A luxury business city-hotel, Ista is a trend setting concept, set up in the heart of India's silicon valley, the globally renowned centre of India's software industry, Bangalore. Situated conveniently close to the city's business and shopping centres, the hotel offers spectacular views of the Ulsoor lake and the cityscape, breaking the traditional concepts of luxury and redefining the term to set new standards of comfort levels and the ultimate in style.A selection of world class dining is available in the hotel's two restaurants and one bar, each with it's own distinctive character. The hotel offers exclusive meeting and banquet venues as well as a state-of-the-art business centre, making it the ideal choice for the selective traveler.Read More

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Top Hospitality Trends for the Year

The top hospitality trends for the year 2007 ……………….

Spa Facilities
The hottest trend going in hotels is the spa, the more luxurious the spa the happier the guest. Be it guests staying just the night, or for meeting, or just for the weekend, they all want to hit the spa, even if only for an hour at the end of the day.

Big Spender’s Big Demands
Luxury is back, guests are demanding luxury, first-class amenities and added value in return for their money. Flat screen televisions, luxurious bath soaps, superior bed and bath linens, spa service, expectations are at their peek.

Breakfast is Back
The breakfast is fast regaining its popularity. Comfort food, eggs cooked to order, and healthy options with low in fat and high in protein and nutrition. French toast and waffles are a growing trend. New takes on breakfast basics, such as the Lemon Soufflé Pancakes, are becoming more and more popular
Quiet, please. This is said to be a very dominant factor when selecting a hotel or resort. There is a partiality for quiet or soundproofed rooms, along with noise reduction windows and walls.

Leisure Travel to Grow
Leisure Travel is expected to grow despite economic challenges in year ahead. Short getaways of four nights or less remain the most popular vacations and represent over half of all vacations taken by leisure travelers.

The Business Traveler
The newest traveler and spender on the block is the business traveler. With the economy on the rise and big salaries the economical business traveler has started spending big for amenities like individual service, great restaurants and bars, luxurious spas and specialization in g high-end conferences.

Big Corporate Spending
Going on advance bookings for corporate conferences from 20% to 50% over the start of the year, spending on company meetings is definitely on the rise Corporations are spending more and more to gather people together to launch, strengthen and accelerate initiatives. They are also providing their staff and customers full service hospitality environments for work and leisure

Competition Clause
The "Competition clause" is now demanded more often in contracts, precluding the presence of competitors anywhere on the hotel property while a company's executives are present. As competition within industries is fierce and industrial espionage is a big concern.

WiFi
WiFiis no longer a luxury or a convenience, it is now apparently as a necessity, it is not only expected, but is supposed to be free of charge. It’s expected that a guest can log on and access email or the office from anywhere in the hotel.

Online BookingThis is a major trend, the majority 66% of travelers go solely to the Internet when planning a future vacation, while 57% report making reservations online.

Designer Website
Your website will be the first thing the guest will see, as mentioned that the majority of travelers go to the Internet to look and book the hotel. So be sure that it has both quality and is has online booking facilities.

Conclusion

It seems that high end spending by both the public and corporate is back with a vengeance. Hotels and resorts that emphasize individual service, great restaurants and bars, high quality amenities, luxurious spas and settings and accommodations and specialization in accommodating high-end conferences are the demand of the day.

Monday, February 11, 2008

Bangalore Business city

Bangalore Business City

Bangalore is an amazing business hub, a true cosmopolitan city with all the hustle and bustle. It is the perfect city to conduct business meetings, seminars and conventions as its salubrious weather and atmosphere are conducive for business purpose.

Blessed with a gardens & parks, natural lakes, architectural landmarks, shopping malls, the best restaurants and pubs in this part of the globe, business opportunities are abundant in this part of India.

Bangalore is often said to be the center of the Indian I.T. outsourcing movement, and has offices of many foreign tech companies as well as a number of native Indian tech startups, it is referred to as the Silicon Valley of India.

