Two of our YCS teammates had very different experiences at the recent Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad. One, Yash Karwa— a strategic planner, booked early—paying a premium but securing a prime hotel spot. Meanwhile, Adrita, thinking she could wing it, ended up hotel-hopping like a backpacker, struggling to find a decent room. The difference? Timing and pricing strategy— Let’s dig in.
When Coldplay announced their first-ever concert in Ahmedabad, fans weren’t the only ones singing Viva La Vida. Hoteliers across the city rubbed their hands in glee, anticipating a flood of concert-goers searching for a place to crash after belting out Fix You at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Approximately 1.7 lakh visitors from outside Ahmedabad attended the Coldplay concerts held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on January 25 and 26, 2025.
And oh, what a flood it was! With over 2,23,000 attendees, this event became the band’s biggest show yet, smashing records and sending demand for hotel rooms through the roof.
Table of Content
Some hoteliers hit the jackpot, while others? Well, they left money on the table. Here’s how–
The Sky-Full-of-Stars Surge: Who Got It Right?
The biggest mistake a hotelier could make during an event of this scale was keeping their room rates static. The smart ones knew better. Months before the concert, they saw the demand building and started adjusting their prices accordingly. As the event dates neared, hotel rates skyrocketed. Some five-star properties charged up to ₹70,800 per night, a jaw-dropping leap from their usual ₹10,000-₹12,000.
Yes, you read that right! Even mid-range hotels significantly increased their rates, making three to four times their usual revenue in just a few nights. These hoteliers anticipated demand, implemented dynamic pricing, and kept a close watch on competitor pricing. As a result, they ensured full occupancy at premium rates, making record-breaking profits.
Here’s an ultimate guide on hotel dynamic pricing strategies
The Hotelier’s Blunder: Who Missed the Mark?
While some hotels rode the demand wave to massive profits, others completely missed the boat. Some hoteliers hesitated, unsure about increasing their prices, while others failed to react in time.
Instead of gradually raising rates, they kept their prices unchanged, assuming rooms would sell out regardless. By the time they realized their mistake, it was too late. The high-paying guests had already booked elsewhere, leaving them with empty rooms or, worse, last-minute panic discounts that barely covered operational costs.
These hotels didn’t just lose out on potential revenue; they also struggled to compete with properties that had embraced a data-driven approach.
The irony was painful— while some hotels made enough to cover months of expenses in just a few days, others barely saw a spike in earnings. The difference wasn’t luck; it was the lack of a well-planned revenue management strategy.
Enter AI-Powered Revenue Management: eZee Mint AI
So, what separated the hotels that raked in massive profits from those that barely broke even? The answer was simple: A smart revenue management system.
Gone are the days when pricing was just a guessing game. Today, AI-powered tools like eZee Mint AI allow hoteliers to analyze demand trends in real-time, dynamically update room rates, and monitor competitor pricing—all within seconds.
Hotels that leveraged AI-powered revenue management were able to adjust their pricing strategically. Instead of relying on intuition or last-minute adjustments, they let data do the work. Every room was priced optimally, ensuring maximum profitability while maintaining high occupancy. Those who embraced technology didn’t just make more money; they made pricing effortless, turning market demand into a well-orchestrated revenue boost.
Final Encore: Lesson Learned?
The Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad was a perfect case study in revenue management. Some hotels adapted, strategized, and made a fortune, while others hesitated, stuck to outdated pricing methods, and missed out. The good news? There’s still time to get it right. With Ed Sheeran’s India tour just announced, another wave of eager travelers is coming. The demand for hotel rooms will surge again— will you seize the opportunity this time?
Stay tuned for our next blog, where we dive deeper into dynamic pricing strategies and how you can make the most of high-demand events like that of Ed Sheeran’s The Mathematical Tour!
