Hotel Industry thread

[ashwinmandloi]

Indian American hoteliers looking at big investments in India

Hoteliers of Indian origin, who independently own over 8000 properties in America valued at around $54 billion, are now keen on investing in various sectors in India including hospitality, healthcare and education. "Hospitality is where our members see the biggest value when making investments in India. For us, it will be very easy to replicate the business model that we have followed successfully in America for so many years. There is a huge requirement of rooms in India and the budget hotel model that we are looking at is different from the ones already there in India. For us budget properties means quality hotels which are safe, secure and clean and the opportunity in India, specially smaller cities, is huge," Alkesh Patel, chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) of America, told ET at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas event in Kochi.

Patel is president of the family-owned Trupadi Inc in Washington state, which manages branded and boutique properties and strip malls. "This is a very good time for Indian origin hoteliers in America to diversify their portfolio and enter the Indian market. In fact, it's also a good time for business persons in India to tap opportunities in the US in the hospitality sector for a good return on investment through partnerships with us," Mr Patel added.

Indian American hoteliers are looking at entering the Indian hospitality market through five-star management deals, new builds and conversions of old properties, both in smaller cities and metros. "Some of our members, such as the Lords Hotels group, have already made significant investments in India over the last couple of years. We are looking at more investments running into millions of dollars in the coming months. We run thousands of properties in America and have also been promoting the larger theme of tourism in India at our hotels to our guests in America," Mr Patel said. While many of the AAHOA members, who have their roots in Gujarat, have already started ventures in their home state, they are looking at investment opportunities all across India.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/...w/17934397.cms

[ashwinmandloi]

StayWell Signs Three New Hotels in India

StayWell Hospitality Group has signed three new hotels in India.

A 94-room resort-style hotel located north of the main city of in Goa will be the first Park Regis branded property to open in India. Due to open in late 2013 Park Regis Goa’s facilities will include several restaurants, banquet and conference facilities, business centre, spa and health club and all rooms with private balconies overlooking the hotel swimming pool and many rooms offering a private plunge pool.

Located in Thane on the outskirts of Mumbai, a 122-room hotel will be branded as a Leisure Inn property and is expected to open in mid 2013.
Leisure Inn Thane will offer facilities including banquet and conference facilities, as well as an all-day dining coffee shop and bar, al fresco restaurant and rooftop bar to be launched soon after opening.

Expected to open mid 2013 is a 52-room hotel which will be branded as Leisure Inn Grand Chanakya. Located in the centre of Jaipur on M.I. Road, the property will offer extensive facilities including a rooftop bar and grill, all- day-dining restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, banquet and conference facilities.

Mr Simon Wan, CEO of StayWell, said, “We have other deals in India nearing completion, including the high probability of further properties in Chandigarh, Indore and Pune. We maintain that we will strive to increase our portfolio in India to a total of 25 hotels by the end of 2014 and 50 hotels by 2016.”

Mr Rohit Vig, Managing Director for India, adds that StayWell’s strategic plan is targeting an area of the Indian market with the biggest growth opportunities. “Ultimately, we are targeting middle segment domestic travellers in India. With a rapidly growing middle class with disposable income the market is huge. We are actively targeting tier I and II cities as well as looking at tier III cities. Of the 50 hotels we plan to launch in India, 60% will be branded under our 4-star Park Regis brand whilst the other 40% will be branded under our economy brand, Leisure Inn,” he said.

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13/101-StayWell.shtml

[ashwinmandloi]

Swissotel Goa – A New Holiday Destination For Swissotel Hotels & Resorts In India



With the opening of a resort hotel in the popular Indian coastal state of Goa, Swissotel Hotels & Resorts will complement its global portfolio with an additional deluxe hotel. First guests are anticipated to be welcomed in the first quarter 2013.

The Swissotel Goa is located in the town of Calangute which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Goa, only 16 kms from the capital city Panaji and within an hour’s drive from Goa’s international airport. The 135 guestrooms and suites are designed and proportioned among eight three level buildings, which are set within a tropical garden featuring idyllic lily ponds and a courtyard pool area. Rooms vary in size between 31 m and 72 m, depending on category, and feature modern design elements. An all-day dining restaurant, pool bar, cafe, fitness centre, adult and children’s pools, children’s club, as well as conference and banquet facilities will delight even the most discerning guests. The hotel will also have an exclusive beach club for its guests on Calangute beach. Designed by Malaysian Architects Chong Chee Ching and Greg Dall, the elements in the lobby and throughout the resort are accented by numerous works by the Indian artist Krishna Mehta are distributed throughout the resort which present modern and colourful design highlights. The most important night-life happenings and restaurants of North Goa are only a few minutes’ walk from Swissotel Goa.

