Hoteliers to ring in New Year on happy note

NEW DELHI: New beginnings will soon be in order and you may have to shell out only a bit more or the same as last year for ringing in the new year. Leading hotel brands are keeping rates for their popular Christmas and new year celebration packages mostly unchanged while some are hiking prices marginally even as consumers start hunting for the best deals in town amidst a slowdown. Hotel chains said they are not bringing down rates as they are confident of demand picking up from last-minute party goers.

At Pullman and Novotel hotels in New Delhi’s Aero City, the rates for New Year’s eve are up marginally – from about Rs 17,000 and Rs 20,000 for Novotel and Pullman brands respectively last year to about Rs 18,000 and Rs 21,000.

“There has been an excellent recovery in the marketplace for the hospitality sector in the past two months. The downturn in September has reversed and we are seeing rates go up quite well throughout our properties. Significantly, our Delhi properties – Pullman and Novotel New Delhi Aerocity – are seeing good traction for New Year and Christmas packages,” said BiswajitChakraborty, general manager delegate for the two hotels. Elsewhere in Mumbai’s Hotel Sahara Star, the food and beverages package was priced at Rs 7,000 per guest last year while a staycation package on new year’s eve was at about Rs 13,500.

“This year our food and beverage offerings are around Rs 7500 per guest. Price for our sojourn (staycation) package remain the same as last year, inclusive of buffet breakfast and a brunch with unlimited select beverages. The hotel witnessed a full house last year. This year too we are expecting a greater footfall and definitely better revenues as everybody wants a complete package with hospitality and entertainment,” said hotel manager Salil Fadnis.

The Imperial, New Delhi, has also kept its rates mostly unchanged this year besides introducing a special liqour package for new year’s eve starting at Rs 1500 (plus taxes).

“Our prices remain more or less unchanged from last year. They are on par with the industry standards and offer complete value for money to our discerning guests,” said Vijay Wanchoo, senior EVP and general manager at the hotel. A Christmas eve dinner buffet at the hotel’s all day dining 1911 restaurant is priced at Rs 6,000 plus taxes with unlimited champagne for Rs 1,500 plus taxes while some Tuscan Italian fare on New Year ’s eve is priced at Rs 6,000 plus taxes.

“At our big hotel in New Delhi, prices have increased by about 8%, while in Mumbai they are unchanged. Customers are currently hunting for best deals and will book closer to the date. We have not reduced prices and leads are still coming,” said an executive of a luxury hotel chain on condition of anonymity. Akarsh Mathur, GM at The Deltin, Daman, said there is a definite slowdown in the economy compared to last year in certain market segments, but popular occasions such as new year celebrations will not be affected. A staycation package at the property which includes access to new year’s eve party is priced at Rs 17,500 plus taxes for two people, the same as last year.