Staycation at Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks

Sunday, May 06, 2018ruthdsouzap

I have truly come to believe that staycations at star hotels should become a way of life. They are the perfect getaway - not too far a drive, perfectly situated, myriad facilities and yet so removed from the humdrum of life that you get just what you need to unwind and relax. We were invited to experience The Weekend Retreat at the Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks a while ago and here is what that beautiful experience was all about.

The lovely lobby of Hilton Bangalore EGL

Let's start with the hotel - situated in the middle of the Embassy Golf Links (EGL) Tech Park with one part of it overlooking the golf course. Surrounded by the best of brands in terms of tech park occupants it is easy to see why this hotel will have a number of takers. But considering that it doesn't have a facade that is placed on the main road, it is often missed out by the local population who don't realize that there is a really nice hotel right in their midst. Here's hoping this post does a bit to change that. 

Hilton is a sizable business hotel and has all the facilities that you will need - rooms conducive for short and long term stays. Step into the reception area and you are greeted by friendly staff. Take a bit of time to notice the lovely floral panels at the reception. At first glance they make come across as floral cloth panels, but look closer, they are solid stone blocks which have been carved and painted on.

The deceptive looking stone panels at the reception desk

Rooms at the Hilton are across a few categories making them an ideal choice for a quite business stay, a longer duration one or a vacation with the family. The hotel is a part of a number of premium loyalty programs that allow you to score a good deal on a stay here. We were offered a room that is usually taken up by long term guests and had a kitchenette en-suite and is called the Deluxe Business Suite. Take a look at our room below. 


That was one luxurious room (King Studio with Kitchenette and a golf course view) to spend the night in and our daughter created her own little nook at the bay window overlooking the golf course. That is where she sat, read, snacked, watched TV and traffic gazed all through our stay (that is when she was not in the temperature controlled pool).

Some delicious goodies in fondant and fruit syrups and a welcome note for us in our room

The Sunrise over the golf course - the view from our room

A tour of the hotel took me to an exclusive lounge for guests staying in specific categories of rooms as well as part of loyalty programs. A classy space for a late night drink, an early morning breakfast, for those midnight hunger pangs and for when you just need something for the road before you head out.

Whether you are looking for quick snack or a late night drink, this Executive Lounge for privileged members is a great place to head to at the Hilton

The Hilton has no dearth of spaces that you will want to hang out. Their pub Klinx, situated just off the lobby is a great place for those team outings, celebrations or even for that quiet evening by yourself (which we all need once in a while). They have some great offers as well as entertainment specials that take place on a regular basis. All you need to do is check and see what's happening when you plan to visit.

Klinx - the Pub at Hilton Bangalore EGL

And then of course there is re:cess, the all day dining and Coffee Shop space - with its great price points - smart offerings in terms of beverages and snacks, this is one space that is generally packed and a regular haunt to those who have discovered it and loved it. Think short eats, beer, coffees, teas and foosball table to boot. In fact, I have had quite a few meetings here myself and even whiled away a bit of time here before heading out to another meeting.

A look at Re:cess, the all day dining at Hilton Bangalore EGL. It also forms part of the lavish Sunday buffet spread that is on every week. 

Dinner that night was at The Salt Grill. I have some really fond memories of this restaurant. One because I love the food here, two because I love the ambiance - it being set by the pool and three because this was the restaurant with which I debuted writing for the Indulge, Indian Express. The food that evening too was superlative - no arguments there.

A look at Salt Grill - and the view of the pool by day or by night! With that ambiance and great food, but naturally this is a top pick for me as far as romantic spaces go. 

Now speaking of pools, the Hilton has got a fabulous one - temperature controlled at that! As a guest you have complete access to the pool. When you book yourself for their Sunday brunch, you also avail of pool privileges as well. They have a range of fitness classes that take place there as well, which you can attend even if you are not a guest. Anoushka had a blast and spent as much time as she could in it. 

Different views of the temperature controlled pool, with a jacuzzi included!

Getting back to our dinner at the Salt Grill that night. Take a look at what we had.

The meal began with some fresh bread, salsa and garlic butter. The restaurant's specialty are its grills. So take your time with the menus (that come with inbuilt reading lights) and choose your meals.

 The Cheddar and Fig Amuse Bouche

 My gorgeous Tuna Tartare with quail eggs

 The Salmon with 9 sides

And the 9 sides, going top left to right - Asparagus, broccoli, potato croquettes, mascarpone with grape, charred orange, grilled figs, peri peri butter, sour cream and black and green olives. 
This meal, paired with some Jim Beam on the rocks was a really memorable one. But then, so are all the meal at The Salt Grill. 

We went back up to our room to laze about. It had been a lovely evening. Sudhakar even enjoyed a deep tissue massage at the hotel's spa, which had him even more relaxed. A fitful sleep was now on the cards and we dozed off watching reruns of a comedy show. 

Breakfast the next day was served up at the Ministry of Food, which is the multi-cuisine restaurant on the premises. This is another central location of the massive Sunday brunch. The spread at breakfast runs the entire gamut of Indian and continental and the spread is expansive. There are specials at every breakfast, so do make it a point to walk around the entire buffet spread and pick out what you want.

 Take a look at the Breakfast Spread at the Ministry of Food - Above and Below

And the Hilton is one of the very few places in Bangalore that does a casual, "Dress Down" Saturday brunch. So if you look brunches and yet want to sleep in on a Sunday, then this is the brunch to choose. Check out your options when you consider a staycation here.

A small look at the time we once spent at the Saturday Dress Down Brunch

Now coming to the massive Sunday Brunch. I have done this a couple of times and honestly I feel, it gets bigger and better each time. It offers the use of the pool and now is thematic. The weekend we stayed, a Delhi-themed brunch was on for a month. This was followed by a Bollywood theme for the next month. There is so much on offer that it can be mind boggling. Besides food related to the theme, you also have the regular spread, from live pasta and grill counters, to a complete Indian spread, to live Asian and dessert counters and much more. The Sunday brunch is something that will make you want to consider getting a room the same afternoon - so satiated you will be.

 The Delhi Themed Sunday Brunch


Hilton Bangalore EGL offers an real value for money staycation option. It keeps you right in the heart of the city, yet gives you the feel of getting away from it all. From the room, to the relaxation options and definitely its food and beverage, a superlative experience is guaranteed.

Address: Embassy Golf Links Business Park, Off Intermediate Ring Road, Domlur, Bengaluru
Phone: 080667 99999

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