Basic But Smart

Alan D'Mello says watch out for the new indiOne in Bangalore

IndiOne 124, EPIP Phase II, Whitefield, Bangalore - 560 037; tel: (080) 56663333; email: epip.blr@indionehotels.com; website: www.indionehotels.com tariff: single room - Rs 900; double room - Rs 950

This is the future and about time too. I visited the first ever 'indiOne' in Whitefield, Bangalore out of curiosity. I was in the region and had options, but wanted to see first hand the Taj Group's long standing effort to create their first sub-Rs 1,000 hotel. This is what I experienced.

The three-storey hotel is just a couple of months old and has 101 rooms of just two types; single and double, Rs 900 and Rs 950 respectively. Bookings through their website (www.indione.com) will get you a Rs 50 discount on both types. Not one to pass up an opportunity, I used the facility. While you can book over the phone or through the Taj's existing reservation network, it still is just a provincial booking. Only an upfront payment with your credit card on the website will get you an advance confirmation. Even though the site has glitches, it is recommended as the hotel often runs at 80 per cent occupancy. Room bookings work on the 24-hour concept, i.e. 24 hours from the time you check-in, whatever the time. Late check-outs at no charge can be availed of.

In itself, the hotel is disarmingly straightforward with a smart blend of functionality and crisp design. In a sense, its modernity is in its functional design. So away with the carpets, fancy lighting, crowded furniture and such things past. In fact, the hotel's exterior is so unassuming, you can be forgiven for driving by, mistaking it for just one of the many software companies in the area. In contrast, the interior leaves no doubt that this is what a future two-star hotel will look like.

The indiOne concept is based on the self-help mantra. Meals are available throughout the day, but are restricted to buffet and counter service with room service a no-no. However, the hotel does assist you in ordering from nearby restaurants. Same day laundry service is available, from the single point drop-off and pick-up counter in the lobby. The only people that do come to your room are the cleaning service, once a day. The self-help extends to the travel arrangements and business requirements, which to a large extent have been pre-arranged. So all you have to do is choose.

Room options are between single, double and twin with some interconnecting. There is no differentiation in design and facilities, just the number of beds. A single room is regulation size 180 square feet, though it gives the feeling of being larger. Here the small adjustments in the rearranged room have had interesting results. The basics are there but, do bring an extension cord and a large water bottle as there is just one electric socket on the work-table, and only half a litre of water in the fridge. Replenishments can be made from the common pantry on the floor which also has ironing facilities. Also, bring all your toiletries as just liquid bathing and washing soap from dispensers along with towels are provided.

A key fact for consideration is that the hotel, though close to the airport, is far from the city; around 18 kilometres to the centrally located Brigade Road and 24 kilometres to the main railway station. It takes an easy 45 minutes on busy and bumpy roads to get to the commercial district. This factor alone will increase your bill manifold. Word has it that this locational disadvantage is being looked into and cost permitting; a location for a second indiOne is being scouted for in the city centre.

For managers, the cost advantage of the indiOne's 'Smart Basics' and functional design makes the hotel hard to overlook. What it also has done is served notice to the hotel fraternity that a good room can come at an affordable price.

(The author is the head of ResAvenue, India's only payment gateway for the hotel industry and can be contacted at alan@resavenue.com)