Navigating India’s surreal city on the Ganges, the city of Varanasi is known for its holy rivers, unholy bhang lassi, ghats, and goats in sweaters. Inspired by an infusion of the city’s tranquillity, Madin Hotel confers onto a myriad of leisure pursuits at the doorstep of this holy city. The design scheme forms a perfect concoction of rich contemporary international standards and time-honoured tradition, offering a complete range of hospitality, leisure and entertainment facilities. The built form is true exemplary of vertical construction done at its best.

With a crystal clear and straightforward brief, the client desired to carry forward the baton of Meraden Group’s tradition of cordial and dynamic service that ushers a new metaphor of professionalism and passion in city’s hospitality circuit. The simple objective was to offer both business and leisure travellers a new way to relaxation and comfort while incorporating international benchmarks. The client also emphasized upon a building model that was easy to maintain with a cosmopolitan look and feel to have an edge over the other indigenous structures in the skyline of Varanasi.

The Hotel facet tends to face harsh rays of the South-West sun and in order to mitigate the heat gain inside the building stone panelling and corrugated & perforated Zinc cladding has been integrated for the exteriors. The simple yet chic facade design stands out in the vicinity with a cantonment area sprawling lush greens. The front porch is infused with warm white concealed lighting.

2014

2014

One enters this stunning property through the entrance lobby on the ground floor where a double-height glass cage of globe pendants perennial on the first floor greets the visitors. The gleaming mirror work enthused with diamond shape over the lift lobby serves as the showstopper of the expanse. A mesmerising aquarium placed adjacent to the reception area is the sight for sore eyes. The glistening all-day dining outlined on this floor possesses a snug setup marking a bold statement through an inky colour palette where the guests can enjoy an experiential dining escapade. A customised material palette comprising zinc cladding covering the service area, stone panelling & texture paint has been vividly used throughout the hotel.

Moving onto the first floor, it encompasses amenities like a celebration hall, an exclusive gentleman’s bar, a spa and a gymnasium. The bar constitutes an array of horizontal lights installed on wooden panelled wall exhibiting a warm amorous ambience to savour. The gymnasium is designed overlooking the lush greens of the cantonment on the south inspiring the fitness freaks. A service floor has been smartly sandwiched between the ground and first floor, impossible to be distinguished on the elevation.

The upper floors comprise of the rooms and suites with a ravishing view of the profuse greenery which seems like a horizon. The rooms manifest the local nuances of the city in the form of artworks of the temples, 88 ghats the city is famous for and other regional & historic impressions that boast the heritage of Varanasi.

In order to engender a balance, leisure activities unfurl all across the property including an open infinity swimming pool on the 5th floor with a stunning backdrop of the city lights. The green wall on the other side acts as a masterful spectacle while sheathing the service areas underneath. Another restaurant is delineated on the terrace and a bar lounge for small private gatherings renders the highest point of the city.

The hotel constitutes two basements where the lower basement serves for the parking affairs and the upper basement comprehend two banquet halls with a separate entrance. Both these basements cater to the service areas as well. The banquet hall evinces an out of the ordinary ceiling design where a series of lights pose for an outstanding semblance. The veneer wainscoting and metal jaali panels assimilated here adds to the poise of the sphere. Large panels of GRC jaali in beige colour are installed in front of the toilets all through the property in order to achieve privacy and hide services.

This luxury hotel is a splendid & tranquil escape from the usual commotion and hustle and bustle of the city. With eye-catching views, monumental cut-outs making a vertical connection, idiosyncratic chandeliers & glass lifts and vibrancy of the green belt the hotel makes for a perfect family location in vacations.

Sumit Dhawan

/