The pre-wedding festivities of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s son Anant Ambani and his fiancée Radhika Merchant have significantly impacted hotel occupancy and prices in Mumbai. According to Goibibo and MakeMyTrip, the two main hotel properties in Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), a prominent upscale real estate hub in Mumbai, are ‘sold out.’ One hotel’s room rate has surged to Rs 91,350 per night on July 14, compared to the usual Rs 13,000 a night.
Anant Ambani’s wedding is set for July 12 at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, Mumbai. While there is no official confirmation on guest accommodations, hotel rates in BKC and nearby areas have skyrocketed.
International pop sensation Justin Bieber performed on July 5, captivating the entertainment and sports elite. More events are planned, with numerous celebrities and dignitaries invited to the grand wedding celebrations from July 12 to July 14.
About the functions
Post-wedding, celebrations continue with Shubh Aashirwad on July 13 and Mangal Utsav (the wedding reception) on July 14.
Traffic Curbs in Place
Mumbai Traffic Police has issued an advisory for BKC due to the high-profile wedding. Roads leading to the Jio World Convention Centre will have restricted access from 1 pm to midnight between July 12 and 15. A notification on July 5 indicated traffic diversions to prevent public inconvenience.
Hotel Rates and Availability
Travel websites, including Goibibo and MakeMyTrip, show Trident BKC room rates at Rs15,000 per night plus taxes on July 9, Rs 19,750 plus taxes on July 15, and Rs 11,750 plus taxes on July 16. There are no rooms available from July 10 to July 14, with a ‘sold out’ status on the hotel’s website.
Room rates at Sofitel BKC are Rs 15,000 plus taxes on July 9, Rs 30,150 on July 12, Rs 40,590 on July 13, Rs 91,350 on July 14, Rs 16,560 on July 15, and Rs 13,680 on July 16. No bookings are available on July 10 and 11, with the hotel website displaying ‘sorry, this accommodation is no longer available for the dates requested.’
Other five-star hotels, such as Grand Hyatt, Taj Santacruz, Taj Bandra, and St. Regis, have availability on these dates.
Hotels usually sell out during high-profile weddings or the wedding season (October to December). Hotel rooms are either sold out or available at a 30% to 50% premium. Flights and taxis also charge a premium during such events.
Impact on BKC Employees
A senior BKC employee mentioned, “In case of major disruption due to traffic diversions, employees are usually advised to work from home. No such advisory has been issued yet, but individual offices may guide by July 8 or 9.”
BKC houses several Grade A office spaces and companies like Bank of Baroda, Indian Oil, Godrej BKC, State Bank of India, Diamond Bourse, Reserve Bank of India, National Stock Exchange, and WeWork. BKC is one of the costliest commercial districts with numerous national and multinational offices.
