The recent opening of IBIS Styles Mysuru, the first of its kind property in Karnataka by Accor and Brigade Hotel Ventures Ltd., marks a significant milestone in Mysuru’s hospitality landscape. Combining modern design with the city’s rich cultural heritage, this launch is a true celebration. TheGlitz reviews…

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The first rays of bright sunlight pierced through Bangalore’s lush September morning as the car graciously provided by the hotel came to pick me from my home. Like most days, the Thursday air was crisp, carrying the promise of a perfect day ahead. With anticipated excitement, I set out convinced that this was the beginning of a much-needed stimulating escapade that would unfold over the next three days.

A quick pit stop for breakfast was organised at Grand Mercure, an Accor sister property, where a lavish spread awaited us. The aroma of warm pastries, delectable dosas, and freshly brewed coffee set the tone for the culinary delights that were to follow. Anuj Chaudhry, GM, Grand Mercure, and also the cluster GM for IBIS Styles Mysuru, was present to overlook the arrangements and brief on the proceedings lined up at Mysuru.

“We are thrilled to unveil our first IBIS Styles property in Karnataka. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant birds of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary and infused with the energy of Accor, our hotel is designed to meet the needs of the modern travelers. We’re confident that IBIS Styles Mysuru will redefine hospitality in the region, providing a fresh and exceptional experience for all our guests.”

Anuj Chaudhry, General Manager, Grand Mercure Bangalore

As we hit the road again, the scenery changed from urban sprawl to lush countryside. Despite the weekday smooth traffic, time seemed to slow down, savouring every moment of anticipation. We reached IBIS Styles Mysuru well past lunch and I was absolutely famished after the long drive.

As we stepped into the lobby, the Ibis Styles team’s warm reception made us feel at home. The executive staff and ground crew greeted us with genuine warmth, a gesture that lifted our travel fatigue. They adorned our wrists with beautiful beaded bracelets and offered a selection of refreshing drinks, which instantly revived our spirits. Our journey continued to Verandah, the hotel’s vibrant all-day dining restaurant, for a lavish buffet spread that enticed us with its diverse selection. After enjoying a satisfying meal, I retrieved my room key, eager for some well-deserved relaxation. From exclusive property tours to enchanting sightseeing excursions, from specially curated mocktail sessions to yet-to-be-disclosed surprises, every moment promised to be a treasure.

Essence and Character

It was fascination at first sight.

The lobby serving as the nerve center of the hotel, is a lively and visually stunning space. Every design element draws inspiration from Mysuru’s famous Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, with a special focus on the IBIS bird. The décor skillfully blends textures, designs and nature-inspired colour schemes to create an atmosphere that’s both free-spirited and romantic. It strikes a perfect balance between a peaceful retreat and modern elegance.

From the elegant ceiling chandeliers to the welcoming front desk, from the plush rugs to the comfortable seating, bird motifs harmoniously blend with practical features. Even the potted plants, with their lush green foliage, contribute to the overall aesthetic. Every detail no matter how small has been thoughtfully and artistically arranged to create a cohesive and inviting environment.

The minimalist double-height glass wall creates a captivating mirror effect welcoming the morning sunlight. Two well-equipped meeting rooms accommodate groups of different sizes, facilitating productive gatherings for digital nomads and business travelers. A cozy library corner offers a diverse book collection., including Brigade’s own coffee table book showcasing their real estate journey.

Service and Facilities

BANQUETS & MEETING ROOMS

There are two banquet halls named Ibis 1 and 2 denoting the Red-headed and the Black-headed Ibis. Both halls connect to a pre-functional area which in turn extends to the outside courtyard to cater to wedding events with a capacity to accommodate 120 attendees. In addition, there are 6 meeting rooms for casual and business meetings catering to varied groups smaller to larger attendees.

POOL

Separate pool for adults and kids on the rooftop provides a majestic view of Mysuru.

GYM

24X7 gym well-equipped gym for health-conscious guests.

PLAY AREA

A dedicated play area on the premises guarantees that children have plenty of fun.

GIFT SHOP

The gift shop in the lobby sells Kashmiri shawls and sarees with vibrant Kashmiri designs, as well as Mysuru arts and crafts such as silk sarees, scarves, sandalwood crafts, magnets, and a variety of souvenirs to take home.

