Inspired by the universal symbol for beauty and luxury, the Royal Orchid’s many properties range from five star business stopovers and heritage hotels to spa resorts. Founded by Chender Baljee in 1973, the chain began with Hotel Harsha, the city’s first silver service restaurant. Hotel Royal Orchid followed, and the hospitality honcho has been in rapid expansion mode since. Indeed, visiting the group’s hotels is almost like a mini-tour of the City. Hotel Royal Orchid abuts the Karnataka Golf Association’s sprawling golf course. The hotel’s own lawn tapers off gently, showing off the famed local greenery and is a popular venue for parties and music concerts that are best enjoyed under starry skies.

Launched in 2001, this hotel is on the business traveller’s map with 195 well-appointed rooms. Three eclectic, equally popular dining options include Limelight, the 24 hour coffee shop, Geoffrey’s, an English-style pub and Ginseng, which was awarded the Best Oriental restaurant in 2006 by the Times Food Guide.

Paparazzi at the Royal Orchid Central commands a breathtaking view of the city

Perhaps one of the best views of the City is from Paparazzi, the glitzy roof-top restaurant at the Royal Orchid Central. Located in the commercial axis of the City in Manipal Centre, it won the Conde Nast Traveller award in 2006 for the Hot Table list, ranked among the Top 82 restaurants across the globe. The hotel itself is a winner too, being the recipient of the prestigious Stars of the Industry award for the Best Economy Business Hotel in 2006. Pinxx, the lively 24 hour coffee shop is one of Bangalore’s hippest leisure hotspots. Soon Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd will re-launch Hotel Harsha as the first Ramada Hotel, promoting the Indian restaurant Tiger Trail as the signature restaurant. The hotel is designed to suit the needs of an on-the-move young executive. Last year, the company inked a deal with the US-based Wyndham Hotel Group to develop at least ten Ramada hotels nationwide, over the next five years.

Royal Orchid Metropole, Mysore

Proving that the company can master the art of leisure as well are the Royal Orchid Getaways, which includes the Royal Orchid Resort on the outskirts of the city. Each of the 54 beautifully designed rooms has a private balcony overlooking a coconut grove. The lawns double up as a banquet facility that can host up to 2000 guests. A rendition of the typical Indian roadside restaurant or dhaba, the 9th Mile Dhaba is a key attraction with its rustic ambience and open-air kitchen that serves succulent North Indian, Punjabi and tandoori cuisine. The Royal Orchid Brindavan Gardens, ensconced between the river Cauvery and Brindavan Gardens, is a premier heritage property. The Elephant Bar commands a stellar view of the gardens, especially beautiful at night, when the multi-coloured fountains spurt into the air in a carefully orchestrated dance. C.K.’s, the multi-cuisine restaurant, and the Garden Café, the 24 hour coffee shop, add variety to the food and beverage options on offer. Facilities like a gym, spa and swimming pool add a touch of the modern to the colonial structure, and guests can tee off at the hotel’s mini golf course and go boating.

Reflecting the old world charm of colonial Mysore, is the Royal Orchid Metropole. Built in the early 20th century by the Maharaja of Mysore for his British guests, the group has placed its own stamp on the property. Modern amenities including wi-fi connectivity, a swimming pool, spa and gym, paired with the timeless grace of hospitality make this getaway an ideal blend of the old and new age style. With the acquisition of a 30 acre property in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the company has also made a foray into international locations. This beach resort will have a contemporary African theme, with facilities for a full-fledged spa, swimming pool, lagoon and water sports.