Bleisure in Bangalore: Best 5 star hotels in Bangalore
- Henna Shah
- Mar 11
- 8 min read
Updated: Mar 13
Spending six weeks in Bangalore as a digital nomad alongside my consultant husband gave me a unique opportunity to experience the Garden City of India from a fresh perspective. While we stayed in some of the best hotels in Bangalore, we made sure to skip the typical breakfast buffets and instead indulged in the best breakfast in Bangalore all with local flavours and appeal. Our days were mostly spent glued to our laptops, but we made the most of the two meals we had together and the weekends to explore the Silicon Valley of India.
Though we treated the luxury hotels in Bangalore as temporary homes and tried to establish routines during our stays, it was the time spent exploring the city’s dynamic mix of modern tech and old-world charm that truly enriched our experience.
For a room tour video of each of the hotels check out the Bangalore Highlight on my personal Instagram OR scan the QR code below.
Table of contents
The Ritz Carlton, Bangalore
Our days at The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore would begin with me grabbing my morning journal and heading to the sunbed, while my husband took a swim in the rooftop pool, which was perfectly temperature-controlled. On some mornings, I’d switch things up by visiting the fitness center, where the helpful trainers provided water and fresh fruits to munch on after a good workout.
Since we typically had long stays, the chef often prepared a deliciously loaded Avocado on Toast, accompanied by an ABC juice for my husband and a classic masala chai for me. The warm service and thoughtful staff made it even more special, with housekeepers leaving sweet notes and a bottle of Forest Essentials Sleep Spray to help us unwind before bedtime.
During the day, I would spend the first half working from our room, opting for an in-room lunch either from their dining menu or delivered via Swiggy from a range of local eateries. In the afternoon, I’d move to the Business Centre if we were staying in a standard Guest Room or the Club Lounge if we were put up at the Carlton Suite. The suite itself was spacious enough to create a mini office in different corners, allowing for a change of scenery throughout the day.
One of the highlights of our stay was access to the vitality pool, with separate sections for men and women and an in-built jacuzzi area. We’d make our way there in the evening, followed by a relaxing sauna session and a cup of peppermint tea in the calming resting area before calling it a night.
The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore truly blurred the lines between work and leisure and is indeed one of the best hotels in Bangalore. From the impeccable service to the luxurious amenities, we basked in comfort and convenience, making it the perfect base for our stay.
ITC Gardenia - A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru
The second half of our stay in Bangalore was at ITC Gardenia, again a luxurious abode with a balcony thrown into the mix. We also had the pleasure of staying in their Tower Suite, which in my opinion, was beautifully designed, with a thoughtful layout that included a dedicated sitting area, a spacious dressing area with ample wardrobes, and a well-lit study nook by the window that bathed the space in natural light. The bedroom and bathroom, featuring a double vanity, added a touch of elegance, but the true highlight was the massage chair strategically placed near the coffee station and the balcony. For added convenience, the suite also had four televisions, though the only one we ended up using was in the bathroom, whenever we relaxed in a luxurious bath filled with soothing salts.
Our mornings at ITC Gardenia began much like at the Ritz-Carlton, with my husband diving into the pool while I unrolled my yoga mat for a peaceful poolside session. The real treat during our stay, however, was the exceptional food. From indulgent breakfasts to frequent dinners at Kebabs & Kurries, we savored their signature black dal, which was absolutely irresistible. I often worked from the balcony during the early evening, but sometimes, I’d head down to Fabelle Cafe to sip on a hot chocolate while attending an evening call. We were also spoilt for choice with options to choose our pillow from and we found their orthopaedic pillows so comfortable that we ended up investing in them even back at home.
What truly made our time at ITC Gardenia unforgettable were the multiple evenings spent in the lobby, where we’d relax by the courtyard, feeling the cool Bangalore breeze and soaking in the serene atmosphere. It was a perfect balance of work and leisure in a truly luxurious setting at one of the best hotels in Bangalore.
Weekend stay at ITC Windsor
As a typical consultant, my husband would usually travel solo to Bangalore, catching an early morning flight on Monday and returning late Friday evening. But when we traveled together, we'd take a Sunday evening flight from Mumbai and spend two weeks in Bangalore, often including a weekend to explore another property or enjoy a relaxing getaway.
One such weekend was spent at ITC Windsor, a property that feels like stepping into an English manor straight out of the British Raj. Staying in an ITC One Room made all my Bridgerton-esque Regency era dreams come alive. The room was spacious and beautifully designed, but the real highlight for me was the four-poster bed with its regal headboard.
Since we were there for the weekend, we had time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Dublin, their in-house Irish pub, during happy hours. We also dined at the Royal Afghan, where, true to any ITC property, we couldn’t miss their famous black dal.
