Fortress Mentality: Security Above All
For the duration of the BRICS summit, premier hotels in Delhi cease to be just luxury stays; they become high-security diplomatic enclaves. Elaborate security plans, often comparable to those for the G20 Summit, are put into action. This involves creating
multi-layered security grids around key hotels like the ITC Maurya, Taj Palace, and The Oberoi, which are designated to host heads of state. We're talking about a massive deployment of around 15,000 police personnel, 200 companies of paramilitary forces, NSG commandos, and anti-drone systems. Entire floors are booked for a single delegation, with the dignitary often placed on a lower floor and their staff on the one above for security. Even the hotel staff undergo rigorous verification. This level of security means that facilities like gyms, spas, and even some restaurants may become off-limits to other guests.
The Key Hotels and Their VVIP Guests
The allocation of hotels is a carefully planned exercise. For the upcoming summit, it is expected that Russian President Vladimir Putin will stay at his preferred ITC Maurya, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will be at the Taj Palace. Other key properties like The Leela Palace, The Oberoi, Taj Mahal Hotel, and The LaLiT are also part of this exclusive list, hosting delegations from countries like Brazil, South Africa, the UAE, and Indonesia. More than 3,000 rooms across the city have been reserved just for delegates and officials. Hotels go to great lengths to welcome their guests, with preparations including everything from personalised keychains and curated culinary experiences to showcasing Indian culture through art and decor.
No Room at the Inn: Sold Out Signs and Soaring Prices
The most immediate effect for the public is a severe crunch in room availability and a dramatic surge in prices. Many of Delhi's top luxury hotels show no availability for the summit dates. Where rooms are available, the rates have skyrocketed, with some properties quoting over ₹2 lakh per night. One report mentioned a starting tariff of over ₹2.3 lakh at the ITC Maurya for the summit period. This isn't just limited to the ultra-luxury segment. Data shows that rates at four-star properties have also risen significantly. The surge is driven by demand from official delegations, international media, and business travellers connected to the event. This intense demand exposes a broader issue: Delhi's relative shortage of branded hotel rooms compared to other major international cities.
The Ripple Effect on Regular Travellers and the City
The summit's impact extends far beyond the walls of five-star hotels. Regular tourists and business travellers with plans to visit Delhi are forced to make tough choices: pay a huge premium, find accommodation in farther-flung areas of the NCR like Gurugram and Noida, change their travel dates, or settle for lower-category hotels. The demand spillover benefits hotels across the entire National Capital Region. Beyond accommodation, the city sees heightened security on the roads, with special traffic arrangements to ensure seamless movement for VVIP convoys. While this can cause disruption for residents, the economic upside is significant. The influx of high-spending visitors boosts business for restaurants, taxi services, event companies, and local retailers, creating a positive economic ripple effect throughout the city.
