By Neha Kirpal
On the 17th of May, the Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail opened. The six-acre resort, which is owned by Tavleen Resorts & Spa Pvt Ltd and operated by ITC Limited, currently has a total of 47 keys in the main block (30 deluxe rooms, 16 superior rooms and 1 luxury suite). By end of July, the hotel will add another 18 cottages.
The former summer capital of the princely state of Patiala, Chail is located 37 kms from Shimla via Kufri. With Welcomhotel Shimla having opened in December 2020 as well as another upcoming one in Narkanda in 2022, ITC plans to create a complete circuit in Himachal.
We spoke to Welcomhotel Tavleen Chail’s General Manager, Rajneesh Maller, among other things about the hotel’s unique features, its special promotions/offers, the response it has received so far and plans for its future. Read more.
What are some of the hotel’s unique features that set it apart from competition?
Undoubtedly, the hotel’s pristine location is unparalleled. Located at a height of 7,200 feet, it is situated in the periphery of the tranquil Chail Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus, its view of the protected forest will remain so forever.
Wellness and rejuvenation forms a unique part of what we offer. The other part is adventure— there are several trails on premises due to the serene nature around us. Paragliding is available about 10 kilometres from here, and we have also tied up with an agency that will organise activities such as off roading and dirt track cycling.
Apart from this, we offer morning yoga sessions with an instructor, a meditation centre within the premises, and indoor and outdoor play areas for children. For adults, there is a billiards room, carom, card room and library. So, we endeavour to engage people across age groups and demographics. Apart from this, we have a spa with four treatment rooms (including a couple treatment room), a temperature-controlled pool and a well-equipped gymnasium.
What has been the response you have received ever since the hotel opened?
As a new hotel, we were well received by the market. The response has been overwhelming, due to the second wave settling down, the resurrection of travel and entry restrictions into the state being eased. Our guests are well occupied and engaged, with an average length of stay of about three to four nights. In June, we exceeded our initial budget.
Did the pandemic affect you in any way? What special promotions did you offer?
Hotels in the hills have benefitted the most, in terms of both occupancy and yield (or average room rates), during the pandemic. We had an introductory offer for the first 15 days, in which there were special rates, and we gave a meal credit of Rs 1,000. At the moment, we are offering all-in-getaway packages, which include room tariff and all meals. With the upcoming monsoon, we will be offering more such value-based offers which would help drive volumes.
What are the hotel’s plans for the future?
In the long-term, we are looking to make this a wholistic destination (with a minimum stay of four to five nights), offering enriching experiences through a combination of gastronomy, wellness, adventure and leisure.
