Pune: Just within a year after launch, city-based four-star property, Hotel Fidalgo has managed to achieve and maintain full occupancy. On the occasion of their first anniversary on July 13, General Manager VP Prakhash talks about the celebrations and future plans.
What is the history of the Fidalgo Group of Hotels and how has Pune been as a market for the hotel?
The flagship property of the Fidalgo Group of Hotels is in Goa and is a couple of decades old. We are also managing another hotel in Hyderabad. We came to Pune as we saw that Pune was growing by leaps and bounds in the five-star segment, and we saw the need for a four-star property in the city. So we decided to enter the Pune market under that category with 70 rooms. Being within a short distance from the airport, we were able to achieve full occupancy from the second month after launch. Like the past few months, we expect to see full occupancy throughout the coming year as well.
What has led to full occupancy, nearly from the time of inception?
We are offering comfortable and cosy rooms and good facilities at affordable prices. We have a good number of corporate clients, as we provide for custom-made packages for corporate travellers. The airline business is very good and we have 100 companies that patronise us. We have a restaurant on the premises which provides a vast variety of cuisines to suit the taste of our guests. We have a gym which has become a requirement for the business clientèle we cater to.
What sort of celebrations have been planned for the anniversary?
For the anniversary, we are set to launch a wide array of promotions on food and beverages, as well as accommodation. Anniversary offers will go on for an entire month. Food festivals like the currently ongoing Chai Pakora festival will provide delicacies at affordable prices. In terms of accommodation as well, we have promotions on room nights. We also have a cross promotion with our Goa property.
What are the expansion plans for the Pune property, as well as the company?
We are set to launch a rooftop restaurant, as well as a lounge, in the coming few months. Since we are 750 metres away from the highway, we will not be affected by the liquor ban. In terms of expansion plans for the company, we have plans to enter a management contract for a property in Nagpur, Bengaluru and Chennai. We are not planning to move northwards and will continue to focus on the Western and Southern market, where our strength lies.
