The hotel that exudes nostalgia

From its iconic restaurants to its exemplary hospitality with an inclusive pet-friendly policy, President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions has been a part of the city’s buzzing social calendar, says General Manager Melvyn Saldanha

Not only has it witnessed Bombay change to Mumbai and its charming neighbourhood grow into a powerhouse business and artistic district, it has not just kept up with the times but set trends. An eternal landmark of South Mumbai, President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions a hotel that exudes nostalgia combined with world-class service and a buzzing social calendar. In fact, it is known for its iconic restaurants which have been a favourite spot for generations. Not to forget, its exemplary hospitality with an inclusive pet-friendly policy. From Mumbai’s first pet-friendly bistro – HerbHouse – to community events like Pet High Tea and a lifestyle gourmet store – Qmin shop, the hotel can easily be termed as Cuffe Parade’s lifeline.

“We are committed to curating personalised experiences for our guests ensuring they have a memorable and comfortable stay. With a view to offer unforgettable memories, our guests can indulge in multiple experiences unique to the property and to list a few, Make & Bake your pizza at the iconic Trattoria or ‘Tratts’ – we have seen families and kids thoroughly enjoying the experience as they don Chefs’ hat and assemble their pizza under the guidance of our Chef. A must-do on the guest list is Winky Tales, wherein guests enjoy the fun of being a bartender for an hour at Wink, the stylish high-energy bar. A haven for pet lovers, HerbHouse has a delectable spread for our four-legged friends as well,” shares Melvyn Saldanha, General Manager, President, Mumbai - IHCL SeleQtions.

PET-FRIENDLY PROPERTY 

“We are a pet-friendly property and have a special offer for them, ‘Pawcations – Bring your pet along’ wherein select hotels offer all meals, a hi-tea experience and outdoor activities for the furry friends. The last two years have taught us to travel with our best companion and therefore, we have seen a rise in demand of a comfortable pet stay,” he says, adding that in order to ensure a comfortable stay for the four-legged friends, they provide all pet amenities like beds, bowls, toys and yummilicious menu which is drawn in consultation with a vet. 

The property also houses a pet-friendly bistro, HerbHouse which has a seating overseeing the pool and a menu that ensures comfort along with quality time. “Since the bistro has ample space, the pets can play around and enjoy their playdate. With an added advantage of an open terrace, they can indulge in some fun activities and agility training while being observed by a pet trainer, who is available on a call,” informs Saldanha who began his IHCL journey with the iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai in Food & Beverage department and has been associated with the organisation ever since. 

During the last two decades of meticulous service with IHCL, Saldanha has held numerous key positions and scaled up from being the Food & Beverage manager to the General Manager at the city’s foremost dining destination. It was under his leadership that the fabled Umaid Bhavan Palace was recognised as one of the most Romantic Castles in the World by Hotels Combined in 2019.

F&B OFFERINGS 

“Our restaurants have a legacy of patronage and continue to enjoy being the city’s foremost dining destination. Since opening its doors in 1981, Trattoria or ‘Tratts’ as it is fondly called has been a favourite dining destination for its authentic, eclectic Italian cuisine. Trattoria has now been revamped and reimagined to reflect a vibrant new with the menu including signatures like lobster bisque, caprese salad, fiama and pepperoni pizza, aglio olio pasta. The bistro also boasts of a bar for guests to pair their food with crafted drinks, cocktails and wines,” he shares.

Saldanha adds the guests can indulge in South West coastal cuisine at Konkan Café and further enhance the fine dining experience at the Konkan Cafe Bar with an extensive range of collection of spirited Konkani cocktails. “A culinary landmark for gourmands, Thai Pavilion is adored across generations. Well-balanced, sophisticated flavours and an extensive menu has been on the Indian fine dining scene since the 1990s. Thai Pavilion in Mumbai over last three decades has gone through a journey of continued excellence and was recognised by the Thai Consulate for their authentic Thai food with Thai Select Certificate,” he says. Taking the Qmin brand a step further, President, Mumbai is home to IHCL’s first-ever Qmin Shop, which opened doors in November 2020. 

BIZ TIME

“With cumulative impact of pent-up demand and business as usual, we are witnessing positive corporate sentiment and have seen a surge in demand from the MICE segment. We are seeing companies shifting to in-person and socially distant meetings and seminars and thus are observing an improvement from orporate clientele. Apart from boasting of an open terrace and spacious banqueting, President, Mumbai offers the city’s foremost dining destination with craft gourmet meals and themed bachelor parties,” shares Saldanha.


This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'BW HOTELIER - THE TALENT POOL SPECIAL'



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