FAIRMONT HOTEL, JAIPUR -
FIT FOR A KING
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| Welcome Shots @Fairmont |
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan is also known as the
Pink city because of the pink wash applied to the buildings in this city.
Jaipur, a royal city with its fairy-tale palaces, rugged fortresses display
remarkable harmony in architectural splendor. Jaipur's craftsmanship,
especially lacquer bangles are famous all over the world. It is one of the most
popular destinations on a tourist's itinerary. The Pink City of Jaipur has a
number of architectural wonders that attract tourists from all over the country
and abroad. Most of the foreign tourists also tour this city of majestic forts
and beautiful havelis.
It's proximity to Agra, the City of Taj Mahal, further
adds to its appeal. Jaipur is part of the famous Golden Triangle Tourist
circuit that includes Delhi and Agra.
I have been to Jaipur many a times, but it was somewhat special
this time. As, I was invited by the most happening and sought after names, The
Fairmont Jaipur. It was a Familiarization (Fam) tour along with 4 other Bloggers.
Our trip targeted to review the hotel in general and their speciality restaurant,
Zarin with other restaurants in focus too.
On reaching the
hotel, we were welcomed like kings and queens. The Teeka ceremony and shower of
flowers with the Nagada drums being played was an experience of a lifetime. As
we entered the main lobby area, I was blown away with the royalty and grandeur
of the whole place. Themed after a fort palace,
Fairmont is a fusion of Mughal and Rajasthani (Rajput) architecture. From the
outside, its fort-like appearance depicts a distinct “rugged and hard” nature,
while the interiors exhibit a ‘soft and smooth’ nature. The exteriors, coated
with brownish lime plaster “Taedlak”, give a rustic and unfinished look.
The Reception area is designed on the lines
of “Diwan-e-Aam” where commoners can meet their Kings. Beautiful moulding work
and painted tiles beautify the walls and some swords and armoury also adorn the
walls. Adjoining the lobby is the day bar cum Tea Lounge “Anjum”,. Here, we were
welcomed with a glass of champagne by the Director F&B, Deepak, Jorley,
Director HR and the Front Office Mgr. Mr. Naveen Dogra.
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| Reception Area "Diwan-e-Aam" theme |
We were allotted the Signature rooms on the
fifth floor. The hotel has stretched 3 more floors now and is a eight floor property
now. As, I entered my room, I was taken aback by the uber luxurious setting and
chic interiors. All rooms and suites are meticulously
decorated, featuring timber doors, private foyers, vaulted ceilings, and a
minimum of 51 square metres of space as well as such modern conveniences as
large soaker tubs, lush bed linens, 40” plasma televisions, and wireless
high-speed Internet access. The guest rooms are bespoke residences that
exude classic heritage influences with four poster beds, camel bone inlaid
furniture, walk-in bathrooms with the distinct pink city stone bath tubs,
Mughal styled low seating day beds and discreet arched windows that overlook
the Aravalli hills. Understated yet opulent at the same time, the beauty of the
rooms however lies in the intimate details such as the traditional companion
and confidante of royalty, the parrot, mascot of Fairmont Jaipur, is perched
right next to the bed in every room and adds a touch of playful romance to the
royal chamber ambiance.
Not to forget the Bathrooms. They are one of the best
parts of the hotel, the bathrooms were a pure delight with beautiful marble
floorings, a round bathtub, a separate shower cabinet and toilet. I loved the
idea of two wash basins in the bathroom, one for the king and other for the
queen. The toiletries were of a very
good premium brand (just skipped my mind). As for the rest the pictures speak
for themselves.
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| Bathroom... Is It ? |
The other category of rooms is the Gold category which is dedicated to the first floor(Gold Floor) only.
Private, exclusive and always at your service – the Fairmont Gold floor is an oasis of luxury in the hotel, a service extended only to select few. The Fairmont Gold Floor, the brand’s exclusive ‘hotel within a hotel’ which features access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge with personalized service and luxuries such as an intimate lounge area that serves afternoon tea, evening canapés and a wide choice of drinks and beverages.
