Date:22/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/22/stories/2006112216940500.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Business-class hotel on IT corridor

Staff Reporter

The Rs. 30 crore project will be completed by year-end

`WELCOM' MOVE: Vikram Aggarwal, VVT Hotels, in conversation with R. Ramani, General Manager of Fortune Select Palms, at the hotel on Tuesday. — Photo: Shaju John.

Chennai: The hotel's banquet halls are called JAVA, UNIX and Domain. Guests can enjoy wi-fi connectivity and data port facilities. The location is in the neighbourhood of IT giants in Chennai.

Fortune Select Palms is the city's new business-class hotel, touted as the first on the IT corridor.

It seeks to cater for travellers associated with the software industry. The property is owned by Vikram Aggarwal of VVT Hotels and managed by ITC Welcom Group.

"The total project cost is about Rs. 30 crore. It will be completed by the year-end," Mr. Aggarwal told reporters on Tuesday. As of now, 66 rooms of the total 129 are ready for use.

Main revenue

The hotel's promoters believe that the main revenue would be generated from travellers linked to the IT industry. As it is close to IT parks and software companies, guests can save up travel time, said R. Ramani, General Manager of Fortune Select Palms. He also expects occupancy rate to increase on weekends due to the proximity to Mahabalipuram and Pondicherry.

A 24-hour coffee shop, a restaurant exclusively for Chinese and Japanese cuisine and a swimming pool are some of the interesting features of the hotel.

The hotel has sought a bar licence and is also planning a health club in the future. Tariff for a standard room is Rs. 6,000, a club room Rs. 7,000 and a suite Rs. 9,000. An introductory tariff of Rs. 5,000 (standard room) is on offer till March 2006.