A symphony of Sicilian cuisine and canine companions: Marriott Hotel Whitefield offers more than just business stays
Want a break but don’t want to stray too far from the city? Consider Marriott Hotel Whitefield in Bengaluru for a quick staycation, especially if you have dogs.
For an oasis that exists in the middle of the urban desert that is the city of Bengaluru, the sandy, earth-toned Marriott Hotel Whitefield is a sanctuary shrouded in tranquillity, distancing itself dramatically from the relentless tide of traffic, cacophonous noise, and ceaseless chaos that permeates the streets.
In a city where time becomes a relentless adversary, the Marriott Hotel Whitefield, which earlier used to serve as a business hotel, beckons casual travellers— “staycationers”—who may be reluctant to embark on the arduous 30-kilometer pilgrimage to Nandi Hills.
And it has much to offer in the way of casual stays if you’re looking for a quick break or a change of scenery.
A symphony of allure and grandeur, with a little pinch of that ‘ghar waali feeling’, Marriott Whitefield emerges as a compelling alternative to many hotels in the city, thanks largely to the panoramic city vistas that paint a brilliant backdrop against the canvas of Bengaluru’s scenic sunrises and sunsets, visible from almost every room.
To cater to more casual than business travellers, the Marriott Hotel Whitefield has been hosting an array of fun experiences where food—which we have much to write about—becomes the centerpiece of social experiences.
But before we dive into my fervent admiration for the exquisite restaurants that grace the hotel's premises, I find it imperative to pay homage to the true luminaries of the hotel—the extraordinary staff whose unwavering dedication to making travellers feel at ease creates an atmosphere of unparalleled hospitality.
The true mark of exceptional hospitality is when your departure from a hotel leaves an undeniable void and longing for the genuinely affable and amazing staff—and that was my experience at the Marriott Hotel Whitefield, whose people, more than anything, left a lasting impact with their little acts of kindness and impeccable attentiveness to our needs.
The best part of my staycation, however, was not the staff, the food, or our well-appointed suite, but the fact that I got to enjoy it with my two little dogs, who truly revelled in the attention the staff paid to them.
Aerial view of the pool from a room at the Marriott Hotel Whitefield
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The city from above
Sunday, 6 am: I was sitting by my suite’s 180-degree panoramic windows, looking at the city coming to life for yet another day. The sun was punching holes in the darkness. And there, amidst the symphony of dawn, a sleek metro train glided like a serpentine creature, effortlessly navigating its path through the newly minted and ceremoniously opened Whitefield station.
It wasn’t a breathtaking scene by any measure, but it was an interesting one. Many stories unfold when you watch the city from a different perspective.
And the 17th floor of a hotel offers one for sure.
The 391 rooms at the Marriott Hotel Whitefield all look out into the city, the view unobstructed by neighbouring structures. Since we were travelling with our two canine companions, we stayed in the illustrious Presidential Suite of the hotel—undoubtedly, a hefty price tag, but the space was worth it.
Our suite came with an attached kitchenette, a home office, and a bedroom with enough space to accommodate two dogs comfortably.
All the suites and rooms in the hotel are very tastefully appointed, and the carefully curated ambient lighting truly made the city’s twinkling lights much more enjoyable. Dogs can stay in almost all categories of rooms, although I’d definitely recommend getting a larger room so there’s enough space for everyone.
The staff not only warmly welcomed the human guests in my party, but the two canine creatures as well. There were ridiculously cute and cozy beds laid out for the dogs in the room, as well as water bowls in almost every room.
Select room categories are given exclusive access to the hotel's lounge, where an array of Indian liquors and a delectable assortment of snacks are offered to guests. The appetisers and the selection of wines on offer were decent, but could be better.
Twin room at the Marriott Hotel Whitefield
An Italian affair
If you’re squeezed for time and only have time for one thing, let it be dining at Alto Vino, the hotel’s renowned Italian restaurant. Led by culinary virtuosos, Chefs Satrujeet Das and Pratik Kulkarni, Alto Vino offers an unparalleled journey of Italy through flavours and aromas.
