30 Minute Interview

'Government should allow hotels FSI at par with other industries'

Pradeep Mathur, president (Operations) at Peninsula Group, speaks with Dinkar Farwaha about the newly launched business hotel - Peninsula Grand.

Pradeep Mathur, President (Operations), Peninsula Group

What is unique about your new property?

Since it is close to the airport and the electronic zone at SEEPZ, we have designed the hotel to facilitate seminars and training sessions. We have handpicked the raw materials right from the construction stage, be it tiles, bathroom fittings, chairs or chandeliers.

The hotel has a strong accent on F&B than the rooms. We have been in the F&B business for the last three decades. We therefore have three restaurants that cater to diverse business clientele. The restaurants also have different kinds of seating that will provide guests the option of relaxing the way they want to. The designing of the restaurants has been carried out keeping a business traveller in mind.

What are your expansion plans?

We are looking at opening five new hotels in the next five years in India. Hyderabad, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai and Chandigarh are being considered in our first phase of expansion because these are developing cities in terms of business growth. We are considering an international location as well.

What are your views on the hotel industry in Mumbai?

The hotel industry in Mumbai is facing acute shortage of rooms and international class facilities and services. There is huge demand for a proper facility like a good business centre, a cheap cafe and a neat and clean room with clean toilet. There is also a shortage of land available for hotels.

What issues would you want to address to the government?

The government should allow hotels an FSI at par with the other industries. This will help accommodate more number of rooms and therefore guests. The land should be reserved the way it is kept for infrastructure projects and be available at government-controlled rates.