It aims at providing value pricing with intelligent services

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Friday inaugurated the 97-room Ginger Hotel, operated by Roots Corporation which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Indian Hotels Company Limited. Industries Minister V. Vaithilingam and Education Minister M.O.H.F. Shahjahan were present. The Chief Minister and the Ministers felt there was a need for more hotels in Puducherry.

Addressing presspersons later, Prabhat Pani, chief executive officer, Roots Corporation, explained the concept behind the 'Smart Basics' trademark.

"This hotel aims at providing value pricing with intelligent and thought-out facilities and services. We don't offer any room service, no bellboys and there is no swimming pool. But this helps in cutting the cost," he said.

Mr. Pani said more hotels were being planned at Chennai, Coimbatore, Sripedumbadur, Cochin, Mangalore, Tirupur and Panaji. The hotel has single and double rooms and a special room for the physically challenged.

All rooms have electronic locks, posture-pedic mattresses, a 20-inch mounted LCD TV, mini-fridge, tea/coffee makers, work area, self-controlled air conditioners and branded toiletries. The rooms are also Wi-Fi enabled. The tariffs are Rs.1,299 for single room and 1,599 for double room.

Just across the lobby is the Square Meal, a multi-cuisine restaurant from Harbour Markets, owned by actor Mohanlal's Taste Buds. It will specialise in seafood. They also have a tie up with Café Coffee Day for a 24-hour outlet.

The hotel is located on the Karuvadikuppam road.