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Party but stay safe
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Venues woo revellers with overnight stay packages
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In regular parlance, a ‘safe' New Year Eve would mean avoiding incidents of drunken driving incidents and hence, road accidents. This year, ‘safety' has a new undertone with the frequent bandhs. Hyderabadis don't want to be confined home for New Year Eve and at the same time, prefer to play safe. Despite indications that there will be no agitations on December 31, security has been beefed up. Organisers of New Year Eve bashes have hired double the number of bouncers and private security guards.
The hotel industry, which has seen one of its lowest financial years with recession and then the agitations, sees this as an opportunity to get more room bookings. By spending between Rs. 7000 and 10,000 per couple, you get to attend the New Year bash, stay overnight, enjoy breakfast and lunch buffets and avail a late checkout (2 or 4 p.m.) on January 1.
One Party, one of the largest events in the city, to be hosted at Novotel Hyderabad Airport, gives revellers an option to stay over at the hotel. The One Party venue will also resemble a fortress to ensure safety. Says Sanjay Bhatla, one of the organisers, “The invites are non-transferable. And parking will be done outside the venue. In fact, there has been more stress on security ever since the bomb blasts at Lumbini Park and Gokul chaat.”
One would think pubs in five star hotels within city limits are considered safer options and revellers would prefer to head home rather than stay at the hotel, but the trend so far indicates otherwise. DJ Piyush, who will be playing at the Marriot, says, “The hotel is in the heart of the city and it would be easier for people to drive home after the party, but a number of people have spent a few thousands more and made bookings to stay overnight. People want to have fun on New Year's Eve but stay on the safer side.”
The same is the case with hotels like Kakatiya and the Taj Group. “We had special New Year packages last year as well and most of the bookings were made by out-of-towners. This year we see Hyderabadis also making bookings to stay at the hotel. Especially families that spend the New Year's Eve partying don't want to take a chance with children around,” says Shilpa Gokhale, sales manager, Taj Deccan.
In addition, most venues have tied up with cab services to offer pick up and drop facility.
SANGEETHA DEVI DUNDOO
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