Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Block after block of markets extended down the length of Gandhi Road, also called MG
Road. Badly needing a potty break after walking for hours, Niru led us into the gorgeous
House of Mangaldas Girdhardas, known as "The House of MG Hotel" (houseofmg.com).
Mangaldas Girdhardas was a wealthy textile magnate who built this stately house in 1924.
It has been restored and turned into a boutique Heritage Hotel. Even though the streets sur-
rounding the hotel were noisy and chaotic, the hotel itself was peaceful and serene with
flower offerings floating in a bowl and a hushed atmosphere.
The recommended
Green House Cafe
is located under a covered pavilion on the
ground floor and extends into an air-conditioned room that earlier was the buggy room
of the mansion.
Agashiye
, the House of M.G.'s awardwinning Gujarati
thali
restaurant, is
spread over two huge terraces. Of course, this Heritage Hotel has a conference lounge, in-
door swimming pool and health club.
Greatly "relieved" after using their bathrooms, I asked the front desk if it was possible
to see the rooms, browsing through the beautiful gift shop, restaurants and lounges while
waiting for the houseboy. The gift shop carried specially designed, and handmade items
from master craftsmen in Ahmedabad.
A houseboy appeared to lead us upstairs. The House of Mangaldas Girdhardas was par-
tially converted into: 14 rooms and suites, and one service apartment. Choose from one of
(3) Deluxe Rooms, (7) Grand Deluxe Rooms, (4) Grand Suites, or Mangaldas Suite. Each
room has its own
history
. For example, Grand Deluxe Room #1 on the first floor was used
as a "delivery room," where women in the family stayed during their pregnancy and deliv-
ery.
A gigantic bathroom, dressing area, bathrobes, it was going to be difficult sleeping at
the Epsilon Hotel tonight after seeing this drop-dead, gorgeous room. If you are up for a
splurge, stay at the House of M.G. If not, this Heritage Hotel makes a
great
toilet stop.
