For a corporate executive climbing the proverbial ladder, the rites of career, before making it to the corner office, often include extensive stretches of life on the road. An integral facet are faceless, often characterless rooms that provide the basics and leave few memories. A new generation of hotels, despite not having the luxury tag, are pulling out all the stops for their guests to create something memorable. The new Courtyard by Marriott, and the joined-at-the-hip Fairfield by Marriott, Bengaluru (part of a new trend of dual hotels), fit right into this emerging trend.
Set in the midst of an emerging part of the city, surrounded by tech parks, the hotels are futuristic, a prototype for the coming decades. At once chic and ‘connected’, combining global norms with local sensibilities, the hotels are tuned to anticipate the needs of the 21st-century traveller. Yamini, whom I met at the front desk on arrival, was solicitous when I checked in, without the over-the-top obsequiousness that Indian luxury hotels see almost as an SOP. That tenor continued with others I was to meet, making the stay pleasurable. As conversations over meals with other guests revealed—and hotels such as this often have largely single travellers, I wasn’t an exception in noting this.
The 170-room Courtyard fronts the U-shaped complex, and you might just not discover that there is a Fairfield, a more affordable, pared down version of the Courtyard, but for the shared common floor, which has a largish, amply equipped fitness centre, a decently sized pool with a bar alongside, even a spa—outsourced, yes, but perfect post a long day’s exertions. Yes, for those used to Courtyards in the US, this is definitely a fancier version. Note the putting greens on arrival!
There are more dining options, even the Momo Café, common to the brand globally, is a jazzed-up version, with a breakfast buffet rivalling more luxurious hotel counterparts. Fresh juices, eggs, breads and bakes come in a wide selection. Porridge, bacon, sausages, even congee-style steamed seafood, and aloo paratha and more are all there. I overlooked them for the more local stuff, deliciously warm and lightly spiced pongal, wheat upma and, of course, crispy-soft dosas and fluffy idlis with an array of gunpowder mixes as you can only get in the south of India. Massive French windows, no-fuss, soothing décor, little pots of parsley, sage and wheatgrass and a wall of Chennapatna ninepin-like toys make you linger. Lunches and dinners offer buffets and a la carte options.
For lighter meals and drinks, there’s MoMo 2 Go, with an artful counter that’s candy and coffees on one side and bar stool on the other! The lobby’s comfortable seating is enhanced by generous splashes of local motifs on tabletops.
My pool view Deluxe Room was fairly spacious, and the décor evoked a pan-global sense of comfort. Various touches accentuate the differences—a glass-topped round table with a wood stump in the centre, high thread count sheets, a well-stocked washroom and, for when you are feeling lazy, a recliner—with a great view of the pool! The in-room art is less remarkable, though the 42’’ TV could be an alternate visual. For those who need to login, a long work desk, a comfy swivel chair and free wi-fi make life easier.
Information
Getting There: Outer Ring Road, Marathahalli Sarjapur Road, Bellandur, Bengaluru. 49km/2hrs from the airport. Distance to city centre is 15km.
Accommodation: 170 rooms at Courtyard, 166 rooms at Fairfield
Tariff Rs 6,500 per night for Deluxe Room, Rs 9,000 for Executive Room, Rs 10,500 for Executive Suite at Courtyard; for Fairfield the Deluxe Room rate is Rs 5,500
Contact: +91-80-7120 3040, marriott.com