Hyderabad used to attract numerous tourists primarily because of its heritage monuments, palaces, museums, etc. Last year, due to the emergence of COVID-19 pandemic, this movement of tourists was hindered. Fast forward to April 2021, wherein public inoculation drive is on amid the rising cases of COVID-19. While we are still unsure about the magnitude of the impending second wave of COVID, hoteliers are trying their best to keep up with the changing times and provide best solutions to their guests. In an exclusive interview with BW HOTELIER, Nitin Marriya, Hotel Manager, Le Meridien Hyderabad shared information about the preparedness of his team amid the current circumstances.
Equipped to provide safe experience
The hotel is located in Gachibowli, in close proximity to DLF Cyber City (1km), less than 10 minutes from Hi-Tec City and Financial District and an easy 30 minutes’ drive from RGIA. With the hotel’s tastefully appointed 241 Rooms and Suites coupled with 10,000 SQFT area of event space, it is an ideal location for hosting residential and non-residential events.
Some of the attractions and recreational spots are at walking distance to the hotel including, Shri Kotla Vijayabhaskara Reddy Botanical Garden, spread across an area of 120 acres. Shilparamam, an arts and crafts village located in Madhapur, Hyderabad is also accessible from the hotel.
The hotel has trained their personnel for safety protocol and is sufficiently capable of assuring the guest that their safety is the hotel’s top priority.
Their teams are highly motivated and have been conditioned to look at guest comfort from a wellbeing viewpoint. With recovery on the horizon, they have cross-trained their people to step in and create memorable experiences for all. Hotel teams have been preparing well, by having a dual approach of having a microscope in one hand and a telescope in the other.
Summer holiday season offerings for domestic traveller
Domestic travel and staycation trends continue to show promising recovery. With current International travel bans and travel regulations across the globe, they are focusing more on domestic travel by introducing staycation offers to their guests during the summer holidays. Various rejuvenation offers during these times have been curated for the guests to have a peaceful time and energize with family to experience the recreational facilities in their hotel.
Members who are planning to stay at their hotel in summers will have an opportunity to earn more for a prolonged stay. They have also introduced thematic Sunday brunches, this season, that helped the restaurant witness good footfall. The good life and the flavor of summer by the Mediterranean can by experienced by attending their signature Le Scoop by Le Meridien Hyderabad, which is their brand program based on Gelato & Sorbet, which sets the mood for savoring the good life.
Value for money packages for business travellers and leisure travellers
Since Le Meridien Hyderabad is ideally located in the buzzing business corridor of Gachibowli Hyderabad, the hotel has various deals and packages in stock for all guest profiles, be it business or guest travelling with family. Curating packages that offer value for money is a major step that they have taken to attract the right customer base. Theme brunches with special offers has seen growing demand from patrons looking for change during the weekends.
Their vast event spaces allow social and business clients to have a successful events with appropriate social distancing norms being followed. Considering the current dynamics, hotel offers flexible T&C, attracting last minute demand, from corporate and leisure travelers.
MICE and Weddings- torchbearers of recovery
MICE and weddings continue to drive recovery, in the market. Current challenges today are the rapidly changing consumer mindset and volatility in the marketplace. They have designed lucrative offers to attract the right mix. The brand's 'Time Is Now' offer, is their answer to the ever-changing market dynamics, with which they are providing support with flexible terms and offers to their customers and guests. By booking an eligible meeting or event, guests can enjoy many benefits, such as complimentary room’s nights, bonus points and attractive discounts on restaurants & SPA.
Future plans of the hotel
Elaborating on their vision for future, Marriya said, "Our single most important endeavor will be to assure holistic wellbeing of our people - guests and all other stakeholders. The continued efforts to position the hotel’s F&B will see launch of new and eclectic venues, where guests can come together for memorable dining experiences."
"We will continue driving our market leadership in events and catering landscape by introducing promotional products and tactical offers, while ensuring utmost peace of mind, to the meeting planners and delegates, by offering commitment to clean services, so all our guest can connect with confidence," he concluded.