Driving over the bridge to the ITC Windsor, one cannot help being awed by the imposing architecture, the elegant Victorian décor and the spacious grounds. Passing through the grand entrance, you feel transported to a time when charm, graciousness and easy living were the order of the day.

The Windsor recreates the Raj magic with its attentive service that paradoxically seems languid and unhurried. With its impressive colonnades, balustrades and chandeliers, the hotel is proud of the statement it makes. The hotel spans across two wings -The Manor and the Towers comprising 240 well appointed rooms, including 22 suites and the Presidential Suite. Original water colours and oils, soft shades of upholstery, specially designed writing tables, personal communications units, luxurious beds, marble bathrooms and designer amenities add the right touch of comfort and elegance.

The Presidential Suite is the chosen residence of visiting royalty, guests of the state and jet setting corporate leaders. Quite appropriately, it is the last word in comfort and you cannot beat it for sheer class. The Manor Suites, named after Viceroys - Lord Hastings, Lord Cornwallis, and Lord Clive - epitomise a finely tuned balance between high technology and a complete service offer.

The hotel pulls out all stops to facilitate business travellers in its Executive Club. It has also pioneered the concept of a designated floor, Eva, to ensure complete safety, comfort and convenience for women travelling on their own. Round the clock butler service is the foundation of the Windsor’s well deserved reputation for discreet care. Butlers go through intensive training in sessions that include tips from the world’s leading expert in the field Anthony Seddon-Holland, Director of Training, Guild of Professional English Butlers, England.

This landmark hotel of Bangalore has played host to several illustrious guests and world leaders including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, the Dalai Lama, Sir Elton John, Chinese Premier Wen Jia Bao, Nobel Laureate Sir V. S. Naipaul and marketing guru Jack Trout.

Continuing with the theme of the days when the sun never set on the British Empire, the food and beverage repertoire in its award winning restaurants include the best of British era cuisine.

Raj Pavilion

The Raj Pavilion, whose architecture is reminiscent of the famous Glass House at the Lalbagh Gardens, features cuisines from the silk and spice routes. Dum Pukht keeps alive the spirit of the merry nabobs. You can enjoy the fusion cuisine of the Khansamahs (Indian cooks) who added a touch of spice to bland English recipes and tempered Indian curries to suit palates unaccustomed to fiery spices. Another favoured restaurant is The Royal Afghan, specialising in grilled meats and baked flatbreads of the rugged North West Frontier Province. Dakshin is the hotel’s most prized restaurant, where you can enjoy South Indian specialities from the heartland and the spice coasts. Dublin is a hearty Irish style pub which offers an array of premium liquors, cocktails and cigars.

Lounges, a business centre and a health spa round off the rich offerings at the ‘Manor’. The ITC Windsor’s luxurious conference venues and meeting halls bear names such as The Regency, Westminster, The Victoria Room, The House of Lords and The Portman Court.

The period appeal, the warm service, the comfort and luxury make a stay here unforgettable.