Sudipta Dev – Mumbai
Mumbai got its first airport transit hotel in October 2015 with the opening of Niranta Airport Transit Hotel & Lounge at Terminal 2 of GVK Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA). International Airport Hotels And Resorts that is currently managing the transit hotel will be opening two more Niranta hotels in different wings of the terminal by this February end, which will take the total rooms inventory to 84. Unlike most airport hotels, the three hotels at T2 are luxury transit properties, KV Prasad, director, Niranta said, “The airport itself is so beautiful, we have to live up to the expectations. We cannot limit luxury to city hotels. We want to develop this brand as a luxury transit hotel.” The brand Niranta will be the same for all the three properties.
“The second hotel of 30 rooms is ready. It is a land-side hotel with direct access to road though it is inside the terminal building. It is for people coming from surface and also those arriving and departing from T2,” said Prasad, adding that the third property is a transit hotel for international transfers – that is those who are transiting via Mumbai to an international destination, for instance codeshare partners of Air India and Jet Airways. The third hotel will have 29 rooms. Washing and changing rooms will also be available here.
Niranta has a strong online presence. It is currently doing 130 per cent occupancy and is looking at quicker turnaround, which will happen if there are more international flights during the day time. The current clientele is a mix of business and leisure. “Also, in terms of profile almost 60 per cent are foreigners and 40 per cent Indians,” said Sharin Surendran, consultant, Niranta adding that dynamic pricing is offered and hourly rates are sold – minimum is four hours and there is 24 hours check-in/check-out.
Facilities include an all-day dining restaurant. The menu is a mix of international best selling items and Indian cuisine. “Our food is also focused on fresh and light aspects, as most people do not want heavy meal while travelling. The other two hotels will also have all day dining restaurants. The spa is another unique concept. The treatments are short and focused on inducing sleep,” informed Surendran. He mentioned that the company is open to moving to other cities also but the current focus is on developing these three hotels, which will be a benchmark for other airport transit hotels.
