Inside Peninsula

Chittagong, even two decades ago, was a quiet and simple place. There weren't too many shopping malls to go to. No international fast food franchises proudly making their stand. Formal apartments were rare. Traffic was light, and one could travel from one end of the city to another in about an hour.

One fine morning it seems, everything changed. The simpler and quieter Chittagong is now a fragment of memory.
But don't undermine the city or its past for even a second. The port city has always played a vital role -- being a business centre and also a land with quick getaways to fabulous tourist attractions like Bandarban, Rangamati, Cox's Bazaar, Shitakunda, etc.  

See it in this fashion: the city has basically grown to become more equipped to handle business and leisure tourists. And a shining example of this development is The Peninsula Chittagong, an exclusive hotel in the port city.

Anyone who has stayed in Chittagong or has been there knows that its people are a hospitable lot. Peninsula has combined this 'Chittagonian' hospitality with Western sophistication in a gracious environment where personalised service is the standard.

Just minutes from the commercial centre, the hotel is surrounded by renowned retail outlets and shopping malls, restaurants and offices, making it a suitable place for accommodation.

The hotel has a number of room categories. But certain amenities, such as air conditioning, TV, safety deposit box, mini bar, hair dryer, an elegant teakwood flooring, etc. are common to all.

Deluxe is a sought-after category. With a comfortable queen-sized bed, the room offers a wide range of facilities, making it an attractive option. Executive Twin is another category where there are two single beds.

If you prefer a larger bed whilst keeping the budget low, the category named Super Deluxe is your answer. Along with the full set of amenities, this category of rooms also has a set of comfortable chairs with a coffee table for your family or guests.

On the other hand, when nothing but ultimate luxury is how you live life like, a room in the Luxury Suite category should suffice. A luxury suite contains elegant furniture, a king-size bed with orthopaedic bedding.

These spacious suites have two toilets, two LCD TVs, a microwave oven and a large refrigerator. The separate living room in the suites provides the opportunity of holding small business appointments and meetings without anyone tampering with your private space or family.        

Separate smoking and non-smoking floors are available. The hotel has high speed wired and wireless network all throughout. For security, the building is equipped with smoke detectors and a sprinkler system, CCTV cameras and electronic card key locks in all the rooms.

Meanwhile, a sophisticated business centre that is open 24-hours a day comes with secretarial service -- along with all the customary amenities of such a facility.

Perhaps all these make this hotel a favourite among tourists. So much so, The Peninsula Chittagong is the most prioritised hotel of a number of national and international sporting institutions, like International Cricket Council (ICC), Asian Football Association (AFA) and Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) during any international games held in the port city.

The hotel's three international restaurants are not only a delight for its in-house guests: they have also added to the number of places where the locals can go with their friends or family.

Laguna Multi Cuisine, which is the signature restaurant of Peninsula, offers you cuisines of Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Thailand, China and Sri Lanka). The restaurant also boasts a wide selection of continental as well as Arabian dishes -- all prepared by a group of experienced chefs.

Indulge in gluttony at Laguna, with extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. This 24-hour restaurant is for those who prefer eating in a relatively more formal setting.

Meanwhile, the spacious, modern and trendy Flamingo offers you Japanese and Korean foods, along with continental cuisine -- to suit the palates of the diverse guests the hotel cater to. One can also try out Flamingo's special selection of wines.

Club 21 BBQ & Indian is the rooftop you want to be on evenings or nights with your friends. The name basically describes this eatery. It specialises in making authentic Indian cuisine -- courtesy of the hotel's Indian chef.
The rooftop -- where the eatery is located -- cheers you up with the festive smell of barbeque, the live performances by local artists and the splendid views of the Chittagong skyline.

The fresh fruit juices, sherbets and fresh fruit skewers will help beat every last bit of weariness out of you. Or, you may also opt to have 'sheesha' on the rooftop.

The confectionery of the hotel, Café 24, charms you with delectable pastries, cakes and desserts -- from world renowned goodies to the shop's signature items.

On the other hand, if you are entertaining your foreign friends or simply looking for a way to removing stress, make yourself present at the hotel's Isles Bar. With live music and doting bartenders, Isles Bar is very popular among the guests.

Peninsula is a happening place indeed, providing tourists and citizens alike with many appealing and exciting places. Along with eateries and bar, the hotel also houses a sports lounge.

Unleash your competitive energies playing games such as pool, foosball, etc., and feel privileged at the same time, since only in-house guests and privilege card members are welcomed.    
Eat and enjoy. But make sure you keep fit and healthy.

Shakti Fitness Centre is a consortium that includes gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and swimming pool. SkyPool is located on the 16th floor. The outdoor swimming pool tops the others in terms of the height of its location, consequently providing splendid views of the city.

Relax your body and soul by taking steam bath and sauna. They come with immense health benefits, ranging from stress relief and detoxification to fighting different aches.     

Tararom Spa draws inspiration from ancient rituals and combines that with modern day practices to deliver a soothing, pampering and caring environment, where you can choose any of the Thai spa's signature treatments -- designed with care, experience and collective knowledge. The spa can also design a customised package specially suited for your needs.

Peninsula also has a number of meeting and conference halls of varying sizes. If you are looking to arrange a small dinner party, the two Coral Rooms that have capacities of dining for 22 people is worth trying out.  
If you are seeking to hold a board meeting or a small business meeting with a small group, Seashell Conference Room with a capacity of 25 people should suffice.

For larger events -- from workshops, business promotions and large corporate meetings to wedding receptions -- Dahlia Banquet Hall and Zinnia Hall are two attractive options to choose from.    

A hotel is a hotbed of events and activities. In the same premises, some guests are in the comfort of spa, others are in tough business meetings, yet another group is eating delicious foods whilst some are looking for a good night's sleep.

How well a hotel brings together all these incredibly diverse activities happening at the same compound and all at once (and there must be a certain level of ease at managing it), defines how good the hotel is.
Peninsula Chittagong excels in doing that. So, in town for business or pleasure?

Location: Bulbul Center, 486/B, O.R. Nizam Road, CDA Avenue, Chittagong. Contact number: +88 (031) 2850860-69, +88 (031) 616722. Website: www.peninsulactg.com; Email: [email protected]
Photo courtesy: Peninsula