A fabulous location! Located between the prime minister’s residence, embassies and state houses an airforce centre, and a huge park, it is so central!
I remember the school bus driving past many decades ago. The hotel stood proudly above the grounds and trees and there was always an awe struck silence as we passed.
The bakery was unsurpassed in those days. The poolside was the venue of many exhibitions. A friends’ dad took us in for a poolside review of bikiniis to the music of the doors and beatles. Wow, it blew our tiny minds.
I joined an airline and saw the world. Returning from most trips we would stay at the Ashok before returning to base. After 33 years of living there, I look back with affection to all the staff I met there.The darwans, the cake shop, coffee shop, and other restaurants’ staff, the bell boys the housekeepers etc. Wonderful people who kept the hotel running independant of the management.
The higher management were secured in 5 star luxury. Never involved in day to day running of the hotel. The few I met were totally unaware of the numerous problems involving the hotel. They dealt only with the numerous politicians who stayed thee free of cost( this includes Sashi Tharoor), or delegation representatives.
Recently the hotel was renovated . In the lobbies are Czech chandeliers costing a crore each, which has raised the hackles of the staff who have arrears pending for several years.