Udman Hotels expanding beyond Delhi-NCR, 50 upscale properties in the pipeline, ET TravelWorld

In a strategic move to enhance its presence in more Indian cities, Udman Hotels, the hospitality arm of Ferns & Petals (FNP), has unveiled a new property in Haridwar and further plans to open hotels in Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa. In conversation with ETTravelWorld, Dhruv Sharma, Vice-president – Weddings and events at Ferns N Petals, shares insights into Udman Hotels’ expansion plans and the unique aspects that set them apart.

With five operational hotels and a recent addition in Haridwar, Udman Hotels sets a new benchmark in the hospitality industry in the Haridwar & Rishikesh region. Offering 46 spacious rooms across four categories, superior dining at ‘The U Kitchen,’ and versatile event spaces, Udman Hotels promises an enchanting stay for every discerning traveller.

Udman Haridwar by Ferns N Petals is a boutique luxury property situated in Haridwar. It is just a 10-minute walk from the Ganges and the holy ghat, Har Ki Pauri. It is an ideal hotel for any traveller, whether they are on a pilgrimage, corporate trip, or family vacation. With a professional staff, good facilities, great comfort, and the ability to remain cost-effective while raising the bar higher for the hospitality industry, Udman offers it all. To put it simply, the Udman Hotel near the Ganges offers a blissful getaway from the monotony of the usual stay.

Catering Beyond Borders
Addressing the diversified ventures of Udman Hotels, Sharma highlights their in-house catering services, “The U Kitchen: managed by a team of top chefs. He emphasises Udman’s commitment to extending catering services within their own properties and external events. This move aligns with Udman’s goal to cater individually to a diverse clientele, offering a seamless and comprehensive solution for various occasions.

Expansion plans
Sharma further sheds light on Udman Hotels’ remarkable growth, unveiling seven operational properties with six more in the pipeline. The latest addition, located by the river, stands out as one of their most beautiful properties. While setting their sights on covering all of India, Sharma reveals the initial focus on North India, particularly Delhi and Haryana.

The Vice-President at FNP affirms Udman’s commitment to establishing a diverse portfolio, targeting not only wedding hotels but also smaller properties for corporate and leisure travellers. “The vision includes providing a one-stop solution for everyone, catering to a broad spectrum of travellers,” he said.

Personalised experience for guests
Discussing Udman’s approach to hospitality, Sharma underlines their commitment to delivering personalised services that go beyond standard operating procedures (SOPs). He emphasizes going the extra mile to make guests feel special, offering a tailor-made experience for each individual. The company’s success story, according to him, revolves around this dedication to personalised service.

“From opening a single flower shop in 1994 to owning a Unicorn that has occupied space in wedding venues, online gifting, media, funeral services and much more, Ferns N Petals now wants to offer the luxury of staying with them. As FNP is expanding Udman beyond the Delhi NCR, we will seek larger inventory properties. Presently focusing on Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa, the company envisions adding ten hotels annually in the next five years,” he mentioned.

When asked about challenges, Sharma points out the acute shortage of skilled manpower in the industry. “The post-Covid scenario witnessed significant job losses, and attracting skilled professionals back to the hospitality sector remains a formidable challenge.” He stresses the importance of investing in training and development to address this issue.

In conclusion, Sharma shared Udman’s vision of becoming a prominent player in the global hospitality industry. While recognizing the industry’s growth potential, he reaffirms Udman’s focus on quality and personalised service as the key drivers of their success.