Goa is a former Portuguese administrated region and is India’s smallest state with a population of approximately 1.5 million. This year-round vacation destination with its famous cuisine and Portuguese influence provides inspiration with its endless beaches which have delighted tourists from around the world for many years. Goa is a one hour flight away from Mumbai and Bangalore and two hours from Delhi. “With the Swissotel Goa, we are complementing our growing Indian hotel portfolio with an attractive holiday resort. With the already-opened Swissotel Kolkata and the three Swissotels under development in Mumbai, Noida and Bangalore, our portfolio on the Indian Subcontinent is growing continuously,” says Meinhard Huck, President of Swissotel Hotels & Resorts. “We are pleased to cooperate in this project with Convention Hotels India Pvt. Ltd. and look forward to welcoming our first guests in Swissotel Goa.”

”We are delighted to get this hotel underway as it marks the beginning of a long and close relationship that we wish to share with Swissotel Hotels & Resorts,” said Priyakant Amin, Director of CHI - Convention Hotels India Pvt. Ltd. “We selected Swissotel Hotels & Resorts to manage this prestigious property due to its reputation for delivering a contemporary luxury hospitality experience. We continue to develop our hospitality portfolio to create best-in-class properties with right partners by our side.”

http://www.etravelblackboardasia.com...sorts-in-india

[ashwinmandloi]

PURE Rooms' Launch in India is Embraced by Hotels Seeking to Enhance the Guest's Experience

he patented PURE Room program has made its official launch in India through an exciting promotional event hosted by the American Center in Delhi. At this event leading organizations in the hospitality, medical, real estate, and fitness industries were invited to attend.

The award winning, market tested, patented PURE Room program has made its official launch in India through an exciting promotional event hosted by the American Center in Delhi. At this event leading organizations in the hospitality, medical, real estate, and fitness industries were invited to attend and share the reasons why PURE had been selected as the newest amenity for their discerning customers.

Abinash Manghani, ITC Maurya's Director of Marketing and Sales, shared the below quote on behalf of ITC's Chief Operating Officer Mr. Haksar, "It has been ITC Hotels endeavor to consistently provide superior value and service to our guests. PURE Rooms are another step in this direction and we are very proud that for the first time ever in India, this concept has been initiated at the ITC Maurya, in New Delhi. PURE Rooms have been designed to create an atmosphere of enhanced air quality which allows guests to rest comfortably, sleep better and awake refreshed. From the award winning restaurants to diversified accommodation catering to Heads of State, including the first Grand Presidential Floor, Eva Rooms and now PURE Rooms, ITC Hotels has pioneered several world class initiatives."

Following ITC Hotels lead in India the InterContinental Mumbai Marine Drive became the first hotel to introduce PURE Rooms in the financial capital of India, Mumbai. Romil Ratra, the InterContinental's General Manager, shared that "The minute I was exposed to the concept of PURE Allergy Friendly Rooms I knew that it belonged in my hotel, for my guests to further be pampered during their stay with us."

Meluha The Fern, located in Mumbai, is the world's first Ecotel hotel to feature PURE Rooms as a new room category for its guests. "The PURE Room concept compliments perfectly our strong belief that luxury, ambiance, and 5 star amenities need not to compromise the environment," Garfield Soares, Head of Sales, mentioned at the event.

Vittal Rao, a renowned Indian hotel designer exclaimed, "PURE Rooms are great not only for paying guests, but also for the employees at hotels because the thorough air and surface purification process reduces the bacteria, fungi, and mold, in turn increasing productivity and reducing absenteeism from work due to ill health. I will definitely be including the PURE Process in my future hotel and corporate projects."

The award-winning and patented PURE Room program is a comprehensive indoor environment solution that thoroughly cleans, sanitizes and seals all surfaces in a room, while filtering all the air with medical grade air cleaners produced by HealthWay. Thorough before and after studies have been conducted on PURE Rooms, and after being treated with the patented PURE program, rooms have been shown to have 90 percent less airborne allergens and particles. PURE is committed to the effectiveness of their program. Each room is updated every six months and monitored to insure that it meets strict allergy guidelines for healthy spaces, with a re-certification process every 2 years.

PURE Global is committed to providing the healthiest, safest and most enjoyable indoor environments worldwide. With the global headquarters located in Pulaski, New York, PURE operates in over 20 countries and has installed PURE Rooms in some of the world's most prestigious and innovative hotels. Experience a PURE Room today by visiting http://www.pureroom.com.

http://www.melodika.net/index.php?op...3631&Itemid=55

[ashwinmandloi]

Eastwood Hospitality to open luxury eco-hotel in Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

Bengaluru-based Eastwood Hospitality, a travel, tourism and hotel management consultancy, will establish a luxury eco-hotel in the Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka later this month. Matthew Joseph, CEO and Director of Marketing, Eastwood Hospitality, said, “The 30-cottage property will be spread across 25 acres and we expect ten cottages to be ready by December 2013, which is when we will have a soft launch. The property will target the high-end luxury segment.”

