Hotel Baradighi the Bungalow, located in the heart of a bustling Jalpaiguri, transformed from a struggling establishment into a beautiful green destination for travelers.
“When the British landed on India’s shores, they knew little of the vast expanse of land they would soon claim and use to produce the Chinese drink they would soon swear by. As it were, the-soon-to-be fantastic discovery of tea would give work to generations, change the landscape of forests in areas like North Bengal forever, and create a titanic industry, and give birth to heritage tea bungalows. The company was originally incorporated as Rydak Tea Syndicate Limited on 24th February 1898 under the Indian Companies Act. It was registered as Rydak Syndicate Limited on 24th of September 1979. Currently, Rydak Syndicate Limited has six tea estates located both in Assam and in West Bengal’s Dooars region. Rydak Syndicate Limited is a member of the Indian Tea Association, National Tea Research Foundation, Tea Research Association and the Tea Board of India.”
This success story showcases how strategic changes in management, marketing, and customer experience can rejuvenate a brand and boost profitability.
The Challenge
When after too much of ups and downs and wait for years, Hotel Baradighi the Bungalow faced numerous challenges:
· Declining occupancy rates due to increased competition.
· Outdated facilities that failed to meet guest expectations.
· Limited online presence and less customer reviews.
Strategic Changes:
1. Facility Renovation: The first step was a complete renovation of the hotel, including modernized guest rooms, upgraded amenities and a refreshed lobby. The design focused on creating a cozy yet luxurious atmosphere.
2. Enhanced Customer Experience: The hotel staff underwent extensive training in customer service. The focus was on personalized service, ensuring every guest felt valued and well-cared-for.
3. Tool to Manage the Online Distribution: A robust tool of Hotel-Spider was implemented and connected with the property, utilizing and connecting the OTA services from one single place, booking engine connected to the Brand website for direct
booking and better visibility. The hotel revamped its website, showcasing stunning visuals and user-friendly booking features.
4. Community Engagement: Hotel Baradighi the Bungalow started partnering with local and international OTAs, offering guests exclusive deals on dining, tours, and events, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
5. Sustainability Initiatives: To appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, the hotel adopted sustainable practices, including energy-efficient systems, waste reduction programs, and sourcing local products.
Results
Within 1 year of partnership with Hotel-Spider, Hotel Baradighi the Bungalow saw remarkable improvements:
· Occupancy Rates: Increased from 45% to 85%, even surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
· Guest Reviews: Average ratings on platforms like Booking.com, GO-MMT and Google rose from 3.2 to 4.7 stars.
· Revenue Growth: Annual revenue doubled, allowing for further investments in the property and staff.
· Community Recognition: The hotel received multiple awards for customer service and sustainability, cementing its status as a local leader in hospitality.
Conclusion
Hotel Baradighi the Bungalow transformation is a testament to the power of strategic planning and a customer-first approach. By investing in its facilities and staff, enhancing online presence, and engaging with the community, the hotel not only revived its brand but also set new standards in the hospitality industry.
