A social media user has pointed out the steep rise in hotel prices, which he says is related to the ongoing AI summit at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital. A user who goes by the name Rattan Dhillon on X said he had planned to travel to Delhi for health reasons but reconsidered after checking accommodation prices.
In a post that has since gone viral, he claimed that the price of a room at The Leela Palace in New Delhi was more than ₹2.2 million per night. He further claimed that even state-owned hotels charge close ₹80,000 per night without meals. He also questioned why events of this magnitude are not organized in states like Rajasthan, which he said have more space and stronger infrastructure to manage them.
Social media divided
As the post gained traction, several users offered their opinions and suggestions. Some have advised travelers to avoid central and south Delhi, pointing out that business hotels and four-star properties in Gurugram and other parts of the NCR are relatively more affordable than those in the capital’s premium zones.
Others defended Delhi as the most practical location for an event of this magnitude. They cited its extensive international flight connectivity, robust security arrangements and access to major convention facilities across the NCR. According to them, it is not a lack of infrastructure, but rather a sharp increase in prices that hotels accept at a time when demand is at its peak – especially during visits by foreign delegations.
Internet flag logistics concerns
Several users attending the summit also expressed concerns about long lines, restricted movement at the venue and what they perceived as a disconnect between the event’s ambitious vision and its execution on the ground. Some questioned whether the summit truly reflected the future of AI, arguing that beyond branding and promotional displays, there was little visible integration of AI into the public experience.
AI Impact Summit 2026 aims to bring together the world’s leading technology firms, start-ups, academic institutions, research bodies, union ministries, state governments and international partners on a single platform.
It will also feature 13 country pavilions showcasing global collaboration within the AI ecosystem. Participating countries and regions include Australia, Japan, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Serbia, Estonia, Tajikistan and Africa.
This report is based on user generated content from social media. Livemint has not independently verified and does not endorse these claims.