The Tata group's 'smart basics' hotel chain - IndiOne - is expected to make a break-even within three-four years of its operation. The Indian Hotels Company Ltd's (IHCL) plans to set up 150 similar hotels around the country, before venturing into the overseas markets. Said IHCL managing director Raymond Bickson: "In the last few years, the dynamics of the entire industry has changed and a category like smart basic hotels has emerged as a compelling business opportunity. We do believe that significant demand exists in metres, secondary and tertiary cities across the country." 

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. IHCL has already set up a wholly owned subsidiary Roots Corporation Ltd to focus and build-these hotels. Roots Corporation Ltd chief operating officer Sheila Nair, added: "The main objective is to provide a superior product offering, far beyond the present offerings in the industry.

This category of hotels will cater to those who are looking for a clean, secure, convenient hotel without having to pay premium prices. We believe that there is a huge potential for these kind of branded hotels." IHCL has unveiled the first smart basic hotel in Bangalore last week and is also planning to roll out another 10-12 hotels in the country within a year, added Mr Bickson.