A standalone property has the benefit of ‘flexibility’ wherein decision making can be immediate in a changing scenario. Therefore, it can take a stand on the kind of rate it wants to offer guests, unlike chain hotels which have long procedures of getting approvals. This seems to be a big advantage of business travelers who look for flexibility in terms of tariffs, meeting spaces and services at the hotels.

When we talk about stand-alone properties, location is regarded as one of the most prime consideration factors. There are two kinds of work travelers; one which is more of a transit traveler, who does not spend much time on a destination and is more of an in-out traveler. Such individuals look for stand-alone properties closer to airports and railways. These travelers prefer to spend less time traveling, and hence base themselves out of a property close to the airports/railways where they catch up on their meetings and move out of the city. On the other hand are the travelers who travel and stay in cities for a longer period and hence they prefer properties that are more centrally located preferably in the Central Business District (CBD), Secondary Business District proximity or parts of SEZs and Industrial Parks, where they can utilize the business facilities and finds themselves close to all services they may need during their stay.

Keeping in mind the popularity of stand-alone properties for business travelers, it is important to incorporate certain design considerations when raising a stand-alone property.

For business travelers, it is more about the experience. As such travelers travel extensively they look for properties that are welcoming and warm which makes them feel more relaxed. Hence a lot of stand-alone properties invest in building interiors that impart soothing ambiance in their guest areas as well as guest rooms. The colors of walls, artifacts and the choice of lighting impact how the traveler perceives the experience. A very bold color interior with lavish furniture in rooms can be a hindrance to the experience of the traveler but at the same time, warm pastel colors with contemporary design furniture will remove complexities that a work traveler can perceive. Alongside, it is also about the multiple interaction spaces that the property offers, which can be a factor for business travelers. Choice of meeting their peers at a café, over dinner, having a conversation over drinks in a lounge, probably meeting in a formal boardroom environment or meeting casually in a lobby – can provide various options to the individual where they can find a suitable setting in relation to the type of meeting environment they seek.

Also, in terms of stays – the stand-alone properties can be mid to large infrastructure properties that boast to 200+ room capacity across a well-defined hierarchy. Where a basic room can look after the basic needs of an individual, suites and premium category rooms can satisfy their customers’ needs in terms of luxury, an abundance of space to move around, a desk for work long side views of the city, etc. A well-defined hierarchy of rooms will help in catering to all sections of business travelers ranging from corporate to small-medium organizations. Added amenities within the campus will always be an attraction to work travelers as it gives them the opportunity to relax from a long journey or a day of hard work. At this stage, health and fitness centers, spa and wellness centers, beauty and personal grooming services will give individuals the time to look after themselves within a long and hectic working day.

Beach home is an example which talks about the infrastructures, The development is planned around a luxury hotel which caters to a large number of serviced apartment suites. The hotel is accommodated within a single tower with another two towers of high-end luxury apartments.

The three towers are all linked at the base with largely dedicated lobbies to each tower. The developments include a large list of amenities including restaurants, cafes, shops, spa, rooftop bar, and separate banquet hall wing.

Design Forum International is a young-old organization with almost 25 years of experience that has quickly set the right foot to be one of the best architecture firms in India. The firm is a vibrant mix of young and experienced professionals bounded by a common thread: the passion to design. An active contributor to the Nation Building drive and the Indian infrastructural boom, DFI holds vast industry experience in both national and international projects with millions of square feet of construction in a varied range of typology like Affordable Housing, Master planning, Mixed-usea & Retail, Institutional as well as Healthcare. Some of DFI’s notable projects include the famous Select Citywalk mall, and the recently inaugurated New Courts Block of Delhi High Court., the ITO Skywalk, Delhi and the Dakshineshwar Skywalk in Kolkata. The Guwahati International Airport in Assam, designed by DFI is also under completion and is scheduled for completion in 2021.