AMRITSAR: The tag of TajHotels — "Our meticulously curated experiences, deeply rooted in authenticity, perfected for you" — is bang on! Now I'm a fan of Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and make it a point to stay there in the city I'm visiting because the management pampers guests with personalised service, sumptuous food and the most hospitable stay. So when I was visiting Amritsar to seek blessings at Golden Temple, I called Taj Swarna and within a few minutes, the booking was confirmed. Its location—in the heart of Amritsar adjacent to the largest luxury mall in the city—makes it ideal for leisure and business travellers, pilgrims and shoppers which is why I choose to stay here.
The location allows for space with a chic reception | All Hours restaurant 'Grand Trunk' | 'The Chinese Room' | 'The Peg' I Jiva Spa and pool! Coming to my stay, after a airport pick-up and quick check-in, I was escorted to a deluxe room on the fourth floor where Cappucinno, gourmet chocolates and a fruit platter awaited. Yayy!! What impressed me — as always — was the spacious bathroom with my favourite Forest Essentials skincare kit, bright lighting, work space, brilliant views — and hi-speed wi-fi! It was a cold, rainy morning so I freshened up and hired a car to seek blessings at Golden Temple. Whenever I enter the gurudwara complex, it's a powerful experience, and as I descended the steps I felt I was once again in an oasis of peace far from the dissonance of the surroundings. Though it took two hours due to get a fabulous darshan due to the queue, I experienced moments of quiet connection where I felt blessed; I felt that my prayer had been heard. Somehow, I just knew. The rest of the afternoon was spent indulging in sumptuous kebabs, butter naan and dal makhni back at the hotel… after all, when in Amritsar…!!
Later that evening, I headed to 'The Chinese Room' for dinner — pan-fried noodles with the most sumptuous steamed chicken and oriental vegetables in Mongolian sauce. The chef is just too good!! And then I stopped by 'The Peg' for cocktails. This review would be incomplete if I didnt mention how safe and comfortable I felt chilling alone at the pub, before my friends surprised me at midnight, on seeing my social media feed!! The following morning, I jumped out of bed at 4 a.m., glugged black coffee and rushed into a waiting BMW to catch my insamely early moring flight!
VERDICT: At Taj Swarna, the management goes out of its way to make guests feel comfortable and the service is friendly and efficient…. which brings me to last thoughts: the warm hospitality, the discreet luxury and the bespoke service will ensure I will be back soon!
— JASMEEN DUGAL
Taj Swarna, Amritsar