Open Season

Upen Anand,F & B Manager at Park Plaza Noida,says bookings for the eight-month-old hotel have far exceeded his expectations. “We launched in January this year. In November,we’re booked for seven weddings,” he adds. At a starting cost of Rs 1,200 (per person,exclusive of taxes,drinks and other overhead expenses),the hotel can rustle up pizza ovens and live kitchen counters,and organize a party for several hundred people overnight.

The Pearl Ball Room at The Leela Kempinski in Gurgaon is another hotspot for elaborate wedding galas this year. About a week ago,the hotel organised a wedding function for an outstation party and the host booked 270 rooms for his relatives. “In a month’s time,we have organised close to 20 weddings. The proximity to Delhi and the airport has worked well for us and we have ample space to accommodate a sizeable number of people,” says Kunal Chauhan,F&B Manager of The Leela Kempinski,Gurgaon.

“Guests prefer to book rooms as well and stay in the hotel for all the functions,especially in the case of NRI weddings. We recently booked 40 rooms with banqueting for 600 people and for this month,we have a booking for 120 rooms and will be arranging a banquet for 1,200 people,” says Oliver Martin,General Manager,The Claridges,Surajkund.

Eight days in this month are blocked for wedding events at the hotel,and Saffron,the ballroom at The Claridges,Surajkund,can accommodate upto 600 people inside the hall and upto 250 people in the foyer area. The rates begin at Rs 1,400 (plus taxes,per person).

However,for a standard menu at Rs 1,200 (plus taxes) that offers an elaborate six-course spread,The Summit at Radisson Suites in Gurgaon,is a popular pick. “We have three packages and the hosts have to pay for décor and drinks separately,” informs Akash Roy Saigal,Director,Sales and Marketing,Radisson Suites. “We have eight bookings for November and the banquet hall can accommodate between 600 and 800 people.”