I spent the last week of 2019 exploring the city of Pune with family and after having experienced Radisson properties in different cities previously, my obvious choice led me to Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi as the place to stay. It is very near to the airport which was convenient though a bit far off from city center but no complaints since our mode of transport from Bangalore was air travel.
Being a member of their loyalty program – Radisson Rewards, I had already made online reservations for 2 rooms for the family and opted for a weekend deal which included complimentary breakfast and airport transfers. Radisson’s online booking (https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/rewards) lets you pick from different packages and rates as suited and I usually prefer booking directly through the Hotel websites rather than a third party site which for some reason I have trust issues with. After the reservations were done, it only took me an email to the hotel to provide flight details for airport pick-up and received almost an instant confirmation back.
After our arrival at Pune, we were greeted by our chauffeur with the cars ready and on time. A 15-20 min drive and we were at the hotel. Check-in process was smooth and quick. All formalities were completed in good time and we were directed to our rooms in level 3.
The room was neat and clean. All basic amenities including Kettle, mini-bar, work desk, wi-fi, newspaper, toiletries, iron were in place. House keeping had done their job well and continued to do for the few days we were there. Perfectly positioned lights, lamps and electrical sockets meant we did not have to move from the comfort of our bed. The Mattress and Pillows ensured a quality sleep and air-con controls in the room allowed us to adjust temperatures as needed.
We stayed for 3 nights and while we did not try the in-room dining service, we had quiet a few meals at their all-day dine in restaurant – Carmine. From Breakfast Buffet to an ala-carte Lunch and Dinner experience, we picked a good variety from the menu to try on different days. The Breakfast Buffet was excellent, from South Indian, local Maharastrian to Continental dishes, there was loads to try. Top picks on the buffet – Omelettes and Dosa’s from the live counters, the pastry counter and the Maharastrian delicacies.
For Lunch and Dinner, our order varied from Dal Roti, Pasta, Fish & Chips, Wraps to Indian Mains. Everything was excellent and high on taste. The experience was also made pleasant with two of the wait staff who with their service impressed us. If anyone from the hotel is reading this, Ajay and Nitesh deserve a reward for their service at the restaurant.
There was another gentleman at the Front Desk – Mr Loukik who again was very helpful and accommodative to our requests. From working out late check-out request and actually ensuring a smooth check-out, suggesting places to visit, arranging hotel cabs for our local travel and airport transfers and doing everything with a smile !
The Swimming pool was on the terrace with a view of the city and we took a dip on the last day of our stay. Gym and Spa are other amenities provided by the hotel. It was Christmas time during our stay and the lobby was all decked up with Ginger bread structure and Christmas Tree which added to the charm. Overall an excellent stay here and most probably my best Radisson experience. Highly recommended.
Location of the hotel – Click here
