Hotels in the Delhi and NCR region are gearing up for the F1 weekend. Most hotels in the Noida, Greater Noida and Central Delhi region are expected to see sold-out days during the F1 week and room rates are expected to shoot up as the F1 teams, support staff and spectators start trickling into the city.
Starting October 26, the 2012 leg of Formula One Airtel Indian Grand Prix will be held on October 28.
Industry players said five-star hotel and luxury hotel rates are expected to go up by 25-30 per cent during the F1 weekend. Five-star hotels in the region are currently available at Rs 10,000-12,000 while luxury hotels are available at Rs 15,000-16,000 a night.
“Jaypee Greens Golf and Spa Resort received many queries from the Far East nations, Italy, France and the UK. As the entire inventory has been sold out, we are now gearing up for an impeccable show. Along with the increased interest from foreign tourists, Indian enthusiasts and NRIs are equally calling in to enquire for stay facilities,” said Manju Sharma, Director Jaypee Hotels. Jaypee Green Golf and Spa Resorts is the official hotel that will host the F1 teams and staff.
For instance, for its Jaypee Delcourt in Greater Noida the group had earlier floated packages of Rs 65,999-Rs 79,999 for three nights and four days which includes accommodation in deluxe rooms, F1 tickets for the three days, spa facilities, among other features.
Hotels, especially in the region close to the F1 track, believe they would have sold out days even prior to the F1 weekend. Parmeet Singh Nayar, Executive Director and GM, Radisson Blu MBD, Noida, said, “ We believe the entire week as well as days prior to the F1 week are going to be houseful for hotels closer to the race track.” He added that hotel rates could go above the Rs 20,000 a night mark.
A spokesperson for the Hilton Worldwide spokesperson said, “Our two hotels in Mayur Vihar - Hilton and DoubleTree by Hilton - have only a few rooms available to accommodate F1 enthusiasts who may have left hotel reservations to the last moment. Three of the six hotels we operate in Delhi NCR will host F1 teams in addition to enthusiasts.”
The hotels are also creating special packages for spa, food and beverages for the guests during the F1 weekend. Last year, it was said that hotels charged as much as three times the average room rate during the F1 hotel weekend. A hotel consultant said that due to the addition of the hotel room inventory in the region, the increase in room rates may not be at last year’s levels.
Cajetan Araujo, Hotel Manager at The Claridges, Surajkund, which is also hosting teams, added, “Due to demand there rates have seen an increase in the region for the period. I also believe occupancy for the region will be higher than last year, and comparatively higher than the same period prior to the F1 event being held.”