ACCOR’S launch of its Formule 1 brand in India is seen as a breath of fresh air by travel consultants, who lament the lack of branded rooms in lower-tier categories. The first Formule 1 hotel opened its doors in Greater Noida on April 4, while 10 more properties are expected to be launched by 2013.
According to Philip Logan, vice president Formule 1 Hotels, India, Formule 1 will be the first international budget hotel brand in India with a price of around Rs2,000 (US$40) per person.
Based on the concept of standard rooms with a single price for up to three people, Formule 1 hotels target domestic corporate travellers looking for low room tariffs and quality service standards. They are well known in Europe.
Rajat Sawhney, managing director, Rave Tours & Travel, said: “Such hotels fulfill a much-awaited need. There is a large concentration of travellers who look for clean comfort at budget prices with some standardised facilities. Formule 1 hotels should be able to cater to this requirement.”
Susrita Banerjee, managing director, Fly Faraway, said: “A low-cost hotel offering standardised quality under the Accor umbrella brand will plug a much-needed gap in India’s hotel development. While most branded rooms are in the luxury or five-star categories, development in the budget category is unorganised and sporadic. Formule 1 will be a popular option for many business travellers.”
Located in the business hub of Greater Noida, the new Formule 1 hotel features 114 soundproof rooms with amenities such as a flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, quality bedding with duvets, attached bathroom, individually-controlled air-conditioning and a work table.
