Shangri-La debuts in Bengaluru

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Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru opened late in September offering a dynamic array of restaurants and bars and public and meeting spaces. The 397-room Shangri-La is sited on nearly two acres of land between the central business district and residential suburb of South India’s capital state of Karnataka, dubbed the Garden City.  

Located 30 minutes from the international airport, Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru stands 19-storeys tall in a leafy blue ribbon suburb on Palace Road. Reminiscent of a bygone regal era, the nine-metre high lobby showcases nine cylindrical chandeliers, each weighing shy of half a ton, while imposing marble columns highlighted by wall sconces call attention to intricate Indian motifs.  Even the doorman in his jewel-toned sherwani (long coat) and brocade headdress and the guest relations officer in an embroidered sari, reveal colours and textures specific to local artisans.

Keen to reference the Garden City in its interior, the hotel embellishes tiles, carpets and wood carved screens with abstract floral silhouettes. Other stylish hints in the public spaces include marble from Italy, Turkey and China; textiles originating from the United Kingdom and Asia; as well as a glass elevator to shuttle guests to the function areas.  In the Lobby Lounge, a sandstone wall installation sourced in Rajasthan measures four metres by nine metres and depicts a gold-stained palm leaf pattern.                                 

High above the city’s skyline, the guestrooms present a soothing retreat in beige. Starting from 41 square metres, each room is accented by a tufted leather headboard and plush patterned carpeting.  Outfitted in locally sourced New Gold Vein marble, the bathrooms are spacious and built-in with a wardrobe, bathtub, separate walk-in rain shower and antique bronze mirrors. 

The hotel’s 30 suites – awash in colours of gold, plum and green – range from 98 to 274 square metres, and include three Governor Suites and the palatial Shangri-La Suite; guests can marvel at the panoramic views and enjoy full access to the Horizon Club Lounge.  Also catering for Horizon Club guests, the lounge is a sophisticated space providing breakfast, tea, evening cocktails and the services of a concierge team. 

Making its mark on Bengaluru’s social scene are the hotel’s eight wining and dining venues offering spectacular settings, and indoor and outdoor seating to maximise the unobstructed vistas. 

Shang Palace, Shangri-La’s signature Chinese restaurant, led by Chef Lin Lin Yang will be the place to entertain over Cantonese dim sum, barbeque specialities, the flavours of Sichuan, Beijing and north-east China, as well as regional vegetarian dishes.  Surrounded by greenery, guests can entertain in the elegant setting decorated with gold and silver leaf, pearls, rock crystals and marble, or in one of two private rooms. 

b Cafe

b Cafe, the all-day dining restaurant on the lobby level, features interactive kitchens preparing international and local fare for its buffet and an à la carte menu.  Upholstered seating and crown moulding in deep red accent the vibrant space, while black screens add contrast to make a design statement.  Adjoining the restaurant is b Cafe Pastry – an enticing alcove for eat-in or take-away sweets and savouries. 

Closely following the opening, three more restaurants will open at Shangri-La Hotel, Bengaluru.

CHI, The Spa is a serene and luxurious retreat in the sky, and is decked with dark timber floors. Adjacent to CHI, The Spa is the health club, facing the outdoor and kid’s swimming pools.  The 24-hour gym offers state-of-the-art equipment and time-deprived executives the option to work or hold conference calls during a training session – made possible through an Android interface system.