From April this year, Eastwood Hospitality will start promoting packages to South America. The company has tied up with a South American DMC for these packages. Joseph said, “Our target will be the luxury traveller who is experienced and wants a new and different destination. The highlight of the packages to South America will be the Amazon river cruise. Additionally, we will promote these packages to our ‘Women on the Horizon’ segment, which caters to female travellers.”

Joseph added that last year, there was an increase in demand by Indian travellers for niche products. He said, “We have observed that mid-sized companies such as ours are doing very well in the Indian market through their niche products and offerings, as opposed to the clichéd destinations of Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. Our products, such as culinary tours, wine tours, paddy tours on the domestic and international travel sectors are gaining in popularity. In terms of domestic travel, destinations such as Ladakh are seeing much more demand.”

Talking about the company’s relationship with Enterprising Travel Agents Association (ETAA), Joseph stated, “ETAA is very different from any other travel association currently in the market. There is a lot of effort undertaken to involve and engage with members constantly with discussions and debates, compared to other associations. The workshops, seminars and FAM trips organised by ETAA are also of significant benefit to medium-sized agents like us.”

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/d...id=15616&sid=1

[ashwinmandloi]

Carlson Rezidor Strengthens Leadership Position in India in 2012

Carlson Rezidor remains the #1 hotel operator in India by number of hotels

SINGAPORE, Jan. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups, achieved strong growth in India in 2012 with 13 hotel openings and 13 new signings, sealing its position as the number one international hotel operator in India by number of hotels and earning industry accolades along the way. Carlson Rezidor closed the year with a total India portfolio of 63 hotels in operation and 44 hotels in development.

The 13 hotel openings in India in 2012 have also helped Carlson Rezidor to score several "firsts". The Group saw the opening of its first Radisson Blu hotels in Ahmedabad, Ghaziabad, Jaipur and Nagpur, as well as the establishment of the Group's first hotels in Hyderabad and Kandla.

Of the 13 new deals signed last year, many were for flagship hotels in choice locations of some of the major cities, resort destinations and satellite towns such as Faridabad, Gandhinagar, Jalandhar, Karjat, Salem, Gurgaon, Bhiwadi and Goa. These new deals have effectively reinforced the presence of Carlson Rezidor hotel brands and the growth of its hotel network across the country.

Carlson Rezidor's expansion in India also gained added traction with the signing in April of a strategic alliance with Bestech Hospitalities to develop a network of 49 Park Inn by Radisson hotels in north and central India by 2024. Under the agreement, Carlson Rezidor and Bestech will invest USD 42 million in a joint venture to develop the first two hotels, Park Inn by Radisson Gurgaon Sector 88 and Park Inn by Radisson Chandigarh, Mohali.

Last year, Carlson Rezidor also bagged a number of prestigious industry awards, in recognition of exceptional performance. Several of the Group's hotels in India were named the best in their categories and a few employees were also singled out as top performers in the industry.

"We are very proud of our India team, who has the capability and deep local knowledge to drive strategic growth for Carlson Rezidor in this key market. In 2012, Carlson Rezidor successfully consolidated our leadership position in India, despite the economic challenges in the West and their consequent impact on India's domestic market. We have forged new alliances, signed multi-property deals and grown our portfolio of opened and pipeline hotels. Carlson Rezidor remains confident in the potential of the Indian market and we foresee great opportunities to further strengthen our position in 2013. Apart from opening 13 more hotels in India this year, we will continue in our efforts to drive hotel management excellence and build capability at all levels. Carlson Rezidor is also ready to move forward aggressively with rolling out our mid-scale Park Inn by Radisson hotel brand in selected locations in India," said Simon C. Barlow, president, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group.

