Faisalabad Serena Hotel: A class of Punjab

'Stylishly appointed rooms, stunning gardens and courtyards, unrivalled security, a wide choice of restaurants offering local and international delicacies and friendly and caring staff make the Faisalabad Serena Hotel one of the city’s premier hotels for business and leisure, all the while reflecting the true class of Punjab.'

Punjab, the culturally and traditionally rich land of Pakistan is mostly famous for impeccable cuisine, flamboyant bazars, green pastures and Punjabis are known around the world for their tasty food, happy faces, colorful attire, stunning art and handicrafts, with the province overall having a history full of romantic tales.

Faisalabad previously known as Lyallpur, which school children first read about during their school days, is the center of Punjab or interior Punjab. The city is famous for its markets, from where one may find quality products for low prices. It is Pakistan’s largest textile producer, hence a glittering attraction for all the ladies. For a traveler, besides shopping, the main attractions are Lyallpur Museum, Clock Tower, Jinnah Garden, Gumti Fountain, Wild life Park, and nearby Nankana Sahib.

For travellers who seek to experience something new while on tour in the city, a solution can be found at the traditional Punjabi style hotel, Faisalabad Serena Hotel.

The hotel located is in the prime location of Faisalabad, is in close proximity to the bus stand and the airport and is near the central business district and famous clock tower.

It is a stylish brick colored building stretching on a massive area of land, with extended front and back lawns, filled with numerous blossoms and ever flowing fountains, marvelous hand painted ceilings, Punjabi style elegant furniture, colorful corridors with smiling faces always ready to assist, and on top the traditional and local dishes, all of which makes you come back again.

The hotel reflects class of hospitality and luxury, distinguished for quality accommodation and guest services, this luxury hotel meets all the demands of today’s discerning traveler while reflecting the true essence of Punjabi heritage.

In the busy city of Faisalabad, where alluring lights and active shopping never stop, Faisalabad Serena Hotel is an escape towards serenity. On Club Road reflecting the remains of British Raj, prospective guests and travellers will find Serena; a huge, carefully guarded, walled structure resembling a fort. After security clearance, guests will head towards the parking, where huge old trees, distant sound of fountains, cheering of birds leaving their nests and an occasional play of the squirrels can be found along with rows of vehicles.

The sophisticated brick colored building that gives the air of a Punjabi Haveli, stands overlooking the immense lawns. Guests are welcomed into the glittering mansion from a giant door operated by a smiling turban man; the long kaftan and turban emits a true picture of Punjab.

By stepping inside the classy and luxurious interiors of the hotel, guests will be treated to the polished and nurturing ambience reminiscent of the old mansions of Faisalabad. Chinioti sofas with vibrant floral tapestry made by local artisans are placed alongside traditional ceramic lamps representing local culture in its full spectrum. A huge, brass lamp hangs in the lobby, offsetting the brick walls as a magnificent centerpiece. The courtyards and lush gardens, are another treat for guests, providing a haven of peace and serenity in the bustling city.

On the right-hand side form the main entry is the reception guests check in. The hotel has two floors, with the lower or ground one being the standard floor and the first being the executive floor, with varying facilities and rates.

The hotel has a total of 140 beautifully appointed guest rooms, where Punjab’s rich culture and Faisalabad’s textile heritage is carefully woven into the design of each room. Lavish textures, hand-woven carpets and ornate woodwork are complemented by modern amenities designed to provide the utmost in elegance, comfort and convenience, including a handsome living and dining area, writing table, powder room, marble bathrooms stocked with the hotel’s own brand of complimentary toiletries, complimentary high-speed internet, minibars, 24-hour room service and flat screen TVs, while large soundproofed windows keep out any noise and allow plenty of sun light in. Most of the rooms afford inspiring views of the hotel’s gardens and courtyards.

Twin, queen-sized or king-sized beds are dressed in soft snow-white linens, embroidered cushions, offset by an embellished dark wooden intricately carved head frame. Moreover, the bedrooms’ traditional color palette is complemented by a luxurious wool carpet and rich fabrics, giving a true feel of home away from home.

