Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi: Five Star Experience

Have you ever tried a staycation, that is a vacation in your own city? If you are looking at a relaxing getaway but don’t want the hassle of commuting to a destination then checking into a hotel in your city is a good idea. Last weekend I checked into the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Hotel with my husband for a staycation and spent rejuvenating two days at the hotel. Here is why I recommend the hotel.

Check-In

Since we were staying at a Business Class Room, our check-in was done at the Plaza Lounge. A lady at the reception promptly guided us to the Lounge located on the first floor. The check-in was done in a jiffy- five minutes to be precise and we were escorted to our business class room on the second floor.

Plaza Lounge

The Room

Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi houses 261 guest rooms across categories- Superior, Premium and Business Class Rooms; 8 Executive and 13 Deluxe Suites and a Presidential Suite.

Our Business Class room was spacious with all the amenities and a walk in wardrobe. The bathroom was quite plush. From our window we had a nice view of the pool and greens outside. It really did feel like a holiday even though we were in our own city.

The single control panel for lighting definitely made life easy. You know how irritating it is when you are looking for those elusive light switch!

Size Does Matter: The spacious Business Class Room

Business Class rooms and suites at this hotel come with additional perks like access to the Plaza Lounge which serves special breakfast and has ‘Happy Hours’ in the evening. We were quite impressed by the wine they served while we enjoyed Kabaddi match on television during the evening happy hours.

Food

I am an ardent fan of Radisson’s Thai restaurant Neung Roi and Indian cuisine restaurant The Great Kebab Factory. The food has been consistently good at the two restaurants. We had lunch at Neung Roi, gorging on crab cakes and Pad Thai, and dinner at The Great Kebab Factory.

The Great Kebab Factory should be awarded a Six Sigma for its service. The service is impeccable, the time interval between servings is just right and when you ask for a repeat order of melt-in-your-mouth Galouti’s, the next server comes with Varqi ( to be had with galouti kebabs) almost immediately. The restaurant is always busy, so our tip: make your reservation as soon as you make your dinner plan.

Finger Lickin’ Good Food served at The Great Kebab Factory

Since it was a weekend staycation, it would have been incomplete without the Sunday Brunch. We headed for breakfast at NYC Cafe and again Brunch at the same restaurant. For breakfast you must try their dosas. Though we had the option of having breakfast at Plaza Lounge, the live stations at NYC restaurant sounded alluring even in the morning.

For Brunch, it was a full house and the restaurant was buzzing. I was pleasantly surprised to see some Bengali delicacies like fish paturi and kosha mangsho. Its always nice to see something other than the regular fare at a buffet.

R The Spa

The expansive spa at the Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi – R The Spa which is spread over three floors needs a separate review post. This wellness sanctuary has salon, fitness centre and treatment rooms. With 20,000 square feet, this is one of the biggest spas in the city. The interiors are subtle but exude royal charm. While most hotel spas have one couple suite, this one has three! There are four other couple treatment rooms and two single treatment rooms.

We tried the Signature Treatment at the couple suite- a 90 minute massage using Aromatherapy and Balinese techniques. The therapists were well trained and the treatment quite rejuvenating. The couple suite was a dream! It had a steam area, shower room and experiential jacuzzi besides the main treatment room. Aromatic candles dotting the tub area, dim lights and goodness of a spa treatment- it made for one one of the most romantic experiences. Definitely the high point of our stay. There is a couple suite with a Hamam Bed and another one with a Vichy Shower. Yes I have added those to my spa bucket list.

Suite Pleasures: Couple Suite at R The Spa

R The Spa offers four, six and eight hour day spa packages. So if you are in Delhi, you must try it sometime. Or you could swing by for a luxe pedicure, manicure, hair spa or a treatment.

Beyond Rooms

The hotel is located close to the airport and Gurgaon, making it an ideal stay option for business and leisure travelers. You could also check-in for a staycation like us. Just spend leisurely time at the poolside, have long uninterrupted meals at their popular restaurants or head out to Gurgaon Cyber Hub or go for shopping to malls in Vasant Kunj.

Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi is one of the few franchised properties in the city, but it meets the international standards and exceeds expectations that one would have from a Carlson five star brand. Often the chain properties lack personal touch. But this is where this Radisson property scores. Needless to say, Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi has held its ground in spite of many hotels sprouting in and around Delhi Aerocity.

Fast Facts

Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi hotel is located on National Highway 8, near Mahipalpur Extension.

The hotel has 261 guest rooms, including 147 Superior Rooms, 57 Premium Rooms, 35 Business Class Rooms, 8 Executive Suites, 13 Deluxe Suites and a Presidential Suite.

The F&B offerings at the hotel include Neung Roi, that serves Thai cuisine; the Great Kebab Factory that serves Indian; multi-cuisine restaurant NYC; Savannah Bar, R The Lounge and The Pastry Shop.

The Plaza Lounge is an exclusive lounge for the guests staying in Business Class Rooms and suites.

The Plaza Lounge offers seated check-in and check-out and is a dedicated lounge with private meeting rooms, wireless Internet, daily buffet breakfast and cocktails plus pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres.