Blame it on our hectic work schedules, planning a vacation outside the city is just not an option at times and that’s the reason the trend of staycation among urbanites is catching up. Staycation which essentially means checking into a hotel in your city and spending time at the hotel (since you know the city too well to explore) is actually a great idea, I discovered recently when I checked into the Suryaa Hotel which is ten minutes away from my residence. Of course one saves fuel and time taking a mini vacation right in the city!
I checked in with my husband and it was actually his idea to do a staycation since we needed a break but he wanted to be in the town for a short business meeting that he had over the weekend. Thanks to the location of this hotel it is fit for business meetings.
The hotel was rebranded and refurbished after it severed ties with international hospitality chain Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) and dropped the brand name Crowne Plaza four years back. But its really the General Manager of this hotel Pankaj Mathur who joined last year who is making the stay at this hotel memorable for each guest ensuring impeccable service. So back in your room one doesn’t have to struggle with different dialling numbers for various services, one button does it all. Whether we requested for a cup of coffee or some toiletries, we always got a call back ensuring that it was delivered.
There was never a dull moment at the Suryaa hotel. With its variety of restaurants, spa, fitness centre and relaxing poolside, we actually forgot that we are in the same city. The lunch at its world cuisine restaurant Ssence was lip smacking and we loved the variety that it offers. We have been to the restaurant earlier and the food quality has been consistent. It’s amazing how in a span of just six months this restaurant has managed being so popular that each time I mentioned the name of the hotel to my friends on Facebook or Twitter I got a standard reply ‘Oh you mean the hotel which houses Ssense. Yes that’s a great restaurant.” You must try the Galauti Kebabs, Nihari Gosht (Chef Sanjay Bahl knows his Indian food too well and has launched an Indian restaurant in Dubai) and sea food Paella at Ssence.
After a hearty lunch I headed to the spa Club One located on the ground floor of the hotel which also boasts of an expansive shopping arcade, while my husband finished his meeting right in the suite where we were staying. I was glad that the spa menu thought not very elaborate had something new to offer- the Lomi Lomi Massage which is a Hawaiin treatment where the therapist uses forearms to work on your body. The treatment was simply mindblowing- soft, very oily and rejuvenating. The spa is also going through a makeover and will have a new menu soon.
After a stroll at the poolside we spent evening sipping cocktails at the Atrium Bar where the sound of the water cascading in the background made the evening beautiful. But the high point of our staycation was the dinner at its top floor restaurant Sampan that serves Oriental cuisine. Not only is the food exceptional the view from the restaurant is breathtaking. During day time you can clearly see the Lotus Temple from this restaurant. Besides the Sushi, the must try items here include the Rojak Muha and Yaki Niku in salads, Tibetan Momos, Panchit Molo Soup. In main course you should definitely order Fennel Tossed Prawns, Crispy Fried Lamb with green and red pepper and Green Kung Pao Chicken.
Sunday morning we enjoyed our bed tea and later headed for the Sunday Champagne Brunch at Ssence. It was raining outside and as I finished my thin crust pizza and husband sipped some more Moet and Chandon, I was still wondering how the manager at Sampan last night, Rahul Sharma, remembered the number of the table that we occupied when we visited Ssence six months back! The hotel truly lives up to its tagline ‘Service So Memorable’.
Fast Facts
Summary:The Suryaa New Delhi is a great option for both business and leisure travellers.
