Background
Claiming to be “India’s first ever boutique hotel” may be a bold statement but, coming onto the scene in 2000 from a brand that was started by Surrendra Paul in 1967, THE Park Bangalore is certainly among the first chic design hotels in India. And as it nears its 20th birthday, it hasn’t lost its touch either. Even today, when the hotel has to compete with dozens of others nearby, it’s still known by locals as one of the coolest places to stay in Bangalore.
Location
Tucked down a side street off Mahatma Gandhi road (or just MG Road if you want to fit in). It’s really close to the city centre, in the top retail and business area of the city – top-end 1MG-Lido Mall is just over the road.
Design notes
The stark white angular building peeks above a high wall; its windows framed with pops of colour. The interiors are equally as contemporary and designed by British interior design heavyweight Sir Terence Conran. Think pops of green from silk curtains, minimal four-poster beds and Indian paisley print throws.
Clientele
Bangalore locals and an international cool crowd mingle together around the outdoor lap pool, where the city’s techies sip spicy ginger cocktails in the hot Indian air after hours.
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Staying in
The contemporary design continues onto the plate at the Italia restaurant, one of the best fine-dining options in Bangalore. Expect Italian dishes like asparagus with parmesan gratin and a balsamic reduction as well as off-kilter choices like eel with olives and chilli. If you’re fighting jet-lag, the Monsoon restaurant is open 24 hours.
The USP
The underground Aura spa, with seven treatment rooms where you can indulge in Indian therapies such as Ayurvedic massage.
