BY PALLAVI PASRICHA

When I last visited Jaipur, my destination had been one of the citys famed heritage hotels. But I am now headed for a completely different experience. And as I drive into the white, seven-storey Marriot Hotel, I wonder how this new-age hotel will measure up to my last stay.

ThELOBBYANDARChITECTURE

I am pleasantly surprised.the lobby is large, modern and buzzing. Glass panels all around give the hotel a spacious look.the deli, Jaipur Baking company, off the lobby, beckons me, but it is too close to lunch time.four stone elephants around the swimming pool appear to be the hotels only concession to Rajasthani heritage.

ROOMS

After the drive from Delhi, I want to put up my feet for a bit and head to my Deluxe Room. It is comfortable and as I stand at the window, overlooking the pool and watch cars whizzing by to the nearby airport, I realise that I am in a city that no longer wants to be associated only with its past. And that is what the hotel emphasises. Whether it is the cuisine or the décor, it is modern all the way.

DINING

I am soon settled at a table inokra, the huge, multi-cuisine restaurant biting into water chestnut and asparagus spring rolls, stir-fried veggies and sticky Japanese fried rice. A completely satisfying meal. My agenda is to unwind, and I look forward to a massage, but the spa is yet to open.the hotel is yet to open a few facilities. In the evening, I go to lounge 18, where theuSP is that your drinks and snacks are served in five, 10 and 15 minutes. I sneak a look at my watch as I call for some salmon with my pina coloda, but it only arrives some 15 minutes later. But I am in no rush so I still enjoy it.

Dinner is at Saffron, the Indian fine dining restaurant where I tuck into Badami Shorba, akebabplatter with Chicken Tikkas, prawns, andLal Maas. I regret that my stomach can hold just so much.

But again I am ready for the Sunday brunch atokra.there is everything here from Japanese to Italian, but I decide to go for the latter as the restaurant has won an award for its Italian food.each dish I try tastes just perfect.

for me the message from Marriott was, the city of forts and palaces is ready to lap up modern experiences.