The ITC Gardenia Bangalore staff is exceptional in every way. They make you feel like you’re at home in a strange country, as it was for me, my very first visit to India for pleasure, preceded by much trepidation due to many friend’s warnings about safety and transportation, in particular for fair-skinned European born woman - ITC Gardenia solved all these issues and many others with practiced professionalism and a dose of extra care that felt so kind and attentive that an perspective adjustment was needed to receive such high quality service. I spoke to many guests, some whom have become friends, and they said the same, calling out aspects of the unique and exceptional service as well. The guests themselves were of an excellent variety, leading to high quality conversation and meaningful connection. We are often told, rightfully so in many cases, that India is a tough place to be a woman and to dress as a western woman. I’m certain that is true in many places. I have found Bangalore to be much more forgiving even outside of tech areas, on a walk to a local market or a visit to Bangalore fort or temple (though you will need to cover legs with a skirt/wrap & in some cases a lightweight long sleeved cotton shirt for arms (in Thailand where temples may be stricter). Certainly you will get many looks (not many comments and easy to ignore as you would in a NYC subway), though it is possible to move about in physical safety while in close proximity with others, whether through use of excellent hotel cars, within Phoenix Asia mall & marketplace malls which are carefully supervised by security at escalators, and even on a walk to Bangalore fort with a friend you’ve made, while wearing yoga atire designed for hot weather. I think it’s helpful to have a gentleman by your side and I personally preferred that security. I recognize that some women travel globally, independently, and move about - I’m just not practiced enough. Most importantly, the hotel staff was very supportive of my social schedule, accommodating every friend, guest and even budding new connection made through the various opportunities to dine with other guests, and met these interactions with non judgemental and courteous service, often quickly recalling your order from your prior visit. Nectar and Edo staff work very late and are accommodating of late refreshments and this is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the safety of the hotel environment fully. Much fun was had and I rarely if ever imbibe, due to safety concerns. The water provided by hotel in glass bottles is very safe. Additionally, I’m delighted to say I experienced zero digestive issues and I brushed my teeth using hotel water and rinsing normally. Washroom water is clear which leads me to believe their source or process of water supply is different than anywhere else.
My experience began with coordination for airport pickup via email, initiated by the travel desk, which was confirmed efficiently, (unlike an experience I had with the Courtyard Marriott in Mumbai the day prior, where I was never able to receive email confirmation and therefore any reassurance, forcing me to secure my own driver through a friend in Mumbai I was lucky to meet before my trip). From day one, the duty manager Rosch Sharma answered my call to the hotel just before I departed Mumbai on IndiGo, to reconfirm airport pickup at Bangalore regional airport. He comfortingly assured me that my transportation was to meet me as planned and my room accomodation would be waiting for me and as promised. True to his word, a safety advocate met me front and center upon my exit from Bangalore airport - he was impossible to miss with a large legible sign and a welcome sight. He guided me seamlessly to the hotel car pickup and I enjoyed a lovely ride and pleasant, welcoming conversation for 1 hr. Upon arrival, Rosch Sharma himself and all the hotel staff stationed near entrance welcomed me with a flourish typically reserved for dignitaries in films. It was a breathtaking and heart warming experience. During my stay, the fantastic concierge in lobby including and especially Sona, as well as phenomenal housekeeping staff, led by a fantastic manager on 19th floor during my stay from 1/20- 2/2/2026, addressed a complex list of needs that are bound to arise when your home is at a hotel for 14 days, including delicate issues women face - they were unphased by any request, extremely kind in solving for issues and needs and constantly checked in to ensure I was comfortable, safe in every way, and my wishes were exceeded.
Hotel drivers drove me wherever my heart desired, making suggestions to solve for needs such as Apple chargers and preferences such as suggested sight seeing locations, as well as hosting my friends who joined me for some car rides - they waited patiently while I shopped or visited with friends at various venues. I can’t emphasize enough how convient, comforting and helpful the Travel Desk staff was in solving all sorts of logistical and preference questions. The day time managers, especially the most senior, are extremely proficient and kind, leaving a substantial and meaningful impression. Billing to the room was extremely convenient and I did not use a single INR. Everything was handled through my Capital One Venture card which worked beautifully at any vendors in malls or at hotel.
Phenomenal pool managers Kavirajan and Sasi were were at the ready to provide philosophical discussion, reflections on life and fitness, family, kindness and help customize a vegan mango shake beverage with almond milk through partnership with dining staff and a beautiful pool side delivery experience. The views are breathtaking on the pool deck and extremely comfortable and clean with fresh towels placed each morning. Though the water may not be to your taste, unless you are an exercise driven swimmer (I’m not), you can very comfortably enjoy the gorgeous breeze, shade and peaceful contemplation between fantastic conversations or meetings with guests and/or friends/family. Again, the pool management staff left an indelible impression on me and the conversations were truly life and perspective shifting and expanding. Gratitude for this quality of interaction is beyond my ability to express in writing.
Assistant Chef, Utkarsha, customized meals for me that were vegan and gluten free, (Saboot Tandoori Aaloo, Makai Palak, Dal fry, lentil papas), at Kebabs and Kurries and the staff knew my order when I walked in for meals throughout my time there. The food there, in particular, is exceptional and a truly beautiful and authentic South Indian dining experience - patient and caring in providing an opportunity for learning, such as eating with hands, with no judgments for a novice’s lack of expertise. This is both encouraging and culturally helpful in celebrating and learning traditions.
The massage staff and specialist, Jane, provided the best body work consistently, that I have experienced from a female therapist in two decades, combining strength and fantastic technique in deep tissue massage, with needed adjustments for various health considerations. The spa staff was altogether extremely gracious and made scheduling changes as needed to accommodate the social schedule I had the pleasure of accessing and enjoying at the various hotel restaurants / entertainment venues.
I don’t believe it right to take advantage of the kindness of any service or hotel staff, through it seems they have a “yes” vs. “no” response to any reasonable suggestion and do everything possible to accommodate, which was very appreciated.
The breakfast could only be referred to as an exceptional display of service and breakfast and lunch options of a wide variety of flavors, mostly Indian inspired, and always delicious and expertly made. Staff consistently suggested food options, supported budding connections and friendly conversation between guests and even with hotel staff who seem to see every guest as a potential friend, encouraging you to return again and often, through their energy and consistent care. Some might focus on a delay on the delivery of food on a busy day and that would be unkind and unfair. Genuinely speaking I think high pressure situations like “Republic Day” can leave staff with limited time resources and yet they do and did their very best to provide the best service feasible every day despite the volume of guests. I found the service consistent and attentive, not lacking in any material way.
I’m genuinely nostalgic and saddened to return to the US and the project of earning money so I can hope to spend it again on a future travel experience. It’s safe to say that this experience has changed me for the better and I can genuinely say Bangalore was the ideal place to visit for my first time in India because the temperate weather allowed for city exploration, outdoor meals in the beautiful pavilion, Cubbon garden 5k walks, (two laps around garden loop and enjoying street with no cars until 8am in the park), and an awesome range of resonable temperatures from morning to night, unique to Bangalore, India, which the ITC Gardenia takes full advantage of in giving their guests a life changing and memorable experience.
Many thanks to Rosch Sharma and the fantastic staff of ITC Gardenia - I will always remember with a full heart, this amazing experience. It was with every penny. I wish you all the best and hope to return again soon. Namaste 🙏🏼
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