BACKGROUND

ITC Hotels operates 100 hotels across 70 destinations in India. Each hotel is inspired by the cultural heritage of the city it is located in. The hotel group is the exclusive franchisee of The Luxury Collection brand of Starwood Hotels and Resorts in India. ITC Rajputana in Jaipur is LEED® Platinum certified and opened in 1992.

WHAT’S IT LIKE?

The red-brick exteriors of the hotel instantly reminded me of the havelis (traditional mansion) I had seen in Rajasthan. The hotel welcomed me in quintessential ITC fashion; vermillion on my forehead and namastes (symbolised by the group’s “Namaste” logo). The lobby is decorated in stark, white marble, with furniture designed in vibrant fabrics providing an effortless contrast. Two striking staircases designed symmetrically face the entrance of the reception. A large water installation in the centre of this space is placed below a bunch of hanging lamps. Geometric brown and beige tiling break the monochrome. The rest of the property features long corridors embellished with traditional latticework of Rajasthan.

WHERE IS IT?

In the centre of the city, 0.5km from the railway station and 15km from the airport. The hotel is close to commercial and shopping centres of Jaipur.

ROOM FACILITIES 

I stayed in the luxurious Thikana suite (45 sqm) that’s designed in shades of mahogany against maroon upholstery. The fairly large suite emanates the feeling of royalty with its aesthetic furniture and traditional light fixtures. It’s divided into a living area and bedroom with two plasma televisions (42 inches) that are backed against each other. A dining table sits besides the lounge on one side and a workspace that overlooks a combined balcony for the living area and bedroom, on the other side. The bedroom is opulent but comfortable, not too over the top. An attached marbled-bathroom is besides a walk-in wardrobe and features Fiama Di Wills (a brand of ITC Limited). As a guest of ITC Rajputana’s Thikana suite, I had certain privileges including cocktail and hors d’oeuvres during daily club hours and personalised butler service. The hotel’s room categories are divided as per its target audience: Executive Club rooms (30 sqm) for business travellers and Rajputana Chamber rooms (29 sqm) for families. It also features Rajputana Royale rooms (31 sqm) that are a notch above in terms of luxury offering floor butler service and lounge access and a presidential suite.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

It’s difficult to go wrong with ITC Hotels’s signature restaurant Peshawri, that also features at this property. Alongside the 48-hour simmered black daal, I quite enjoyed its tandoori kebabs. Along with the previously mentioned Jaipur Pavilion and Sheesh Mahal Bar, the hotel also houses Jharokha Poolside Lounge that bustles with folk music in the evenings. Breakfast was quite enjoyable at Jal Mahal. I relished an eggs Benedict while listening to some traditional music that was played live.

BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES 

Its Suryavanshi Mahal Banquet hall (445 sqm) on the lobby level can accommodate up to 500 guests and can be divided into three partitions. Additionally, the lobby level has a pre-function area (232 sqm) and a boardroom (38 sqm). Two meeting rooms (26 sqm and 27 sqm) along with an open air venue called Hawa Mahal (675 sqm) that can accommodate up to 550 guests are on the mezzanine floor.

LEISURE FACILITIES 

ITC Hotels’ signature Kaya Kalp – The Spa features in the ITC Rajputana with five treatment rooms that pamper guests with European, Western, Oriental, Indian and traditional Spa therapy. There’s also a pool, jogging track, art gallery, recreational area for children, a shopping arcade, golf on request, florist and an astrologer if you’re curious about your stars. 

VERDICT

Modern luxury amidst a traditional setting presented with ITC Hotels’ sincere hospitality. Heartwarming and impressive, as always.

HOW MANY ROOMS?  

217; 88 Executive Club rooms, 55 Rajputana Chamber rooms,  58 Rajputana Royale rooms, 15 Thikana suites, one Presidential suite

HIGHLIGHTS

Signature elements of ITC Hotels: Peshawri and Kaya Kalp – The Spa

PRICE

Room rates for a stay in the Executive Club room in November started at ₹9,500

CONTACT

Palace Road, Near Jaipur Railway Junction, Gopalbari, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302006; tel 0141 510 0100; itchotels.in