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The Pod bursts open
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Of Pod, a boutique hotel, that’s on the Conde Nast Traveller’s “The Red Hot List 2009”
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It’s located in the midst of the madding crowd. But Chennai’s boutique hotel, Pod, on Khader Nawaz Khan Road, is the weary traveller’s perfect place for privacy and peace.
Compact, yet chic, Pod justifies its entry into the Conde Nast Traveller’s “The Red Hot List 2009” with its distinct design that makes the discerning eye travel beyond the show to the substance. Transforming an old structure into a hip hotel is no doubt a creative challenge. But space ace Vikram Phadke integrates the past and the present with seeming effortlessness to create a stylish accommodation that compliments its ritzy neighbourhood.
The entrance that immediately cuts you off from the bustling road leads to a free-standing glass cube reception that instantly puts the newly arrived guests at ease. An open walkway takes you to the courtyard where Pod’s tone poem begins. The ultramarine lap pool with its gentle gurgle offers a cool contrast to the scarlet tiles that line its rim, black sun loungers, statement-making planters and wow-worthy lighting.
The courtyard that combines pure design with practicality proclaims what’s in store. The 20-room hotel is an intimate space that’s a refreshing change from hotels with endless rows of rooms in monotonous corridors. What’s more? Every room is different — in terms of mood, design and space utilisation. Besides, guests would agree Pod is a showcase of high-end luxury brands from across the world.
“Yes, even some seven-star hotels don’t feature these brands,” smiles Phadke, who was keen on creating “an experience, more than an accommodation for city-hopping tired travellers.” Rightly so. The beds and side tables are from B & B Italia, wardrobes from Poliform, doors from Rimadesio, minibar and safe from Onity, wallpaper from Elimento, bathroom fittings from Hans Grohe, tiles from Sicis and bed runners and throws from Abraham & Thakore.
Delighful graphics
Subtle touches that transform the snug spaces into a visual delight include the graphic work on the walls of every room. Man riding a scooter, woman and child, Superstar Rajnikant... the “graphic wall murals” specially created for Pod by New Delhi-based Illum, give the contemporary spaces an ethnic context. The graphics in crayon brights add a dash of wit to the visually revved up elevator. Attention to detail is evident in the stationery pack that’s for keeps.
Clean lines, imaginative lighting and an uncluttered aesthetic sense mark the rooms that come with safety locker and Apple TV featuring a selection of songs and movies. Absolute, the “Californian-Thai” fusion cuisine place and a unique Water Bar with a selection of global brands, give Pod its additional edge.
Promoted by well-known names in the city — Atul Malhotra, Vikram Phadke, Lanka Lingam, Sunny Pokola and Varun Manian — Pod has four categories of rooms. While the premium single, premium plus and luxury rooms are open, finishing touches are being given to the two suites.
The room tariff includes complimentary continental breakfast, airport pick up or drop, complimentary mini bar (excluding alcohol) and unlimited wi-fi use. (For details: ask@thepodhotels.in / www.thepodhotels.in)
T. KRITHIKA REDDY
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Metro Plus
Bangalore
Chennai
Coimbatore
Delhi
Hyderabad
Kochi
Madurai
Thiruvananthapuram
|
