Roots Corporation Limited, a subsidiary of Indian Hotels Company Limited has announced the launch of its – GenNext Smart Basics – Ginger Hotel in Surat. The 98 – room hotel was inaugurated by Mr. U Dasgupta, Executive Vice President, Larsen Toubro Limited, Mr. Yogi Sriram, Executive Vice President, Larsen Toubro Limited Mr. V. N. Desai, Vice President, Larsen Toubro Limited in the presence of Mr. Prabhat Pani, Chief Executive Officer Director, Roots Corporation Limited and other dignitaries. Ginger will be the first branded budget hotel to enter Surat – the diamond capital of the world.

Speaking on the occassion, Mr Prabhat Pani, Chief Executive Officer Director, Roots Corporation Limited, said, “We are delighted to extend Ginger’s hospitality to Surat – the diamond hub of India. Ginger’s foray in Surat is testament to the immense growth potential for the hospitality sector and budget hotel segment in particular in the city. We are happy that Ginger is finding ready acceptance across the country, especially in Gujarat.

We are certain to meet our target of opening 30 hotels by December 2010.”Surat is one of India’s important industrial hubs with flourishing sectors like gems jewellery, textile manufacturing and chemicals industries. Surat accounts for 70% of India’s total rough diamond cutting and polishing and 40% of the total diamond exports. Recently, the city has attracted substantial investments in diverse sectors with the nearby Hazira Port and SEZ becoming focal points for growth. The strategic presence in Surat will enable Ginger to cater to the growing business travellers in the region and a significant number of leisure visitors to the city.Ginger is Surat’s first branded budget hotel and the third Ginger Hotel in Gujarat.

The company plans to increase its presence in the state by opening Ginger Hotels in cities like Rajkot, Jamnagar, Bharuch, Bhavnagar and Vapi in the coming years.The Ginger Hotel at Surat is located off Dumas Road, near the popular Iskon mall.

The hotel has individually air-conditioned rooms equipped with electronic locks, a work area, a 20-inch LCD television with satellite channels, direct-dial telephone including STD facility, mini-fridge, tea/coffee maker and posture-pedic mattresses. Other guest facilities at the hotel include a meeting and conference room with a capacity of approximately 50 people, net zone, gymnasium, vending machines, digital safe deposit boxes, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity in the public areas and individual rooms.

Ginger has also introduced limited ‘room service’ where guests can enjoy a select range of snacks in their rooms. The Ginger Hotel at Surat will offer an introductory price for a limited period of Rs. 1699 plus taxes for a single room.Ginger has tied up with Khaaja Chowk, which celebrates Indian street cuisine, to offer wholesome meals at its multi-cuisine restaurant The Square Meal. Guests at Ginger Hotel, Surat can enjoy extended lunch hours at Khaaja Chowk at the Square Meal over the varied flavours of food from the Indian streets. This clearly highlights the focus of Ginger Hotels towards its FB initiatives across the country.