Palladium Hotel Group targeting the upmarket Indian traveller
With over 50 years in the hospitality industry, this Spanish hotel chain has received international success and acclaim. Operating under the umbrella of ‘Grupo Empresas Matutes,’ today they are present in six countries with 41 hotels located in Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Italy, and Brazil. TTJ spoke with Sandra Polo Canudas, Asia and MEA Commercial Director, Palladium Hotel Group, on her recent visit to India to understand the brand, its differentiators, and its offerings for the India market.
Palladium Hotel Group is no stranger to the needs and wants of the India market having initiated its marketing efforts way back in 2014. They have since witnessed the India market evolve and appreciate their offerings and portfolio that now offers 14,000 room keys spread across its nine distinctive brands positioned in the premium to luxury segment.
Sandra elaborates, “Grand Palladium Hotels and Resorts offers exclusive vacation hotels in paradisiacal destinations. Palladium Hotels offers 4-star hotels for adults-only and families with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. TRS Hotels located in the most exotic destinations in the Caribbean and now also on the island of Ibiza are the group’s most exclusive adults-only hotels. Agroturismo Sa Talaia offers accommodation where intimacy in a relaxed and exclusive atmosphere prevails. Fiesta Hotels and Resorts is a unique 4-star establishment. Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel offers the best music and entertainment for adults only. BLESS Collection Hotels elevates luxury in vacation and urban destinations where quality is a priority. Only YOU Hotels, betting on urban tourism for leisure and high-level business, and finally, Hard Rock Hotels in Ibiza, Tenerife, and now also in Marbella, with modern design and the latest technology, are inspired by music and spread the Rock ‘n’ Roll spirit”.
BLESS Hotel Madrid is located on the Golden Mile, among the most exclusive shops in the luxurious Salamanca neighborhood, an iconic city hotel of Madrid. Guests enjoy their stay experience in a historic building with interiors designed by the renowned Lázaro Rosa Violán. This hotel is also the Madrid home of the acclaimed Salvaje restaurant serving signature food by chef Fermín Azkue, whose immense culinary creativity puts it among some of the finest restaurants in Europe. Picos Pardos, the hotel’s rooftop bar offers spectacular views of Madrid, that go very well with delicious light tapas and cocktails.
Sandra reminisces her initial visits to India, when she had to educate trade partners about Ibiza, making them break out of the traditional Barcelona, Costa del Sol and Madrid mindset. “Being a company that originated in Ibiza with a huge inventory of rooms, it was critical to my efforts to carve out a niche market for my brand in India, and now everyone knows Ibiza and its vibrant parties.”
The beaches of Ibiza are some of the best in the world, thanks to their fine sand texture, turquoise waters, and Spectacular sunsets. The Palladium group today has a portfolio of 10 hotels in the premium and luxury segment spread across the island of Ibiza. Fans of live music should not miss out on the events at Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza and likewise, for EDM fans, the open-air parties at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel are where they should be.
Both these properties are a part of the Palladium portfolio. Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel is located at Playa d’en Bossa, the perfect destination to enjoy the best parties on the beach and at the swimming pool, with live performances by the world’s top DJs. The hotel features 415 luxurious rooms and suites, two swimming pools with cocktail bars, three à la carte restaurants, two beach restaurants, and a Centre stage with a music show and DJs. Located approximately 300 meters from the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel is the Hard Rock Ibiza, again a 5-star property, with 493 rooms, four restaurants, and six bars.
As a product that is clear in its placement among its target profiled clientele and perfect for small discerning groups, Sandra optimistically states, “Business from the India market has constantly been growing for us over the years, yes the pandemic played spoil-sport for all, and we were no exception but 2022 is looking good for us. The fact that I am here the second time this year to meet up with our trade partners in India reflects on the response we are receiving and I am sure 2022 will be a good year for us and 2023 even better.”