In Kerala, only hostel for women, by women

The state-run Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) on Wednesday commenced work on Hostess, promoted as India’s first public sector hotel run entirely by women for women, in Thiruvananthapuram.

The KTDC flagship project is expected to be operational within six months at the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation bus terminal complex in the city. Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran, who launched work on the project, called its a “milestone initiative” considering its purpose, security features and facilities of global standards offered at affordable rates. M Vijayakumar, Chairman, KTDC, said the all-women hotel was a first-of-its-kind initiative from a government institution in the country.

The hotel will be run by women staff at all levels, an official statement said. Hostess will have 22 A/C rooms and two A/C dormitories that can host 28 guests at a time. The rooms will be charged Rs 1,500 and the dormitory facility Rs 500, for four hours. Added security features will be provided for woman travelers at the hostel which is also located near the central railway station.

The hotel will offer state-of-the-art facilities that include automated security features apart from a laundry service, complimentary breakfast and a fitness centre. Rahul R, Managing Director of KTDC, said the target clientele included businesswomen, researchers, sportspersons and pilgrim groups who arrive in the city for short stay.