AMONG the thousands of temples of Bhubaneshwar stands the homely, old-fashioned, one-storeyed white structure of The Trident, Bhubaneshwar. Till September 30, it was known simply for 17 years as The Oberoi Bhubaneshwar. Now with its repositioning, the rebranded hotel immediately becomes recognised as a superior first class international hotel offering a world of contemporary facilities designed for quality and value. The hotel is classified as a five star deluxe, it has 62 rooms, 57 standard, two deluxe rooms and three suites.

The Trident, Bhubaneshwar, is located six kilometres from the main city centre and is 15 minutes away from the airport. Architecturally, it is set in 14 acres of landscaped gardens. It has a spacious lobby, friendly ambience and service, renovated rooms that are elegantly furnished in soft earth tones and overlook the gardens or swimming pool. Its facilities include a floodlit tennis and badminton court and a jogging track. The rooms are equipped with mini bars, tea and coffee making facilities, direct dial phones and data port connectivity.

The kind of guests that The Trident, Bhubaneshwar, draws are 70 per cent corporate and 30 per cent tourist who come to explore the historical and archaelogical wonders of the city and its neighbouring areas. Or the arts and crafts. Many are senior citizens from other countries who are just passing through after having visited the rest of India. Or groups from Japan to study Buddhism at the Shanti Stupa in Dhauligiri. They come during October and April, which is peak season for European travel.

The Trident, Bhubaneshwar, does itself proud with its inhouse dining facilities. This includes a 68-seater multicuisine restaurant called Pushpanjali that offers an a la carte menu as well as buffet service for all meals. A section of the menu here is devoted to some excellent Oriya cuisine. Next door is Madhushala, a 36-seater bar well stocked with Indian and foreign liquors. Room service, with a fairly satisfying menu, is available 24 hours. And the kitchen and service staff are friendly and helpful. You may ask them to scramble up an authentic Oriya meal for you at the last moment and they will be happy to oblige.