Despite some price rises, partying for the New Year in Bangalore is still affordable.

Maybe it’s a sign of the economy, maybe it’s increased competition, but hotels around Bangalore told Explocity that their New Year’s party rates are down this year.

It may not be exactly what business would hope for in of their highest paydays, but revellers should be pleased.

The rates for New Years parties across town range from Rs 7,500 to Rs 20,000 depending on the venue and the location.

Although one newspaper said the prices have come down since last year, Praful Narchal, Director of Sales at the Vivanta by Taj, MG Road refutes. “Our prices are a little higher than last year. And we have been getting a good response. People are exploring more options to party outside on New Year’s. They would prefer to stay in ah hotel after a night of drinking. This way they can check out late after enjoying a brunch at the hotel,” he said. “We are already 80% booked, by New Year, we will be completely booked,” he continued.

Pinky Padmaraj, Communications Manager of The Oberoi echoed this sentiment. “We have a package of Rs 20,000 for a couple which includes room stay and dining. We have in fact priced it Rs 5000 higher than last year. Even for Christmas we priced it higher and we were completely sold out,” she said.

“We didn’t feel the need to lower our rates because due to the inflation, we have to take into consideration the overhead costs. Of course, there is value for money because everything from the ingredients to the spirits are premium brands. Fortunately, we have not seen a fall in customers. We are almost booked,” she added.

Matuli Swain, Assistant Marketing Communication Manager at Hyatt told us, “New Year stay package rates are priced at Rs 10,000. This includes stay and entry to the New Year party.”

While the addition of so many four-star hotels have created a competitive environment, the good things is that revellers no longer need to brave the centre of the city to go to a party. Many of these hotels are conveniently located in residential and formerly industrial neighbourhoods and there are excellent upscale hotels in and around areas such as JP Nagar, Whitefield, Yashwantpur and Kanakapura to name a few, and therefore for many upscale Bangaloreans, going out does not mean going far away.

Even with the prices ranging from Rs 7000 per couple, and almost every venue sporting a DJ from another city, Bangalore’s hotel parties are much cheaper than those in other metros such as Mumbai or Delhi. Often, the price difference is as much as 40%. The ITC Windsor charges upwards of Rs 10,000 per couple but that includes free overnight stay.

In addition, these hotels have priced their New Year package rates attractively. The Leela’s New Year rooms are about Rs 3000 cheaper than what they normally offer. At the Fairfield Marriott Hotel, people can book a room overnight for only Rs 7500.

That and goodies such as complimentary breakfast and limo services make for affordable, luxurious and importantly safe New Year’s eve party.