Economy

Bangalore has a healthy and booming economy. It is home to over 10,000 dollar millionaires and around 60,000 super-rich people who have an isurplus of Rs. 4.5 crore and Rs. 50 lakh respectively. As of 2001, Bangalore's share of Rs. 1660 crore (US$ 3.7 billion) in Foreign Direct Investment was the third highest for an Indian city. Bangalore is India’s fourth largest and fastest growing market, with a per capita income of Rs. .49,000 (US$ 1,160)

Culture

Bangalore is a veritable melting pot of various races and cultures. A dynamic city, with innumerable cultural events organized every evening, Bangalore has a population of more than 56 lakhs. Besides Kannada, which is the official language of the state, Bangaloreans are also comfortable with English, Hindi, Tamil, Telegu, etc.

Bangalore is known as the "Garden City of India" because of its greenery and the existence of many public parks dotted al over the city. It also has many other nick-names such as Pub City, Silicon Valley of India, Mini Subcontinent etc.

The diversity of cuisine available is astonishing and diverse. Roadside vendors, tea stalls, and South Indian, North Indian, Chinese and Western fast food are all very popular in the city. With its many pubs and bars, and also with the city being the headquarters of United Breweries, makers of the popular Kingfisher Beer, Bangalore is a drinker's dream.

Accommodations

Bangalore has a variety of hotels from budget to the expensive. For the business man there are many choices from which to pick. A good choice is the Ista hotel which is a mid-range hotel with all the necessary business facilities. It is situated conveniently close to the city's business and shopping centers.

Transport
Bangalore's Airport is India's fourth busiest and functions as both domestic and international airport and is well connected to several destinations in the world. Plus a new airport is also in the offing the new Bangalore International Airport, which is being constructed in the outskirts of Bangalore, targeted to be inaugurated in April 2008,

Bangalore is also well connected to the rest of the country through the Indian Railways. The city is connected to New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad, as well as other major cities in Karnataka. There is also nn intra-city rapid rail transport system called the Namma Metro which is being developed and is expected to be operational in 2011.

The city also has well developed roads and transport systems. Taxi services, three-wheeled, black and yellow auto-rickshaws, buses operated by Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation are the various means of public transport within Bangalore city.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Safety norms for hotel guests

Safety norms for hotel guests


Staying in hotels has become a regular part of our lives, therefore it is important to make sure that we know and follow the rules of hotel safety.


Maximize fire safety and security by selecting a room located between the 4 and 6th floor Avoid rooms above the sixth floor--the maximum height that fire-department ladders can reach

When possible do not except a hotel on the ground floor that has doors and windows that open to the outside, as hotels with interior hallways tend to be generally safer.

For security in motels, avoid ground floor rooms off the parking lot. If you can't get a room on a higher level, take one facing the inside courtyard.
Look for information in room about fire safety and read to become familiar with nearest fire exit / stairway and locate nearest fire exit.

When you enter your hotel room, make sure the door closes securely and that the deadbolt works. Keep the deadbolt and safety bar on at all time. It cannot be stressed enough that you should never keep your hotel room door open.

Select a hotel with modern electronic guest room locks, as these locks automatically change the lock combination with every new guest so there is little chance of a duplicate key to your room.

There should be fire sprinklers in hotel rooms, hallways, and meeting rooms likewise for smoke detectors.

Each room telephone should allow outside dialing.

Guest phones located in hallways and lobbies should not allow direct room dialing, so anyone using the phone should have to call the operator and request a room by guest name, not room number.

There should be secure locks on windows and adjoining doors.

The hotel should have well-lit interior hallways, parking structures and grounds.

The parking garage should not have elevators taking passengers to guest floors. It should only go to the lobby.

Don't answer the door in a hotel or motel room without verifying who it is. If a person claims to be an employee, call the front desk and ask if someone from their staff is supposed to have access to your room and for what purpose.

Keep your room key with you at all times and don't needlessly display it in public. Should you misplace it, please notify the front desk immediately


Close the door securely whenever you are in your room and use all of the locking devices provided.

Check to see that any sliding glass doors or windows and any connecting room doors are locked

Don’t invite strangers to your room - ever.

Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

Place all valuables in the hotel or motel's safe deposit box, always.

When returning to your hotel or motel late in the evening, be aware of your surroundings, never be alone, stay in well-lighted areas, and use the main entrance.

Take a few moments and locate the nearest exit that may be used in the event of an emergency.

