BOTT Bureau
In the prevailing circumstances, is Staycation an ideal Holiday option in your opinion?
As lockdown gradually and cautiously lift, there is no doubt that domestic travel is also picking up significantly however, the pandemic has led the guests to becoming more conscious and discerning than ever. Families have been confined to their homes for quite a few months now and are clamouring for leisure experiences located within a short driving distance leading to the increase in demand for staycations or drivecations.
I strongly believe that fundamental change drives new thinking and the pandemic has pushed us to re-imagine hospitality as we know it. With the increase in leisure travel and staycations, there is a need for hotels to step up to the challenge and ensure that stringent hygiene and sanitisation norms are maintained.
While the entire industry is adapting to the new normal, we, at ITC Hotels have adapted to the changing situation and effectively re-imagined our business models and offerings to cater to our guests more efficiently and effectively. One of the most important thing for us is to reassure guests of the sanitisation and hygiene standards being followed and ITC Hotels’ highly acclaimed ‘WeAssure’ programme does just that.
Are City Hotels better equipped to offer a Staycation experience OR Resorts / Boutique Hotels in Hills / Beach locations?
It would be difficult to categorise and say which hotel or which destination would be better equipped to offer staycations. With the pandemic, the hospitality industry as a whole has had to re-think and re-strategize their offerings and curate experience that are unique.
For example, a guest in Delhi NCR may not be comfortable travelling long distances and may be looking for a quick getaway for the day which may be at a drivable distance from their home. For them, ITC Maurya being a city hotel would be ideally suited for a daycation. ITC Grand Bharat in Gurugram, being a retreat would be ideal for a weekend getaway. For another guest, they may be comfortable driving longer distances for a staycation and may be looking at longer staycation preferring ITC Rajputana in Jaipur or ITC Mughal situated in Agra.
Therefore, a lot would depend on the need on the guest and the destinations they are comfortable visiting.
With Guests staying for a longer duration inside the hotel, will Hotels / Resorts / have to up their operations / system in order to meet the expectations of the customer?
As the duration of stay increases it has certainly led to a rethinking of the guests’ experiences that hotel have to offer. Having something for everyone, be it kids or adults is imperative. When is come to operations, I believe that multitasking will be the mantra. More than focusing on lean teams, the focus our focus is on enabling and empowering each team member to contribute to the best of their ability and learn in the process.
In fact, it gives me immense pride in sharing that we, as a team, have utilised the time during the lockdown to enhance our skills for overall growth and to serve our guests better. This has resulted in a workforce that is now multi-skilled to handle the expectation of our discerning guests without compromising on the quintessential warmth associated with ITC Hotels.
What special attraction, in your opinion, does your property offer to a staycation guest?
There is so much we have to offer our guests. There is something for everyone!
ITC Maurya is undoubtedly a haven for art lovers and foodies. Situated in the heart of Delhi’s exclusive Diplomatic enclave, ITC Maurya is a tribute to the great Mauryan Dynasty which gave Indian history the Golden Age of art and architecture. Acknowledged as the preferred Residence of World Leaders and Global Icons for over 40 years, it epitomizes the luxury hotel experience which guests can experience. ITC Maurya is recognised for its luxurious rooms and suites, signature cuisines, and leisure facilities. One of Delhi’s most popular dining destinations, the hotel houses the internationally acclaimed Bukhara for Indian North-West frontier cuisine and the Dum Pukht for royal Awadhi cuisine.
As you move closer to the ancient Aravalli Range, guests can enjoy an unhurried luxury experience at ITC Grand Bharat – a retreat which is a tribute to 5000 years of unbroken Indian civilisation. The expansive 300 acre retreat expresses inspiration through an architectural blend of ancient, medieval and modern Indian influences. Just a short drive from New Delhi, this mosaic of luxury experiences encompasses 4 Presidential Villas, 100 suites, 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, elaborate culinary experiences, Kaya Kalp – The Royal Spa which is ITC Hotels internationally acclaimed indigenous spa brand along with a host of recreational facilities that includes Ollie’s Club – an exclusive recreational club for kids.
Located at a short driving distance from Delhi NCR is ITC Rajputana in Jaipur – ideal for a staycation away from the city. Inspired by the imposing architecture of Rajasthan’s traditional havelis and located in the heart of the city, ITC Rajputana invites its guests to immerse in the romance and majesty of the royal era. The elegant red brick exterior encompasses a central atrium around which the various levels rise gracefully. Long corridors, secluded courtyards and the tinkle of fountains recall times long past. Infused with this style is the modern uncluttered look and feel – a combination that makes the hotel a truly distinguished host in Jaipur. Moreover, from signature cuisine feasted upon by ‘Kalanders of Urs’ at a ‘Musafir-Khana’, to the contemporary global cuisine, ITC Rajputana has a lot to offer.
Drive toward the ‘City of Love’ and marvel over 23 acres of Mughal-style gardens, with the characteristic use of water channels, fruit trees, flowers and shaded walkways at ITC Mughal in Agra – a fitting tribute to the great Mughal builders of the past. In close proximity to the Taj Mahal, this luxury resort offers 233 opulent rooms and suites, a resplendent spa, signature cuisine offerings and a range of elaborate banqueting facilities.
Is there any more information that you would like to share with us?
The unique value propositions, including the differentiated character of hotels, coupled with indigenous experiences is what makes every ITC hotel unique.
India’s centuries-rooted sacred relationship with its environment, of sustenance and nurture, is a vital and living heritage that is the cornerstone of the ITC Hotels ethos and an affirmation of Responsible Luxury: luxury without compromising the earth and sustainability without compromising luxury.
Responsible Luxury is the effective combination of luxury and responsible practices (enriching society and the environment) so that the luxury experiences delivered at ITC Hotels do not in any way burden the environment or the society around us. In fact, it is aimed at creating a positive impact on both the community-at-large and the environment.
It ensures that sustainable practices are built into our hotels in the design phase itself, thus enabling ITC Hotels to be eco-embedded, services to be eco-easy and our associates to be eco-sensitised; all of this while ensuring you indulge guilt-free. All ITC Hotels are LEED Platinum certified.
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