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The Cama Touch
A gracious touch of hospitality, that’s what this hotel offers to its loyal patrons. Naini Setalvad engages the genteel Jehangir Cama in conversation.
Located on the banks of the river Sabarmati, the Cama Hotel with its lush green gardens is one of the first luxury cum business hotels in the city. The Cama’s have lived in Ahmedabad since 1892. It was Rustom (father of Jehangir) Cama’s dream to start a hotel that spelt luxury in Ahmedabad. Lack of a comfortable uppercrust place to stay in and hardly any decent places to have good meals at, made a lot of businessmen and tourists, shy away from visiting Ahmedabad, which otherwise, is a place brimming with Indian culture and hospitality.
In 1960, with the help of the then Mayor Chunnibhai, a few supportive friends and the brilliant architect Charles Correa, Rustom opened his 26 room hotel a day before the state of Gujarat was formed. It became the pioneer for luxury hotels in the city. It was truly an oasis in the sandy city of Ahmedabad. Today, Cama Hotel boasts of 50 rooms and is very popular with business travellers and tourists alike. Besides, it is a popular spot for hosting parties and marriage receptions.
Around this time, Jehangir, a passionate lover of cars, was studying automobile engineering in London getting ready to join the family business of automobiles when he was called back to join a new family enterprise, the hotel trade!
Their hospitality is evident from the time you drive up to the entrance and are greeted by the doorman. As you step inside you are immediately engulfed by the warmth. Old world charm and modern amenities blend flawlessly in every aspect. The plush rooms are finished in light wood, furnished in rich tapestry and have ample space for sitting and working or just plain lounging. All rooms are equipped with a television, refrigerator, in-house tea and coffee making facilities and for the convenience of business travellers - a modem port and fax facilities. The bathrooms are spacious and details like a hair dryer are there for guest comfort. You could also take a refreshing swim in their well-maintained pool built in the midst of their well manicured lawns.
As for gastronomy, the Cama Hotel has food to tickle every palate. The La Vista - a multi-cuisine restaurant, overlooking the river Sabarmati, has a striking decor with wooden beams, rafters, and a lovely sand-stone fireplace. This casual, yet elegant dining area offers an extensive a -la- carte as well as buffet choice. A beautiful chandelier hangs above the laden buffet table giving it a Cama touch of class.
Their Silver Leaf Café, the city’s first 24 hour coffee shop has a menu covering Indian, Mexican and Continental cuisine and a variety of international snacks and mini-meals catering to every palate. Chefs from Bengal and North-East satisfy your taste buds in their own special way. A lot of old timers remember their crunchy nougat baskets.
Jehangir has now acquired a 150 year old club by the lake in Mount Abu.
Welcome to Cama’s, your home away from home.
Cama Hotel Khanpur Road, Ahmedabad 380 001. Tel: 079 25601234. Website: www.camahotelsindia.com
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