If you see any suspicious activity, notify the hotel operator or a staff member.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Practical Business Travel Tips

Practical Business Travel Tips

Pre-book- your ticket, seat, hotel reservations print and keep the confirmation as online booking systems can fail.

Use your miles to upgrade to business class- on a longer haul, you're more likely to regret booking yourself in the back of the plane, so go business class, but use your frequent-flier miles to pay for the upgrade.

Go For midrange hotels- don't go for too cheap or too expensive as many midrange hotels offer all the amenities that you need the extra cost.
Less is better-don't carry more than you need, avoid spares, extra clothes etc, instead buy replacement/extra items at an airport.

Small Packages-roll clothing into cylinders when packing to save space, also, roll socks and underwear up and stuff them inside your shoes for more space.

Interchangeable Outfits- you can minimize packing space by arranging a few outfits that you can switch out interchangeably. Men can wear the same suit with varying color shirts and ties. Ladies can create several different outfits from just one skirt, one jacket, a pair of coordinating pants, and a few blouses.

Wrinkle resisting clothes-pack clothing that resists wrinkling, such as polyester blends, wool blends, microfibers, silk, and rayon, avoid packing 100% cotton or linen as they are the quickest to wrinkle.

Neutral colors- to avoid having to bring two pairs of dress shoes, choose one neutral color and build your wardrobe around it, so don't bring outfits based on both black and brown, because then you'll need both black and brown shoes and belts.
Arrange for in-room facilities- Call your hotel ahead of time to ask if they will provide personal items such as an iron, clothing steamer, and hair dryer.

Carry the important stuff-Carry on your important documents; toiletries, medications, and one change of clothes in case your luggage gets lost.

Easy to use luggage- use a light flight travel bag that holds a change of clothes, laptop, charger, phone, pen, paper and has a comfortable grip.

Stay hydrated- you need to keep hydrated to avoid getting tired on a plane. Take plenty of water and perhaps some fruit and avoid coffee and alcohol.

Time your time zone- shift to the destination time zone as soon as you take off. Once there, reside in that time zone, even if this means going to sleep three hours sooner or later.

Avoid work- try to avoid working when you are traveling as this will add to the stress of traveling, use the time to catch up on leisure reading and movies instead.

Be insured- travel insurance is a way of shielding yourself and your belongings against any adversity so its always better to be insured.

Don't buy the optional car rental insurance.-car-rental employees like to pressure you to buy their own insurance but it might just be a waste if you don’t plan on renting a car.

Avoid the key to your minibar- the snacks and drinks in your minibar are marked up several hundred percent.

Sleep smart- don’t sleep to little or too much, try and follow your regular routine.

Try the Luxurious 5-Star Hotel experience

The picture the word 5-star hotel paints is one of absolute luxury and elegance. Rooms with spectacular views, royal treatment, fine dining and exquisite service. May it be for business or pleasure when staying in a 5-star you expect every need catered for and every whim satisfied.

5-Star Personal Luxury

Luxury means absolute gratification of body mind and soul.

For this it is essential to be surrounded by natural beauty. There is nothing more gratifying than natures own handiwork, beautiful tranquil lakes, awe-inspiring mountains, serene beaches or crashing surfs.

A presidential suite or a luxury suite, or a simple single room; it should be elegantly designed with all the amenities. Opulent well stocked bathroom, comfortable furnishings and the best of gadgets like plasma TV, disc player, computer etc are of course a must.
24 Hours Room Service, is another essential. Round the clock service for a newspaper or a gourmet sandwich is needed for absolute satisfaction of the senses. Services like laundry, nanny and dry cleaning are also vital.

To truly experience the extravagance of a 5-star Spa treatments are crucial. A Full line of massage therapies, body, skin, nail and hair treatments plus steam, sauna and Jacuzzi are indispensable. Indoor pool and heated outdoor lap pool are an added pleasure.
Temperature controlled Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Health Club, Beauty Salon, Golf Course are also important for ensuing a all round luxurious experience.

The hotel absolutely must have multi-cuisine and specialized restaurants, a bar and lounge as well as 24 hr coffee shops. It is vital to have local cuisine as well as a variety of specialized cuisine on the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

In house Shopping is another luxury aspect of 5-stars. Boutiques, gift shops and shops carrying the best designer labels in clothes, perfumes, jewelry and nick-knacks is a must

5-Star Business luxury

For a business-man luxury means that with the all the above mentioned luxury facilities the hotel should be able to look after his business needs as well.