SUSTAINABILITY

IBIS Styles Mysuru’ green policy plans are underway to set up a unique water bottling plant to promote the eco-sustainability approach. In addition, all standard provisions are in place to entirely eliminate single-use plastic waste and create a green atmosphere.

Rooms

The property features 130 rooms, including 100 standard rooms and 30 suites, all designed in soothing grey and green tones. The sanctuary-touch attention to design details is evident throughout, from the floors to the rooms. Room number signs are styled like wooden boards you’d find at a bird sanctuary or zoo. Each floor is themed around a different bird, with variations in species per room number.

Even the shaft duct doors are cleverly hidden behind bird posters, leaving only the keyhole visible. The corridors are painted in colors that evoke a lush, foliage-like atmosphere. Impressively, the rooms all feature recycled wallpaper made from waste glass, which has gone through multiple rigorous processes. The final outcome is a beautifully crafted space, well worth the investment.

The room I stayed in was an executive suite, probably spacious and better equipped than many people’s first apartments, offering a choice of vantage points to enjoy the surrounding views. The room had a modern design, complete with a corner kitchenette (minus the countertop) featuring a mini refrigerator and microwave. The walls were decorated with frames featuring birds that looked almost hand-painted. The bedroom seamlessly connected to a generous changing area and a beautifully designed bath area, adding to the overall sense of indulgence.

Food & Drinks

Verandah is an all-day dining with a choice of buffet and A la Carte global cuisine. With a private 8-seater dining area tucked for a larger group or family gathering. The bird motifs are visible throughout. Though the setup looks congested as you enter, the view is completely different with a mirror reflection from the other side giving it an extended bigger look.

Throughout the stay, Chef Akthar and his team delighted me with an extensive buffet featuring diverse cuisines, from North Indian delicacies to Continental favorites. His hospitality shone through as he graciously accommodated special requests, preparing off-menu items to ensure my taste preferences were met with utmost concern.

The Flamingo bar, located in the lobby, captivates with its striking logo that echoes the unique trait of flamingos dominating the crowd. A specially curated mocktail session featuring five innovative concoctions, ranging from Italian spritzer to kokum splash, coconut chia blast, and tropical pineapple breeze. The drinks were paired with a wide choice of appetisers, offering ample choice for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.

A rooftop restaurant, still in development, called K16 (as in Karnataka 16 is a nod to the area pincode) is yet to open. Judging by its design, it promises to be a standout feature, offering a stunning eagle’s-eye view of Mysuru.

Tour

On day two, we ventured to Accor’s sister property, Grand Mercure Mysore, for a specially arranged authentic South Indian meal. Served on a traditional plantain leaf, the feast was a testament to Chef Pradip and his team’s culinary expertise. The experience was enriched by meeting the hotel’s executive team, including the gracious GM, Radhika Tata. A brief interaction with Maqsood Ahmed, the Rooms Division Manager, providing fascinating insights into Mysuru’s history was enlightening.

The planned visit to Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, though dampened by high water levels that prevented the boat ride, was still rewarding. Intimate glimpses of herons, kingfishers, and cormorants in close proximity were appealing. Despite the weather setback, the day was filled with cultural immersion; gastronomic delights and warm hospitability made it memorable.

Pet-Friendly

IBIS Styles is a pet-friendly hotel! While there are a few restrictions in the poll and dining areas, pets are allowed to stay with you.

Access for guests with disabilities

Very much. Each room on all floors has braille lines for easy access.

Summing Up

I’m undeniably picky when it comes to hotel stays. Blame my borderline OCD, which I must confess, has mellowed over the years. In the case of Ibis Styles, it struck a perfect balance, appealing to my mature tastes while also indulging my playful spirit. I couldn’t have asked for or anticipated more.

The entire stay was exceptional, owing to the friendly and attentive staff. From Chiranjeev, the F&B head, to Snehadipta, the cluster marketing and communications manager, ground personnel Prashant, Rahul, Kiran, and a slew of others who greeted us with a smile. A special mention goes to Mr. Ganeshram Iyer, Director of Operations of Novotel Chennai, who was brought in to oversee the launch and personally ensure everything ran smoothly, making the experience seamless from start to finish.