rated restaurants in India and lunch at Peshawri, a north-eastern frontier restaurant, was one of the highlights of my stay. I really enjoyed the homely ambiance here. I started my meal with a home dish – dal bukhara, a blend of black lentil, tomatoes, ginger, and garlic. I was told it has been slow-cooked on a charcoal fire for 24 hours and trust me, every heavenly spoonful was rich, creamy and subtly smoky in flavour. It was served with pudhina paratha and tandoori naan (bread) and a side of tandoori aloo. I had my evening meal at Dum Pukht, which specialises in Awadhi cuisine. I indulged in the à la carte menu, opting for shorba timater to start – a comforting tomato soup with cumin, green coriander and crackling wheat crisps. For mains I ordered aloo bukhara, mande (paper-thin wholewheat bread), and dum pukht biryani served with raita (curd dish). The fragrance from the biryani was magical, and every morsel burst with flavours. For “meetha” (dessert), a mouth-watering malai kulfi (Indian icecream) cleansed the palate.

MEETINGS There are 10 luxurious event spaces, the largest of which can accommodate 700 people, plus a 24-hour business centre.

LEISURE There’s a 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool and the Kaya Kalp Spa.

VERDICT Ideal for a regal business or leisure stay. Nisha Shroff

The hotel champions Indian and British history and pays tribute to the great Marathas