I step into a pleasant lobby, wonderfully
radiant with natural light streaming in through large windows. The high ceiling
catches my attention instantly as does the informal seating arrangement. A
quirky metal sculpture dresses up the main wall and a 3D painting in amber hues
adds cheer behind the front desk. I find an aesthetic flow between spaces with
the lobby seamlessly merging into the lounge and deli-patisserie. It’s chic,
it’s contemporary and until JW Marriott arrived here a year back this is the
international experience Chandigarh
was missing.
The open layout creates a welcoming
ambience. That's besides the chilled shikanjavi I'm served in a kulad as a welcome drink! There's
something invigorating about this homegrown earthenware, especially on a hot
summer day, and it’s one of the many illustrations of the brand’s concept to
let current and classical (Indian) run hand in hand on the property.
Design
JW Marriott belongs to Marriott
International’s luxury portfolio. In keeping with its worldwide theme of
sophisticated indulgence for the self-assured traveller, subtle grandeur greets
the eye at every turn. That apart, the notion of incorporating a local element is
clearly visible: Chandigarh’s
Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier’s linear-layout outlook and his classic
bronze plaque replicas judiciously blend into the interior design.
There’s
enough space for all reasons, with the property boasting of the city’s largest
banquet-conference facilities. This includes its distinctive ‘Living Room’; casual, modish, and meant for small meetings,
it’s based on the model of NY apartments with open kitchen, lounge and foyer.
The hotel makes up for its lack of
offering picturesque sights — and this is a very green city — by concentrating
on its interiors and creating a soothing effect wherever possible. Towards the
rear of the lobby the outdoor seating by a water body is a perfect example. One
of the loveliest spots is the roof-top swimming pool and deck, which allows an
aerial view of the vicinity that’s particularly appealing around the evening.
The 164-room property includes four
luxury and one splendid presidential suite. I had checked-in on the
executive level and my room like all others was styled in marble-wood and its
large dimensions packed in state-of-the-art conveniences. Surprisingly, though,
furnishing appeared tad jaded for a year-old star property. Some design issues,
as the oddly-placed en suite bathroom door lock, also needed correction. I was
assured these niggles were being rectified. The
nice part about staying on the sixth floor was the access to the tasteful
executive lounge. Elsewhere, among other indulgences, I thought the telly above
the bath-tub in the luxury suite spelt utter relaxation.
Spa
For other ways of rejuvenation, there
was the signature Quan Spa. Refreshingly minimal in decor, it was an oasis of
tranquillity. Therapies here were a mix of massages, scrubs, and facials, using
aroma oils, fruit and marine extracts. Merely reading the menu was a
stress-buster and once I'd been through the unusual Aquarelle Face Treatment
that uses live cells of algae, I felt wholly revitalised. Interestingly, Quan
means ‘spring water’, and therapies are designed to extract its restorative
qualities.
Cuisine
If way to a
guest's heart is through the stomach, the Mezzanine is where unlimited flavours
converge to do precisely that. There's a trio of restaurants here: The Cafe
@JW, an all-day dining popular for its sumptuous buffets and Asian cuisine; Saffron, the classy Indian fine-dining; and Oregano,
the trattoria-style Italian restaurant and bar. There’s also Whisky 111, an
exclusive bar offering a selection of the finest single malts and vintages. Culinary
operations are lead by executive chef Pallav Singhal, whose enthusiasm ensures
menus are always sparkling with something new.
A ravioli
promotion was on and I chose to dine at the friendly Oregano. Over a watermelon refresher, basket of appetising Italian breads and
robust antipasti, Chef Singhal steered
conversation. As we spoke ceaselessly on, well, gastronomy, expat chef
Antonello Cancedda presented an attractive gourmet spread. The delicately-balanced
Pumpkin Ravioli with amaretti-butter-sage whet the taste-buds to be
followed by equally-flavoursome Asparagus-potato ravioli with white truffle oil
and Openface ravioli with smoked
chicken- thyme- Mascarpone cheese. With breads and pasta being prepared fresh this
truly was a slice of authentic Italian away from Italy. So fulfilling was it that
the main course was skipped but certainly not the dolci or dessert options of Panna-cotta
alla grappa and Tiramisu
tradizionale. An outstanding affogato rounded-off
a scrumptiously-Marriott experience.
At a glance
WHAT: Five star property
WHERE: Sector 35B, Chandigarh
160035
COST: Begins
at Rs 15,000 (rack rate)
VERDICT: Business-luxury hotel very centrally located
Published: ITTP, 2012
For ore stories: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/author/Brinda-Suri/1.html