There should be all the necessary conveniences in the room like a dedicated work area, PC, fax, multiple phone lines, global calling facility and broadband internet services. Mini bar and 24 hr room service are once again indispensable as are in-room safes for the safety concerns for the business needs.


A business man is always in a hurry, it is a bonus for a 5-star hotel to be near the business hub of the city. The hotel should be well connected to airports and stations. A good hotel should have round the clock chauffeured services and it’s always plus to have a helicopter service as well.

There should be multi function rooms to cater to meetings, theatre style seminars and promotions and exhibitions, and the facility for dinners and lunches with full audio + video conferencing facilities. It is imperative that the hotel has conference rooms and business meeting areas that are quiet and peaceful away from disturbances.

The Luxury Experience

A 5-star hotel caters both to the senses and the needs; it should be luxurious as well as practical. A hallmark of a good hotel is that it has a loyal clientele, and loyalty is earned through sterling services and excellent care, in short through a luxurious 5-star experience.

Visit: http://www.istahotels.com/main.html for more information.

Bangalore - The Paradise City

According to myth King Veeraballa of Vijayanagara was once lost in the forest. Looking for his companions and came upon a lone hut, where he met an old woman. She offered him shelter and cooked some baked beans for him ('Benda Kalu' in Karnataka). The King was so delighted by this modest fare, that he named the place "Benda Kalu Ooru"-place of baked beans………..Bangalore is the anglicized version.

In keeping with its tradition Bangalore has risen from its humble roots to become the IT capital of India. In fact the I.T industry views Bangalore as the 'byte-basket' of India.

Bangalore Lore

Capital of the Southern state of Karnataka, Bangalore is a delicious merger of the traditional and modern. There are old beautiful bungalows, parks, hallowed places of worship and traditional market-places on the one hand, with fashionable shopping malls, pubs, new architectural wonders and modern looking religious centers on the other hand.

Bangalore is known all over the world as the most broadminded and forward-thinking city of India. These attributes have pushed Bangalore to the forefront and it currently ranks as India's most developed city and one of the world's fastest growing cities.

Bangalore enjoys a relatively mild climate year round. The relaxing climate has made it a haven for tourists and businessmen. Bangaloreans are highly educated, warm and friendly people by nature. They will go all out to make you feel at home and are always ready to lend a hand.
Bangalore is an ideal place for a holiday or for business. Bangalore is well connected by air, rail and road to all the major cities such as Delhi, Madras, Bombay, and Calcutta etc. There are regular train services from Madras, Mysore, Calcutta, and New Delhi. Bangalore Airport caters to both domestic and international flights.

Bangalore has hotels to suit every one, from 5 Star to semi-luxury and Economy Hotels. Most of these are located around the Sankey Road, Kasturba Road, and MG Road area where restaurants and major shopping and business centers are within easy reach. The Ista hotel located on Swami Vivekananda Road is a great place to relax for tourists and business personnel.

Bangalore City of Nick-names

Bangalore is known by many names-
Pub City: The city Bangalore is a drinker's paradise with its many pubs and bars; it is also the headquarters of United Breweries, makers of the popular Kingfisher Beer. Wherever you are in Bangalore, a pub is just a stone's throw away. Whether it is a basic, no-fuss kind of place or a posh meeting place for the elite, you can be sure of excellent beer, service and ambiance.
Garden City: Garden City is the nickname Bangalore proudly claims. With its many gardens and parks and tree lined avenues it is paradise on earth. Cubbon Park, Lalbagh Park, Cariappa Memorial park are a few of the well known parks of Bangalore.

Silicon Valley of India: Bangalore is often said to be the center of the Indian I.T. outsourcing movement. It is home to some of the most high tech industries in India domestic as well as international. There are many reasons for this growth, the pleasant climate, the talent pool of highly trained professionals, the infrastructure and progressive Government policies to name a few.
Business Paradise

Apart from IT, Bangalore is the centre for a host of other businesses as well. It provides an excellent industrial atmosphere.

