The Art in the Smart

A city where Gandhi&rsquos legacy continues to linger, a state where the strokes of cultural exuberance capture the curiosities of many. Set on the banks of the Sabarmati River, Gandhinagar is a land of contradictions. Away from the bustle of Ahmedabad, this capital city is amongst the most well- planned ones that the country has to offer. And I had the fortune to witness its splendour first-hand.  on a not-so-recent trip to Gujarat, I found myself in the heart of GIFT City Gandhinagar&mdashan urban settlement waiting to be unravelled. Gujarat International Finance Tec-City is an ambitious township project launched with the aim of connecting the state&rsquos business capital&mdashAhmedabad&mdashto the political capital, Gandhinagar. labelled as the first operational smart city, it has been planned with state-of-the-art connectivity, infrastructure and transportation access, all integrated into the design itself. But more than the infrastructure, what left me amazed was the city&rsquos first international hospitality project, and my humble abode during my two-day visit there, Grand Mercure. helmed by renowned names like. Helmed by renowned names like Brigade and Accor, the property left no tables unturned to ensure quality in all aspects.

With 151 well-equipped guest rooms and suites, the plush nine-storeyed hotel caters to the needs of seasoned travellers. The snug rooms were adorned with traditional intricate motifs, offering a glimpse into the captivating art of block printing. With a jam-packed itinerary in store for me, I barely had the time to take a tour of the property, but as an admirer of home-grown interiors, I was in awe of the fine incorporation of local touchpoints in all its services. 

Designed to suit business needs, Grand Mercure boasts of six meeting rooms, ideal for conferences and training programmes. And with leisure facilities like a fitness centre, an infinity pool and a yoga pavilion, the hotel is committed to catering to the city&rsquos ever-growing tourism and business activities. 

Keeping up with rich Gujarati culinary legacy, the speciality restaurant Samaroh encapsulates the flavours of the region. It seemed as though &lsquoeat breakfast like a king&rsquo was coined here, owing to the sheer variety of the spread laid out in front of me no less than a royal feast. After gorging on the finest of dhoklas and bhajiyas, a quick nap seemed like the natural progression, but a day-long shoot awaited. So, with my appetite leading the way, I was back to the hustle, all geared up to savour the sumptuous Gujarati thali for dinner, before heading back home the following morning. 

The property has 151 rooms including suites.