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India’s hospitality scene is changing, with brands like minimalist hotels emerging to cater to travelers looking for a place that balances quality and experience. Luxury amenities may not be a priority, but you’re willing to splurge on specialty coffee and other luxury items.
Peden Doma Bhutia
For Gautam Munjal, founder of Minimalist Hotels, minimalism is more than just a buzzword. The idea is to provide a no-frills, high-quality experience that appeals to increasingly environmentally conscious travelers. Check out Munjal’s conversation with Asia Editor Peden Doma Bhutia in the latest episode of Skift India Travel Podcast. Munjal talks about integrating hybrid spaces that cater to both work and leisure needs, while capitalizing on the growing demand for flexibility among urban youth. Traveler. We also believe that food and beverage is an important part of the guest experience and have introduced unique concepts such as craft cocktail bars and cozy cafes.
Important points
Minimalism as a core philosophy: Minimalist hotels focus on using clean lines, neutral palettes, and functional furniture to create quiet, uncluttered spaces that promote a sense of calm and simplicity. We adopt a design philosophy that focuses on
Strategic location choice: Varanasi emerged as an important location for the brand due to its consistent appeal to international travelers and lack of unique accommodation options, making it a natural fit for the brand’s base.
Redefining affordable luxury: Munjal describes their approach as “lo-fi luxury,” offering authenticity and value through elements such as specialty coffee and community spaces, and seeking quality rather than traditional luxury. Appeal to Indian travelers.
Sustainability challenges: While sustainability becomes a priority, the industry faces challenges in implementing meaningful practices. He is calling on online travel agencies to step up their sustainability ratings, recognizing that consumer preferences are gradually shifting towards environmentally friendly options.
Community-driven hospitality: Minimalist hotels create a community atmosphere by blending coworking and leisure spaces, allowing a diverse range of guests, from business travelers to startup founders, to mingle and connect. All done within a design-driven environment.
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Episode summary
In this episode of Skift India Travel Podcast, Gautam Munjal, CEO of Minimalist Hotels, details the brand’s design philosophy and the idea of minimalism in the hospitality space. The discussion will explore how brands interpret minimalism not just as a trend, but as a core design and lifestyle ethos that emphasizes quiet, uncluttered spaces and thoughtful details. The conversation moves from aesthetic choices in room design to the brand’s commitment to providing immersive social experiences, including anytime breakfast, local tours, and community events at its properties.
Munjal shares insights on the brand’s journey from its first hotel in Delhi to establishing a presence in places like Goa, Shimla and Varanasi. He explains why Varanasi’s constant influx of international tourists, a non-traditional option, has become a strategic location for the brand. Additionally, he discusses the evolving definition of “affordable luxury” and defines minimalist hotels as a brand that blends authentic, understated design with high-quality, niche experiences such as specialty coffee and co-working spaces. It is positioned.
Sustainability and green travel are also key themes. Munjal acknowledges that while the hospitality industry has a long way to go to implement truly sustainable practices, there is growing demand from certain consumer groups. While highlighting the importance of measures such as plastic reduction and energy-efficient systems, he also noted the challenges in broadly adapting these practices to the Indian market.
The conversation ended by highlighting the brand’s focus on community-driven hospitality that allows different types of travelers to coexist in the same space, whether they’re budget-conscious or looking for a premium experience. Masu. This “hybrid hospitality” approach aims to build authentic connections and provide a welcoming atmosphere for diverse guests.
