Hyatt Hotels g has opened Andaz Delhi, marking the Andaz brand’s first hotel in India. Heddo Siebs, General Manager, Andaz Delhi, shares the brand’s unique characteristics and what makes Andaz stand out in the hub of Aerocity.
Tell us about the USP of Andaz Delhi.
Andaz Delhi is Hyatt’s new kid on the block. It’s a lifestyle brand which we are very happy to bring to India and to vibrant Delhi. We have 401 rooms, including 45 suites, and 129 apartments that will be opening next year. We are delighted to bring an American brand to India that has an Indian name. When we mention the word Andaz, guests instantly think of a unique style with quirky characteristics and that truly is what Andaz Delhi stands for. It is a brand that is local in perspective and global in scale. Andaz hotels weave the sights, sounds, and tastes of their surroundings into each property, for an experience that truly immerses guests in the eclectic culture of each local destination. Through personalised, unscripted service, Andaz hotels create a barrier-free environment where guests are encouraged to explore their personal sense of style and become inspired by the spirit of the culture around them.
Being one of the biggest convention hotels in Delhi NCR, tell us something about the event spaces of the hotel.
Andaz Delhi offers 37,500 sq. ft. of innovative meeting and event spaces, with fluid layouts and functional design, creating environments that dissolve barriers and encourage creative thinking, interaction, and conversation. The oval-shaped, pillar-less ballroom is one of the largest indoor luxury wedding spaces in Delhi and can accommodate up to 1,500 guests. The unobstructive design of the ballroom provides a blank canvas to customise and decorate the space based on the individuality and style of any guest. What makes it stand out is its height of 22 ft. The unique Elephant Path adds a sense of drama to a traditional Indian wedding. Eight Andaz Studios offer residential-style meeting and event spaces with inspiring open kitchens and outdoor terrace.
The ceiling at the ballroom is also equipped with a cable system that has 24 hanging points. Each of these points can be used to hang something from the ceiling, so that the entire floor space is left for guests. During the winter months, our alfresco spaces are ideal for creative gatherings and wedding celebrations.
Why Aerocity for Andaz?
Looking at how Delhi and Gurugram are growing, it seems as though we have landed right at the centre of Delhi NCR. Aerocity, as a destination, helps us cater to both markets. Traffic in Delhi causes quite a hindrance for travellers and visitors. With us between Delhi and Gurugram, everyone is looking forward to visiting us.
How do you tackle competition?
Competition certainly exists, not just in Aerocity but in Delhi NCR as well. What gives us an edge over our neighbouring hotels is that we give an opportunity to our guests to choose what they really like. Also, I think Delhi is ready for a lifestyle product which is more contemporary than and not as classical as the space next-door.
What, according to you, will be trending this year?
When we look at the F&B segment, it is millennials that we look forward to. These people are an excited bunch, neglected for a long time, with immense spending power. Seven out of ten people click and post pictures of their food and experiences on various social media platforms, and this is something that has brought excitement back to the F&B culture. The way the hospitality industry has evolved, in my opinion, makes it all the more exhilarating to be part of.
DESIGN
Conveniently located in Aerocity, the hotel is within easy reach of downtown Delhi and the business hub of Gurugram. Designed to capture the spirit of Delhi by renowned architectural firm Bauer Latoza Studio from Chicago, and interior designer Virgile and Partners from London, the hotel integrates traditional Indian elements, colours, and flavours into a modern design inspired by the unique craftsmanship of India.
GUEST ROOMS
Each guest room at Andaz Delhi features a unique curated piece of art that celebrates a reason to “fall in love with Delhi”. The collection is skilfully integrated into a book displayed in each room, called “401 Reasons to Fall in Love with Delhi”, written by well-known travel writer Fiona Caulfield. While there is much to love about Delhi, navigating its myriad twists and turns can be a challenge. Therefore, the book has been designed to highlight 12 different categories for those who wish to discover areas of specific interests, including: Delhi’s Building Heritage, Taste of Delhi, Creative Delhi, Delhi Celebrates, Cultural Delhi, Sporting Delhi, Delhi Shops, New Delhi Architecture, Delhi Devotion, Delhi on the Move, Natural Delhi, and Iconic Delhi.
DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Taking an innovative approach to restaurants and bars, Andaz Delhi emphasises on consciously sourced ingredients and local artisanal produce in the uniquely conceived European food hall – AnnaMaya. Here, guests can eat mindfully by sampling delicious European and local cuisines inspired by the colours and flavours of India. Guests can also grab freshly baked goods and a quick bite at Andaz Deli or indulge in interesting cocktails that highlight the art of mixology at Juniper Bar. Due to open next year, the Hong Kong Club will be a multi-level Cantonese evening destination with a bar, club, and lounge. In true Andaz fashion, all non-alcoholic minibar drinks and locally inspired snacks are complimentary, as are local telephone calls and Wi-Fi, making a stay at Andaz Delhi as seamless and barrier-free as possible. Passionate and knowledgeable, Andaz Hosts will go beyond their typical concierge role, sharing inside knowledge about the capital city and helping guests uncover Delhi’s eclectic culture that juxtaposes modernity to its rich heritage. The recreational facilities at Andaz Delhi include a fully furnished gym, a unique apothecary blending bar, and a range of treatment rooms.
