Just 30 kms. from Ahmedabad in Gujarat is the town where Mahatma Gandhi was born, pretty aptly named Gandhinagar. I have been to Ahmedabad multiple times but this was my first visit to Gandhinagar (thanks to the Statue of Unity FAM trip courtesy Government of India – Tourism Ministry and Gujarat Tourism), the capital city of Gujarat. With its lush greens, well planned infrastructure and rich historical cultural heritage, Gandhinagar is a great town to explore.
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| Checking in to The Leela, Gandhinagar |
If you’re longing for a luxurious escape in Gandhinagar, then head straight to the drop dead gorgeous and the finest hotel in town, The Leela Gandhinagar.
I was put up at The Leela for 2 days where I also attended the launch of the heritage tourism policy portal and signing of the MOUs along with other travel bloggers, agents and eminent political dignitaries including Sh. Bhupendra bhai Patel, the CM of Gujarat.
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| One of the many lounges at The Leela |
The Leela Palace Gandhinagar is located merely 30 minutes from the Ahmedabad airport and exemplifies the modern grandeur with the effervescent old world traditions of Gujarat. It sits close to many vibrant business hubs along with the Mahatma Mandir Convention and the Exhibition Center managed by The Leela making it a viable choice for business as well as global travelers to Gujarat’s vibrant capital city.
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| View from the window of my premium room |
Do you know? The Leela is also the first such project of the country which is built on the airspace of a conventional railway station, 22 meters above ground!
As I drove up the impressive concourse above the Gandhinagar Railway Station and saw the magnificent hotel approaching from a distance, I knew this was going to be a stay to remember.
The Leela: The Welcome and The Lobby!
As soon as I stepped inside, we were greeted with a traditional Indian welcome of applying tilak on the forehead and a warm Namaste.
The staff made my check-in smooth and efficient, which was in the afternoon. As we were running short on time and had a conference to attend in an hours’ notice, they made sure bags were sent to the room so that we could go for lunch first. I like it when staff is so thoughtful and ensures everything goes smooth. Everything, with a friendly smile and not one iota of irritation.
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| Ornate lobby |
The hotel’s interior is as lavish as its exterior with an opulent, classical decor that is particularly impressive in the ornate, heighted ceiling lobby.
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| Eye catching crystal chandelier |
What’s really eye catching is how it seamlessly blends modern cutting edge décor with the state’s authentically rich arts, traditions, designs and culture. Their antique flooring which draws inspiration from the Adalaj Stepwell and other old art forms like traditional glass beadwork, Bandhej, Ajrakh and Batik adds a lot of charm and character to the hotel. The lobby is a huge space, filled by fresh flower displays, mirrored screens, crystal chandeliers, intricately carved tables, and silk sofas dressed with colorful cushions.
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| Decor that draws inspiration from its own roots |
Comfy, Stylish, Spacious Rooms At the Leela Gandhinagar:
It was my first experience at the award winning Indian luxury hotel chain, The Leela, and very simply put, I was totally bowled over by my Luxury AC room. The room size was excellent, a configuration which I had never seen before!
The 318 guestrooms, as inviting as they are luxurious, offer top-end comfort, service and technology, and rank among the largest in the city.
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| My spacious luxurious comfortable room at The Leela, Gandhinagar |
Each room is furnished in sleek yet contemporary decor resplendent in a sophisticated charm that is hard to miss. My room came equipped with a large and comfy queen sized bed, a work desk, hi-speed wifi, relax chair, and ensuite marble bathroom with a toilet separated by an enclosed shower.
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| Work desk with hi speed wifi |
Oversized windows, opening full length from the ceiling to the floor – overlooking the concourse and the faraway horizon – literally brightened up the whole ambiance.
For the extras, there was a refreshment tray where you could make your own coffee, a built in wardrobe iron board, a yoga mat, bottled water, and other supplies placed in the bathroom. I used the soaps, body lotion and shampoo provided in the bathroom and really loved them, the quality of which was befitting for a 5 star hotel.
Dining at The Leela Gandhinagar!
I fell in love with the food at The Leela Gandhinagar right on day 1 itself- their triangle tawa parantha instantly reminded me of home.
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| Their triangle paratha reminded me of home |
The multiple dining options like Citrus Junction, Diya, Moksha, Royal Club Lounge at The Leela cover all bases. For the two days we were there - I started each day on their eighth floor with a sumptuous breakfast spread and a hot cup of tea.
The spread included a mix of Gujarati items like fafda, jalebi and South Indian like Idli, wada and Dosa - all the items were not very heavy on spices and yet retained the flavors very well, something I really appreciated.
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| Authentic breakfast |
Dinner was again very delectable - wholesome, homelike and tasty. It’s wonderful when you can end a hectic and tiring day with food that nourishes you. I just loved it.
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| Delicious desserts |
The only suggestion I have here is to have a separate non vegetarian section rather than keeping it in the same row as the vegetarian dishes.
Rest, it was just prefect!
Facilities at The Leela!
The Leela Gandhinagar has plenty of facilities ranging from leisure to business facilities. There is a world-class fitness centre if you want to work out or you could treat yourself at the holistic spa.
Unfortunately, my schedule at Gandhinagar was so full, that I could not explore any of these. There is an outdoor infinity pool at the top of the hotel as well with stunning views overlooking the Dandi Kutir and Mahatma Mandir.
Final Thoughts –
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| The Leela Gandhinagar - Totally recommended |
Right from the location to the ambience, the food, facilities and the room – the Leela Gandhinagar ticks a lot of boxes. With an array of facilities and plush event spaces, the hotel is a great choice – be it for holidays, weddings and business users alike.
All in all, I loved staying at the Leela Gandhinagar and would highly recommend you to consider it if you are planning a trip to the city.
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6 Comments
Oh my goodness! How I would love to stop here, to say it looks and sounds amazing is an understatement.
ReplyDeleteGreat!
ReplyDeleteVery helpful information. Thank you for giving this information.
ReplyDeleteOne correction:Gandhiji was born in Porbandar not Gandhinagar.The Gandhi Ashram in Porbandar is worth a visit and the room where he was born an the exact place in the room is also there for display.
ReplyDeleteReally one of the best blog you shared with us. Thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteNo matter the setting, the décor, the facilities or the food I always think it is the staff that make or break a hotel stay, that all of these things were exemplary is wonderful.
ReplyDeleteDelighted you stopped by... Your suggestions, feedback are really appreciated. Thanks a lot :) Hope you visit again!
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