Quick Bytes

New kids on the block

Smart Inn, Pune

Smart Hotel Ventures, sister group of Pune-based Talera Group of Hotels has launched Smart Inn in Pune. The hotel has 50 rooms with LCD televisions, Wi-Fi connection, and rain shower. The entire hotel, including the main entrance can only be accessed with a smart card which the guest receives during check-in. The check-in and the check-out is a complete self-service procedure. A check-in kiosk is placed outside the hotel from where guests receive their smart card.

The average room rates vary between Rs 900-1000. The Smart Hotel ventures have contracted Rajdhani to provide complimentary breakfast buffet. There is no other food and beverage outlet in the hotel - snacks and beverages are delivered through vending machines.

The Pride Hotel, Chennai

The Pride Group of Hotels launched The Pride Hotel, Chennai. It is the first of the premium boutique hotels by the group. Located on Ponamalle high road, it has 115 guestrooms and suites, all provided with LCDs with in-room movies, telephone lines, high speed internet connectivity. It also has a fully equipped business centre and a conference room. Special care has also been taken to offer facilities for the physically challenged.

Welcomheritage Golf View Retreat, Pachmarhi

Welcomheritage launched its 52nd property 'Golf View Retreat'. The retreat is situated at Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, the state's only hill station.

Spread over four acres, WelcomHeritage Golf Retreat has 15 air-conditioned suites decorated with period furniture and live fire places, LCD television, tea and coffee makers and mini bars. The baths are fitted with shower closets, whirlpools and steam enclosures. The Retreat also has a jogging track, an open-air restaurant, with a live kitchen serving barbeque vegetarian cuisine.

Club Satva, Tunga Regency Navi Mumbai

Tunga Regency in Navi have launched their exclusive spa-Club Satva. Club Satva seeks to create a blend of ancient mind and body rejuvenation techniques with the help of Ayrvedic techniques.

Club Satva Ayurvedic treatments are designed to clear toxins and release excesses. The goal in all the treatments is to restore balance and harmony. They are deeply cleansing and purifying for the mind, body and soul. The treatments have a rhythm and flow that overhaul the entire body. Herbal oils and products are used according to individual imbalances.

INTERNATIONAL

Fraser Suites, Chengdu

Frasers Hospitality, an internationally branded serviced apartment management company, has entered into an agreement with Yanlord Investment, to manage the gold standard Fraser Suites Chengdu. Frasers' is already present in key Chinese cities of Shenzhen, Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing.

The apartments are expected to open their doors by the first half of 2010, and are located between Chengdu's main Central Business District and Tian Fu Square, a public transit hub with access to prominent tourist attraction such as Culture Park. It is also centrally situated within shopping destinations, such as the People's Department Store and Chengdu Department Store.

Fraser Suites Chengdu is designed by one of the world's most prominent architecture firms, NBBJ. The 310 modern and well-appointed apartments and penthouses is designed to provide amenities for guests including ergonomic work spaces, state-of-the-art audio visual equipment, walk-in wardrobes and wireless broadband for the tech-savvy executive.

Fraser Suites also has two floors of lifestyle wellness, health and sports facilities with an integrated café and lounge, games room, a children's playroom, library lounge, indoor swimming pool, spa and a fitness club complete with an aerobics room, as well as steam and sauna rooms. The Retreat, Frasers' award-winning meeting facility is also available for meetings and conferences.

Pudi Boutique Hotel Fuxing Parc Shanghai

Accor has added a new dimension to its hotel network in China with the opening of Pudi Boutique Hotel - Fuxing Parc Shanghai, however it will be unbranded. The hotel derives its name due to its close proximity to the Fuxing Park.

The 52-room hotel is located near the city's original French concession and its colonial architecture, within walking distance to Xintiandi and the Yandang Pedestrian Street. All guestrooms are equipped with French-made windows and wood blinds, LCD television and home theatre with a 270o concept audio-visual system, all-in-one printer-scanner-fax with a direct line, free broadband internet access and in room wine and mini bar. The 50sqm living area is designed by the French interior design firm, 'maxK'.

Dining is a key component of the Pudi experience. The hotel has a members' gallery which serves Cuisine du Marché based on traditional French cuisine with modern touches and selected Asian dishes. The Belle Epoque, champagne room and Xizhao, cigar room are both suited for small business meetings and private influential gatherings.

Amari Nova Suites, Pattaya

Amari Hotels and Resorts is launching their new serviced apartments, Amari Nova Suites in November this year. Situated in the Pattaya city centre, the five-star Amari Nova Suites is managed by Marco Seiler. The serviced apartments provide 76 exclusive suites, which include studio apartments, one-bedroom and three-bedroom options, ranging from 46 square metres to 190 square metre. All units have fully-equipped kitchens, flat screen televisions and balconies.

The complex also provides a rooftop swimming pool with jacuzzi, private fitness room, parking for up to 40 cars and 24-hour security. Amari Nova Suites also provides services and facilities, such as minibar, grocery service, babysitting, daily cleaning service and internet access. The hotel is also introducing a bar and restaurant, with the ('minus 5') -5 Ice Bar and -5 Supperclub.