Suite Trip to Bangalore: Trip Planning
Review: Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore (Garden Suite)
Review: JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa (Signature Suite)
As mentioned in the trip introduction, I am looking to hold Globalist status with Hyatt so this stay is towards that. Also, we had a stay coming up at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa which was the reason for this whole trip. Additionally, it made sense for us to stay at the Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore because we wanted to be close to the JW Golfshire resort and arrive the following day rested.
Overall, it was a great stay in an excellent location however the rooms tend to be on the smaller side (not the Garden Suite). The Trinity metro station would be a five-minute walk away and the Lido Mall is just literally next door, so there would be no issue in case you are looking for dining options apart from those at the hotel. Since this hotel is at the end of MG Road, it is close to the shopping areas and offices. It is nice to be in a location wherein you would be in centre hub once you step out of the hotel.
Booking
This hotel is a category one Hyatt hotel so booking by points would most likely be a better option. Standard redemption is 5000 points. Hyatt sells points at 30% bonus (or still better at 30% discount sometimes) frequently so the cost of a point is Rs 1.47 (Rs 1.34 if it is at 30% discount) so a standard redemption free night would cost Rs 7,350 but if we can find an off peak redemption at 3500 points then the cost comes down to Rs 5145. These are among the best uses of Hyatt points.
Securing a suite was crucial because we were travelling as three adults. Snagging these suites as upgrades may be difficult as the hotel has only four of these and one should consider booking it in case you wish to guarantee a suite stay. Given the size of the rooms, it would be nearly impossible to fit three adults in them, and the hotel doesn’t even allow it, according to the booking inquiry on the website. The suite could not be reserved directly for 8000 points during our travel dates. The Garden Suite’s nightly rate was approximately Rs 20,000, or “Lp Suite Points Upgrade” which showed 6000 points and Rs 11,000 instead. Another option was to book two rooms at 10,000 points.
I called the hotel and requested for a better paid upgrade rate. Eventually ended up booking for 5000 points and Rs 8,400 (including taxes). The bummer was this amount doesn’t qualify for any Hyatt points. It would seem that a better option would have been to book a second room however we wanted to be together and had a blast so it was a good decision in hindsight.
Check In
We left after work, so the hotel was made aware that we would arrive late. We were surprised to see some activity at the entrance even so late into the day. There were benches at the entrance sideways and two vintage red telephone booths on either side of the walkway which gave some character.
The lobby wasn’t as big, but done tastefully. Due to the bench sofas and a few tables with chairs, it almost has a coffee shop feel (just noticed on Hyatt’s website that this is indeed called “The Corner” café). There was a Grab-and-Go counter wherein you could pick up coffee, water, and some cookies or local chips kind of snacks. This was perfect for our check-in or check-out time, but I can see how it could be crowded and chaotic at other times.
The staff attended to us and also met the friendly Duty Manager who took over and completed our check-in. We were offered a choice of bottle of water or Maaza (fruit beverage) as a welcome drink. Our luggage was brought in shortly after we came to the room.
The Garden Suite
First impression of the room was wow and it was a beautifully appointed room. It was a room with a bedroom, a living space apart from the bedroom, and a garden. We got a corner suite where we enjoyed using the garden space in the morning. We had a blast, and it was a fantastic use of the available space—something unique I’ve never seen.
There is a large couch, TV, and dining table with seating for four in the living area. We were pleased to find a Nespresso machine with a few different coffee flavours. Water, tetra packs of fruit-based beverages, and soft drink cans were present in the mini fridge.
The bedroom had a bed kind of furniture which is appreciated for the utility it provides during the day. The bed was cozy, and on each side, were outlets for charging devices.
The Bathroom is ensuite to the bedroom.
The toiletries are from Portico.
There is a table and two chairs on the garden terrace. There was a lot of vegetation in front of us, which looked out over the pool on the level below. We were able to see lots of soaring Black kites. I can see myself lounging there by the terrace all day, either reading a book, having a conversation or just do nothing.
Breakfast at The Bengaluru Brasserie
Breakfast is served at The Bangalore Brasserie and is by the pool. There are both indoor and outdoor seating options.
We were almost at the restaurant’s closing time because we arrived late last night and woke up late. The service was found wanting in this area. No water glasses, napkins, or cutlery were offered after everyone was seated. Additionally, clearing plates took a long time and was only completed after we made a request. Additionally, nobody had initially shown up to take orders, so we had to escalate the situation to get things going.
The actual breakfast was excellent, as it typically is in this region of the world. There is a live station where we could order dosas, parathas, and eggs that were made to order, and there was a lot of variety.
We observe that there are only generally eggs, cold cuts, and sausages available for non-vegetarian/meat options. However, we were pleased to see chicken curry here because it goes well with dosas and idly.
The King Bed Room
One of us had to catch a train after the trip, so we booked a day rate (Office of the day). Keep in mind that the Office rate does not earn elite night credit, but points can still be earned as normal. The room is small given the current rate, which is above Rs 9000 for a weekday.
There are two types of room which is King/Twin Room and King/Twin Room with View. The (lack of) view which you can expect from the base category.
The View room is either city view or the view of the Ulsoor Lake. However, for a roughly Rs 750 ++ upcharge, we get two pints of beer and breakfast, so if I were booking revenue, I would choose the view room. Later, I had the opportunity to stay in two view rooms, one with a view of the pool and surrounding greenery and the other with a view of Ulsoor Lake. I think I like the pool view better than the lake view.
Gym, Pool, Spa and other facilities
The Pool was on the same level as The Bangalore Brassier and it is ok for a city hotel.
The Gym was on smaller side and had a mix of weight training and cardio equipment. However, it can get crowded if there are may people at the same time.
Additionally, the hotel has a couple of spa treatment rooms. I find it to be uninviting and hospital-like.
There is a Liquid Bar which is an open air space with cabana style sitting arrangement. It also had a Foosball table.
Bottomline
I can’t stress more as how good the suite was and felt it is worth every penny. On the whole, it was a great stay at a good location but the service levels would need improvement. We would return to the hotel again.
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