Patna hotels run full amid election rush; Room shortage exposes Bihar's hospitality gap

As election activity peaks in Bihar’s capital, hotel rooms in Patna are nearly impossible to find, with top properties running at full capacity, The Times of India reported.

Hotel Maurya has been entirely booked by political parties, with its conference hall serving as a hub for campaign meetings and television coverage. Attempts to reserve rooms at Chanakya Hotel return a “sold out” message, while tariffs for rooms at the recently opened Taj (IHCL) have surged to ₹18,000–₹20,000 per night, according to travel booking platforms.

IHCL has also introduced a budget hotel in the city to meet demand, as per a report by TOI's Sidhartha.

“Rooms are booked by the parties for politicians even if they have to be left empty. They know how tough it is to find a room here if the need arises,” an executive at Hotel Maurya told TOI. The property has about 80 rooms.

Despite the rising influx of business and political visitors, Patna’s hotel capacity has not kept pace with demand. Both Maurya and Chanakya have been operational for over four decades, while the Bihar government-run hotel is currently under renovation.

TOI noted that the 1990s and early 2000s saw limited addition to hotel capacity due to the state’s law-and-order challenges. Later, the liquor prohibition policy led to several hospitality projects being shelved. The ban on alcohol has also pushed many visitors to opt for day trips instead of overnight stays, while weddings and conferences have shifted outside the state.

The shortage of quality hotels extends to other major cities in Bihar, underscoring the state’s hospitality gap compared to other regions. With Bihar’s economy expanding and investment prospects rising, TOI reported that a few international chains are exploring entry into the state. However, much of that interest could hinge on the outcome of the upcoming polls.

(With inputs from TOI)