‘In a market like Bengaluru, we just need to coexist’
Amidst the hustle and bustle of Bengaluru’s Manyata Tech Park has recently come up a new offering –ibis Bengaluru Hebbal. A part of the ibis brand, the hotel is a collaboration between Accor and InterGlobe Hotels. Despite being a simple corporate offering, Accor and InterGlobe have given the hotel a distinct persona, blending modern and traditional.
“At this property, we have tried to merge French architecture with Karnataka’s traditional culture. Amid a lot of modern aspects, one can find elements from the state like Channapatna toys – the dolls. On wallpapers, one can find Yakshagana – a traditional form of performing art unique to Karnataka. There is a lot of influence of local culture which we have combined with global influence,” explains General Manager Irfan Khatry who is also at the helm of affairs of two other ibis hotels in Bengaluru – Bengaluru City Centre and ibis Bengaluru Hosur Road.
Dining space - Spice It
“As a prototype, for ibis hotels in Bengaluru, we need the property to be trendy, smart and clean, with a warm lifestyle feel. We have tried to give it a nice library and lounge-y feel, along with updated gyms,” shares JB Singh, President and CEO, InterGlobe Hotels. The hotel has standard rooms, all of the same layout and area, with options being king, queen or twin beds. Neat, clean and hygienic, the rooms have all basic necessities and amenities including a mini-bar, a coffee machine, a spacious wardrobe and a huge window. Wallpapers paying homage to traditional forms of art on the accent wall add to the character of the room. “Amenities-wise, the hotel is similar to any other ibis but the bathroom style is different – same size as in other ibis properties but give a more spacious look,” informs Khatry.
Talking about the room design, Singh says, “We have been working on it for around four or five years. When a new prototype is introduced, there are debates even on whether a drawer is needed for the side-tables. Now, we have gone down to the details of removing skirting in an area. Lot of engineering went in with regards to air conditioning, acoustics…. We also have a new addition of a couch next to the window. Previously, we had tables but we decided to switch to a couch as per the changing trends.”
Lobby and library lounge
A small property, ibis, has one dining space – Spice It which has a bar counter as well as a live kitchen. Sitting next to the main lobby, Spice It offers a limited but delicious spread during breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets which too have been improved upon by mentioning the calorie content in each dish for the health-conscious guests. “Quality food is huge us and we pay special attention to it. There are plans to utilise the rooftop too, perhaps come up with a bar… We are still thinking about it,” says Singh. Khatry adds that they are also working on a food menu to include traditional Karnataka cuisines. “Like Ragi Mudde which are ragi balls with some chicken curry. A lot of hotels offer it during food festivals but it would be an integral part of our menu as a regular offering,” he adds.
About 40 minutes from Kempegowda International Airport, a single car ride can explain why ibis Bengaluru Hebbal is much-needed. The target guest for the hotel is the corporate client, integral to the fabric of Manyata Tech Park. This, according to the Khatry, is going to be one of the biggest markets for the hotel, considering the fact that Hebbal area in itself is growing in terms of development of infrastructure and office space. He explains Hebbal was chosen for the new ibis was because of the lack of any Accor hotel in the region. Why that matters is because Bengaluru is driven by micro markets, with people working in Electronic City choosing to stay there, and those working in City Centre preferring to find a hotel in the nearby location. “A guest would rather pay a little bit more to stay close to workplace. This means that even though there are four ibis hotels in Bengaluru, there is no competition among themselves,” he says.
While the property does not have to compete with other ibis offerings in the city, the presence of a Hilton right across ibis in Hebbal could pose an issue. But Khatry is not worried. “It’s not an issue. Our business strategy is completely different. They have a lot of convention space and that will drive in demand to our hotel, we believe. We don’t see this as a competition. It’s a place for everybody. We just need to coexist. They have their share of business and we have ours,” he avers.
