Budget, budget, budget, holler ye readers. And we have been watching the Zostel group of hostels unfolding quietly and colourfully since last year. But before we could tell you more, they came up with an even better idea. One likely to make even more people happy, because some of us desi drama queens still shudder at the thought of bunking in a dormitory!
They have taken their flashpacker dorm chain idea—the first in India, by the way—and upgraded it to Zo Rooms, cheap and cheerful ‘local’ hotels with free wi-fi and breakfast at Rs 999 onwards. By which they mean a multiplicity of locations in each city, neighbourhood hotels and not just one or two city addresses. Which equals a lot of choice, depending on your business convenience and sightseeing interests.
And you can book these in two clicks, like a cab service! Yes, they are making that their USP, these IIT/IIM grads. Their mobile app-based booking engine even detects your location and books the nearest room for you at one touch. At the other end, they are equipping each property with a tablet so you can tap out your review/feedback/complaint and get attention quick and easy. Hopefully this hyperconnectivity means any issues are instantly ironed out? Yes, unlike the Zostel chain, this one is more of an aggregator-type service (think Stayzilla or Oyorooms), gathering together existing businesses—but also standardising services. So the hotels don’t look as characterful as the Zostels, but they do appear clean and hopefully the facilities (promises include hot water and fresh linens, as well as breakfast but not necessarily an eatery) will be reliable too. Certainly we saw no tariffs above Rs 2,000 and indeed plenty under Rs 1,500. Which is a huge big relief when prices seem to keep soaring alongside the mercury! Check them out, or even check in, at www.zorooms.com and www.zostels.com.