Our fabulous handcrafted rooms are an ode to the traditional crafts of Andhra Pradesh. This is the first time that Tholu Bommalata (leather shadow puppetry), Budithi brass work, Kalamkari pen art and Etikoppaka toys have been used together to create an evolved aesthetic expression that is befitting of a setting in which our guests can be comfortably and leisurely introduced to these fascinating crafts. Since each artifact snugly tells a story of beauty, dignity, form, style and aesthetics, the hotel weaves a quaint tale of Andhra’s history.
Located on the banks of the river Varaha in Vishakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh is a small village called Etikoppaka. The crafts here are made with lacquer and are traditionally known as Etikoppaka Bommalu. The wood used for making these toys is sourced from a locally-grown tree called Ankudu. It is lightweight and easy to chop and chisel, therefore cannot be used for anything but this purpose. The toys are also called as lacquer toys because of application of a lacquer coating. All colours used are organic.
The Andhra Art & Craft Hotel is a celebration of art, style and design. Every space is a canvas for artistic expression and the individually designed rooms and suites feature plush furnishings. Various elements in the room are inspired by this beautiful lacquer craft. Prominently, the headboard design which takes its inspiration from the Pandirimancham, a colonial bed which was a part of most traditional households (Etikoppaka pillars have been customized and introduced into the design along with other elements like cane weaving & wood carvings)
Even the washrooms and room number plates have a touch inspired by the art form