New openings in 2012

1. Radisson Blu Hotel Ludhiana: 81 keys, located within a shopping district, with easy access to Sahnewal Domestic Airport.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel Ahmedabad: The first Radisson Blu hotel to open in Ahmedabad, 116 rooms, located close to Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Gujarat University Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad.
3. Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre: 162 keys, located close to the city's main commercial and business hubs such as Express Avenue, Spencer Plaza and Raheja Towers.
4. Radisson Blu Hotel Ghaziabad: The first Radisson Blu hotel in the eastern part of the NCR, 147 keys, located in the prime business and commercial hub of Ghaziabad, near Akshardham Temple, the Formula One Circuit, Agra, Haridwar and Rishikesh.
5. Radisson Blu Hotel Jaipur Airport: The first Radisson Blu hotel in Jaipur, 177 keys, located 2km from Jaipur International Airport, close to the city's prime shopping district and major commercial and business hubs.
6. Radisson Blu Hotel Nagpur: The first Radisson Blu hotel in Nagpur, 214 keys, located close to the airport, railway station and the city's main commercial and business zones including the Mihan special economic zone.
7. Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Hyderabad Banjara Hills: The first Carlson Rezidor hotel in Hyderabad, 155 rooms, located close to the center of Hyderabad's commercial hub and near Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and Hyderabad International Convention Centre.
8. Radisson Hotel Kandla: The first Carlson Rezidor hotel in Kandla, 117 keys, located close to the ports of Kandla and Mundra in Gujarat, within easy reach of the airport, railway station and Kandla Special Economic Zone.
9. Park Plaza Chandigarh: 138 keys, close to popular shopping destinations and Asia's largest rose garden, the Rose Garden of Chandigarh.
10. Park Plaza Shahdara: 91 keys, located within the Central Business District, close to Delhi's industrial and commercial hub, within easy reach of major business districts like Noida, Connaught Place and Shastri Park IT Hub.
11. Park Plaza Kolkata Ballygunge: 92 keys, close to Kolkata's central business district, high-end retail belt and commercial hubs.
12. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson Goa Candolim: 98 keys, located at Bamonvaddo, close to Candolim Beach, the casinos in Panjim and the new high-tech Rajiv Gandhi IT Habitat.
13. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson Mysore: 130 keys, located close to Mandakalli Airport and the railway station.

Signings in 2012

1. Radisson Blu Hotel Faridabad: 120 rooms, located near the industrial belt of Faridabad, a historic city just 25km from Delhi. (2015)
2. Radisson Resort Gandhinagar: 120 keys, located near Gandhinagar's central business district and the major pilgrimage destination of Mahudi. (2015)
3. Radisson Jalandhar: 62 keys, located in the heart of one of India's leading industrial cities, close to major commercial and shopping districts.
4. Park Plaza Hotel Karjat: 100 rooms, located in a premier holiday destination close to Mumbai and Pune, part of a mixed use development, with direct access to the Ulhas River. (2016)
5. Park Plaza Salem: 124 rooms, located next to the proposed ELCOT IT Park, close to Salem's central business district. (2013)
6. Park Inn by Radisson Gurgaon Bilaspur: 100 rooms, located along National Highway 8, within a multibillion dollar industrial corridor. (2013)
7. Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Bhiwadi: 50 keys, located close to the Khushkhera and Tapookhera Industrial Areas and Ram Mohan Baba Temple, within the freight corridor linking Delhi and Mubai. (2015)
8. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson Goa Panjim: 63 keys, city-centre location in the capital of Goa - India's richest state and a popular beach destination, within easy reach of the airport, railway station and beach. (2015)
9. Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Gurgaon Sohna Road: 50 keys, located close to the leisure destination of Sohna town, with picturesque views and hot springs. (2015)
10. Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Guwahati: 70 keys, located at Swagota Square, near Rajiv Bhawan, close to the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, one of the busiest tea trading facilities in the world. (2015)
11. Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Jalandhar: 45 keys, located in Jalandhar, the oldest city in the state of Punjab, northwestern India.
12. Country Inn & Suites by Carlson Jim Corbett: 45 keys, one of the first international hotels to be located near the Jim Corbett National Park, one of India's most popular national parks. (2013)
13. Country Inns & Suites by Carlson Navi Mumbai: 94 keys, located in one of the largest planned cities in the world, close to the proposed international airport, Reliance Corporate Park and Millennium Business Park. (2013)

Awards in 2012

1. Nilesh Mitra, senior director human resources for Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, South Asia, was named "Human Resource Person of the Year" at the annual Hotelier India Awards 2012.
2. Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram, India, won the Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific (HICAP) 2012 Sustainable Hotel Award for Sustainable Operations.
3. Radisson Blu Plaza Hyderabad, Radisson Blu Hotel Greater Noida and Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, Gurgaon Sector 29 were named Best New Business Hotel, Best Luxury Hotel, and Best Corporate Boutique Hotel, respectively.
4. Chef Devwrat Anand Jategaonkar of Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug won a silver medal for Culinary Artistry at the world's largest culinary competition, the IKA Culinary Olympics in Erfurt, Germany.
5. Chef Shakti Raj of name of hotel won the Master Chef Award in North Indian Cuisine at the 9th Annual Chef Awards.
6. Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug was named the Best Luxury Spa & Resort at the World Travel Brands 2012 Awards.
7. C.M.D. Mr. Vinay Phadnis, of Radisson Resort & Spa, Alibaug was given the prestigious Excellence in Infrastructure 2011-12 award by the TMC (Top Management Consortium).

About Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group - born in early 2012 - is one of the world's largest and most dynamic hotel groups. The portfolio of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group includes more than 1,300 hotels, a global footprint spanning 81 countries and territories, a powerful set of global brands (Radisson Blu, Radisson(R), Park Plaza(R), Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM) and Hotel Missoni). In most of the group's hotels, guests can benefit from the loyalty program Club Carlson(SM), one of the most rewarding loyalty programs in the world. The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group and its brands employ more than 80,000 people.

