So he does not refer to his new ICONIQA property at Mumbai international airport as a hotel. “It challenges the conventional airport stay with a new lifestyle concept. Checking in at the property happens at a cocktail bar and a 24/7 WhatsApp concierge acts as a personal butler, travel desk and assistant, all in one,” said Baljee.
He said the property also has ‘Asia’s first in-room smart laundry closet’, Mumbai’s first rooftop day club and an AI enabled 24/7 gym. In keeping with changing traveller preferences, some hotel chains are launching newer concepts, offerings and additional amenities in a bid to resonate more with guests.
Nikhil Sharma, MD and COO of South Asia at Radisson Hotel Group said travellers are increasingly seeking experiences that go beyond the ordinary. The chain has tied up with publishing company Simon & Schuster India and select Radisson Hotel Group properties now feature curated reading zones, book lounges, author meet and greets and book signings. “This literary partnership helps us create an emotionally resonant connection with our guests,” he added.
At Radisson Blu Pune Kharadi, new guest-friendly touches include a kids’ brunch zone, and travel kits for solo women travellers.
The Lodhi, New Delhi, launched three pickleball courts for guests this year, said general manager Abhimanyu Singh Lodha, general manager at the hotel. “We have seen a lot more member conversions because of this, and Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world,” he added.Taj Ganges and Taj Nadesar Palace have spiritual concierge services that help guests plan their spiritual journey-whether arranging a unique darshan, or sometimes even connecting them with a priest for a more personal experience. The Taj Club Lounge at The Taj Mahal, New Delhi has a new wellness breakfast menu with more vegan and gluten free options for more fitness focused guests. Atul Dangayach, MD of Dangayach Group said in keeping with the changing preferences of business and leisure guests, he is extending the spa timings at his Marriott hotel in Jaipur to 11 pm from 8 pm. “We could even extend these till midnight and will implement these changes at our Radisson Agra hotel as well,” he said. “Guests now prefer watching their favourite OTT shows on the smart televisions in hotel rooms so we are upgrading television sets to stream OTT platforms at our Marriott Jaipur and Udaipur hotels besides the ITC Storii property in Jaisalmer,” he added.
Kanika Hasrat, senior director, operations, South, at Hilton South Asia said personalisation, sustainability and local themes are in. The chain’s hotels now feature additional amenities for women in hotel rooms that usually stock the basics. “For conferences and meetings, companies want sustainably themed amenities and services. The concierge services offer more local tips for special experiences,” she added.
