The Western part of India is one of the most diverse regions in the world. It stretches from the dry Thar Desert to the wet Western Ghats. As I have travelled to quite a few of these destinations, let me tell you about a few hotels where you can base your travels from.
Fairmont, Jaipur
A royal welcome is guaranteed as you enter the property. Rose petals are showered on with sounds of sarangi, nagada and santoor. A tikka is put on the forehead to express their hospitality while a saffron chunri is adorned on our necks to represent the typical Rajasthan culture. With welcome drinks in our hands, we walk towards the lobby. I watch with admiration the rustic wall paint, the magnificent architecture, the brilliant décor that truly reflects the Mughal dynasty and Royal Rajputs of yore.
With 199 rooms inclusive of 3 massive suites, you can come, lie back and enjoy the touch of royalty. Be it the super soft mattresses with the four-poster beds, or the wooden floors, the LCD TV or a marble-floored walk in bathroom with a separate Hammam bath, the Fairmont attends to each and every one of your luxuries. The Parrot, which is the official insignia of the property shows up repeatedly in wall hangings, lamps and doorways. The Conference centre, one of the largest in the region, provides a striking venue for weddings. The Grand Ballroom features a soaring, hand-painted decorative ceiling and intricate grill detailing, jali, on the walls, evoking the palace windows from which the women of the court would watch the proceedings.
Grand Mercure Surya Palace, Vadodara
Vadodara, Gujarat’s third largest city, is considered the state’s cultural capital. Vadodara has some interesting city sights, but the main reason for coming here is the stunning Unesco World Heritage Site of Champaner and Pavagadh nearby. The city is way less hectic than Ahmedabad, and parts of the Sayajigunj area near the university have a college-town feel. During our recent trip to Vadodara, Team Salt and Sandals zeroed in on “Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace” which is one of the finest properties in Vadodara, strategically located in close proximity to Vadodara’s business district and corporate hub, the hotel is the first Grand Mercure to launch in the state of Gujarat.
As we arrived at the airport, the representatives from the hotel reached to welcome us and escort us to the property. Located hardly 10 minutes from the Airport, an air-conditioned car awaits us with a friendly driver who offered us an ice cold bottle of water and skilfully navigated Vadodara’s traffic to reach our destination. The hotel features 146 well-appointed guest rooms, including 96 Deluxe Rooms, 44 Executive Rooms, 5 Premiere Suites and one Presidential Suite. Each room features modern design aesthetics, equipped with in-room amenities, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access, embellished bathroom, vivacious wall art, tea and coffee maker, minibar, digital safe, LED TV, digital air conditioning control and a work desk. Staying true to its distinct brand individuality, the rooms are deeply influenced by seasons of the year and vibrant Indian festivals through paintings and a vivacious colour palette.
Having spent most of my time studying in Solapur, Pune was one of my favourite hangouts. With the ruins of Shanivaar Wada in the background, I have always marveled at the buzz that has surrounded the city. The perfect way for you to discover the beauty of Pune and the surrounding Maharashtra is to base yourself at the Mercure Lavasa, Pune.
This 130-roomed Lavasa Hotels property offers all the homely comforts that a wearied traveler will require. The rooms are made up in a characteristic modern way and offer Free Wi-Fi. The hotel has an International cuisine based restaurant, Celebrations which offers a Sushi train amongst its offerings. The Bar, Zen offers a bevy of delectable cocktails that will have you buzzing in no time.
The list of hotels in the Western part of India is an endless one but these are a few that team Salt and Sandals recommends. Tell us about your favourite hotel in Western India in the comments below.