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn, and Brussels, Belgium.

http://www.moneylife.in/prnews/carls...b3e9f0001.html

[ashwinmandloi]

Hilton Hotels opens 1st leisure property in India

Hilton Hotels & Resorts today announced the opening of Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa, its first leisure property in India. Operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by Writer Lifestyle Pvt. Ltd., the retreat offers 99 villas. The property features ecologically designed all-villa accommodation with butler service, extensive dining options, one of the largest wine cellars in India and among the largest and most comprehensive spa facilities in Asia that encompasses 70 acres and offers more than 150 treatments.

“Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa is an exceptional addition to our fast growing portfolio in India. Given the facilities and services on offer, we expect the property to become the favorite gateway for guests travelling on leisure in the region. We now operate 11 hotels in the country and, at the current pace of rapid growth, we hope to increase our portfolio to 50 hotels in the next five years," said Martin Rinck, President, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide.

The interior of the villas combines simple, contemporary elegance with up-to-date technology to offer private relaxation havens. The Spa Pool Villas and Presidential Pool Villas additionally include private gardens and swimming pools.

The six on-site restaurant, bar and lounge venues primarily utilise organic and locally sourced ingredients providing guests the opportunity to enjoy fine dining whilst maintaining a regime of good nutrition.

The extensive facilities at the spa include dedicated spa villas, treatment suites, consultation rooms, relaxation terraces, a Yoga Pavilion, MeditationCave, a spa restaurant, an outdoor heated spa pool, conventional and infrared saunas, steam, outdoor hot tubs and hydrotherapy tubs. The services range from Acupressure, Naturopathy and Acupuncture to Ayurveda, Reiki, Shamanism Therapy, Fire Healing, Tai Chi, Watsu, Meditation and Yoga.

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/d...id=15634&sid=1

[ashwinmandloi]

Marriott International forays into Madhya Pradesh, to open Courtyard Bhopal on Feb 1, 2013

In a bid to expand is footprints in India aggressively, Marriott International Inc. is looking at brand 'Courtyard by Marriott' as a key driver for growth in the Indian market. With its aim to tap the new and Tier II markets, Marriott International Inc. will foray in Madhya Pradesh with the launch of its first hotel under the brand 'Courtyard by Marriott' on February 1, 2013.

Located near Maharana Pratap Nagar, the hotel will have 101 rooms, multicuisine restaurants and a 24-hour coffee shop. Elton Hurtis has been appointed as the General Manager of the upcoming hotel.

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/d...id=15638&sid=1

[ashwinmandloi]

EllBee Hospitality to introduce 'EllBee Hotels' in Mar 2013



Delhi-headquartered EllBee Hospitality Worldwide Pvt Ltd will introduce its brand 'Ellbee Hotels', with the opening of the 32-room Ellbee Hotel Ganga View in Rishikesh in March 2013. Ellbee Hospitality has been supervising the renovation of the property, and has rebranded it as Ellbee Hotel Ganga View. In five years, Ellbee Hospitality plans to come up with four to five properties in Uttarakhand.

Speaking about the property and the new brand, Sahil Gulati, Director, EllBee Hospitality Worldwide Pvt Ltd, said, “There is a perception that only India’s five-star hotels deliver world-class service. While the is no doubting that the crème de la crème of hotels offer a superlative customer experience and your money’s worth, there are other accommodation alternatives that are suitably upscale yet very affordable. EllBee belongs to this niche in the hospitality industry, emphasising quality as well as affordability.”

Sahib Gulati, Director of Marketing, EllBee Hospitality Worldwide Pvt Ltd, added, “We have left no stone unturned in making a high end luxurious hotel in Rishikesh. For instance, the marble inlay work in our hotel has been done by expert exponents from Agra whose families are descendants of families that built the Taj Mahal. Even the wooden carving of our hotel has been done from highly experienced workers whose families have been in this business for various decades.”

Talking further about the renovation of hotel, he said, “We have emphasized a lot on quality and we hope to provide a royal luxurious environment to all our guests. We have incorporated latest technologies in all our rooms, such as the kaba locks, which will enable the guests to use their mobile phones as smart cards to use the services of hotel like check-in, check-out etc."

The long term vision of the company is to provide facilities and services to the visitors and tourists to this part of India that will match with the best all over India as well as abroad.

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/d...id=15745&sid=1

[ashwinmandloi]

Troca Hotels debuts in Goa

Troca Hotels, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boston East India Hotels LLC, has announced its first property in Goa - The Sofala 15°74. The property features 24 guest rooms, including six suites and one three-bedroom presidential villa with its own rooftop private pool. All Troca Hotels are identified by their geographic coordinates; the latitude and longitude for Goa - 15°N 74°E - is represented in The Sofala 15°74. The hotel is developed and is owned by Sun Estates Developers.

