The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore.
Mike Lane checks into the Ritz Carlton Bangalore, India.
Getting there: A 50-minute transfer from the airport. Not too bad in a city of 14 million and traffic to match.
Check-in experience: Staff outnumbered guests by three-to-one, so the check-in was very relaxing. We enjoyed a green tea on the couch while all paperwork and keys were brought to us.
Room: Twin-share room on the 14th floor.
Price: $302 per night (including breakfast).
What's so good about this place? Pure opulence is probably the signature of 5-star accommodation in India, and this was no different.
And the bad? Even though it's The Ritz, the service still seems to take its time. Room service in particular just seemed to drag on far too long and we had to cancel one order because it was taking too long.
What's in the neighbourhood?
The local cricket stadium is a 15-minute walk away, which is handy if you were headed to the Indian Premier League (IPL) like we were (as part of an outrageous Radio Hauraki work jolly). It's obviously in the slightly wealthier part of town, as the hotel is surrounded by European car dealerships. The rooftop craft beer bar at the building next door proved handy.
Food and drink:
Great selection of both Western and local cuisines.
The bed: Pillow fanatics would love the bed operation — but no complaints on the comfort levels.
View: The 14th floor has a great view over the remarkably green landscape of Bangalore.
The circling falcons outside were mildly terrifying and we had a great view of an incoming electrical storm.
Bathroom: Large shower, bath, double sink and a separate toilet made it perfect for two people. The gold and marble was potentially a little too much — but, hey, it is India.
Wi-Fi: Free and available throughout the hotel.
Noise: An extremely quiet oasis in the chaos of Bangalore. Didn't hear a peep from rooms either side or above.
Value for money: Compared to New Zealand's 5-star hotel accommodation, this was great value.
You pay for: Everything except breakfast. There is GST on goods and services of 6 per cent.
Exercise facilities: Great gym facilities that are used by the local IPL team daily if you want to rub shoulders with Virat Kohli and Brendon McCullum. The fifth-floor pool is also a great way to relax or exercise.
Perfect for: Doing business in Bangalore and also introducing yourself to India gently.
Plus if you want to go and experience an IPL game with the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The bottom line: A great luxurious option at a reasonable price if you ever find yourself in Bangalore for any reason.
When there's nothing as far as the eye can see, you may appreciate the company.