The easy accessibility of trained technical manpower, research and development facilities provided by a number of Central Government laboratories and research institutions facilitate business opportunities. It also has a Stock Exchange of its own which is considered the number one bourse in South India.

Good weather, transport and communication facilities have combined to make Bangalore a favorite industrial hub.

Bangalore is the perfect place to host conventions and conferences. The Ista hotel Infact is perfectly outfitted to assist the business needs of conventions and conferences.

Tourist Paradise

Bangalore offers the tourists historical sights as well as modern sightseeing pleasures. It is full of old beautiful temples and forts, as well as spectacular malls, discos and pubs.

The Bangalore Palace & Fort , Government Museum, ISKCON temple, The Bull Temple, The Gangadhareshware Temple, Jumma Masjid, Ravindra Kalakshetra, St. Mary's Church, Ulsoor lake, Vidhana Soudha are the most famous historical sites of Bangalore.

Shopping is a delightful experience in Bangalore. Exquisite silks, handicrafts in sandalwood and rose wood, are specialties of Bangalore. For gold and jewelry, there is the quaint Jeweler’s Street. Some of the favorite shopping haunts are M.G.Road, Brigade Road, Residency Road and Commercial Street.

Bangalore is a city that never sleeps. It has a rocking night life with pubs, bars, discos and restaurants. Go disco-hopping or pub-crawling, shop till you drop, or relax in the swankiest restaurants.

For business or for pleasure Bangalore is the ideal getaway.

Visit: http://www.istahotels.com/main.html for more information.

Business Travelers Hotel

Business Travelers Hotel

Not every hotel is geared for business travelers. Some are simply meant for holiday travelers, and focus on leisure features. For a successful business trip a hotel geared for business travelers should have the features outlined below.

Essential features of a great business hotel:

Location
: Hotels that are positioned near an airport or located in a city's business quarter generally cater to business travelers. It is easier to fly in, meet numerous applicants, do some work in the business center, and fly back home.

Internet Access in the Room: The business travelers need to know where the next high-speed Internet fix is coming from, so he can stay productive on the road.
Speedy, Customer Service: A guest's requirements must be met speedily so that he or she can concentrate on the professional reasons they are there primarily.

Business centre: It is absolutely a must for a hotel to have this facility. It should also be equipped with the latest technologies and state-of-the-art office equipment services.

Conference Rooms: Conference rooms or boardroom and a meeting room are a must if you plan to hold meetings seminars, promotions and exhibitions. These rooms must be equipped with audio + video conferencing facilities.

Easy Transportation: Good business hotels more often than not offer transportation shuttles to all key business areas, or aid travelers with hiring taxis or private cars.

Restaurants & Bar: Business travelers need to be able to have the facilities of in hotel restaurants, to be able to meet associates over drinks, lunch or dinner. It’s best to have at least two types of specialty cuisine restaurants and a bar in the hotel itself.
100% Effort: The extra level of service in a good hotel is a boon to the traveler.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Business Travel Bangalore

Business Travel Bangalore

Bangalore is one of the most hip and happening cities in India and is also a major center of the I.T. industry. Nicknamed the silicon valley of India Bangalore is the center of the Indian I.T. outsourcing movement, and has offices of many foreign tech companies as well as a number of native Indian tech startups.

Bangalore is an ideal city for meetings, work-shops and seminars as the whole city works round the clock and the environment is totally work oriented plus the weather is great all year round.

Here are a few important facts for the business traveler.

Accommodations

Good hotels in Bangalore can be pretty expensive, but like all cities there is a wide selection from the budget hotels to the mid-range to the five stars.

Budget hotel- Ivory Tower

Mid-Range hotel- Ista Hotel

Five-star- The Taj Residency & Ista Hotel

Transport

Plane-Bangalore Airport (BLR) is a domestic airport that caters to certain international flights too. All major international flights have a stopover here and it is connected all major airports of the world.

Train-The Bangalore City railway station is situated in the centre of the city. All trains, both local and long-distance, arrive and depart from here. Bangalore also has a railway station in the Cantonment Area, called the Cantonment Railway Station this is in a better part of town. Not all trains stop here, however.

Bus-There are both government and private busses that run services to major nearby cities. All intercity buses arrive and depart from Bangalore bus stand, which is located opposite the city railway station called 'the Majestic Bus Station'. It handles buses that connect Bangalore to all major cities and states in south India.

