The NCR's first Aloft Hotel opens to give us a taste of a new kind of business hotel which allows for a more related 'hip' environment

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL recently opened its sixth 'Aloft' branded Hotel in India with the launch of Aloft New Delhi Aerocity. Located in one of New Delhi's most cosmopolitan business destinations, Aerocity, the hotel claims to offers a vibrant and stylish atmosphere and is conveniently connected to major hubs in the city. Its close proximity to business centres Cyber Hub, Cyber City and Worldmark makes it one of the convenient spots to stay at.

The hotel's 253 guestrooms are designed with a bold and contemporary tonality reflective of the brand's philosophy. The property comprises, 57 Twin bedded rooms, 57 Club rooms for the senior management with exclusive lounge access. It also offers three aesthetically designed service apartments for the long staying guests. The urban design encompasses open spaces providing an environment of informality and opportunity for personal engagement. 'Different by Design', Aloft was created keeping in mind the needs of the next-generation traveller, bringing together tech and design to enhance the experience and provide innovations.

“Aloft is a lively life style focused hotel with affordable luxury settings with the brand‘s signature offerings, Contemporary global cuisine with emphasis on local ingredients with less is more concept. Aloft’s fast growing foot print speak of its popularity. Our brand pillars clearly cater to -self expressers by curating experiences through Music, Art, Food & Fashion. Even the design aspect of the hotel speaks volumes of its brand ethos and culture,” comments Suman Gahlot, the hotel’s General Manager.

Gahlot feels that hospitality market of Delhi is heading the right route with significant rise in number of travellers into the National Capital.

Gahlot claims that Aloft Aerocity offer border-less spaces to keep the energy flowing and opportunities abound with ease of plug and play. “Aloft Aerocity is a flagship hotel for the brand in India with naturally lit large public areas and bespoke as well as contemporary installations across the hotel. Aloft Aerocity is a green hotel with high grade bio degradable product line. Highly engaged teams courageously and consistently create experiences for our young guests,” she was quick to add. Gahlot, an industry veteran with old–world learnings and new-age thinking is what describes her. Mentored by the best in the business, she is responsible to hand-pick and curate a bastion of the hospitality talent, at Aloft New Delhi Aerocity. Helming the launch team at the ‘First-ever’Aloft property, in New Delhi, Gahlot’s constant effort will be to create a ‘WOW’ experience for her guests. 

According to Gahlot, the major challenge in operating a hotel today is limited employable talent. This has a direct bearing on operational efficiency of a hotel which in turn has a telling effect on business. ForAloft, she makes sure that the right talent is found, nurtured and given an opportunity to excel in fields they desire in. “Finding the right talent is an onus and responsibility that we as leaders take pride in,” she adds.

Food and Beverage offerings at the hotel includes the Re:mix lounge, the on-trend WXYZ bar with regular 'Live at Aloft Hotels' music performances by local emerging artists and Nook - the all-day dining restaurant. With state-of-the-art business meeting facilities, the hotel is well equipped to host large conferences. Apart from these, the recreational options include Re:charge SM - the fitness center and Splash - the outdoor pool bar and lounge. Re:Fuel by Aloft is great for grabbing healthy meals on the go from the self-service counter, if you have a busy day planned around town. Their healthy snacks and drinks ensures to keep the guests you energetic between meetings, all day. The Executive Chef at the hotel, Saurabh Srivastava is spearheading the culinary trail. A firm believer in using local organic ingredients, Chef Srivastava believes in minimalistic ingredients utilized and focuses on the art of slow cooking in order to produce more authentic and local flavors which are getting lost in today’s time. Usage of fresh from farms and procuring fresh servings is something that he strongly believes in. But his expertise also lies in molecular gastronomy and artful plating are some of the ways to elevate the dining experience.

Aerocity was a part of the modernisation plan drawn up by the GMR-led Delhi International Airport, or DIAL, which was approved by the civil aviation ministry. After the rash of hotels that came up for the 1982 Asian Games, this was the biggest addition to the inventory of hotels in the city: 5,100 rooms. Land was allotted to the developers in 2007 and construction began in 2008.

Aloft Aerocity, however happens to be the last inventory that has entered the vicinity. Packing the area and making it a houseful, the occupancy rates are supposed to fly high. JW Marriott Aerocity on the other hand doing wonders, ensures the fact that Marriott International will definitely pull it off with the addition of its new property. 

ERRATTA An incorrect version of this article was published in the Food and Beverage issue of our magazine, BW Hotelier. The article erroneously stated that Suman Gahlot, General Manager, Aloft New Delhi Aerocity had made the following remark: There is a surge in demand and positive trends are comforting to all major players in the market. Over the past three years, through periodic observations, New Delhi Aerocity has shown a meticulous rise. Unlike the unruly and burgeoning outskirts of this megacity – the teeming slums, clogged arteries, impromptu shrines and haphazard construction – Aerocity is sterile and organized, and, hopefully, a secure compound of paned-glass modernity. Like its cousins, Gurgaon’s DLF Cyber City and Noida’s Jaypee Sports City, Aerocity is a planned urban-development with a specific commercial design, in this case an international business hub intended to enhance the airport’s economic engine beyond aeronautical activities, a common characteristic of our futuristic global age.Gahlot had, infact, made no such comment to the reporter & the comments were the reporter's own views on the aerocity. The error is deeply regretted.

This article was published in BW hotelier issue dated '' with cover story titled 'The Food & Beverage Issue '