At Faisalabad Serena Hotel guests can reside gracefully in Punjabi style, among a haven of peaceful gardens that provide a welcoming calm oasis. The hotel also offers exclusive executive and presidential suites, each reflecting warmth, tradition and culture.

Guests can also find a wide range of food items from ‘sarso ka saag’ (spinach), ‘makae ki roti’ (corn bread) to ‘jaleebi’ (traditional sweet). In the restaurants at lunch and dinner, opulent assortments of dishes are available, ranging from Pakistani cuisine to international delicacies from China, Thailand, Europe and beyond.

Faisalabad Serena Hotel is home to some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city, where guests can seek à la carte dining under the stars or a casual family meal, business lunch or a large celebration. The restaurants and bars at the hotel can make every meal time memorable. Combining the essence of Pakistani cooking with cuisines from other cultures around the world, the hotel offers a journey around the culinary globe via the hotel’s collection of high-quality restaurants and cafes.

LYALLPUR COFFEE SHOP

For the in-house guests, breakfast is complementary and is served in a buffet style at the Lyallpur Coffee Shop. Steps from the hotel’s main lobby on the ground floor, the Lyallpur Restaurant caters for breakfast, lunch, high tea and dinner buffets. The establishment is perfect for a long lunch with family and friends, a sophisticated evening meal or business meetings. A tempting array of specialty dishes, ranging from traditional Pakistani flavors using the best local produce to popular continental cuisine are available.

RAKAPOSHI

Next to the hotel lobby is Rakaposhi café, where a tantalizing array of freshly baked breads, homemade cakes and pastries, light snacks and beverages including freshly squeezed juices, flavored teas, specialty coffees and refreshing “mocktails” can be found. The café and terrace are open throughout the day and evening for informal business meetings, family time or a relaxed catch up with friends.

RAKAPOSHI COURTYARD

Located outside Rakaposhi restaurant, the Courtyard offers the sizzling flavors of wood-fired brick oven pizzas, authentic Arabic wraps and pasta dishes.

BASANT COURT

The Basant Court prides itself on offering the freshest local produce and seasonal delicacies straight from the grill. Particularly popular amongst the locals, the mouth-watering barbecue is served accompanied by live traditional music, further adding to the experience.

POOL BAR

The Pool Bar is a delightful place, where guests can relax while enjoying a scenic view and light poolside snacks, salads, refreshing juices and specialty “mocktails”.

EXECUTIVE LOUNGE

The Executive Lounge is a welcoming space, in which the main lobby can be found, and guests can socialize over refreshments including coffee, tea, soft drinks and delicious homemade snacks.

XUELIAN

The Xuelian Restaurant is elegantly located on the lobby level of the hotel and celebrates the eclectic mix of flavors from China, Japan and Thailand. A sumptuous buffet along with a wonderful selection of a la carte favorites are available at both lunch and dinner.

ROOM SERVICE

Guests can also dine in the comfort of their room or suite at any time of day or night with a 24-hour in-room dining.

EVENT CATERING

At Serena Faisalabad Hotel, receptions, dinners and other large-scale events, from 20 to 3,000 guests can also be arranged.

The hotel has some beautiful gardens, loaded with flowers and huge old tress, where guests can capture some memorable photographs, or an escape from everyday life by sitting beside the fountains.

The hotel offers a health club, however, spa facility is not available, which are a part of a luxury hotel. Stylishly appointed rooms, stunning gardens and courtyards, unrivalled security, a wide choice of restaurants offering local and international delicacies and friendly and caring staff make the Faisalabad Serena Hotel one of the city’s premier hotels for business and leisure, all the while reflecting the true class of Punjab.

Munaza Kazmi holds MPhil in Management Sciences, is a travel writer, an author, and a co-author of scientific contributions in national and international publications. She can be reached on Twitter @munaza_kazmi.