Pride Retains ‘Best Western’ Branding

Savio Rodrigues - Mumbai

S P Jain

Though, Best Western pulled its plug on its India operations, amongst the four hotels that continue to retain its affiliation with Best Western International is the Pride Hotel, Pune.

Confirming this development, S P Jain, chairman, Pride Hotels, revealed, "Even though, Best Western India's operations has ceased, we have approached the Arizona head quarters directly and have retained our Best Western branding.

The Pride Hotel, a five-star property in Pune, has tied up with Best Western and was rechristened, Best Western The Pride Hotel in 2003. The Pride Group of Hotels, part of the Rs 250 crore diversified S P Group has also completed a major expansion and renovation project for The Pride Hotel, Nagpur.

Commenting on the tie up with Best Western, Jain said, "What appealed to us about Best Western is the conjunction of the best international services at competitive costs. Indian hoteliers today are capable of managing their operations. But we need the power of a strong brand to complement the business because competition in this industry is becoming intense. Seasoned hoteliers want to be associated with a recognised brand that would help increase their marketshare and gain an edge over competitors in a business starved market."

"Best Western is concentrating more on affiliating with quality hotels located in prominent business and leisure destinations," claimed Jain, according to whom the tie-up was lucrative because of Best Western's worldwide toll-free reservation system, 37 sale offices, six General Sales Agents and five Central Reservations Offices around the world.

"Franchising also brings to the table quality assurance standards, training and support services," stated Jain.

The 111-room Pune property, has renovated 'Cafe' its coffee shop, 'Lobby Bar' and also launched a unique dhabha restaurant called Puran-da-dhaba, recreating the ambience of Punjabi village.

Meanwhile, the Pride Hotel at Nagpur has added 38 rooms as part of expansion project and now has a total of 102 rooms with 11 suites including a presidential suite. The two new floors have been named the 'Superior Club'. The hotel has designed a few rooms with an American wooden floor and few with Italian marble. Guests staying on the Superior Club floors will have access to special privileges like airport pick up and drop, express check in/check out, complimentary breakfast in executive superior lounge, private library, secretarial services etc.

Cafe Symphony, the first 24-hour coffee shop in Vidharbha has been refurbished along with the bar, 'Royal Lancer'. The property has a new business centre with a state-of-the-art board room, three meeting rooms and is also equipped with banqueting facilities for 2,000 guests.