Redefines the hospitality industry with an innovative, first-of-its-kind of Smart Basics Hotels

After a century of pioneering achievements in the Indian hospitality industry, the Indian Hotels Company Ltd (IHCL), today renewed its commitment to innovation with the unveiling of indiOne, a first-of-its-kind of Smart Basics Hotels. Ratan Tata, chairman, IHCL, inaugurated the first indiOne hotel at Whitefield, Bangalore.

Developed in association with renowned corporate strategy thinker, Dr CK Prahalad, the indiOne hotels are designed to be functional, while providing an extremely comfortable, clean and safe stay at an affordable cost. 'Smart Basics' a new category of hotels, signifies simplicity, convenience, informality, style, warmth, modernity, and affordability.

Indigenously designed and developed by IHCL, the guiding principle behind the design was to create a unique space that is conducive not only for guest comfort and relaxation, but also for their work requirements. The design of the hotel, from the rooms to the furniture and lighting systems, have been thoughtfully created to offer users a unique sense of welcome.

Unveiling the first indiOne, Mr Tata said, "Last year, Indian Hotels celebrated the centenary of its flagship hotel in Mumbai. One of the challenges identified then was to innovate and to lead. This spirit of innovation is evident through the indigenous development of indiOne and is a giant step forward for Indian Hotels. It is only apt that we unveil this important initiative in a year when the Tata group is paying tributes to the lives and times of JN Tata, JRD Tata, and Naval Tata."

Priced at Rs 900 for a single room, and Rs 950 for a double room, the indiOne hotels will create a new category in the domestic hospitality landscape, while giving a major fillip to Indian tourism and other ancillary industries. The primary objective behind the launch of indiOne is to provide a superior product offering and consistent experience to travellers, far beyond the present offerings in the industry. indiOne caters to corporate executives, traders and self-employed professionals, tourists, pilgrims and leisure travellers who are looking for a clean, secure, convenient hotel, without having to pay premium prices.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Raymond Bickson, managing director, IHCL, said, "In the last few years, the dynamics of the entire industry has changed, and a category like the Smart Basics hotel has emerged as a compelling business opportunity. We do believe that significant demand exists in the metros, secondary and tertiary cities across the country."

The indiOne hotels are modern, modular, and scalable, and will provide guests with a consistent experience. The first hotel in Bangalore has 101 well-appointed rooms, with a choice of single, twin, and queen-sized rooms. The rooms are individually air-conditioned, and provided with electronic locks, wood laminate flooring, comfortable beds, a work area, a 17-inch flat screen colour television with satellite channels, direct-dial telephone including STD facility, mini-fridge, tea / coffee maker, 24 hours hot / cold water and toiletries. The indiOne hotel also has a restaurant, meeting room, gymnasium facilities, a cyber cafe, 24-hour reception, an ATM, digital safe deposit boxes, 100 per cent power back up, as well as wi-fi connectivity in the public areas and individual rooms.

Adds Dr CK Prahalad, co-creator of indiOne, "The launch of indiOne is a cause for celebration, not just for IHCL, but also for the Indian industry. This represents an important innovation from India in a traditional industry. The increased economic momentum in India, and globalisation of its businesses presents immense potential for a path-breaking hospitality offering like indiOne. This new category augurs well for the consumer, empowering them with a unique and reliable choice."

IHCL has conducted extensive qualitative and quantitative research on various aspects of a traveller's needs. The research was primarily aimed at understanding travel patterns, hotel usage, service needs and expectations. The exhaustive research has culminated in the identification of the potential of the category of Smart Basics, and the conceptualisation and design of indiOne.

Roots Corporation Limited (RCL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL). Incorporated in December 2003, RCL operates IndiOne, a first-of-its-kind Smart Basics hotels across the country.