Sep 26, 2007 02:42 PM
2825 Views
Well, the 1st 5 star hotel in Pune, Taj Blue Diamond has got it's own history. Located in the bund garden area, very near to north and south main roads of Koregaon park, the location seems quite rational for a 5 star hotel. Pune airport is 8-9 kms from here, but don't trust the horrifying and give up Pune traffic. It may take you more than an hour to reach the petty Pune airport(the frustrating and adhoc pune traffic can take as long 1 hour to travel a distance of 8 kms, particularly between 5-8 p.m).
At first sight the one who has an experience of Hyatt Regency or ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton, Mumbai, may feel as if he's come to an ordinary hotel.....simply ignore the exteriors of the hotel, they are pathetic. They won't make you feel that you are approaching a 5 star hotel. Still, bear the brunt of it and move in.
The hospitality part- It's OK, but not inline with Taj hotels elsewhere in India. In comparison with tthe price, the rooms they give are good. We were pretty impressed with the room interiors. Our's was a deluxe suite. The ratio of quality of room to the cost (i mean to say the size and interiors) is high. You may not get good exterior views from any of the rooms. Every window will give you a picture of the highly unorganized Pune traffic and a gigantic chaos of 2 wheelers (you will feel as if this city is a highly unorganized big VILLAGE :)).
The dining- From my perspective, among the 3 5 star hotels in Pune, LeMeridien is the best when it comes to food quality. Blue diamond will be the last. Nothing more to say....
To conclude, I would say that if you want good interiors and luxury, go for it. As hosteling is a passion in Pune, you will find many good hotels nearby for dining. Don't count on Blue Diamond. For a more posh, executive, luxurious and business class stay, as of now, nothing can outwit LeMeridien.
