Great spa, food and city-centre drinks: The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore

The Ritz Carlton

Bangalore, India

The Telegraph

Telegraph Review/ Shoba Narayan/ Travel writer

With over 1,200 art works displayed all over, this jewel-like hotel in the heart of Bangalore has arguably the loveliest spa in the city, highly-rated Indian, Chinese and Continental restaurants, a Mercedes-Benz chauffeur pickup, and a wonderful design motif of painstakingly-carved extensive latticework

Location

8/10

Bordered by Mahatma Gandhi (MG) Road on one side, and the shops of UB City on the other, the hotel is set back from busy Residency Road. Leisure travellers can walk to shops and restaurants, or hail an Uber or Ola cab, which arrive within minutes.

Style & character

9 / 10

This 277-room hotel feels like a cosy boutique property, thanks to intimate spaces and soft lighting. There are 1280 whimsical sculptures and paintings by mostly Indian, but also French, American, Vietnamese, and Cuban artists, which enliven the corridors and public spaces. Intricate latticework of various types—circles, floral patterns, star-shaped, and square—forms the wonderful design motif.

The lighting is contemporary and playful, and the interiors are bedecked with marble, in colours of red and yellow. The flower arrangements are slanted and distinctive. In its attention to detail, the hotel is decked out like an Indian bride.

Service & facilities

8 / 10

The young, smiling staff remember your name. Guests are whisked to their rooms for check-in. Repeat guests get a rose-petal shower as they walk in—inducing delight and lots of giggles. Personalised welcome notes from the manager and staff are placed in the room.

The outdoor swimming pool is narrow but long. The fitness centre is kitted out adequately with Technogym equipment, but the crowning glory may well be the spa ― with a whirlpool tub the size of a small pool, steam shower, sauna, ice shower, and lounging area. Try the synchronized four-hand “jaali embrace” massage in which two therapists lull away even the most stubborn insomnia for 10,970 Indian Rupees (£134) all inclusive. An aromatherapy massage for two in the couples spa suite with its rose petal strewn whirlpool tub, private steam room, a spacious couples massage room and lounging double bed is worth the splurge at 18,730 Indian Rupees (£230).

Wi-Fi
Fitness centre
Laundry
Parking
Bar
Pool
Restaurant
Room service
Sauna
Spa
Steam room/hammam

Shoba's Notes

Try the truffled dimsum at Lantern, a favourite location for celebrations.

The spa is among the best in Bangalore.

The owners are friends of mine.

Rooms

9 / 10

Although the rooms have no balconies, the 16th floor ones offer nice views of Bangalore city through—no surprises here—a latticework window. The 400-ply Frette linen on the beds, and plush bathrobes makes in-room dining, or all-day napping a viable option. Nespresso-type Krug machines are given a whimsical touch with local coffee. Best of all is an old fashioned Tivoli radio beside the bed where local radio jockeys tease and announce in Kannada, Hindi and English.

Bathrooms are large with a rain shower, bathtub, double sinks, and Asprey toiletries. The bright red headboard is memorable in what are otherwise comfortable, even luxurious rooms.

Food & drink

9/ 10

The hotel has a history of good chefs, including Michelin-starred chef, Anupam Banerjee, who worked in London, Geneva, Paris, and Washington D.C.

Riwaz

Riwaz, the Indian restaurant with its open kitchen and excellent grills and kebabs. Try the clove-infused leg of lamb called Baluchi Raan for 1,750 Indian Rupees (£21), the chargrilled chicken or the cardamom-scented morels and vegetables for 950 Indian Rupees (£12).

Lantern

The eye-poppingly decorated Lantern serves modern Chinese in lovely booths surrounded by colourful glasses, blue pottery, and compressed books—not as bad as it sounds. Their extensive dimsum menu that includes asparagus, truffled-scented edamame and succulent seafood.

The set menu from 2,900 Indian Rupees (£37) is a good choice for people who want to try a little of everything. Dimsum cooking classes for individuals or groups are on offer followed by lunch.

Market

The Market, the all-day dining outlet serves breakfast with Indian, Chinese, and Continental live counters.

Bang

Bang, the rooftop bar, serves cocktails and shooters with shared plates and music, while the Lobby Lounge does a self-described “legendary” afternoon tea.