Inter-City Travel

Bus-The main bus stand which maintains bus services within the city, is located next to the majestic Bus Station. The whole city is well connected through various bus stations. A huge problem is that the display boards in the bus show the destination in Kannada only. But it is the cheapest option available.

Autorickshaw- Theses are yellow three wheeled contraptions seen all over the city, they are a fast way to get around the city. Not exactly the safest way around they are definitely better than busses and less expensive than taxis.

Taxi- taxis are not marked with 'TAXI' signs you must call for a taxi which is easily done through the hotel. The taxis in Bangalore are very convenient and comfortable. Though the taxis are not exactly cheap they are safer and less traumatizing than the auto or bus.

Food & Drink

Bangalore has hundreds of fast food joints and restaurants serving south Indian vegetarian and non-veg food plus the regular MNC fast food joints like KFC, Pizza Hut and MacDonald. Day. There are also high end restaurants serving continental food, seafood and fish in Bangalore is also quite popular. Like all big cities Bangalore has from the very cheap to the very expensive food joints. Bangalore is home to numerous pubs and bars earning it the nickname the Pub City of India.

Shopping

Bane of a business traveler’s life but a must, Bangalore provides wide range of options.

M.G Road/ area is the most popular place for tourists, filled with shops of every kind, traditional handicrafts or the latest western wear.

Brigade Road is the centre of yuppie Bangalore, full of MNC stores and eating joints.

Commercial Street a shopping area that sells international along side locally produced items. Commercial Street has more of a bazaar feel than Brigade Road. it is famous for its tattoo and body piercing centers.

Forum Mall you can find anything at the Forum, high international brands. For eating there is Fast food (KFC, McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Subway) Cafe Coffee Day and a food court with world cuisines.

Garuda Mall Located on the corner of McGrath and Commissariat Roads is the newest mall in Bangalore. This Mall is definitely catered to the upper class of Indian society.

Bangalore Central is more of a large department store than a mall with separate retailers. It still is must visit for shoppers in Bangalore. It has a huge range of everything clothing electronics, perfumes, accessories as well as a supermarket on the top floor and food court

Visit: http://www.istahotels.com/main.html for more information.

Travel tips

India has always intrigued and mesmerized the rest of the world and will continue to do so!! Welcome to India- where splendor bedazzles, traditions speak and variety delights It is a haven of tourism delights, a nation to tour through. Tourists come to India for its wealth of tourist attractions, cultural enthusiasm, and variety of terrain and in search of that unique something, an added punch that only India delivers.

While visiting this exotic abode, you must know some basic facts.

Visas

The first thing is to know about visas to India. Citizens of all countries, except Nepal & Bhutan, need a legitimate national passport or legitimate travel documents and a legitimate visa granted by Missions abroad for entering India. A

Transportation

India is well linked to international countries and it has a wide internal transport network within. The Rail network in India is largest in the world. You will not face any difficulty while traveling in India through rail and road. All the major metropolises in India have an international airport and are well connected through the rail network.

Money

The Indian currency is called Indian Rupee (INR). The Rupee comes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000.Sites like Finance India have currency converters that are a great help. The site helps convert US dollar into India rupee within seconds. Declare any amount over US$ 10,000 on arrival

Culture

India is a conservative country .It is advisable to dress modestly. Although safe travelers should guard against theft and beware of unscrupulous agents, travel guides etc.There are many who will try to overcharge you, so arm yourself with information as to standard rates before leaving the hotel. You will also come across many street beggars. It may seem heartless but it is much safer to ignore them. If you give alms to one then you will be overwhelmed by all the beggars in that area.

Weather

The Indian subcontinent has eight climatic zones. India has such varied temperature zones that with in a couple of hours, one is able to see a drastic temperature changes from the cold crisp air of the mountains to the burning dry heat of the Rajasthan Desert. So, bring clothing according to the weather of the place you are going to tour.


