The Sheraton Bangalore review - Where chic meets contemporary

I got ‘Bangalored'… and thoroughly enjoyed it!

In front of me are colourful lanterns, little fountains, an infinity pool, comfy lounge chairs and a stunning view of a man-made lake and of course, the rest of the vibrant city of Bengaluru.

Sheraton sure gets it bang on when it comes to giving guests an ambience and a view to flip for and some novelty too. Like the sky bridge stemming out of the hotel's façade. I was at the new Sheraton property in Bengaluru at the Brigade Gateway, and it has not one, but two sky bridges connecting to a soon to be up mall and a corporate office hub.

Letting guests heave a sign of relief for having escaped the crazy city traffic while going shopping or to work, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has chosen the venue for its newest Sheraton in its portfolio in the heart of an integrated lifestyle enclave, in the Malleswaram neighbourhood. The property is located strategically next to luxury apartments, the World Trade Center (WTC) office tower, Orion Mall, an international school, a premium hospital and a picture perfect lake.

However, despite being in the midst of other complexes, the five-star business hotel stands out in its glass facade and a pretty water sculpture that forms a neat partition in the front. As Martin Wuethrich, the General Manager of the hotel puts it; every building here at Brigade Gateway supports the other, thus targeting office goers who just have to trot to work right from inside the hotel as well as patients who are receiving treatment at the hospital, apart from others who visit the Garden City.

Pleasing décor

There are two design elements that are evident when you step into Sheraton's new property. The extensive use of open spaces, especially in the lobby, and the interesting use of glass. Simple, nothing over the top. With a grand sweeping staircase, cascading waters, large glass partitions inlaid with gold patterns and lots of space to gather, the lobby reverberates with life. The 230 guest rooms are categorised into the city side rooms, deluxe pool/ lake rooms, Sheraton Club guest rooms, junior suites, executive suites and a presidential suite. Club guests have special access to the Sheraton Club Lounge where they can relax with a drink, grab a bite and meet up with friends. The décor in the rooms is classic – creams mixed with earthy tones, plush fabrics and wood to create a sense of warmth and bonding. Also commendable are the effortlessly chic interiors at the restaurants and the palatial setting of the Durbar restaurant, with oversized candle holders, large traditional paintings and huge Maharaja chairs. It's an enchanting change from the rest of the hotel, which revels in contemporary, modern furnishings.

Food haven

When Executive Chef Gustavo Maurelli lifted the lid on his famous smoked poached pears, cooked in red wine and served on a bed of mascarpone, the aroma of the cinnamon was enough to have me drooling for more. Much like the rest of the food at Bene, the signature Italian restaurant at the hotel. Guests can either queue up at the Pizzaiolo, Pizza Bar to select their favourite pizza or savour some delicious spinach risotto, mushroom ravioli, and buffalo mozzarella topped with tomato caviar. Then there's the multi-cuisine round-the-clock buffet restaurant, aptly titled Feast. While the Thai section was an instant favourite, the apple cinnamon mousse, glazed Persian beetroots and Churros (Spanish doughnut - thin and long fried dough, with a chocolate sauce dip) are worth a try. Also at the hotel is the Persian Terrace with an aura of Arabic exoticness and food to go with, not forgetting the shisha pipe to make circles in the air on a cool summer night and Durbar, a colonial styled restaurant offering royal Indian cuisine and fine beverages.

Feature-rich

The Sheraton Bangalore has many new features to its credit. If you have been able to experience a night of sound sleep at its guest rooms, it's all thanks to the signature Sheraton Sweet Sleeper bed comprising of an all-white jacquard pillow and duvet ensemble with luxurious sheets. The hotel also offers the Sheraton Fitness Programmed by Core Performance, a partnership that gives guests a comprehensive health and fitness program. Ideal for those who want to follow their fitness regime when on the move. The Link@Sheraton is also a new initiative, which breaks free from the conventional business centre room and makes the internet zone a vibrant part of the lobby.

The Angsana Spa will also be thrown up to its guests even as you are reading Smartbuy right now.

Sheraton Bangalore has everything going for it. The 30km ride from the airport and travel to the city centre is compensated by its unique positioning and secure premises. And if your office is at Brigade Gateway, there is nothing as relieving as taking a ‘sky walk' to work.