Punjab’s golden city evokes strong emotions. The partition narratives, spiritual sentiments, delectable local cuisine and the enriching history of this land leaves you spellbound on each visit. Due to its proximity with Delhi, I have been to Amritsar numerous times and each time I have come back with new experiences to add to my travel diary. The holy city, popularly known for the Golden Temple, is considered as one of the must visit destinations in India. The charm of chaotic alleyways, buzzing local markets filled with displayed colorful phulkari dupattas, century old Dhabas serving traditional cuisine, and the kind-hearted people of the historic city, makes you appreciate everything that you see and experience there. The raw and rustic feel of the city is captivating. In the fast forward world, you will find stillness and get to see the traditional lifestyle in Amritsar.

Also Read: 25 TOP AMRITSAR EXPERIENCES YOU MUST HAVE IN THE HOLY CITY OF PUNJAB

Being one of the popular tourist destinations in India, Amritsar is buzzing with luxury hotels and resorts. The recent addition to the list is the newly opened ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar. A great blend of vintage architecture and high-end luxury, the hotel offers some of the best curated and exclusive experiences to its guests. On my last visit to Amritsar, I had stayed at ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar and I can’t stop raving about it ever since.

Where is ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar?

Just 10 minutes drive away from the airport and hardly 14 km away from the Golden temple, the location of ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar is perfect.

Address: Raja Sansi, Ajnala Road, Amritsar, Punjab

So why should you consider ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar?

 

A colonnade mansion, belonging to the erstwhile Sandhanwalia Haveli, dating back to the early 1900s, is now converted into a luxury hotel by the ITC group of hotels. While restoring the old world charm of the heritage haveli, special attention was paid to retain its cultural significance and traditional look. Retaining the cultural, traditional, and culinary nuances of the old haveli, ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar is the perfect marriage between the heritage and the modern luxury. What could be the most appropriate time to launch this grand property in Amritsar than the Guru Nanak’s Dev ji’s 550^th birth anniversary last year? The newly opened 5 Star luxury hotel has been getting prominence among tourists and has become a current favorite luxury accommodation in Amritsar.

Also Read: WHY SURYAGARH JAISALMER IS NOT JUST A LUXURIOUS PALACE HOTEL, BUT AN EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF

Spread across eight acres, the hotel is centered on the Sandhanwalia Haveli. Standing tall in elegant pastel colours with eye-arresting architecture, the very first look of the ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar is awe-inspiring. The grandeur of the property is something that draws your immediate attention.

As I stepped out of the car, I was received by the manager of the hotel and the traditional phulkari dupatta and Thandai were presented. I found it a very apt welcome gesture.

Interior of ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar

 

I really appreciate when heritage hotels go extra miles to give a modern twist to their interior while retaining the traditional charm. As soon as I stepped into the corridor of the hotel, the striking flower patterns on the wall and the geometry pattern on the floor were evident enough to catch my attention. Later I was explained how mindfully the interior was done. The flower patterns on the wall signify the flower motif of the traditional phulkari and the floor tiles designs are similar to what you see at the Golden temple.

Also Read: MIHIR GARH: WORLD’S MOST EXTRAORDINARY HOTEL NAMED BY LONELY PLANET

The copper lanterns, marigold-themed flooring, cushion covers made of traditional embroidery of Punjab, Phulkari, speak highly about the minute details they have gone through to create the charm of this beautiful property.The black & white photo frames of the Golden temple in the hallways, stunningly captured during different times, are a reminder of the city which is famously known for this fabulous place of worship.

The lobby area of the haveli still has the fireplace of the royal family which is done in a very tasteful manner. The old family photos of the Sandhanwalia family are framed on the wall.

Rooms & Suites

 

ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar has 101 guest rooms, including 4 executive suites, 2 junior suites and one presidential suite. The elegantly designed rooms are spacious enough with all the modern amenities one could ask for in a 5 Star luxury hotel. The sitting area, comfortable sofa, study area, comfortable bed in the room and the separate areas for closet are well taken care of. What I liked most about the room is the color palette they have used in the room. The subtle colors with chic designed rooms definitely scale up their aesthetic appeal.

Restaurants & Cafes

 

The heritage luxury property has four dining options. Two restaurants, one afternoon café and one bar. The WelcomCafe Phulkari is the all day restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is open from 6 am to midnight. On the very first day after my arrival, I was presented their signature traditional Thali named ‘WelcomSthalika’ which is an exquisite assortment of the finest preparations of the regional cuisine. It is a must have experience at the café which gives you the taste of our culinary heritage across generations.

As you take the flight of stairs, you are welcomed into the distinctive, stylish and exclusive bar named Swizzle. I adored the indoor sitting area, decorated with the large chandeliers, pink wall and the large sitting area which looks like an extended bed with those large comfortable cushions.

After a few drinks, we were moved to Kebabs & Kurries for diner. It was one extravagant dinner at ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar. We had an array of Kebabs and a wide range of dishes from all over India. The lavish dinner was something I would not forget for a few years. We were stuffed with lip-smacking food at the restaurant. Kebabs & Kurries is probably the best place to sample the best of Kebabs by the most celebrated chefs in Amritsar.

You can indulge in afternoon tea time at Dough & Co. It is a lively little café where you can have your light conversations with tea or coffee along with baked goodies, exquisite pastries, cakes, etc.

K by Kaya Kalp Spa

 

You can also opt for spa treatments at K by Kaya Kalp. The spa overlooks the swimming pool area. It offers a curated menu of therapies and treatments, a beauty salon and also a gym area for the guests.

ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar also flaunts a large area, serving as the perfect venue for both social & business events, in front of the façade of the heritage haveli. I was told that the King used to hold his court at Barahdari, a designated space in the lawn area of the hotel. The word Barahdari translates to 12 pillars.

Earlier, the people used to sit around this space to listen to their king. Now, this unique space is beautifully restored and used during various events like wedding, engagement ceremonies, and other corporate events.The hotel also houses a banquet hall, which is equipped to cater big gatherings on various occasions. They also have meeting rooms like Tejas, Kanak & Suvarn, which offer state of the art facilities and can accommodate 8-20 guests.

Reasons to choose ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar

 

• Location of this 5 Star heritage property is very convenient for the travelers. Just 14 km away from the Golden temple and hardly 10-minute drive from the airport makes it the preferred choice for frequent travelers.
• The opportunity to stay in a heritage property with all the modern amenities is another reason why ITC’s Welcomhotel Amritsar should be on top of your list.
• The 5 Star property lives up to the celebratory status of food supremacy. ITC is known for delivering the best Indian food in the hospitality industry. You will be overwhelmed by the food platter offered by each restaurant and café at the hotel.
• The hospitality offered to the guests is of high standard.
• They have free shuttle service to Harmandir Sahib for the guests. It has fixed timing for departure and arrival.
• More than anything, just to have“Enriching Experiences”, Welcomhotel Amritsar is the perfect choice in the holy city of Amritsar, Punjab.

---

Disclaimer :

The  reproduction of any of the content, including the photographs without prior consent/permission of the writer, is strictly prohibited and a violation of the same will attract legal action.

Pin it later

Did you like the post? Follow me on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram and stay updated and notified about latest posts.

For any kind of collaboration with My Travel Diary, reach at [email protected]