LF Says: ★★★★
Known as the ‘Oxford of the East’, the city of Pune resonates with good food, amazing monuments, rich history and of course dry weather! The city, though running on a slower pace than its nearest metropolitan Mumbai, has its distinct character and charm. Pune is one of the most prominent places in India that holds the power to transport us to the past. Holding about 50% of the international student population of the country, it has imbibed some western colours with time.
Hyatt Group, a prominent names in the hospitality sector, presented the city with a hotel that acquaints us with a cohesive mixture of different elements that are undistinguished and nearly miss the eye. The Hyatt Regency Pune, located in the urbane Viman Nagar, is one of the finest examples of opulence and stands as an epitome of hospitality, elevating the experience to newer heights, infusing different traditions, cultures and ethnicities.
Minimal extravagance
Grand, luxurious and well-designed, Hyatt Regency Pune is your gateway to an exquisite, comprehensive exprience. The sprawling outdoor space with dramatically-lit water feature transports you to a Mediterranean landscape altogether. Robert Bilkey and Oscar Llinas of BLD, the designers of the hotel, use the warm golden Rajasthani stone to add serenity to space.
Floor-to-ceiling swathes of glass separate the glistening marble lobby from the outdoor water fountains and tree-filled driveway. The reception desk at the extreme right gives the centre attraction it’s due and becomes very convenient. The clean, modern lines of the hotel’s décor have been reiterated in the impressive chandelier which lights the way to the hotel's two restaurants, the bar and the lounge area. The large and open public spaces of the hotel's interior have been artfully divided into smaller, more intimate areas, giving a sense of expansive luxury and privacy at the same time, made more stunning with the abundant sunlight shining through.
Spacious? Check. Well-organised? Check. Great room service? Check. With plush furnishings and slippers at the bed, every room at Hyatt Regency Pune takes your stay experience to another level. The hotel has a varied room setup with 79 serviced apartments and over 222 guest rooms and suites, offering something for every traveller. The abundance of sunlight, muted interiors and homely furnishings make you comfortable and relaxed. With a variety of necessities, munchies, and a minibar, there was seldom the need to call for room service. The 'sanctuary bathroom' with a sparkling white Italian marble floor, freestanding bathtub and separate walk-in rain shower was my favourite.
A lot for your appetite
Good food equals good experience. All the restaurants are located at the ground level of the hotel and offer quite diverse options for everyone’s taste buds. The European bistro, Zeta offers you with a plethora of differently imagined classic dishes. Single Malt Co. Bar and Lounge is an ideal place for all those spirit aficionados. The relaxed and laid-back setting with warm accents, offering a wide range of Single Malt whiskies and other liquors, wines, beers, and cocktails makes one of the best ambiences to enjoy a drink or two.
Right across Zeta, with a similar seating is a restaurant with a completely different concept. The Café dwells into the art of cooking a la minute. The Sunday Brunch is a spread of the most scrumptious, exquisite, varied, and balanced platters that would light up anyone’s Sunday. The restaurant is a gastronomic synergy with succulent flavours and dishes accompanied by live music. The Sunday Brunch from 11 am to 4 pm is a food festival in itself. The restaurant’s dishes, ranging from Indian, Mexican, Italian, to Continental, Chinese, Lebanese and more, offer a riot of flavours in your mouth!
The staff knows how to make you feel special. It was a pleasant surprise that Chef Rohit Chadha of The Café made over 12 types of hummus acknowledging my love for this spread! Along with planning the menu, the Chef also plans the placement. An insider tip, he likes to defiantly hide the chaat section so the guests indulge in the other cuisines offered. The dessert section takes you into a different realm altogether. The menu encompasses every food preference, choice and want. The variations and abundance of options available make it difficult to decide.
The kids’ section of Hyatt Regency Pune offers a scrumptious palate from the ever-favorite Maggie to sandwiches, smoothies and cupcakes. And let's not miss the amazing play-area and weekly activity programs. The Gourmet Avenue, situated right next to the hotel’s entrance, greets you with a selection of freshly baked goods and refreshing beverages on the go! The open stall indulges your sweet tooth with classic and innovative cookies, cakes and pastries.
Things you can do
The composition of the hotel is such that you can easily achieve your purpose, be it relaxation or business. The first floor houses an extensive gymnasium and fitness centre with state-of-the-art equipment and personal trainer. The indoor temperature-controlled swimming pool calls you to take a dip. Arogya Spa is a rejuvenating and relaxing spa centre that amalgamates the rich ingredients of Ayurveda with intensive and modern Western techniques. The hotel uses space to its advantage. The state-of-the-art banquet facilities include a large ballroom and pre-function area, and seven additional meeting rooms. The pillarless ballroom can be considered to be the venue for your next celebration. The hotel’s open-air terrace area is one of the most smartly arranged spaces of the hotel and is perfect for the crisp Pune weather. For tourists, Aga Khan Palace is one of the nearest situated tokens of history. The other attractions or monuments that Pune offers are located on a decent distance from the hotel, including the Shanivaar Wada, Parvati Hill, etc.
Every festival at Hyatt is celebrated in grandeur and anticipation. During my stay at Hyatt, I got a chance to witness the hotel lightening ceremony. Every year, on the eve of December 1, Hyatt Regency is decorated with lights and wreaths, welcoming the holiday season with equal vigour and excitement. The centre space held Santa’s chariot with his reindeers and elves, a lot of gifts and other attractions like a selfie-booth and an amazing spread of confectionery and baked goods to enjoy. At the lighting ceremony, in the presence of melodious carols, jingles, we witnessed the entire hotel getting lit up and ready for the Christmas. Having visited the property in 2019, I wish I am able to revel in the property again, in the aftermath of COVID-19.
Hyatt Regency Pune redefines luxury with a cause. Irrespective of the traveller you are, the hotel strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and purpose.
LF Says: ★★★★
Coordinates: Weikfield IT Park, Pune, India
+91 20 6645 1234
