Ringing in the New Year at a five-star hotel in Delhi is going to cost more. So will partying during Christmas. But this has not affected the yuletide spirit of the Capital's citizens.

There's been a 10 per cent hike in the New Year and Christmas packages of five-star hotels, compared to last year. Yet, hotels say, it has not dampened the party spirit as requests for reservations are pouring in.

Mr Sudhir Sinha, President and Chief Operating Officer, (COO), Best Western India, says, “We have increased our prices by 10 per cent this year on account of inflation but the response so far has been 20 to 30 per cent higher than last year.” According to him, 40 to 50 per cent bookings are in already.

Mr Markus Schneider, General Manager, The Claridges, New Delhi, also said festive season package prices have gone up by almost 10 per cent this year. He said the hike was due to a rise in the hotel's overheads including food and beverage and staff pay rolls.

For the Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, the price hike was around 8 per cent.

The exception to the rule appeared to be The Oberoi, New Delhi, which claimed its prices were lower than last year by almost 15 to 20 per cent. What's more, it is throwing in more frills as well.

According to industry experts, this period usually witnesses a sharp drop in business travel, since it is the holiday season in the UK and US, and hence hotels offer attractive festive packages to woo domestic customers.

A five-star hotel spokesperson said, “During Christmas and New Year local residents are in a mood to splurge and don't mind paying more so we are not anticipating any fall in demand.” For the moment though, it appears Delhi's denizens would rather pay more to party than sit at home.

> manisha@thehindu.co.in

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