What you see -A snazzy, black-against-white calligraphic signage of Palm Beach Hotelat the gatepost takes us into the cozy one-storied white and red-roofedwonder on Beach Road in Vizag. Greens spill into the surroundingsaesthetically and we arrive at an open lobby that is shaded by swayingpalms - nuances that hint at an easy–going ambience, that’s laid-backyet stylish, classy and luxurious. We are not far off the mark, as webegin our adventure to discovering the subtle makeover that has comeover this three-star hotel on the beachfront over the last few years. **What we get - ThePalm Beach Hotel comes from the Bajaj Group of Hotels that has hotelproperties in Mumbai. The Vizag entry in 1942 has been a steady, butlow-key, presence in the hotel fraternity.
This has changed overnightas the hotel has been in the news (for the right reasons!) with its newswanky live-entertainment lounge-style diner, Dusk.With Vizag’s talented interior designer Ameet Mirpuri’s professionaltouch in interiors (done up in earthy shades), a sunken bar, a DJconsole and a multi-cuisine dining experience, which goes withpre-plated dinner (only) and live music, the place is a knockout and isfast turning into a big-time crowd-puller in the city. ** Forcheck-ins, the Palm Beach Hotel has 44 rooms, done up in white withbright color prints on the walls. We sense the comfortable andunobtrusive decorum (that is typical of luxury stays) here as well.
Therooms include Standard (Rs. 3, 250 for singles and Rs. 3, 750 fordoubles), Deluxe (Rs. 3, 750 for singles and Rs. 4, 250 for doubles) andthe interesting Inside-Outside (Rs. 5, 550) where occupants get a roomwith a private and charming sit-out. There’s an extra five per centGovernment luxury tax on these rates. The Palm Beach Hotel’s restaurants have subtle namesake themes in the form of potted palm leaf plants everywhere. There’s Masala Mafia, a 50-seated multi-cuisine buffet restaurant in black and cream seating, with bright cushions on the one side. This restaurant serves Chinese, Indian, Continental and Tandoori, and has an open courtyard-based, 36-seated diner in bamboo.
The hotel has an open-air restaurant called Sea-Deck that overlooks the swimming pool, is by the beach and serves a la carte dinner. There’s also Mafia Bar, a black graffiti-leather, cushioned lounge for 30 that serves selectedspirits and buffet meals; and of course Dusk. The hotel has two banquethalls for conferences and large gatherings and one boardroom. On thepremises, we also take the tour of Body Language, a basement-cum-attichealth club that offers gym facilities, Ayurvedic massage, steam andsauna. The hospitality staff is quietly efficient, warm and cordial. Our verdict -The Palm Beach Hotel makes for a perfect holiday stay of leisure andluxury, by the beach. The ambience is one of comfort and we come awayimpressed with the ‘complete’ and well-defined look of statedstyle. Dusk is also worth a visit – a perfect place to dine, wine andunwind on weekends. We’d also recommend the romantic nook at MasalaMafia for its Chinese-inspired, floor-level dining (for two), whichlooks very inviting.