In addition to the above there are some general rules of travel that all tourists should follow --
• Carry back all non-degradable litter such as empty bottles,
tins, plastic bags etc. These must not litter the environment or be buried.
They must be disposed in proper dustbins only.
• Observe the sacredness of holy sites, temples and local cultures.
• Do not play loudly radios; tapes etc. in nature resorts, sanctuaries and
wildlife parks.
• Value people's privacy while clicking photographs. Ask for prior
consent before taking a photograph

Keeping these tips in mind will ensure you have a hassle free enjoyable trip.

Visit: http://www.istahotels.com/main.html for more information.

Looking for Business Hotels

Not every hotel is geared for business travelers. Some are simply meant for holiday travelers, and focus on leisure features. Some hotels offer rooms geared for business travelers, with a stress on committed work areas. Once you've found a potential hotel, call the front desk directly and speak to the concierge or to a well-informed front desk clerk. Enquire about the facilities provided by the hotel such as internet accessibility, conference rooms; transportation etc. If the hotel has the features out lined below then you will definitely have a successful business trip.


Essential features of a great business:

Location:
Hotels that are positioned near an airport or located in a city's business quarter generally cater to business travelers. Airport hotels rarely offer views, but they make up for it with expedient location. Location is why many recruiters characteristically plan interviews in airport hotels. It is easier to fly in, meet numerous applicants, do some work in the business center, and fly back home.
Internet Access in the Room: Most hotels offer some form of Internet access whether it's use of the business center's computer, high-speed access in the room, or wireless. The business travelers need to know where the next high-speed Internet fix is coming from, so he can stay productive on the road.
Speedy, Customer Service: Hotel specialists are in the business of providing good customer care. Business hotels make the important difference of offering good customer care quickly and proficiently. A guest's requirements must be met speedily so that he or she can concentrate on the professional reasons they are there primarily.

Business centre: It is absolutely a must for a hotel to have this facility. It should also be equipped with the latest technologies and state-of-the-art office equipment, services include tele-videoconferencing, high-speed Internet access, high-speed duplicating, printing, colour printing, colour copying, scanning and document processing, as well as courier, secretarial services, telex and fax.

Conference Rooms: Conference rooms or boardroom and a meeting room are a must if you plan to hold meetings seminars, promotions and exhibitions. These rooms must be equipped with audio + video conferencing facilities.

Easy Transportation: Business travelers need to be places punctually and with minimum hassle. Good business hotels more often than not offer transportation shuttles to all key business areas, or aid travelers with hiring taxis or private cars.

Restaurants & Bar: Business travelers need to be able to have the facilities of in hotel restaurants, to be able to meet associates over drinks, lunch or dinner. It’s best to have at least two types of specialty cuisine restaurants and a bar in the hotel itself.


100% Effort:
Good business hotels allow travelers to concentrate on their jobs by working out the small and big stuff (taking care of problems like misplaced luggage etc.). The extra level of service in a good hotel is a boon to the traveler.
On a business trip avoid family or holiday hotels and it is always best to research the business hotel before booking.

Ista hotel Bangalore

A luxury business city-hotel, Ista is a trend setting concept, set up in the heart of India's silicon valley, the globally renowned centre of India's software industry, Bangalore. Situated conveniently close to the city's business and shopping centres, the hotel offers spectacular views of the Ulsoor lake and the cityscape, breaking the traditional concepts of luxury and redefining the term to set new standards of comfort levels and the ultimate in style.
A selection of world class dining is available in the hotel's two restaurants and one bar, each with it's own distinctive character. The hotel offers exclusive meeting and banquet venues as well as a state-of-the-art business centre, making it the ideal choice for the selective traveler.

Facilities

Classic contemporary efficient.
Our facilities include a fully geared Business Centre with state of the art facilities coupled with boardroom and a small meeting room. The hotel also has a multi function room to cater to meetings, theatre style seminars and promotions and exhibitions, and ofcourse, sit down dinners and lunches with full and latest audio + video conferencing facilities.

Last but not the least (foremost), the Reception and Entry Lobby sets the tone and gives flavor and the character to the whole

GUEST ROOM
Broadband internet access
Dual line telephones with dataport
Personal bar
Tea and coffee maker
Electronic safe
Voltage 110-220
Ergonomically designed, the most comfortable bed in town
LCD TV in all the rooms
Bathrooms with a view
All electronic controls by the bedside
24 - hour room service

HOTEL SERVICES
Broadband internet access in all guest areas
Business centre with workstations and private meeting rooms open 24 hours
Concierge
Car rental
Laundry and valet service
Doctor on call
Trinity Shopping Arcade

LEISURE
Temperature controlled outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi
Steam and sauna
State of the art fitness centre

Conferences






MEETING BANQUET FACILITIES Two exclusive meeting rooms equipped to meet the needs of discerning guests.

