ITC NARMADA, AHMEDABAD

The historic city's newest hotel is inspired by Gujarat's rich art, culture and heritage, finds Shradha Shahani.

Standing in an atrium bathed in sunlight, beside a small water body, we crane our necks up to the glass rooftop, only to realise we have set foot into a stepwell-styled lobby. The sun slices the hotel in geometric patterns of light, which change as it moves across the sky. The lobby at ITC Narmada, the newest hotel in Ahmedabad, takes inspiration from the 15th-century Adalaj Stepwell, which is a 45-minute drive away.

Such little nods to Gujarat's monuments and crafts are seen in every space. Take, for instance, the facade of the hotel, which is carved with latticework inspired by Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, or the art pieces dotted with mirrorwork from Kutch, or the fabrics that sport ajrakh and patola designs from Ajrakhpur and Patan. About a 30-minute drive from the airport, and close to the city centre, the hotel is ideal for a work or leisure trip. With five conference rooms and a banquet hall fit for 300 guests, the hotel is equipped to cater to business meetings as well as weddings.