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Crowne Plaza Bengaluru - A Staycation

Tuesday, November 22, 2016Me! In words

And so it came to be that a while ago we had a wonderful weekend staycation at the Crowne Plaza Bengaluru. We were just back from a family holiday in Bangkok. You know how hectic those can get and we seriously needed a do-nothing sort of vacation. This opportunity came our way and we jumped at it, head first. 

Crowne Plaza is nestled in the heart of Electronic City. One would think that most of the office campuses here would have discovered the hotel by now - its got a large selection of rooms, going from Executive all the way to premium suites. They have a premium Italian restaurant Alloro and a Pan-Asian restaurant called East. Their all day dining restaurant is called the 24@43 hosts buffets and an a la carte menu ensuring that you have something to satiate all those hunger pangs. Connexions and Terminus are the two bars of the hotel. 

It also has some sprawling grounds, often used for corporate as well as entertainment events. Ever so often the theater style ballroom setting is used for some grand indoor events as well. The premises comes armed to the teeth as far as luxury offerings go - the infinity pool, which has a kiddie pool attached is a pleasure to jump into; The Sohum Spa - I vouch for the fact that the staff at Sohum Spa have some magic in their hands - a foot reflexology massage left me in puddles of happiness; a gym and more are yours for the duration of the stay.

The hotel packs everything you need in easy-to-access spaces, each offering a unique experience. Here is how our stay went.

 Top Left - the massive lobby of the Crowne Plaza that greets you on entry. Top Right - One of the sprawling lawns on the premises for those outdoor events. Bottom Images - our welcome nibbles. Loved the personal touch of a separate cookie platter for Anoushka. 

 One of the unique aspects at the Crowne Plaza Bengaluru is its rooms in the Quiet Zone. Two floors - the 8th and 9th, have rooms that are placed away from the humdrum of the streets outside (not that you can hear it from the rooms that we were in). These rooms have superior sound insulation, ensuring that you have the peace and quiet you need - whether you are working late into the night or are coming in after a late night of working and need your rest. Of course we did not need anything like this and were allotted the King Club Room (Rs 11,250 ++ for room alone. Prices subject to dynamic pricing).

 And here is the video tour of our room

That wonderful pool view from the room? Well here it is in all its glory. The infinity pool had my little one in raptures and made me regret putting off buying that new swimsuit. 

Our stay at the room was a peaceful and quiet one. Post a session at the Spa, I soaked in the tub for a while and made the most of the rainmaker in the shower. After dinner at East we settled in to watch a movie, making the welcome nibbles our late night snack. A fitful sleep led to a bright morning and we headed down to the breakfast buffet at 24@43. We wanted to keep it light here as the intention was to make the most of the Sunday brunch that we were to check out. 


The breakfast buffet carries all the staples of an Indian breakfast as well as an international one. And if there is one thing I have seen in the 2 days that we spent here, is that the kitchen is always open to customization if they can manage it. Breakfast buffet is priced at Rs 999 plus taxes per head. 

A short walk around the hotel, some more lazing in the tub, kid in the pool, half of a movie and a good round of tea and coffee later, we were pretty set to head down to the buffet. 

One major grouse I have against most places offering a brunch is that they have no breakfast dishes on the menu in most cases. That is why I did a double flip when I saw the table tents proudly announcing waffles, pancakes and eggs made to order. Now that's a good start to a brunch.

The overall ambience of the buffet is created such to make the most of the glass enclosed restaurant. so bright light, lots of greenery, yet the comfort of air conditioned environs. The live counters except for the pasta counter is placed on the outside. But if you prefer the joys of being pampered at the table, everything can be requested to be brought to you.

The bar set-up is simple, efficient and potent


 The sushi is not too out of the box but hits the right spots
 
The buffet is not an elaborate one with so many dishes that you lose track. Rather it is one that gives you the best of all world cuisines, limited, but each one being bang on. The Indian section changes along with the current promotions that are on. When we were at the hotel, the Bengali festival was on. The pasta counter whips some some great veggie pastas in popular favourites of pasta choices and sauces. The chef was might impressed that Anoushka asked for two rounds of the white sauce pasta with broccoli. While we were dining, Chef Arun promised give us something special and the Kerala Beef Fry penne pasta is what came. It is not on the menu but believe you me, this is something you want to order. 

 
The Kerala Beef Fry Pasta
 
 A look at a fried fish dish and Anoushka's Fettucine with mushroom and
Broccoli in White Sauce

In terms of entertainment for the little ones, there is pottery, there was a play section with colouring and craft but Anoushka did not find the person in charge despite checking several times. But she had fun making her own pots and of course with Alan, the Mentalist, who was doing the rounds of tables. What fun he is!

The Sunday Brunch is priced at Rs 1300 ++; the ​cocktail brunch Rs 1950 ++; for children, the buffet is priced at Rs 750 ++.

Crowne Plaza is a brilliant escape from the city. Here are the prices you can avail of (Correct as of time of publishing this post)
1. Room Only - Rs 6000 plus taxes (Single / Double same )
2. Room + Breakfast - Rs 6499 plus taxes (Single / Double same )
3. At Rs 6999 plus taxes (Room+Breakfast+ Lunch or dinner, it also has the below inclusions (Single / Double same )

Buffet Breakfast, Welcome Drink on Arrival, Comp Wi-fi, Either Lunch or Dinner, Bottle of wine, 25% Discount on all Food and Soft Beverages, 25% Discount on Sunday Brunch, 25% Discount on Spa, 25% Discount on Laundry, Complimentary Room upgrade subject to availability at the time of Check-in, Early Check-In by 12: 00 hrs and Late Check-out

Here is a link to help you get to the Crowne Plaza

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