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| Gold Room |
After getting fresh, we all met at my room for lunch. The Butlers got us 2 full trolleys of yummylicious food from the all day dining restaurant, ZOYA which was customized for us specially. The menu was an oriental fare and consisted of Som Tom Salad (raw papaya salad), Fish in Lemon Coriander sauce, Curry Ayam (Indonesian chicken curry), Stir fried Asian vegetables in Black Bean Sauce with Jasmine Rice ,Pula Mai with Sticky Rice (lemongrass flavor),Lemongrass and Mint Mojito.
After a satisfying Lunch, we chatted for a while and decided to take rest for some time. At 5 pm or so, we all met at the Tea Lounge – ANJUM for a High Tea session. The day bar cum tea lounge, ‘ANJUM,’ means Constellation of Stars, has ornate ceiling lamps that resemble stars. The intricate hand-painted designs on the wall/roof artfully camouflage the air conditioning vents. The palatial space is an extension of the grand lobby with its high ceilings, ornate hand painted mural and cheerful sofas. Serving an unrivalled selection of authentic, high quality teas from around the world, Fairmont Jaipur’s lobby lounge brings a new dimension of service to the fine art of tea drinking.
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| "ANJUM" - Day bar and Tea Lounge |
Boy, what a spread of nick-knacks, presented so royally as if we are from the Royal British family. Tea cakes, cheese cakes, muffins, sandwiches, macaroons with great choice of teas and coffees was on the spread for us. We were taken for a round of the hotel after the tea session and shown the magnificence of the place. The grandeur of the whole place was such, cannot be explained in words.
The dinner was arranged for us at the all day dining restaurant, ZOYA located on the ground floor. We had the best Rajasthani meal that night. The Thali had good variety of vegetarian as well as non vegetarian dishes. (ZOYA- Separate review published).
Next day, we had a choice of going for sightseeing and shopping. But, I and two others decided to stay at the hotel itself and enjoy the other amenities. We booked the Spa and had a good time getting us all pampered, though I could not get a massage done due to prior bookings, but had a real good time in the pool and a steam and sauna session thereafter.
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| "AZA" The Library Bar |
ZARIN, it’s the flavors of Indo Persian cuisine, ranging from NWFP (North West Frontier Cuisine) to parts of Kashmir, Baluchistan and Persia. This cuisine was decided after much ado, as Rajasthani cuisine is already too much all over the place in Jaipur. Chef Manpreet Singh Malik is a talented guy and has been in Jaipur for many years now. Though, we did not get a chance to meet him. But he has created a royal experience altogether, fit for a king. The décor of ZARIN is like of a kings’ dining room. Hues of red, gold and off whites are all over the place, exhibiting lavishness. The restaurant has large space and awesome view of Aravalis. (Food Review Published separately)
I was really glad to know, the hotel has special arrangements for kid’s entertainment, and to keep them busy while parents are involved in lesiure activities at the, Fairmont. TINGAR, the Kids club is a space dedicated to the entertainment and care of young princes and princesses. Bright, colorful, filled with goodies that range from the latest gaming gadgets to traditional board games, Tingar is a paradise for children and parents alike where the little ones are looked after by trained professionals while the guests can soak in the pleasures of Fairmont Jaipur without any distractions.
One can over expect in form of service at the Fairmont as it’s known for, quietly and graciously efficient, with attention to detail – rushing to serve you and assist you in anything you want. Impeccable is the word, I could not find even a single flaw with their service. They are so well trained and well versed in their jobs. Always smiling and passionate to do something which you don’t even demand or expect them to do sometimes.
Fairmont
Jaipur, is an apt place for destination weddings. Weddings at the Fairmont
Jaipur are truly one–of-a-kind events when the hotel transforms into a bride
itself welcoming the wedding party with open arms. Glittering, bejeweled and
standing proud, the Grand Ballroom is a wedding venue that few can match up to.
As the large palace gates open, the wedding party proceeds to the lush lawns
overlooking the traditional saheliyon ki baari and the imposing façade
of the Fairmont Jaipur. The venue can be customized for various events
preceding the events as the in-house planners work with the families to put
together an event that will be remembered and talked about forever after.
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| The Grand Ballroom |
I absolutely loved the place. If you are travelling for leisure and sightseeing, Fairmont is the place to stay.
Special Thanks to : Ms. Vidisha Puri , Ms Ritika and the team.
Reviewed by : Vickrham (vicky) TWCI - The Writers Collective of India
Email : vickrham.m@gmail.com