STAYCATION
In recent times, business hotels in the major metro cities have adopted a new strategy to ll up rooms over the weekend — staycations. ere is a rise in the number of people choosing to book luxury hotel rooms for the weekend, in their own city, for a quick break. rough digital and social media marketing, hotels o en announce staycation packages at attractive rates, with additional pampering thrown in. ese include happy hour, spa treatments and exclusive meal experiences.
One of Mumbai’s most popular staycation spots, JW Marriott Mumbai Sahar customises its staycation packages for families by providing F&B discounts, late checkouts and spa therapies. e hotel’s general manager Dietmar Kielnhofer explains the trend, “Staycations have been the norm in Japan and other destinations which are catching on in India. It is a perfect way to escape city life and pamper yourself, without having to actually get away from the city. Hotel prices in India are still a lot more a ordable when compared to similar hotels in Europe or the US, so it is a great bargain that an average customer gets in terms of the price value equation.”
Similarly, e Park Mumbai (which recently opened its doors in a largely residential seaside neighbourhood) is also taking the staycation segment quite seriously. Targeting business travellers in the city, Rahul Makhija, director operations, e Park Mumbai says, “Our staycation guests can immerse themselves in local experiences like culinary trails, farmers’ markets and Bollywood tours.” e Park Mumbai thus focuses on the staycation segment with its weekend packages upwards of `8,000, and added perks such as chocolate hour, a complimentary foot massage, bu et breakfast and room upgrades, subject to availability.