Live In Luxury, Feast Like A King And Drink Like The Irish At This Iconic Star Hotel

ITC Windsor retains old world charm with a colonial building, a Grecian swimming pool and specialised restaurants that will keep you coming back over and over again.

Reflecting the glory of the Raj Era (not the autocratic aspect) in its architecture and service, ITC Windsor has held its own in the years which has seen numerous new luxury hotel crop up in the city. One visit and you’ll know why. An imposing neoclassical building, painted stark white, with a tree umbrella shielding it from the sharp sun, in royal style, you need to drive across the Windsor Manor bridge, onto a private road, to actually get to this hotel. See, we told you it’s old school luxury. If only there was a moat!

When you enter the glass doors, it’s like you’ve skipped back in time to indoor fountains, marble floors, grand chandeliers and red carpets on the staircase. Plus, a grand piano to boot!

Merrymakers, and Irish folk, make a sharp right from the lobby, to hit up the charming Dublin — the in-house pub to unwind post work, or even get a drink before hitting the town. Don’t scowl, it’s really worth going to with a well-stocked bar with fine alcohol, leather chairs and sofas to relax in. There’s a reason it’s one of the top 25 bars in the world. If that isn’t for you, head over to Raj Pavillion, a fantastic glass house that’s perfect for a lunch with family, or even a date. Especially if you can’t put your finger on the one cuisine you want to eat, as it is a  24-hour, multi-cuisine coffee shop. If you’re looking for a spot when it’s raining, pick this. The atmosphere is magical thanks to the glass ceiling.

For specialised dining, Dakshin serves up South Indian food, though the flavours are tame to suit the foreign palate, Dum Pukht Jolly Nabobs keeps the food of the Raj era alive with spot-on Anglo-Lucknowi food, as Royal Afghan brings you the best from the North West Frontier — it is also our favourite as we can’t say no to Dal Bukhara, a recipe aced and created by ITC.

Staying true to their policy of spoiling guests and visitors, the spa — Kaya Kalp, is an escape from reality. Pick from two-hour massages be it Thai, Swedish or the signature one, or opt for shorter treatments like a body scrub, facial wrap and foot massages. If you look for me at the property though, I’ll almost always be at the swimming pool which even has an attached kids pool. Not too deep, but great for exercise and wallowing alike, it’s a dreamy white and blue set up, right out of Santorini. There’s even a rotunda that houses a Jacuzzi — perfect romantic setting if you’re looking for one.

Since you’re here though, just check in. Sure it’ll cost you a bit (INR 11,500), but not overwhelming for the luxury you get to live in. Some of the rooms overlook the lush Bangalore Golf Club, so ask for those at reception. Unless you’re checking into the suites. In that case, swipe your card for INR 22,000, but also make sure you invite us to cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. We’d be happy to join!