Opinion by Srijan Vadhera, general manager, Conrad Bengaluru 

Hotel teams should be passionate about ensuring their long stay guests of absolute comfort. Location of the hotel and proximity to the travellers’ work place act as integral factors when deciding a long stay accommodation. This is a prime reason for guests staying for at least a week and above at a hotel. Those who stay for extended durations often explore the city during their free time, which is mostly in the evenings.

Another compelling factor for guests to choose a hotel for their extended stays is the smart use of technology. Features like digital check-in allow you to select a room of your choice pre-arrival with minimal human interaction for an express check-in. Complete access to all areas in the hotel including the Executive Lounge is also another important factor long stay guests consider. This optimises time for those travelling on business.

It is important to be cognizant of the role food plays during a long stay. Extended stay guests are always on the lookout for a variety of cuisines during their visit. While it is important to offer familiar fare to ensure comfort to the palate, many guests enjoy a variety of locally inspired flavours. We have noticed that traditional Mangalorean, Karnataka and Andhra-based cuisines are quite popular among expat travellers to Bengaluru.

Engagement with the guests is also key. Offering interactive activities with the chef, a mixologist session with the in-house star mixologist and baking sessions with the pastry chef are few things a hotel can do. 

In my opinion, a long stay at a hotel must feel like home away from home and curating customised itineraries for our guests helps us to better their experience. So whether it is a heritage city tour, a local shopping experience, a visit to the spice markets or a traditional spa therapy, itineraries must be carefully planned to match the preferences of the long stay guest.

Fitness facilities are also an important aspect for guests. Hotels must work with their fitness centres and spas to curate complimentary group or individual sessions on yoga, meditation, strength and conditioning.

While all of the above enhance the extended stay experience, a hotel must also be equipped to meet the business needs of these guests. Offering state-of-the-art conventions and meeting spaces for them to conduct meetings complemented by intuitive service always act as further denomination when choosing to stay at a hotel for a long period of time.

Extended staying guests contribute to an average of 40 per cent to Conrad Bengaluru’s occupancy, of which 20 per cent are repeat visitors from our Hilton Honors member base. Ideally located on MG Road, the hotel is centrally located allowing for convenient access to popular lifestyle destinations, such as UB City, Indira Nagar, Koramangala. The hotel boasts 21 ergonomically designed  suites – the largest inventory with interconnecting rooms in the city, a spacious dining area, a mini-kitchenette equipped with select appliances, and soak tubs with in-mirror televisions, making it a preferred destination for extended stay guests.