Hello lovely people! Recently I was in Chandigarh to do a couple of shoots and seek business opportunities. It was eminent that I stayed near the Industrial area. As I was driving down from the airport, I had mixed feelings about Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh. A friend of mine who had stayed at their Red Fox property in the city had suggested me the hotel set in Industrial Area Phase 1. As I arrived at the hotel, I got a warm and cheery welcome from the people at the front desk. It was as if I had come home after a long time. After a couple of simple formalities I was given my electronic key card and was escorted to my room on the 3rd Floor. It was amazing to see a speech and hearing impaired person is taking me to my room. He also explained to me that my key card allows me access to only my floor and room; hence you cannot see other floors using the same key card. I specially found this to be a great security measure considering the amount of equipment, storage devices and important documents I carry. The little things do make you feel safe the way you feel at home. The hotel is a bit far from Chandigarh’s key IT hub – Rajiv Gandhi Technology Park, where my friend now works. The hotel gives you a good look at the outside. It has large windows that sort of bring the outdoors in.
As soon as I inserted my key card in the power supply outlet, the lights came on and I saw the room. It was a pleasant sight. I just wanted to drop dead on the bed. The room had everything. A TV with my favourite entertainment and news channels, a full sized working desk and executive chair, a tea/ coffee maker and a telephone. To my surprise, I even found my favourite Oreos and packaged nuts in the mini-bar (Who cared if I had to pay for it). Before I indulged myself with my favourite blend of tea and munchies, I decided to hit the shower. I spared no shampoo and conditioner to feel clean and even liked the fragrance of their shower gel. After a quick bath and tea thereafter, I decided to go to the much talked about Elante Mall, which is just a stone’s throw away from the hotel. As I was arranging my clothes in the wardrobe, I stumbled upon an electronic safe. Though I didn’t see much use for it but surely did use it to store my gold chain when I later decided to hit the spa. After some shopping and fast food, I returned to the hotel and decided to spend some time at the working desk. I sent a few mails and while doing some con-calls, I realized that it’s almost time for dinner. I went to the hotel’s Citrus Café for dinner and was amazed at the spread. The menu included popular European and American cuisine and Indian specialities such as Saagwala Mutton and Butter Chicken. The Biryani too was amazing. Apart from the butter rotis and naans, the raita and desserts were great. All in all, I never ate so much and wanted to sleep like a baby. I retired to my bed and had the most comfy sleep ever. The blackout curtains and triple glazed windows ensured that no light or noise hindered my sleep.
The next morning I got a wake-up call from the front desk, citing that breakfast is included in my room rate and only 1 hour was left for the buffet to get over. Thanks to them, I did not miss my breakfast and was in time for my morning coffee, eggs and dosa. I also got to eat a variety of Italian food like the bruschetta and needless to say that my cappuccino was yum. The breakfast really gave me the kick I needed. After the breakfast, I thought of trying the spa. Although I was reluctant at first, considering it is not included in my package, but I still thought of giving it a try. I decided to go for the distressing chocolate massage as it seemed value for money and keeping in mind the time left to board my Mumbai flight, it seemed apt.
The Fresco Spa is on the 5th floor. As I was just outside the spa, I could see really trippy paintings that contained sacred geometry patterns and also the style of painting was very contemporary yet modern. After an hour at the spa, it was almost time to check out. I went to my room, gathered my stuff and called the front desk to update them that I was ready to check out. The hotel even gave me a form to fill out in order to keep track of my feedback and preferences. I even had the chance to meet the Hotel General Manager (HGM) before leaving, where he asked me for my feedback and suggestions to improve. No wonder the hotel does great, considering the HGM meets and greets every guest and takes their feedback seriously. I would definitely visit this hotel, when I’m next in town. Goodbye until we meet again.
Distance from:
∙ Domestic airport 16 km (approximately 40 minutes)
∙ Railway station 3 km (approximately 10 minutes)
Hotel Coordinates:
Lemon Tree Hotel, Chandigarh
