Delhi hotels gear up to welcome New Year

NEW DELHI: How about experiencing Manhattan and Shanghai in the Capital? Shocked? It’s just one of the themes for New Year’s eve in at the city’s five-star hotels. Party animals could opt for packages ranging between Rs 2,600 and Rs 10,000 per couple, which include cocktails and dinner. Though room rents have gone up by almost 30%, the special packages are more affordable as they have witnessed price escalations of only 5-10% compared to last year.

Each hotel is offering a different theme. According to Jaydeep Chakraborty, director (marketing) Radisson, Noida, “At our NYC Cafe, the feel is that of Manhattan. The party package will include dinner (no drinks) with a DJ and magician to entertain guests. For experiencing Shanghai, one can visit I’Ching in Radisson where Chinese tea would be served the moment one walks in and Chinese stoles would be given as a parting gift.” The Manhattan and Shanghai experience would cost a couple Rs 5,000 each.

Ice and fire decor at the crystal ballroom in Intercontinental-the Grand could cost a couple Rs 10,000 and includes multi-cuisines and beverages. The Arabian night ambience at Baluchi in the same hotel will have a live band and ballet dancing. If one wishes to dress up like a Chinese, there’s the Oriental with the China Town theme. The package for any of the two restaurants is Rs 8,888 per couple.

If the demand is for dinner, unlimited drinks and international dancers, Eau Bar & Lounge at Le Meridien would be the perfect place. Says a Le Meridien spokesperson: “A variety of cocktails, mocktails and snacks would be served to a couple for just Rs 9,000.

Those not comfortable with bars can visit the Napoleon or the Golden Phoenix restaurants where drinks, snacks and meals would be served at Rs 7,000 and Rs 4,000 respectively. Inspired by the Farooq Sheikh-Deepti Naval’s classic Chashme Baddoor, Pakwan, the Indian restaurant in the same hotel, would host live ghazal performances.”

If one has less to blow up this year-end, the Park Plaza in Gurgaon could be up the alley with packages of Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,600 which include meal at the Great Kabab Factory or New Town Cafe and Lounge.

For a more costly affair, there’s Dublin, an Irish pub at the Maurya Shereton. Unlimited drinks, beverages, snacks, and a lucky draw for a couple is available at Rs 10,000. There’s another option in the same hotel. West View, the Italian restaurant is charging Rs 5,500 per couple which includes a buffet, barbeque and a dance floor.