We signed up for a chef’s table experience at Alto Vino, and it was truly nothing short of an indelible epicurean odyssey that leaves you wanting more and more—right from wine to desserts.
Our evening dining at Alto Vino started with a deconstructed version of the caprese salad—herbs and mozzarella cheese sandwiched between slices of tomatoes—and some hearty tomato soup. The dish was lightly glazed with a 100-year-old balsamic vinegar, a bottle Chef Satrujeet told us he picked up from Modena, Italy, the place that makes the condiment the old-fashioned way.
And that was just the beginning of our culinary adventure at Alto Vino.
We next tasted the pollo alla parmigiana—a breaded chicken dish that is stuffed with mozzarella and a basil and tomato confit. The chicken breast is pounded and beaten, and then slow-roasted for multiple hours to cook it thoroughly but still retain its juices. The dish was seasoned with a special Sicilian volcanic salt that Chef Satrujeet has been carrying with him for the last six years, and believes adds that magical zing and elevates flavors to sublime heights to the dishes he turns out.
For desserts, we went for the classical fare and weren’t expecting too much after a ridiculously delicious dinner, but we were in for a pleasant surprise.
Maestro at work; Chef Satrujit putting the final touches
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The tiramisu, a beloved Italian favorite, was elevated to a realm of sheer elegance with each bite melting in our mouths in an explosion of soft cake, coffee, and velvety cream.
The hand-rolled cannoli, which served as a delectable finale to our dinner, featured a luscious ricotta stuffing enveloped within baked flour that had been fermented using red wine. The cannoli was wondrously crispy, and housed in it lighter-than-air whipped ricotta cheese.
Our experience at the chef’s table was very pleasant, but even more than that, it was an extraordinary privilege to witness firsthand the dedication and expertise that goes into creating a truly authentic Italian culinary masterpiece. Chef Satrujeet's unwavering passion for Italian cuisine, and his appreciation for bold and complex flavors permeates every delectable bite of his creations, resulting in an outrageously delicious journey that leaves you wanting more.
Each dish carried the essence of his expertise and dedication, and I’d definitely recommend dining at Alto Vino even if you don’t stay overnight at the hotel.
Our pollo alla parmigiana
Other things to do
Even without stepping out, there are a number of things you can do at the Marriott Hotel Whitefield, beginning with getting pampered at the hotel’s spa.
I opted for a rejuvenating deep-tissue massage that released all the stress knots from deep within my shoulders. I truly felt like someone had wrung me out like a freshly washed cloth once my masseuse was done with me. There’s a steam and sauna room in the spa centre that you can take advantage of.
The hotel also hosts a number of social events such as a seafood evening by the poolside, special cocktail events for the in-house guests, and themed culinary events, from time to time.
Other than Alto Vino, the hotel houses M Café, an Indian and continental cuisine restaurant, as well as WBG (Whitefield Bar & Grill).
One aspect of the hotel that genuinely impressed me was the inclusion of an electric vehicle charging station within its premises, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
Additionally, what warmed my heart was the hotel's remarkable dog-friendly policy, with nearly 90% of the entire premises open and welcoming to our beloved four-legged companions.
While they don’t have a special, set menu for pets yet, you can request the in-room dining team to whip up your fur babies some fresh food, in case kibbles is off the menu for your doggos.
Dining at Alto Vino
Exploring Whitefield
While I’m all for not putting yourself through Bengaluru’s horrible traffic and instead, enjoying the peace and tranquillity Marriott Hotel Whitefield affords you, if you do want to get out and chill in the neighborhood, I’d recommend checking out Windmills Craftworks, a local pub that offers delicious craft beers.
If shopping is something you want to do, Phoenix Marketcity is a stone’s throw away, and if you want to continue hanging out with your pupper, but in a different setting, TherPUP Dog Cafe is a place you won’t regret checking out.
Marriott Hotel Whitefield, EPIP Zone; doubles from Rs 18,000, inclusive of breakfast
Edited by Megha Reddy