- What was the concept behind designing ITC Hotel, The Grand Central, Mumbai?
Launched in 1975, ITC Hotels, India’s premier chain of luxury hotels, has become synonymous with Indian hospitality. ITC Hotels pioneered the concept of ‘Responsible Luxury’ in the hospitality industry, drawing on the strengths of ITC groups’ exemplary sustainability practices.
This finest responsible luxury hotel personifies an ethos that integrates world-class green practices with contemporary design elements to deliver the best of luxury in the greenest possible manner.
- How was the location used as an advantage/disadvantage of the hotel design?
ITC Hotel, The Grand Central, Mumbai, was the first and finest luxury hotel for the discerning business traveller in Central Mumbai. This landmark of ITC represented a ‘symbol of change’ as it ushered in a new era in Parel, the fastest growing business district of the city, years back.
“The interiors of ITC Grand Central speak of the bygone era of Mumbai, highlighting the vintage architecture visible in the various parts of Mumbai.”
Bhagwan Balani, General Manager, ITC Grand Central Mumbai.
- Can you give us a brief on the design of the two zones provided at the hotel and the design ideology behind the same?
The hotel is divided in two zones ‘Sky Zone’ and ‘Celebration zone’.
Created as a ‘Sanctuary of Peace’ for guests, the ‘Sky Zone’ offers all amenities and services required to cater to the discerning business traveller.
Sky Zone comprises of the following:
Rooms – Tastefully appointed 242 guest rooms include 152 Executive Club Rooms, 71 The Towers Rooms and 17 ITC One Rooms along with 1 ‘Presidential Suite’ and 1 ‘Queen’s Suite’.
Eva Floors – ‘Eva Floors’ are exclusive two floors dedicated to single women travelers, complete with special in-room amenities and an ‘all-women butler service’ to ensure security and privacy.
Hornby’s Pavilion – Named after the erstwhile Governor of Mumbai, William Hornby, Hornby’s Pavilion is an exclusive all day dining restaurant overlooking the ‘Millsquare’. A lavish buffet spread for breakfast, lunch and dinner along with the choice of breads, fresh juices and much more are offered here along with an a la carte menu. Set in elegant surroundings, and is a pleasant rendezvous with warm sunlight during the day and cozy romantic setting during evenings.
Frederick’s Lounge – Tastefully designed as a comfortable garden lounge, the Frederick’s Lounge is an extension of the Millsquare. Created as a place to relax for the resident guests of the hotel, the Fredrick’s Lounge is a perfect place to conduct business discussions through the day, over a glass of wine or a delicately brewed Darjeeling Summer tips tea. Evenings incorporate live music, cocktails and a range of single malts.
Point of View – Nestled in the rooftop, ‘Point of View’ is the most premium and exclusive lounge of the hotel. This warm, inviting, split-level lounge offers a luxuriant retreat with a breath-taking 360-degree view of the city and the sea.
Extending a feeling of warmth, ‘Point of View’ has been created as a place to unwind for the hi-flying corporate traveller. Comfortable seating, sunken bar with high stools along with a wood panelled library is the highlight of the lounge. Here, the mood is refreshing in the mornings while the evenings exude an ambience of affluence, complete with caviar and champagne.
Kaya Kalp- The Spa -An experience that brings the mind, body and soul together in perfect harmony. With 9,200 sq. ft dedicated to nurture the senses, the Wellness Centre provides a comprehensive range of fitness and rejuvenation facilities like a Relaxation Room, Multipurpose therapy rooms, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Steam room, Relaxation area, Gym & fitness area, Separate Beauty Salon for Ladies and Gents.
- Celebration Zone
Symbolized by the majestic dome, the ‘Celebration Zone’ consists of the F&B outlets and banqueting facilities complete with a specially dedicated porch to especially serve the guests visiting this area.
Celebration Zone comprises of the following:
Kebabs and Kurries – ITC’s latest brand of Indian restaurant, Kebabs & Kurries showcases delicious heritage cuisine, fine-tuned through years of research by the celebrated chefs of Welcomgroup. Watch the master chefs administer the finishing touches to melt-in-the-mouth-kebabs and salans in the cheerful bustle of the display kitchens while the guests relax in a warm rugged ambience.
Shanghai Club – A fine dining Chinese restaurant, the Shanghai Club recreates the melting pot of authentic ‘Shanghainese’ cuisine in a contemporary ambience. Delicately balanced flavours of yin and yang, dished out by our executive Chef Paul Noronha, are served in an elegant and warm atmosphere. Polished Burma teak rafters, parquet flooring and festive parasol lanterns complete the setting for a relaxed meal.
Dublin – A Trendy Irish bar, the Dublin is the quintessential watering hole to unwind after a long day’s work and indulge in a range of finest malts, ales and cigars. Dublin tries to capture the essence of the shamrock, with its warm green walls, leather sofas and stained glass panels. Friendly bartenders entertain the guests with their cheerful banter, as they fix a mean cocktail or two for them, adding to the ambience of warmth and comfort.
Terrace Garden – An exquisite outdoor venue, the Terrace Garden is a place to moonlight under the open skies, a piece of lush greenery with fountains, the perfect location for all celebrations, be it weddings or social get-togethers.
Ballroom – Exuding grandeur, Ballroom is equipped with all the latest amenities to hold conferences, seminars or exclusive indoor gatherings. A large pre-function area, the option to divide the Ballroom into three separate spaces and the choice to create customized menus make this venue an ideal banqueting venue.
- How was ‘history’ a part of your design? How do you justify a modern take on the same?
ITC Grand Central reflects the rich heritage of the colonial past of this island city Bombay and the modern era too. ITC Hotel, The Grand Central, is an experience of warm Indian hospitality amidst modern amenities.
- Give us details on the interior design of the hotel? How was each room designed with utmost care?
With ‘Namaste’ as the enduring symbol of ITC as a brand experience and ‘Responsible Luxury’ as the guiding premise, ITC Grand Central is an archetype of the culture and ethos of Mumbai as a destination offering authentic, indigenous luxury experiences which are in harmony with the environment and society.
The interior design of ITC Grand Central speaks profoundly of the old Bombay architecture and the story of the bygone era.
Each room in the hotel has been designed keeping in mind the requirement of each travellers’ requirement irrespective, of them travelling for leisure or business purposes. LEED Platinum certified ITC Grand Central’s rooms promises Sleeep experience by ITC hotels too.
- How did you tackle any special requirements/rooms of the hotel?
A special requirement that we often come across is of single lady travellers’ safety requirements. Thus, we have dedicated single lady traveller’s floor known as the Eva floor with beautiful contemporary Eva Rooms.
- What are the amenities provided for guests to stay indoors for longer hours?
This responsible luxury hotel ITC Grand Central, Parel provides amenities that touches on the pointers closer to local love of the region.
Chikki, puran poli, Maharashtrian desserts and refreshing beverages are provided to each gust checking in to our hotel.
Additionally, our 30th floor lounge ‘Point of view Lounge’ hosts luxury hours from evening 6 pm to 8 pm, such that the guests enjoy premium services right at the comfort of the hotel.
- What is your take on the interiors and architecture of the property?
The interiors of ITC Grand Central speak of the bygone era of Mumbai, highlighting the vintage architecture visible in the various parts of Mumbai.
There are quite a few architectural designs such as the clock tower overlooking the mill square area in our hotel; that holds resemblance to the Raja Bai clock tower in Mumbai. This gothic hotel in Mumbai stands tall overlooking the Parel area in Mumbai.
