Alila’s local hotel in town: Café Sümto
Introducing Alila, a 56-year-old mother of three children who hails from Longkhum village and owns and operates a small hotel in Mokokchung Town named Café Sümto (Sümto, which translates to Rest House). Her hotel is situated on Daily Bazar Road in Dilong ward, Mokokchung.
She stated that she has been running her hotel, Sümto, for 35 years and that it was her husband’s dream to establish a hotel. She went on to remark that despite their lack of involvement in government services, God’s love and grace are the reasons the hotel continues to function well and maintain its stability. Ali also noted that she opens her hotel at 6:30 am and shuts it by 5:00 pm.
In a conversation with Mokokchung Times, Ali stated that she charges Rs. 250 for a full plate of rice and Rs. 150 for a half plate. She further said that she pays a monthly hotel rent of Rs. 4,000.
When asked about the busiest times at the hotel, she replied, “We get busy providing meals frequently between the hours of 11 am to 12 noon, and in the evening between the hours of 2 pm to 3 pm.” She also mentioned that she has three female employees that assist her in managing the business.
Ali was forthright about her hotel venture, including the fact that she initially lacked the funds to open the hotel. She revealed that she had a story arc of fortunate dreams that eventually prompted her to begin the process of launching a hotel. She went on to say that her courageous husband had abruptly declared, ‘We ought to open a hotel,’ and that was how they had established the Sümto hotel with Rs. 2000 in the year 1987, she mentioned.
According to Ali, all hotel furniture purchases were recovered in two to three years. She goes on to explain that because the budget was divided and there was a daily payment, they were able to settle all of the debt and establish a hotel that is currently profitable.
When asked how she manages and operates her hotel, she pointed out that she did all the teaching. She continued by stating that her management had improved day by day.
Ali also said that the owner should be informed of the work in order to avoid failure, and thereafter, she came to the conclusion that the hotel is still prospering and has loyal patrons.
Jamir Rice Hotel: Chubala’s modest neighbourhood hotel in town
A 57-year-old woman Chubala, a mother of three children, owns and operates a hotel called Jamir Rice Hotel, which is located in Dilong ward, opposite MMC Complex, Daily Bazaar, Mokokchung. Without showing any signs of weariness, Chuba, who is from the village of Sungratsu, opens her hotel every morning at 6:00 am.
She disclosed to Mokokchung Times that her rice hotel was established in 2011. She made a point of stating that the establishment of a hotel was premeditated and not a mere happenstance. She goes on to say that she made the decision to open a hotel three years prior and that, after accounting for all of her resources, the hotel’s starting capital was Rs. 50,000. She also noted that, because she had planned ahead of time, she did not face any immediate financial issues when she launched her hotel.
Chuba proceeded by stating that a full plate of rice costs Rs. 250 and that, in contrast to other hotels and eateries, her hotel exclusively serves ‘Rice and Puri’. “For a half-plate of rice, I usually charge Rs.180, but for daily customers, I offer them an average price of Rs.150,” she said.
When inquired about customer feedback, she responded that guests come to appreciate the hotel’s specialty. She further disclosed that her hotel rent costs Rs. 2,800, excluding the electricity bill.
When asked if she could afford her hotel rent on her income, she responded, “I could not be able to earn more like others, but I can still manage to pay off my hotel cost with my hotel earnings.” She also added that she is able to sell all 5 kg of cooked rice at her small hotel during the peak season, especially in November and December.
When asked about the order cap, she replied, “I would fulfil the booking as long as the consumer let me know beforehand.” She continued, “I don’t hold or maintain any limitation to ordering ‘Rice and Puri’.” She emphasized that scheduling had to be determined in advance so that she could start making the food on time and finish it promptly.
Chuba also said that she has a single female assistant who helps her with every facet of her hotel business. She added that she usually closes her hotel at around 4:00 p.m.
