Delightfully different

Two years ago when Holiday Inn started the whole town was agog. And though Holiday Inn conforms to an international standard in terms of ame...

Two years ago when Holiday Inn started the whole town was agog. And though Holiday Inn conforms to an international standard in terms of amenities and services, the decor varies from one inn to another. Holiday Inn, Pune, reminds us of the era of the Peshwas and yet the atrium lobby is extremely contemporary. Prakash Mankad Associates Mumbai the architects and designers have fused the Indian element with a western theme. The lighting is muted 22 Atilde;cedil; and makes the lobby a delightful place to spend some quality time in.

Surrounded by The Carousel Bar8217;, the Coffee Shop8217;, the Kashmir Arts Emporium8217; and Hiro Gems and Art8217;, the lobby has an elevated tea lounge where you can nibble pastries and sip a cup of tea in privacy. The black granite water cascade creates a live feeling. Says Rekha Mehta Director, Housekeeping. 8220;There is a certain movement, an electricity and vitality because of the flow of water. The movement is heightened by the spouting fibreglass birds.8221;

The old rose upholstery is offset by the hand-tufted Shalimar carpets which have been specially designed for the hotel at Panipat. The Ficus Benjamina silk trees have treated bark, and along with the aricauria palms add a spot of greenery, as do the fresh flower arrangements which have exotica-like orchids. Says Mehta, 8220;the whole look is vibrant and fresh. The moment you walk in we want you to say Wow8217;.8221; And Wow8217; you do say. The capsule elevators add to the feeling of movement, while the Ganesha and Japanese God point to a spiritual connection. Wrought iron, brass and wood are seen in abundance. Even the ashtrays are designed with a slit so that both the ash and the cigarette butts go directly and settle in the sand. Not only are these ashtrays safer they are also aesthetic. The plants all over are planted in a rice husk medium which is supplemented by a chemical compound, thus avoiding the fuss of watering them daily. All one needs is a few drops of the chemical.

The atrium ceiling with its painted panels attracts and mesmerises the viewer and allows the natural light to pour in. It is the upkeep however that is their biggest USP. The 52-odd people in the housekeeping department work tirelessly. The cashier8217;s table, the reception, the concierge table and tea-lounge need constant maintenance. One person is exclusively deputed to remove dust, mop and polish the floor and brasso the handles. The carpets are vacuumed three times a day and there is constant attention paid to every little detail.

During festivals there are special displays in the lobby. Christmas is marked by massive 20-feet candles, rising up to the atrium, reindeer and an X8217;mas tree, while diyas around the water-cascade look beautiful during Diwali.

Convenience, comfort, and beauty are the distinct features of the lobby. At twilight walk into the lobby and you will find the lights coming on automatically in a sequence, as if they are dancing to the music of Spinol the pianist at the hotel.
A magical moment indeed!