To get a feel of the past while remaining in sync with the present gives one a feel of living in two different worlds. When this feeling is set off with architecture that has stood the test of time, there is a sense of Christmas having come early and Santa permanently living here.
Hotels that follow concepts and themes beckon guests with their details. Sometimes these hospitality ventures make an attempt to get the outdoors indoors as well. Like the recently-opened Country Inns and Suites at Benaulim, Goa, which showcases a Portuguese villa structure, attempting to bring in an ambience of cosiness. Time stands suspended in the imposing colonial environs at the Hotel Royal Orchid Brindavan, Bangalore which retains a heritage structure of the pre-Independence times. Bringing in glimpses of the countryside within a modern building, Gordon House Hotel, Mumbai, has incorporated an entire floor to its Country Cottage theme.
Design is the predominant factor that hits the eye in these properties. Says Daisy Kamani, designer, Ice Cubes Designs, who designed Country Inn and Suites, Goa: ?I followed a Portuguese theme which gives the property the feel of a private boutique hotel. A Country Inn and Suite is an all-suite hotel and therefore families like to check-in here. It is ideal for guests who would like to travel with their families for a quiet holiday away from the beach and the noise, and also provides room for children to enjoy themselves.?
The interiors in the hotel follows the Portuguese architecture that is the crux of this structure. ?The challenge was to create luxurious interiors within a 4-star deluxe framework,? says Kamani. ?The colour palette is pastels as this will stand the test of time and they merge well with the classic detailing. There is the use of courtyards, fountains, sculptures, classical detailing on the exterior of the building and open, yet cosy spaces.?
The Portuguese make use of balconies in their properties, informs Kamani. This has been replicated at Country Inn and Suites, which has small balconies and patios in all its rooms. ?The arches that we have used are very Portuguese and typical of their architecture. Even the greenery in the property is less as the Portuguese love veers towards concrete and not greenery.?
For a feel of a time gone by, Royal Orchid Brindavan, Bangalore has converted a 1920 colonial structure built by the then Maharaja to accommodate his foreign guests into a heritage hotel. The high ceilings, intricate designs within, and thick, round pillars are reminiscent of the British era. The furniture, all made of Burma teak, like four-post beds, folding writing tables and wardrobes have been maintained to give a feel of the Colonial times. There is wooden flooring all through the property. Even the waiters are dressed in pyjamas and long coats, like seen in sepia-tinted photographs or films. A silver jhoola, which the Maharaja had for his guests today occupies pride of place in the property with its mix of Indian and foreign guests.
Gordon House Hotel, Colaba, Mumbai, has incorporated design elements that bring out different regions in its rooms like Mediterranean, Scandinavian and countryside. The Gordon House Hotel has three themed floors: Mediterranean, Country and Scandinavian. For the ?Country Cottage? style rooms, an attempt has been made at cosiness and warmth with pinewood floors, wooden furniture and patchwork quilts.
Though all these hotels aim to create a country or colonial concept, what they don?t offer is food prevalent in those times. Perhaps modern tongues may not take to it too easily. The fare, largely, Continental, Indian and Mediterranean, are in keeping with modern times and trends.
Want a feel of the old or the countryside while vacationing in a city? Don?t expect ?old? tariffs! The prices are in keeping with the present times also. At Country Inns and Suites, from November to March 31st, 2008, a single room costs Rs 25,500, Rs, 30,700 (double) and Rs 30,600 to Rs 35,950 (suites). At Royal Orchid Brindavan, it is Rs 4,000 (single) Rs 4,500 (double), heritage room Rs 6,000 (single), Rs 6,500 (double) and Rs 7,500 (suites). Gordon House Hotel charges Rs.8,500 (single), Rs.9,500 (double) and Rs 17,000 (suite) per day.