5-star hotels, new weekend getaways

The Rakhits of Wadala were the envy of neighbours when a chauffeur driven high-end sedan came to pick them up last week. Dhiman Rakhit, 34, and his wife were extended the service by a five-star hotel in Bandra, where they were booked for the weekend. Soubhik Mitra reports.

The Rakhits of Wadala were the envy of neighbours when a chauffeur driven high-end sedan came to pick them up last week. Dhiman Rakhit, 34, and his wife were extended the service by a five-star hotel in Bandra, where they were booked for the weekend.

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An increasing number of families from the city are checking into five-star hotels on weekends as room rates are down by up to 20% and it allows them to save time, which they otherwise spend travelling to places outside Mumbai.

“We spent more than a regular weekend getaway, but it was worth it,” said Rakhit, a software professional. “Travelling to the nearest getaway takes three to four hours. You feel exhausted by the time you are back.”

City’s five-star hotels are designing discounted packages for weekends to make up for the lull in occupancy.

Four Seasons, at Worli, offers a stay for two nights at the cost of one. The Leela in Andheri has created a club membership for its weekend customers. V Bhatnagar, a senior executive with an Indian multinational, paid Rs 8,800 as the membership fee and got a free night’s stay and a 50% discount on dining.

The JW Marriott’s weekend package includes a pick up in a Mercedes, massages and nanny service. “We have seen a 30% increase in such guests during the last year,” said Vineet Mishra, director ops, JW Marriott Hotel.