Sheraton Udaipur creates its own brand next
to a quiet lake.
A few years ago, the idea of a new
"palace hotel" at Udaipur would seem so audacious. For a city of
history and affluent lifestyle, the POP roofs surely cannot compete. And Lake
Palace, mobile scene of main real estate, right? Is it Genuine Heritage Royal
Hotel, so who dares to bring down something like that?
However, Oberoi Udaivilas and Leela Palace
have recently proved that the calculated risks can bring rewards. I think that
Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa took advantage of its charm.
Hotel
Sheraton Udaipur Palace Resort & Spa in Udaipur
However, initially I had 2 serious
reticences. First, it is not located on Pichola Lake - anchor of visual and
culture of Udaipur. Second, it is not located on Pichola Lake - there is no
hotel in this city can stand on an unfavorable position like that. However,
since the moment I walk into the room of Sheraton Hotel and drag the curtain, I
know this is not all bad. The blue color of Fateh Sagar lake - where has
quieter, less tourists than Pichola Lake - overflows into my room. A permanent
image, it has colored my experience at the hotel too deep so that I still
struggle to remember the color of the curtain or the shape of the plank bed in
a fully furnished room.
Seeing
it looks as though it is floating in the lake Pichola palace.
Standing higher in hospitality system, at
the corner of my room, there is a spacious area, a portable closet and marble
bathroom with a small window, allowing the lake view overflow into the room
more. Except for the bedroom is framed by Fateh Sagar scene on both sides and
by the Monsoon Palace on a west hill. In conclusion: there is a room range for
summer naps to restore health or preparing for walks in the city.
Indeed, every room in Sheraton - including
brand new Club Rooms - all are the epitome of modern facilities in conspicuous
contrast with the door in the majestic yellow front side.
Being way from the fanfare of ancient city;
however, Sheraton is closer than my imagination with the old town of Udaipur.
Since it is not far from City Palace, markets and temples, there are shuttle
buses to transport passengers. I also took one. Being back after the wandering
trip in the city center and a day trip to the Nathdware temple town, I plopped
on the chair in open terrace of the hotel. Holding the book, I observed the
night carrying the aroma of copra as far as possible, through a floor and to
the dark lake over there. Nehru park (similar to Jag Mandir in Pichola) soon
has twinkling lights and little flames in Lebanese Grilled meat restaurant in
Aangan.
The
Nathdware temple
Aangan and Club Rooms marked the beginning
of what will become an official overhaul. For example, it is a step up from the
Superior and Deluxe rooms, Club rooms having contemporary aesthetic principles
with the convenience and confidence. The change is visible just before you
swipe your room key. Dark, impressive hallway connects the rooms together as a
visual notice on warm decoration of elegance of rooms. Upgrading Club room and
service is something tangible to aim at more potential customers.
With a deadline of three months (from
April) and new staff, when I was there, the hotel is completing some important
structural and aesthetic changes, including a large dome above the lobby with
Rajasthani glasses. Though what I hope to see is the living room and big
parties on the roof. With the overall perspective of the lake and Aravalis, and
although there are no tents and folding chairs as expected, everyone will be
happy to rent rooms there to stay with the stars.
The challenge is to implement this
innovation in private and quiet. Because a large number of rooms - which belong
to the largest type in the city often puts pressure on wedding services and
MICE tours, in this place, nailing on the wall can be like a medium marathon
Game. If the secret service of the hotel is a sign, the dome may appear
magically on one morning without making noise.
Besides, if this great overhaul is as good
as a half of Antara - a serving all day dining room, along with Aangan and
Rudra (fine dining restaurant for vegetarians), creating a small restaurant
group - Udaipur Hotels lineage will not be doubt again.
Information
Location
Fateh Sagar lake, Ambamata, 40 minutes
driving to Udaipur Airport
Facilities
240 rooms, 111 superior rooms (overlooking
the garden and swimming pool), 48 deluxe rooms (overlooking the lake); 68 clubs
and 4 club suites, 8 suites, 1 room for disabled people (with the last four
items, the rooms may face the lake/pool/garden/hill).
Price
$300 to $310
(superior); $320 to $330 (deluxe); $400 to $410 (club); $600 (club rooms); $500
to $540 (suites)
The summer package
has starting price from $200 (double for 2 people).
Website
www.starwoodhotels.com
