One of the new entrants in Delhi’s hotel hub, Aerocity, is Hotel Pride Plaza. While for business travellers Aerocity is one of the best locations with airport and commercial nerve centre Gurgaon in close proximity, for leisure travellers too Aerocity has become the new dining destination.
We checked into Pride Plaza Hotel for a staycation, that is a leisurely stay in your city, over a weekend. I have been to other hotels of Aerocity as well but mostly for a quick meeting or a meal but it was for the first time that I was staying at an Aerocity hotel.
The spacious lobby of this hotel from the Mumbai-based Pride Group of Hotels, adorned with art by Krsna Mehta, welcomed us. After a quick check-in at the reception we were escorted to our room.
Rooms
Pride Plaza Hotels has 385 rooms across three categories – Deluxe, Superior and Premium. Each room has monochrome paintings and pictures of Indian monuments lending a regal charm and underscoring the homegrown brands emphasis on promoting Indian art and culture.
The spacious and charming room at Pride Plaza
Our room was spacious, had a pool view and had a bath with tub.The room had a work desk and high speed internet, ideal for those who are checking in for business. The toiletries stocked were by Inara, which I personally like, so I was sorted for my one night staycation at the hotel.
Dining At Pride Plaza
Pride Plaza houses an all day dining restaurant Cafe Pride, speciality restaurant Oriental Spice and bar Stallion. There is also a small pastry shop Mr Confectioner in the lobby area for those with a sweet tooth.
We spent our Saturday evening with beer, mocktails and quick scrumptious appetizers at the Stallion. The mixologist here can make you a cocktail or a mocktail of your choice. I settled with a cranberry mocktail that had fresh watermelons. Perfect for summers! The ambience is lively and pub-like. The bar does many promotions and since its the IPL season it had some cricket lovers glued to the big screen. Often hotels fail to create a buzzing evening place in their hotels, but Stallion is an exception to that trend. Nicely done with a big horse sculpture at the entrance, bar stools and servers dressed in smart casuals.
Unwind at Stallion Bar
But the bigger surprise was the dinner at the Pan-Asian restaurant, Oriental Spice, that exceeded all our expectations. The Chef’s menu that night for us was a five course meal that included soups, variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dim sums, starters, main course and dessert. The Khaoy Suey soup was presented well and had just the right flavors, drunken chicken and Wok Fried King Prawns in black Bean Sauce were sumptuous.
Pan Asian Restaurant that Serves Lip Smacking Food: Oriental Spice
Each dish that followed was toothsome with showstoppers being the French style noodles and Seafood Rice cocooned in Pineapple. You must try these both. Chef Sanjeev Gosai was personally visiting tables to recommend what guests should order and to ensure that everything was upto the guests liking. Even if you are not checking in at this hotel, do visit for a meal at Oriental Spice, it will sure be a satiating one.
We had lunch next day at the Cafe Pride. It was an elaborate buffet with Indian and Chinese being served for the day- the joys of a staycation, the food on offer is quite overwhelming.
Beyond Rooms
The hotel has banqueting space spread across 12,000 sq ft, swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The Ora Regenesis Spa offers a full range menu of massages, facial, body scrubs and wraps. I experienced their 60-minute anti-ageing facial that uses organic products; while my husband indulged in a tried and tested Swedish massage. The rooms don’t have shower rooms attached, however there are separate changing and shower areas. If you have time we recommend their 90-minute Ora Signature Massage or if its a facial you are looking for then the Ora Signature Facial.
Rejuvenate at the Ora Spa
Service
What made our stay at the Pride Plaza a totally cool staycation is the flawless service. The GM of the hotel, Mr Pankaj Mathur, who was with an independent Delhi hotel- The Suryaa, before joining the Pride Plaza has ensured that even though part of a chain, the hotel extends personalized service to its guests.
Mr Pankaj Mathur, General Manager, Pride Plaza, Aerocity New Delhi
A homegrown brand, the hotel has a warm hospitality culture and the staff amiable. A walk through the lobby, or restaurants and the staff members don’t miss folding their hands to greet you. Like I keep repeating in my reviews, luxury hospitality is not just about how swanky your rooms are or cool your fitness centre is but about how you make your guests feel. When a city hotel pays attention to guest service it definitely wins few more hearts.
Fast Facts
Summary:When a city hotel pays attention to guest service it definitely wins few more hearts.
