Review of Leela Palace Hotel, Bangalore – 5-Star Hotel Bengaluru, Karnataka
Eager to explore what Bangalore has to offer, I visited the green city for a short holiday with my family and chose to stay at the Leela Palace Hotel. Even though there were several other hotels I was considering, the Leela Palace came highly recommended by a reliable source. Decision made, I proceeded to make reservations, anticipating a memorable stay.
GETTING THERE
An Uber from Kempegowda Airport and we were well on our way to the hotel, tired from our early-morning flight but visibly pleased to soak in the views of Bangalore, filled with shades of green and blue! 45 mins later, we reached our destination – The Leela Palace Hotel, Bengaluru, situated on the Old Airport Road.
Royal Retreat That Catches the Eye – Leela Palace Hotel Bengaluru
The moment we pulled up to the patio, I was mesmerized by the architectural beauty of the Peacock Lounge that lay in front of me. An encouraging precursor of what was to follow!
As we made our way inside the property, the first thing that struck me about the Leela Palace Hotel Bengaluru’s lobby was its elegance, grandeur, and palatial expanse.
The decorative pillars, overall colour scheme, gorgeous chandelier, comfortable sofas, and exquisite carpets added to the vintage feel.
I was glad the hotel was living up to its name. And why not, considering the hotel’s architecture is inspired by the architectural beauty of the famous Royal Palace of Mysore. To one side lay the most exquisite and grand curved staircase I have ever seen – the kind that makes you want to take the stairs and explore where it leads to and get yourself clicked on the way.
BEAUTIFUL HALLWAYS AND ROOMS
With the check-in formalities completed swiftly, we made our way to our rooms. The hallway looked beautiful with its luxurious carpets and drapes, ornate table lamps, and artwork.
There were comfortable sofas for lounging and soaking in the royal character of the place. The walls were adorned with portraits of the Royal family of Mysore which were reminiscent of the life and times of the Vijaynagar empire. I was now taking the time to admire my large and lavish room, and the attached balcony, which overlooked the pool area.
The Deluxe Rooms at the Leela Palace Bengaluru are equipped with all the modern comforts and stand out for their spacious interiors and heartwarming decor, inspired by Indian art and culture.
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Nature’s Bounty @ The Leela Palace Hotel
My stay at the Leela Palace Hotel Bangalore was not just relaxing but also therapeutic.
The property is a green haven, generously adorned by acres and acres of lush gardens and well-maintained grounds. There are towering trees and pleasant walkways that remind me that I was, after all, in India’s Garden City, Bengaluru!
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The icing on the cake was the lovely cascading mini waterfalls and water bodies, suitably hidden in blindsight but melodiously giving away their presence and beckoning you to take a moment to admire their beauty. The poolside was equally relaxing, and there was a separate kiddie pool too.
A Gastronomic Affair @ Leela Palace Hotel
Luxury, architecture, and greenery checked it was now time to explore the dining options at the Leela Hotel, Bangalore.
In addition to all-day dining at the Citrus, there is a Pan-Asian Restaurant, Zen, a signature Indian Restaurant, Jamavar, and a fine-dining Franco-Italian Restaurant, Le Cirque Signature. The restaurants offer al fresco seating if you prefer being outdoors. And if you’re craving baked delights, The Cake Shop is a must-visit!
Buffet breakfast at the Citrus and dinner at the Zen Restaurant were my favourite gastronomical experiences at the Leela.
One afternoon, we decided to have lunch at Sri Udupi Park, a South-Indian restaurant, right behind Leela Palace Hotel that I had heard so much about.
Since the weather was nice, we set out on foot and reached our destination in 5-7 minutes. A lively place, buzzing with customers, the restaurant served authentic South-Indian cuisine. The soft garlic naan and ice cream deserve a special mention!
WELLNESS AT THE LEELA PALACE HOTEL, BENGALURU – SPA & YOGA
Guests at the hotel can attend complimentary yoga classes every morning. Though I was a bit rusty, it was an invigorating way to start my day.
In addition to a well-equipped gym, the Leela Palace Hotel has a luxurious spa that offers an array of massages and Ayurvedic treatments. I made sure to book my appointment well in advance and reached the spa 15 minutes before my appointment. The staff was attentive, the quality of their services excellent, and as for my massage, it was exceptionally relaxing.
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SHOPPING CENTRE
A 2-minute walk and you will reach the Collonade Shopping Arcade. The shopping centre is connected to the hotel and houses several interesting brands as well as food options.
My Only Grouse The one thing that did put me off during my stay was the mosquito menace that raised its head in the evenings. Hence, dining al fresco was out of the question. After a couple of requests, the hotel provided us with mosquito repellants for the rooms.
SIGHTSEEING IN BANGALORE
Bangalore is a beautiful city that offers a plethora of experiences to the discerning traveller. Some must-visits in Bengaluru include Lal Bagh Botanical Gardens, Cubbon Park, Bengaluru Palace, Iskcon Temple, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, among others.
Closing Thoughts
My visit to Bangalore was a fun experience and my stay at the best 5-star Hotel in Bengaluru, The Leela Palace was a memorable one. The next time you’re in Bangalore on business or pleasure and are looking for a luxurious palace hotel that will pamper you with its beauty and hospitality, consider staying at the Leela Palace!
My Rating: I would give the Leela Palace Hotel, Bengaluru 4.9/5.
NOTE: This is an unbiased review based on my firsthand experiences at the hotel.
If you would like me to try out and review your hotel, restaurant, spa, or resort, and write an unbiased review of your brand/property, write to me at – [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!
Have you stayed at the Leela Palace Hotel in Bangalore? Or have a recommendation for another luxury hotel that I should try out? Tell me about your experiences in the comments section below.
