Timesharing
The benefits of timesharing are known to the travellers worldwide and they invest in bigger chains like Marriott, Hilton, Wyndham etc. However, this concept is relatively newer to Pakistan and therefore it will take some time and effort to tell people about its benefits.
International Hospitality Investment Group (IHIG) is Pakistan’s first vacation ownership company. They are working to bring innovation to Pakistan’s tourism industry by offering amazing offers and deals. In that regard they are partnering with a few bigger companies in Pakistan to offer best experience during your vacation under their brand name Happily.
PIA Offer Details
One such exciting offer is their partnership with Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Pakistan’s flagship airline. Under this offer, PIA is offering FREE two nights stay for you and your family in any of the IHIG’s Hotels in Pakistan if you have recently travelled on PIA’s Business or Executive Economy class ticket whether it’s inbound, outbound or domestic. All you have to do is attend a presentation during your stay at their property.
Currently they have three such properties and they’re expected to increase next season. Right now you can choose from
- Holiday Grand Hotel, Bhurban
- Hotel deManchi, Balakot
- Northern Retreat, Naran
These hotels are 3.5 star standard and offer comfortable accommodation.
There’s a little catch though
According to IHIG, you need to pay $20 per night (around Rs.3,000) for the stay but you also get free buffet breakfast for the family which otherwise costs more than Rs.700 per person.
Terms and Conditions
To avail this offer PIA Business Class/Executive Economy passengers have to book the hotel nights within 15 days of their travel. For example, if you have taken an Executive Economy class ticket from Islamabad to London roundtrip and you came back on 15th October, you have till 30th October to book these nights and stay within 90 days.
Also, you need to attend Vacation Ownership Presentation by their staff at the hotel property but you’re under no obligation to purchase the membership they offer.
They’re not offering this offer to Umrah passengers. So it is not valid for PIA passengers traveling to/from Jeddah and Madinah.
Age limit to use this offer is between 30-65 years.
A passenger may fly alone however, in order to avail this offer, the passenger must check-in with family (husband, wife and maximum 2 children)
One passenger can avail this offer only once in a lifetime even if they travel on PIA’s Business/Executive Economy class multiple times.
How to Book?
PIA Business Class/Executive Economy passengers can book their rooms in
four easy steps:
Step 01: Visit www.happilypia.com and click Book Now.
Step 02: Enter the six characters PNR and Surname.
Step 03: Fill in the booking form and submit.
Step 04: An IHIG representative will contact the passenger in 48 Hours to
confirm the booking.
After online booking, IHIG will call you for confirmation which probably can take few hours to over a day. Once you confirm your booking, your room is reserved.
How to get to these Hotels?
PIA is also offering transportation from Islamabad International Airport to these properties for a surcharge:
- to Bhurban : US $100
- to Balakot : US $130
- to Naran : US $ 160
You can however get there for lot cheaper if you choose a different means of transportation like rental car or Roamer app.
Final Verdict
I have stayed in Holiday Grand Hotel in August this year and had a great experience, so when you’re getting it for free it’s totally worth it.
I have also stayed in Northern Retreat, Naran few weeks ago. This property was under construction therefore many things were not as we expected them to be, however, hopefully by the start of next season (May 2020) it would fully develop into a great property.