FORUM OF THE MONTH
It’s passé for hotels to entice guests with room upgrades. Lounges and exclusive floors are among the attractive fringe benefits which the hospitality industry is offering these days. While rooms on a club floor are often the same size as rooms on other floors, the floor itself is usually located higher, affording better views and a quieter ambience. Club or executive lounges (which typically require upgraded room bookings or frequent guest program memberships), offer a host of add-on facilities aimed at providing convenience and exclusivity. Perks include private meetings with clients, free meals, private parties and concierge services among others. Here’s a brief look at these new value-adds that hotels around the country have on offer. Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon Rajneesh Kumar, Manager, Food & Beverage
The concept of club floor with happy hours is meant for the comfort of our guests who, after having a long day at work, would like to relax and unwind themselves over cocktails while enjoying the selection of appetizers. The guests can also catch up with their emails using the complimentary wi-fi service and feel like being at home in the cozy atmosphere that gives you a feeling of home away from home. The concept helps the guests to mix business with leisure in a homely atmosphere. We have a wide selection of spirits, wines & cocktails, along with a huge spread of appetizers which keeps changing everyday of the week. A selection of soft beverages and mocktails is also available for guests who are teetotallers. We have extended happy hours till 8 pm
RAJNEESH KUMAR MANAGER, FOOD & BEVERAGE, COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
“We have extended happy hours till 8 pm at Bar Zen for our resident guests wherein they can enjoy 2 drinks at the price of one.”
at Bar Zen for our resident guests wherein they can enjoy 2 drinks at the price of one. We keep changing our offerings frequently and periodically at the club floor for our guests to find it exciting, this year we also plan to introduce happy hours on imported beverages for the guests at Bar Zen. We have well designed marketing tools such as inhouse collaterals which helps us to reach out to travellers.
Jaipur Marriott Animesh Barat, Director, Food & Beverage
Executive Lounge is a dedicated venue designated for all Executive Floor and VIP customers of the hotel. This venue is designed to meet the needs of a business traveller and also to provide them an exclusive venue to engage and entertain their customers and clients. An executive Lounge would have the best possible view of the ho-
❏ A room on the hotel club floor (or executive or VIP floor) is an upgraded room. Whatever the term the hotel uses, these accommodations enhance guest's stay. Hotel VIP room and club floor guests can anticipate early check-in and late checkout, rooms with extra amenities, and – best of all – a club floor lounge with complimentary food, liquor, business center, and other welcome perks.
ANIMESH BARAT DIRECTOR, FOOD & BEVERAGE, JAIPUR MARRIOTT
“An executive Lounge would have the best possible view of the hotel along with an option of American Breakfast and evening cocktail hours. Executive Floor guests would also get an opportunity to host private meetings for 2 hours for their company or for self.” February 2012 HOTELSCAPES
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