Seating capacity




























































































































AREA AND SETUP DIMENSIONS

(In Feet)
NUMBER OF GUESTS
ISTANA I 33 X 36  
Theatre   60
Classroom   35
U Shape   30
Sitdown   30
Lounge   80
Cocktail   90
ISTANA II 33 X 34  
Theatre   60
Classroom   35
U Shape   30
Sitdown   30
Lounge   80
Cocktail   90
ISTANA I and II 33 X 70  
Theatre   150
Classroom   75
U Shape   40
Sitdown   75
Lounge   100
Cocktail   150

Various Restaurants at Ista

Classy ambient open. Music to set the mood views to entrance spaces you’ll never want to leave.


DINING AND BAR Liquid - An alfresco experience with live music and a delectable menuThe ambience of a rooftop garden, Views of the city heights, the balmy Bangalore breezes and a live band to set the mood.

Zaman - The speciality Indian restaurant A fine dining experience ,which seamlessly intregrtes the traditional with the modern , with an understated elegance that leaves its own unique imprint on the Ista experience.

Lido - All day dining overlooking the beautiful temperature-controlled pool Named after the old theatre, on the grounds of which the hotel now stands, Lido offers a table d'hote menu, along with a large selection of contemporary eastern and western cuisine. A place to lounge in, to unwind, to just sit and think. The place that has it all.

Bookings

  • The hotel's modern and contemperory 143 rooms and suites are an elegant statement of contemperory chic promising the ultimate in style and world class comfort.

    Rate from 1st October 2008 to 30th April 2008

  • TARIFF Rates in INR
  • Room category Single Double
  • Premium room 15,000 15,500
  • Deluxe room 16,000 16,500
  • Luxury Room 19,000 19,500
  • Executive Suite 27,000 27,000

    • The above rates are subject to 12% Government tax.
    • The rates for Premium rooms are inclusive of breakfast.
    • The rates for Deluxe Rooms are inclusive of Breakfast and one way airport transfer.
    • The rates for the luxury rooms include breakfast, one way airport transfer, 03 pieces of laundry, internet
    access, and 24hrs of coffee /tea at lido- All day dining, cocktail hours from 19:00hrs-20:00hrs early check
    in from 9:00hrs, late check out until 16:00 hrs, international newspaper.
    • The rates for the Executive Suite include breakfast, two way airport transfers, 3 pieces of laundry,
    internet access, 24hrs of coffee /tea service at lido- All day dining, cocktail hours from 19:00hrs-20:00hrs early check in from 9:00hrs, late check out until 16:00 hrs, international newspaper and a bottle of wine
    on arrival.



    ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE POLICY

    Check-in - 1200 hours

    Early arrival is subject to availability. For guaranteed early check-in, reservation needs to be made starting from the previous night.

    Check-out - 1200 hours

    Later check-outs are available on request and subject to availability



    GUARANTEE POLICY

    All bookings must be guaranteed at time of reservation by credit card or advance payment.

    All major credit cards are accepted.


    CANCELLATION POLICY

    Reservation must be cancelled 48 hours prior to the planned arrival time. One night's room charge will be levied in case of non arrival or for cancellation received less than 48 hours before the scheduled arrival time.



    CHILD POLICY

    One child under 9 years of age can stay in the parents' room without being charged.




Monday, January 14, 2008

Ista Bangalore Location

Ista is located on Swami Vivekananda Road, in the heart of Bangalore'scentral business district and shopping area, barely 8 km from the airport.

DISTANCES FROM THE HOTEL

FROM DISTANCE TIME

International airport 08 km 20 min.
Domestic airport 08 km 20 min.

Railway station 14 km 40 min.

City centre 02 km 10 min.

Address:1/1 Swami Vivekananda Road, UlsoorBangalore-560 008India

Visit: http://www.istahotels.com/main.html for more information.