Well...I am super excited to be writing my very first blog post - Yay!! I could not think of a more fitting start then to tell you all about The House of MG, a boutique hotel in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It is hands down the best model of any hotel I've seen anywhere and it oozes luxury at every turn. Plus, it will not break the bank! Let's take it from the top...
To be quite honest, we did not plan a trip to Gujarat at all. After visiting with friends for a wedding in Kerala, we were on our way back to Jodhpur and Ahmedabad was a travel transition. We had taken a direct flight there from Kochi, and were planning on catching a train for Jodhpur that left 7 hours later. >>> I also need to just add here that the kid in our row on the plane was flying for the first time. He was just the cutest thing to watch at every stage of taking off, hitting slight turbulence and landing. Initially he was seated on the aisle and got up a couple times to talk to his friends but, after we gave him the window seat about half way through, I don't think his face left it for second. <<<
Anyway, back to Ahmedabad. We had our baby suitcases with us for the trip so, when we landed, we wanted to leave them somewhere safe while we did a little sightseeing. A textile museum was on my list, and JR found a couple old things he wanted to see. We also needed to book our train tickets and thought a hotel would be a good resource for a local travel agent reference. After a quick Google search for the closest hotels with restaurants, so we could also grab a quick bite, The House of MG came up right away. It had great reviews and even mentioned a textile museum on the property, so I thought we might be able to kill quite a few birds with that one proverbial stone.
Upon arriving, we were immediately impressed with just the building alone. The grand stature, intricately carved columns was balanced beautifully with the patterned floor tiles and babbling courtyard fountain. We soon found out that The House of MG was not just a boutique hotel, but a heritage hotel at that. Built in 1904 by two brothers who inherited their great grandfather's booming textile company, it remains one of the oldest buildings in all of Ahmedabad, the UNESCO declared World Heritage City. The historic property was actually host to Mahatma Gandhi when he first returned to India in 1915 from South Africa. We dropped our bags at the front desk and headed to The Green House, one the 2 restaurants on the property. Since it was 112* F, we choose the indoor eating area that was once the carriage house. It was quaint and understated. The graceful arched doors and terracotta tiled floor gave away its former function.
After reading the write up about the history of the family and the mansion on the menu, I was even more in love with the property. After lunch we toured the grounds and, on a whim, decided to stay a night. It's not often we ever book a hotel for the hotel. Of course we all want the nicest one we can afford, but while traveling like we do, a hotel is merely a place to sleep, not really enjoy. This is not the case with The House of MG. In the future, we will fly through Ahmedabad going anywhere just to take advantage of everything it has to offer.
For starters, everything is impeccably thought out, designed and clean. The lobby and surrounding nooks and offices are lined with old black and white photos and descriptions of the family members. To the back of the lobby is a chic little gift shop with some of the nicest products I have ever seen in India. They were as cheap as you'd find in a local bazaar, but the quality and selection was unbeatable. To the left of the gift shop, a 3 story atrium with modern hanging sculptures drew me in. A large water feature filled with lush greenery was flanked by comfy couches and traditional bench swings. The soothing sounds and open expanse was a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
Then, the room. There is always something lacking in even the most well appointed hotel rooms. Namely, character. And we can all understand why. Hundreds of people coming in and out of the same room, not all taking care or showing respect to the property that they'll be leaving in the morning. But not here. Not in MG's house. The gorgeous patterned tile runs throughout the rooms and would be beautiful enough, but this is the house of a family who has textiles in their blood. The textiles were everywhere. From colorful thick hand-loomed rugs to doubled curtains matching the block print sheets, and from hand embroidered pillows to a towel selection of different weights, I was in fabric heaven! The room was made even homier with all the essentials and extras you might possibly need and even a floating shelf full of used books to help you unwind and pass the time. The four poster bed was a cloud, and the mosquito net transported you to the most exotic place you could dream up. Thoughtfully placed on the bed for us with flowers and 2 chocolates was the poem of day. It was quite the touch.
All of this alone would be enough for a great review. But this is not nearly the end. On the same floor as our room, we explored the fantastically curated little book store and separate textile museum. I found the most fabulous book on block printing with actual fabric samples adhered on the inside, and thought it was a most appropriate purchase. We were not allowed to take photos or video inside the museum but it was quite well done. Chronicling the history of various techniques of embroidery, block printing, weaving, sari patterns and the like, the 2 large rooms had outstanding vintage and modern specimens.
Still full from lunch, but a bit peckish after the museum tour, we ordered smoothies poolside and enjoyed a refreshing dip. The pool itself is gem. Though completely indoors, it is surrounded by double glass doors and topped off with a stunningly oversized mural. Even the bottom of the shallow lap pool is decorated with intricately placed tiles, creating a mimic of the ceiling mural with a cobalt blue background for these underwater lilies that is simply stunning in person. The curved ceiling and arches lends to further create an atmosphere that is somewhat indescribable and very unique.
Although we tried taking advantage of everything that The House of MG has to offer, we still needed more time. But, at least we have something to look forward to next time! The two things within the hotel we did not get to experience were the spa and the upscale rooftop restaurant that serves only Gujarati thali (an Indian-style meal made up of a selection of various dishes which, never ends). The price for dinner was 1200 INR per person but they had 2 happy hour times that offered the same full thali for half price. We did make it up to the roof for an amazing sunset view and the first happy hour time slot, but we just weren't hungry enough for such an undertaking. Had we known from the beginning all that we could have done, we would have skipped lunch!
Another thing the hotel offers, but is not included, is a private driving tour throughout the city in a cute little House of MG auto (tuk tuk). It is pay-by-the-hour but follows an exact route so you can see all the most important and interesting places in the city. You can go at your own pace without worrying about calling an Uber or hailing an auto in between every location. Even if you are not a guest, you can book one of the five historical and cultural tours in and around Ahmedabad that they arrange.
Check-out time was wonderfully late at 12 pm. We enjoyed a light breakfast at The Green House again but this time outside. It was originally the parking area and is now covered and lined on on the street side with a full length glass water feature. Throughout the entire area, water misting fans kept everyone cool. In the middle of the space was a sweet little wooden cart on wheels with all kinds of gourmet goodies like energy bars, jams and nut mixes. Every where you were, you could find something special.
Now you may be wondering how much this all cost. I did say at the outset it wouldn't break the bank, but we all have different budgets we are working with. Well, when all was said and done, the one night stay including breakfast was $42 USD. We found a deal online through a third party since we were booking for the same day but its seems the hotel also offers last minute discounts on their site for the same price. I think we spent another $18-20 USD on our lunch, smoothies, late night homemade ice cream, snacks for the road from the mini bar and my book. We never did get to any other sight-seeing in the city, but after the experience we had at The House of MG, we did not leave disappointed.