Room rates for some well-known hotels in key Indian markets have reached their highest point ever for December 31, indicating a remarkable end to the year for the industry.
Leela Palaces Hotels & Resorts properties in Delhi, Jaipur, and Udaipur are currently experiencing record-high rents, according to a spokesperson for the company. The Leela Palace Udaipur, with no available rooms for December 31, was previously charging approximately INR 1,06,200 for a night’s stay on Christmas, as listed on Booking.com.
Six Senses Fort Barwara in Rajasthan is charging INR 1,20,000 for December 31, as stated by its commercial director, Rajat Gera.
“We also have multiple queries for our Maharaja suite priced at INR 7 lakh a night,” he said. “There is an influx of inbound tourism, which had been pretty stagnant and inconsistent so far. Domestic travellers book late and the influx of international tourists has led to rates going up substantially. Those who hadn’t planned in advance are willing to pay a premium.”
Hotels in Goa record historic highs:
Akash Kalia, the cluster commercial director for Hilton Hotels, Goa, mentioned that the rates for DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Panaji, Hilton Goa Resort Candolim, and DoubleTree by Hilton Goa-Arpora-Baga have reached historic highs.
Despite changes in booking patterns influenced by factors like the reopening of international borders and the re-establishment of routes by international airlines due to increased demand, Kalia stated that Goa continues to be a “relevant” destination.
“The state’s unique year-end offerings contribute to its appeal,” he said. “It’s safe to say that, overall, the numbers for our properties are currently at an all-time high.”
Manish Tolani, the Vice President and Commercial Director for India at Hilton, mentioned that leisure destinations are thriving in terms of business, with average rates being 40% higher than in previous years.
“This can be easily attributed to the rising demand for travel and the consumers’ desire to spend on travel and seek new experiences,” he said. “Our hotels in city locations have also been seeing a demand rush for December 31 due to last-minute bookings from unplanned travellers who want to relax and unwind with their family at a luxury city hotel of their preference.”
Raj Chopra, owner of the JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, said that no rooms were available at the property for December 31.
“Our rate of INR 32,000 is the highest ever,” he said.
The current rates for the New Year mark the peak for Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, attributed to a surge in demand, as stated by Nikhil Sharma, Market Managing Director for Eurasia.
“There are certain locations where the prices are notably higher, especially on December 31,” he said.
“Our hotels in Mussoorie, Kasauli, Udaipur, Kochi, Amritsar, Statue of Unity, and Dwarka in Gujarat seem to have particularly elevated tariffs for that specific date.”
Akhil Arora, Chief Executive Officer of Espire Hospitality Group, stated that the rates for ZANA Lake Resort in Udaipur are higher than last year for December 31. A two-night stay is now priced at INR 55,000 plus taxes.
“It’s certainly the peak of the market. Rates are probably at the highest than they have ever been for all leisure markets,” said Vijay Thacker, managing director of consulting firm Horwath HTL India. “What is driving the rates is a combination of the propensity to spend among people and market positivity. People are willing to spend on leisure and luxury experiences. International arrival numbers are also higher than last year for the luxury segment. It’s a demand-supply scenario.”
Chander K Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, mentioned that the properties in Mysore and Kabini within the chain have achieved record figures for December 31.
“Most hotels are chock-a-block at leisure destinations and it seems that people are still searching till the last minute and are willing to spend more,” he said.
A New Year’s Eve immersion package at the Fairmont Jaipur is priced at INR 65,000 plus taxes for December 31.
Providing the reasoning behind the pricing, which is the highest ever, Indu Khatri, Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel, mentioned that the package will encompass “exclusive” experiences and “top-tier” spirits.
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