Why are hotels the centre of the action?
International summits are not just held in conference halls; they effectively take over a city's top luxury hotels. For the BRICS summit, premier hotels across New Delhi are not merely providing accommodation. They are being transformed into secure, high-stakes
diplomatic zones, hosting entire delegations from the 11 member countries and 10 partner nations. These properties, including the ITC Maurya, Taj Palace, and The Leela Palace, become the operational bases for world leaders. Entire floors are often booked for heads of state for security reasons, and large suites are converted into secure communication hubs for official business. Beyond lodging, these hotels are where bilateral meetings occur and where India showcases its renowned hospitality and culinary diplomacy.
How much have room prices increased?
The concentration of demand from VVIPs, their staff, security, and international media has caused a dramatic surge in hotel tariffs. Several of New Delhi's top luxury hotels are completely sold out for the summit dates of September 12-13. For the few rooms that remain available in the premium category, prices have skyrocketed. Stays that might typically cost around ₹18,000 to ₹25,000 a night are being quoted at over ₹2 lakh. For example, rooms at the ITC Maurya were listed for over ₹2.3 lakh per night, while others at The Leela Palace touched ₹2.11 lakh plus taxes. This price surge is a direct result of concentrated, high-stakes demand overwhelming the limited supply of luxury rooms in central Delhi. Industry experts note that average room rates in September are pacing over 25% higher year-on-year, thanks to the summit.
What do the security arrangements look like?
During the summit, designated hotels are placed under a massive, multi-layered security blanket. Around 30,000 security personnel, including Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, are deployed across the city. Each of the 11 primary hotels hosting dignitaries has a dedicated security team, with coordination across multiple national agencies. These hotels become virtual fortresses, with strict access control, anti-drone systems, and enhanced surveillance using over 500 CCTV cameras with facial recognition technology. The security protocols are comparable to those for the G20 Summit, involving months of planning. All venues and convoys are assigned secret code words to maintain operational secrecy, a practice used during past high-security events. The goal is to ensure maximum protection while causing minimal disruption to the public, though significant traffic diversions are unavoidable.
Are regular travellers affected?
Yes, significantly. With luxury hotels in Central Delhi and Aerocity almost entirely booked by delegations, regular business and leisure travellers are feeling the squeeze. This creates a cascading effect across the market. Travellers are forced to look for accommodation in hotels farther away from the city centre, alter their travel dates, or settle for lower-tier hotels. The demand spillover affects more than just luxury properties; upscale and mid-market hotels also see increased bookings and higher rates as they absorb displaced demand. The situation highlights what some industry leaders call an infrastructure gap, where India's number of branded hotel rooms hasn't kept pace with its ambition to host major international events.
What's on the menu for world leaders?
Food is a key part of the diplomatic experience, and hotels are curating special menus to showcase Indian hospitality. The focus is on highlighting Indian cuisine, particularly regional specialities and indigenous ingredients. Chefs are incorporating traditional grains like millets, barley, and jowar into their dishes, aligning with a global push for healthier and more sustainable food options. While showcasing Indian culinary traditions is a priority, hotels also work closely with delegations in advance to accommodate specific preferences and dietary requirements. This culinary effort, sometimes called "food diplomacy," is a crucial part of creating a memorable experience for the visiting dignitaries.