“The Sofala is a perfect representation of the vision of Troca Hotels because it is both locally authentic and truly global, with the addition of this fantastic hotel, which happens to feature one of the liveliest and most cultured gathering spots in Goa. We are adding a true gem to the global collection of hotels we are creating. We are incredibly pleased with the strong partnership we have with Sun Estates," stated Abhijit “Beej” Das, President and CEO, Boston East India Hotels LLC.

Formerly operated as The Sol, the hotel will undergo a few additional changes to add the complete Troca Hotels essence including the addition of a second signature chef-driven destination restaurant, a fitness room with advanced cardio and weight training equipment, and three villas, which will bring the total room inventory to thirty-two rooms.

Suraj Morajkar, President, Sun Estates Developers, added, “Being based in North Goa and having developed many residential properties here, we saw Nerul as an area of great opportunity for a quality hospitality offering. We are thrilled to be working with Troca Hotels and are confident that the company’s excellent team and global capabilities will take The Sofala to even greater success.”

The property's new food and beverage offering, Sol Bar and Restaurant, boasts indoor and outdoor seating perched on the scenic Sinquerim River, a new wood-fired oven with speciality pizzas, and a new and expanded open kitchen celebration of the local vernacular in an unconventional manner.

http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com/d...id=15903&sid=1

[karkal]

PlanMyHotel.net Announces Real-Time Comparison Pricing for Cheap Hotel Accommodation

PlanMyHotel.net is home to fast, real-time searches of over 2 million hotels worldwide, providing customers with up to 80% off discount reservations.

SBWire (http://s.tt/1zHJi)

Chennai, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/12/2013 -- According to research, the hotel booking industry is a $148.3 million dollar business. The statistics show that 57% of all bookings are made over the internet and more shoppers are becoming deal savvy to find the latest promotions and the lowest prices.

Understanding the need for an easy way to compare prices worldwide, PlanMyHotel.net was recently launched to provide hotel comparison pricing all-in-one place. PlanMyHotel.net is an online hotel search portal that allows people to find the hotel of their choice from anywhere around the globe. Featuring more than 2,360,426 hotels around the world like Siem Reap, Cambodia to Venice, Italy, the website allows for a quick search for cheap hotel accommodation deals and promotions. It also works as a platform to search airfare prices for more than 600 flights throughout the world.

Tagged as the complete online hotel booking search engine, shoppers can easily search the entire listings by using popular query details such as top destinations and recently booked data.

With its aim to be known for providing discount hotel reservations worldwide, the all-in-one platform is home to the lowest rates guaranteed, as offered to up to 80% off by more than 20 online hotel reservation portals.

At PlanMyHotel.net, online customers who book a hotel are ensured of fast, secure and real-time reservation prices available 24-hours a day. It also allows for easy search and selection for the exact room and accommodations.

According to PlanMyHotel.net, sometimes the lowest prices do not offer the best accomodations, but it allows customers the choice to decide for themselves about their preferred accommodations. In order to help customers in select their ideal booking, the website provides hotel rates comparison, as well as ratings and reviews of the all hotels that are available.

To find out more about cheap hotel accommodation options from across the globe, please visit http://www.planmyhotel.net for additional information.

About Plan My Hotel

PlanMyHotel.net is an online hotel search portal offering discount hotel reservations worldwide. Featuring more than 2 million hotels globally, the website provides the best rates from more than 20 online hotel reservation portals while also ensuring a convenient, hassle-free and affordable booking.
SBWire (http://s.tt/1zHJi)

[ashwinmandloi]

Kempinski Ambience Hotel Delhi Opens in India



Europe’s oldest luxury hotel brand, Kempinski, has reinforced its commitment to India by launching its first independently managed hotel in the commercial district of Shadara in East Delhi – Kempinski Ambience Delhi.

The Buddhist spiritual leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, His Holiness the Dalai Lama blessed and inaugurated Kempinski Ambience Delhi by lighting the ceremonial lamp on December 25, 2012. The hotel is set to be an upscale landmark destination for business, entertainment and weddings in the region.

The hotel is contemporarily designed and features 480 rooms and suites in two towers, connected by a sky bridge. Each tower has a dedicated entrance, a lobby and a check-in desk. Kempinski Ambience Delhi features banqueting facilities of over 70,000 sq ft, including India’s largest pillar-less ballroom in a luxury hotel that can accommodate up to 6000 guests. Amongst the dining options are four specialty restaurants including Café Knosh (all-day dining restaurant), Dilli 32 (an Indian specialty restaurant), Mei Kun (an Asian restaurant) and Casaluna (an Italian restaurant).

n addition, the hotel has a scenic, glass-enclosed bar, the Cherry Bar, two business centres and recreational facilities including the spa with hammam and an ice fountain. There are also two fitness centres, a salon and two outdoor heated swimming pools. Surrounded by an affluent business community, entertainment destinations and prominent state-owned buildings, the complex is well connected via road and the metro rail to the airports and city centre.

