Centrally Parked

Alan D’Mello finds that The Central Park provides perfect access to Pune

Four in the morning is an unusual time to check-in. But for the staff at the hotel, my arrival was just like any other. The Central Park is not a big city airport hotel to be accustomed to midnight traffic. Given that we were groggy and travel weary, their efficiency all around was much appreciated. The road trip from Mumbai had taken more of a toll than we had planned for. So breakfast the next morning was a dash to the counter before it closed.

Being predominantly a business hotel, the breakfast buffet is a norm at The Central Park. In-room breakfast is available too, though it would be a shame to miss the Indian and Continental spread, and definitely a shame to miss Pune’s warm morning sun streaming in from the large windows.

This visit was a mix of business and leisure, giving us the rare opportunity to explore the city and the hotel. The Central Park’s location is central to the city, just off the main roadway and a five minute drive from the bus and railway stations. While the hotel may not have a park for leisurely recreation, it most definitely has a brand new entertainment and mall complex right in its backyard. Like the multiplex, the hotel too has a certain vibrant aura to it. Into its second year, The Central Park has a lot in its favour, and the lobby says it all. A very high ceiling, equally high glass entrance, lots of space (considering the hotel is not that big) and a small waffle-cum-coffee counter - with just two tables and six chairs - sets the tone for the hotel. The rooms are a breath of fresh air in hotel design today, functional yet wonderfully different.

It is evident the Advani cousins, Jai and Dinesh, have understood the business traveller’s need for space and natural light. Their rooms have smart blends of basic colours, good carpets and not too much clutter. Like the ceiling to floor glass in the lobby, a similar arrangement in the room too is a lovely idea.

The bathroom and its bathtub is very inviting. The small note in the bathroom explaining the mathematics of each drop of water saved is very effective as it lends a new perspective to the issue.

On inspection of the hotel, it was evident that the same care taken with my superior double room was also applied to the other rooms. Much to my liking, as it would be for those who prefer and understand class.

Quite a number of guests prefer to wrap up their work in the hotel’s conference rooms and one large banquet hall. If a wedding is not being hosted - as a Punjabi one was during our trip, a corporate event is.

And finally, if you are there, then you must not forget to schedule a visit to the hotel’s moderately equipped but compact gymnasium, pub-cum-disco and roof-top pool; in that order.