Breakfast was a leisurely affair, with everything from South Indian live counters to freshly baked viennoiseries and pancakes, all washed down with a steaming cup of chai flavored with cardamom. Afterward, we took a peaceful stroll by the fountain and the tranquil fish pond, soaking in the calm surroundings.
Though the property isn't large, it exudes warmth and coziness, offering a peaceful retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle. You don’t stay here for modern, ergonomic amenities but to immerse yourself in nostalgia and relive the charm of a bygone era.
Weekend stay at The Leela Palace - Bengaluru
We spent another unforgettable weekend in Bengaluru, this time shifting gears from English nobility to Indian royalty at Leela Palace Bengaluru. We stayed in a Deluxe Room, which was plush and exuded an old-world Maharaja charm, with a balcony overlooking the entrance of the hotel.
One of the highlights of our stay was the breakfast experience at Citrus, especially the outdoor seating, as Bangalore mornings tend to have a refreshing nip in the air. It was the perfect way to start our day with a calm, leisurely meal.
While we didn’t explore much of the hotel property since we spent much of our time out and about in the city, there was one downside we noticed: the shortage of elevators at convenient distances. It made it a bit challenging to walk back and forth to our room if it was located far from the nearest elevator.
Best Breakfast in Bangalore
While we enjoyed our buffet at some of the best hotels in Bangalore, we did skip them a couple of times a week to break the monotony with a no-frills, local breakfast experience. Some of the best breakfast places in Bangalore and what to eat there are:
1. Brahmin's
Their idli chutney easily calls for a second helping and I haven’t had a better South Indian filter coffee than theirs.
2. Airlines Hotel
The whole experience of grabbing your breakfast under the shade of a banyan tree is an experience in itself. I tried Mangalore buns for the first time and was surprised to discover that it was the good old banana that added the sweetness to the bhatura like bun. Followed it up with some classic Khara Bath and Kesari Bath.
3. Rameshwaram Cafe
You cannot go to Bangalore and not visit the Rameshwaram Cafe. Their Ghee Podi Thatte Idli and their Benne Masala Dosa are worth all the hype.
4. MTR
Their set dosa and Bisibelle bath make for a great and satiating start to the day.
5. CTR
Their Benne Masala dosa and pineapple sheera are unmissable. I even loved the set dosa and the filter coffee here.
6. Hatti Kaapi
Just grab any one of their coffees with a Madhur Vada for a light breakfast on the go.
7. Hole in the Wall
They do some good eggs to order and homestyle pancakes.
Things to do on a weekend in Bangalore
Over the weekends, we spent our mornings with friends strolling through Cubbon Park or the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens, taking in the pleasant weather.
We’d also catch up on a movie or do some shopping in and around Indiranagar.
Food remained the focus of our weekends with us alternating between cozy cafes, local flavours and vibrant breweries. A few places we really enjoyed in Bangalore during our weekends were:
1. Farmlore
This is on the outskirts of the city and warrants an early visit to check out the moden age farm. It needs a pre-booking with an advance payment, however, be sure of the exclusive 10 course dining experience tailormade to your dietary preferences with a seasonal menu. I cannot get over that Lemongrass Kombucha and the Grilled Cheese with pineapples in it. However, the menu changes every month, so its best to check with the team directly on Instagram.
2. Lavonne Cafe
The best croissant I have had outside of Paris is here. In love with their Almond croissant, they have multiple outlets across the city and it surely calls for a leisurely afternoon spent here in good company.
3. Go Native
An open air cafe in Jayanagar with a shopping experience. They are a vegetarian cafe and do some great local delicacies. The standout for me was their Neer dosa with a mango chutney and you’ll love the al fresco setting.
4. Brikoven
If you’re craving for some woodfired pizza, then this place will satiate your cravings. They do some really delish sourdough breads and are located at Indiranagar and Church Street.
5. Milano Ice Cream
This is the perfect post dinner treat if you are near Indiranagar, especially if you are an aesthete - go for their rosette ice creams.
6. Nagarjuna
This Andhra restaurant has multiple outlets in the city and can make for a sumptuous weekend lunch followed by a long nap. Go for their thali to try to not miss out on anything.
7. Druid Garden
This is a great place to catch up with friends in and around Sahakar Nagar in Bangalore with decent food.
8. Byg Brewski
If you crave for that classic Bastian at the top (in Mumbai) ambience across different locations in Bangalore, then this should be on top of your list. This brewery is buzzing with office-goers and college-goers even on weeknights.
Last word
If you are living in Bangalore or visiting for an extending period of time, you are bound to fall in love with the Garden City, especially its weather. I love the 20-something degree temperatures even between April to June in the early hours of morning and post sunset.
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