In his blessing of the hotel, the Dalai Lama said, “Today’s world is deeply interconnected and progress of any region must be viewed from a perspective of oneness of humanity. I am touched by the massive effort and compassion that has gone into building such a magnanimous property in East Delhi, and the efforts the hotel is taking in community development, which will lead to betterment of this entire region. I met with several people from the hotel including the owners, the executive committee, the kitchen staff and security guards, and wish that they always remain filled with the same positive energy to serve and to spread joy. I wish to recognize the support extended to us by Kempinski Ambience Hotel.” He was at the hotel for his teachings on Shantideva's "Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way of Life".

Commenting on Kempinski’s vision to strengthen its foothold in India through this fully-managed property, Mr Reto Wittwer, President and CEO of Kempinski Hotels, said, “Across the world, Kempinski is known as a pioneer in several destinations, and our guests who are keen to discover the world through Kempinski come to seek authentic experiences of new destinations. Shahdara fits our vision perfectly, through its unique blend of a rustic Old Delhi charm coupled with an early embrace of the most sophisticated modern infrastructure technology. Asia, as a whole, is a very dynamic region. As we venture in the diverse and vital Indian subcontinent, we extend our global brand promise to our guests — no matter which hotel you visit, we ensure that the remarkable European Flair offers you a consistent Kempinski guest experience, while respecting and incorporating different cultures to imbue the uniqueness of each individual hotel.”

Mr Raj Singh Gehlot, Chairman and Managing Director of Ambience Group, which owns the hotel, said, “For more than 115 years, Kempinski Hotels have hosted the most renowned and powerful international celebrities and world leaders, and we are proud to have been chosen to open their first hotel in India.”

For more information or to make a reservation please visit
www.kempinski.com/delhi

http://www.luxurytravelmagazine.com/...ndia-18861.php

[ashwinmandloi]

Hilton Opens its Second Garden Inn Hotel in India

Hilton has expanded its portfolio of hotels in India with the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square.

Operated by Hilton Worldwide and owned by the Baani Group, Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square is located near the prime corporate, commercial and residential districts, including Infocity, Unitech Cyber Park, Sohna Road and Nirvana. The hotel is just eight kilometres from DLF Cyber City, the central business hub in Gurgaon. Shopping at the malls on M.G. Road and entertainment at the Kingdom of Dreams are also nearby.

The 201-room Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square features the brand’s signature offerings that include complimentary internet access; 24-hour complimentary business centre facilities; complimentary remote printing service from the guestroom to the business centre and the 24-hour Pavilion Pantry convenience mart.

Each of the 201 guestrooms, including six suites, at Hilton Garden Inn Gurgaon Baani Square features expansive city views, comfortable Serta beds, a spacious working desk with an ergonomic SAYL chair by Herman Miller, a 32-inch LED television with CD / DVD player, two telephones with voicemail, electronic safe, mini refrigerator, tea and coffee making facility, and an iron and ironing board. Guests in residence can also avail 24-hour room service and around the clock laundry and dry cleaning services.

Dining options include Glasshouse, the all-day dining world-cuisine restaurant, which serves an a la carte menu in addition to an extensive buffet of Indian, Italian, Continental and Pan Asian cuisines. Café O’ Lait, the patisserie, offers a choice of gourmet sandwiches, breads, pastries, healthy fruit juices and freshly brewed tea and coffee for dine in or take away. Pose, the bar at the lobby level, presents a wide selection of fine wines, contemporary cocktails and mocktails and a range of innovative snacks. Guests can enjoy a live grill and exotic snacks, accompanied by a selection of premium alcoholic beverages, contemporary cocktails and mocktails, against the backdrop of panoramic city views at Hive, the rooftop bar.

Recreational opportunities at the hotel include a rooftop swimming pool and 24-hour fitness centre by Precor.

