The Aldott Hotel in Gurugram is a refined blend of contemporary design and traditional Indian aesthetics, designed by Studio AVT Architects as a modern sanctuary for global travellers.
In the heart of Gurugram’s urban sprawl, The Aldott Hotel redefines boutique hospitality with a thoughtful fusion of tradition and modernity. Designed by Studio AVT Architects Pvt. Ltd., the space is envisioned as a retreat for global travellers—where work, rest, and connection converge. Architects Ankita Sweety and Pratyoosh Chandan have crafted an environment that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted, using sustainable design strategies and spatial innovations that reflect a nuanced understanding of Indian culture and global expectations.
Located on Moulsari Avenue within DLF Phase III, The Aldott Hotel’s core vision revolves around creating more than just an accommodation; it aspires to become a vibrant community hub—a “homebase for global nomads.” This concept emphasizes flexibility, humancentric design, and cultural authenticity, fostering a space where guests can work, socialize, recharge, and immerse themselves in local culture within a refined, contemporary setting.
The architects and designers envisioned The Aldott as a dialogue between tradition and modernity— drawing inspiration from India’s rich architectural heritage while embracing contemporary sustainable practices. The project’s design philosophy revolves around creating an experience that is luxurious yet modest, exclusive yet inclusive, emphasizing tactile richness, visual storytelling, and environmental responsibility.
The SW façade of hotel is a contemporary reinterpretation of Indian architectural vernacular, characterized by clean lines and natural materials that exude understated elegance. The most striking visual element—the intricately crafted jaali screens— serves as a conceptual anchor, blending form and function to produce a distinct identity that is both modern and rooted in tradition.
The traditional lattice screens are reimagined through a modern lens, utilizing geometric patterns that lend a sense of rhythm and texture to the façade. Not merely decorative, the jaali acts as a passive climate control device—reducing heat gain and glare while enhancing the building’s energy efficiency. Their strategic placement on the South-West-facing elevations transforms the building’s exterior into a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, fostering a tactile and visual engagement that celebrates Indian craftsmanship with a contemporary sensibility.
The architecture employs a restrained material palette of locally sourced stone, natural wood, and textured concrete, emphasizing sustainability and regional identity. The use of these materials not only minimizes environmental impact but also creates a warm, inviting aesthetic that ages gracefully. The design promotes a sense of groundedness through its proportional harmony and attention to detail, reinforcing the hotel’s ethos of subtle luxury.
Guests are greeted within a spacious, thoughtfully designed reception lobby that embodies the hotel’s ethos of comfort and sophistication. The central feature—a curated library adjacent to a cozy café—sets a tone of relaxed elegance and encourages social interaction. The incorporation of natural elements, such as a living wall with lush greenery, introduces biophilic design principles that foster well-being and a connection to nature.
The 32 guest rooms epitomize minimalism reinterpreted through a cultural lens. Each room boasts a private balcony shaded by a triangular jaali, creating a semi-private outdoor space that marries aesthetics with functionality. The interiors lean towards earthy tones, emphasizing natural materials like wood, terracotta, and handwoven textiles. Thoughtful spatial planning ensures flexibility, with adaptable layouts that cater to different guest needs—whether for work, rest, or social interaction.
Ascending to the second floor reveals the hotel’s architectural heart—a lush, tranquil courtyard. This space exemplifies the integration of nature into the built environment, featuring native flora, a calming water installation, and vibrant artwork inspired by Indian motifs. The courtyard functions as an oasis for rest, informal gatherings, or quiet reflection, embodying the concept of “outdoor room” that blurs indoor-outdoor boundaries and enhances the user experience.
“The crown jewel of The Aldott’s hospitality experience is its rooftop restaurant. Envisioned as a scenic platform overlooking the cityscape, it combines locally sourced seasonal cuisine with breathtaking vistas. The design of the rooftop space balances openness and intimacy, with a curated selection of art pieces, ambient lighting, and strategic shading solutions that make it suitable for day and night use.” Explains Ankita Sweety.
The basement levels house modern, adaptable event spaces— the meeting room and banquet hall designed to cater to a variety of social and corporate gatherings. These spaces are envisioned as flexible platforms that facilitate meaningful interactions, reflecting the hotel’s ethos of communitybuilding. The interiors feature subtle Indian-inspired motifs and contemporary finishes, creating an elegant backdrop for both formal and informal events.
The design strategy emphasizes the use of natural, locally sourced materials—stone, wood, terracotta—to foster a sense of grounding and regional identity. Textural richness is layered through the careful selection of finishes, creating a multisensory experience that engages guests’ tactile senses. The tactile quality of materials extends into furniture, fixtures, and decorative elements, all curated to evoke a sense of warmth and authenticity.
The interiors employ an earthy, muted color scheme, ochres, terracottas, deep greens, and greys, complemented by strategic pops of vibrant artwork and accent pieces. This palette conveys a calm, sophisticated ambiance while serving as a canvas that highlights cultural artifacts and artisanal crafts.
Lighting plays a critical role in sculpting the spatial experience, with a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting that enhances architectural features and artwork. Natural daylight is maximized through large windows and open-plan layouts, while warm, soft lighting creates intimacy during evening hours.
Every touchpoint—from wall murals to handcrafted décor—celebrates Indian artistry and craftsmanship, integrating local artisans into the narrative of the space. Vibrant artworks and curated artefacts subtly evoke India’s rich cultural tapestry, fostering a sense of place and storytelling.
This Hotel exemplifies how architecture and interior design can converge to create a space that is not only aesthetically compelling but also socially and environmentally responsible. It embodies a forwardlooking approach to luxury hospitality—one rooted in cultural authenticity, community orientation, and sustainability.
By carefully balancing modern aesthetics with Indian craftsmanship, leveraging passive design strategies, and fostering a sense of belonging through thoughtful spatial programming, The Aldott sets a benchmark for boutique hotels that aim to be more than transient spaces. It is a living embodiment of contemporary Indian hospitality—a sanctuary where modern luxury and sustainability coexist with cultural depth and community spirit.
Photographs: Studio Recall
