A grand entry

The Blue Diamond is definitely a landmark hotel. Twenty-seven years old, it continues to be popular. The entrance itself is both impressive ...

The Blue Diamond is definitely a landmark hotel. Twenty-seven years old, it continues to be popular. The entrance itself is both impressive and grand, and at the same time extremely practical. A lot of changes have been wrought these past few years. The old lobby did not have a door and one had to climb three steps to enter it. Today the height has been levelled and as you walk in you find that the patterned flooring leads you in.

As you enter through the etched glass door you are greeted by interesting lion-shaped water bodies. Earlier there were blank walls where today you can feel movement and energy as the water cascades down through a lion8217;s mouth. The flooring is in marble which is known to be a warm stone as compared to granite. The golden yellow light of the spotlights add to the warm, cozy feeling.

The pillars remind us of the Shaniwar Wada and besides breaking the monotony, give the lobby the heritage touch. The concierge counter on one side and the veneer also attract the eye.

Earlier there was a long reception counter. Today it has been treated and made more balanced. The designer, Chandrashekhar Kanitkar, has also played with special paint and Plaster of Paris PoP for the ceiling. The whole effect, in rose and peach, resembles wall paper and adds to the warmth of the place. The entire ceiling with beautiful chandeliers is suspended. Says Rajendra Kelshikar Chief Executive, Blue Diamond. 8220;In order to appeal the three dimensions that is the floor, the ceiling and the walls must be imaginative.8221; And imaginative the ceilings definitely are.

The flooring which is is off white marble is broken in by a green pattern which leads you from outside, into the hotel and through each room. The two paintings that hang in the lobby one of the Shaniwar Wada fort and the other of a group of ladies enjoying the festivities at a haldi-kumkum ceremony, remind us of the grandeur of days of yore.

The carpets have been especially designed to match the upholstery while the furniture and lamps have been especially hand-picked to melt in with the total ambience. The upholstery which is in a jacquard weave is a profusion of green, burgundy, deep brown and white. The antique mirror frame adds to the heritage look.

The seven fresh flower arrangements, the portrait gallery of the Peshwas and the impeccable neatness add to the overall aura. The reception and cashier counters and the pillars puncture the huge expanse of space. Kelshikar tells us that the Blue Diamond lobby has a district edge over atrium lobbies where if you stand in one corner, you8217;ve seen it all. Atrium lobbies remind one of an airport lounge. Our lobby has little arteries leading to the various rooms and yet nothing can be seen. There is a sense of movement without a loss of privacy. At every juncture there is an element of surprise.8221;

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The housekeeping department is also extremely active. Repainting is done as and when required. Cleaning is looked into personally by the staff, the flowers are done everyday and the personal touch is evident. And to keep the interest alive the lobby is constantly evolved in terms of the mood, the ambience and the lighting. 8220;A lobby which does not create interest has failed,8221; says Kelshikar. The Blue Diamond lobby with its quiet, warm atmosphere, the music of the piano is definitely an interesting place to wait in.