“We are delighted to open the second Hilton Garden Inn hotel in India. With the launch of this property, Hilton Worldwide now operates seven hotels in Delhi NCR and a total of 12 hotels in the country with a presence in Mumbai, Chennai, Shillim (near Mumbai), Vadodara and Goa, besides the National Capital Region,” said Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide. “We continue to grow our India portfolio through a multi-brand, multiple partners and high-growth strategy. While we are exploring opportunities across all segments, for which we are well positioned with the six brands we are developing in the country, we are placing significant emphasis on the expansion of our mid-market and focused-service brands, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton, to accommodate the exponentially growing demand for mid-priced hotel rooms in the country.”

http://www.asiatraveltips.com/news13...tonHotel.shtml

[barrykul]

Hilton Shillim Retreat & Spa

Ask about Shillim to anyone in Mumbai, and you will mostly be greeted by quizzical looks. Did you mean ‘Shillong’, would be the usual response. Tucked away in the Western Ghats, this rather unknown little mountain village is where the Hilton’s new spa retreat is located. The relatively obscure location that it resides in could as well turn out to be one of the best things about the Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat and Spa.
Head for the hills

If you have ever lived in the madness that is Mumbai, sooner or later you will start relating to the familiar need to “get away from it all”. As much as the city thrives on the relentless energy of its people, there will come a time when you will need to find some peace and quiet, if only to remember what peace and quiet actually feels like. And this is where Shillim enters the picture.

As I slipped into the Fortuner waiting at the airport to take me to Shillim, the windows rolled up and Mumbai was drowned out. With a bottle of chilled water and a cold towel for my face, I was all set to head for the hills.

A three-hour drive from Mumbai – if you leave before peak hour traffic begins – Shillim is a little town past the commercialised chikki capital that is Lonavla, on the route from Mumbai to Pune. The scenic drive takes you through the Sahayadri Mountains, where the landscape changes with every season. As we drive through, the mountains are a dry brown with specks of green, but I am told the area around Shillim springs to life during the monsoons. An easier option is to take a helicopter ride that will get you there in just 25 minutes – if your wallet can handle it!

The Hilton’s retreat at Shillim occupies 320 acres and is part of the Shillim Institute and Resort that is 2,500 acres large. The institute is an attempt to conserve the ecologically sensitive area that is nestled among the Sahayadri hills. In fact, the entire retreat is built to be environmental-friendly and an addition to the Shillim Institute that gives guests a chance to appreciate nature.

Luxury au naturel

Walking in to Hilton Shillim, the first thing that strikes me is the completely wild and natural state of the foliage. Not for them, the well-manicured lawns and perfectly trimmed flowerbeds around exotic shrubs – here, it seemed to be really about getting back to nature, and yet it is not unkempt.

The vegetation is left untouched and the natural flora and fauna is undisturbed, giving the place a very earthy feel. I am told that while planning the resort, instructions were given that no trees were to be cut or displaced and the architects, instead, ensured that more trees were planted. The grey stone and wood buildings seem to fit right into the ambience, and the well-chosen subtle colours and materials give the place an uncluttered and laid-back feel.

I’m shown in to a spacious villa, like most other guests checking in would be. The villa for two comes with its very own private pool. The glass walls covered by sheer white curtains make you feel like you’re about ten steps away from being in the lap of nature.

The biggest draw for the Hilton Shillim would be the well-equipped spa on offer and spread over 70 acres; it’s sure to impress. The resort has, in fact, a dedicated spa zone with consulting areas, treatment rooms, relaxation rooms and a pool spread over the entire zone. I went in for a special Swedish massage, recommended by the spa’s doctor, who picked it from over 70 types of massages on offer here. An interesting option on the spa menu was personalised Yoga classes. You could choose between beginner level class, a sun salutation series or even a 90-minute pranayama session and you could also have the class in the privacy of your own villa. Definitely a great option if you hate missing your exercise routine while on holiday.

Wangshi, my masseuse, seemed to have magical hands as she kneaded away all the stress of a three-hour drive and an early morning flight. A scented eye-pillow, soft music and dim lighting made sure that I was fully relaxed and as I drifted off into that blissful state of rest, one thought crossed my mind – “I could get used to this!”
Stay for the food

If, like me, you associate a spa retreat with all things healthy and diet-conscious, the food at the Hilton Shillim will come as a pleasant surprise. Everything from the ‘health shots’ – a blend of fruit and vegetable juices – to the food at their all-day dining restaurant is gourmet.

My first taste of the food was at a special Lebanese themed lunch organised by the chef at the Green Table. From the fresh salad of rocket leaves with a vinegar dressing to the baba ghanoush and the delicious hummus to the floury white pita bread that melted in my mouth – the meal was awesome. And for the first time, I finished every single vegetable on my plate; my mother would certainly have been proud. The skewered chicken kebab was grilled to perfection and the accompanying garlic dip seasoned just right.

I doubted anything could top a lunch like that, but I was in for a surprise at dinner. I blame the fresh mountain air for giving me a rather ‘healthy’ appetite. From the roasted tomato soup with a hint of basil and garnished with fried mozzarella to the Black Angus fillet that was extremely tender and seasoned with pepper, the food was flawless. The glazed baby carrots and the herbs that seasoned the gin, coconut water and kaffir lime cocktail – all came from the resort’s own herb garden, and the freshness was deliciously conspicuous.

I tried to skip dessert after that satiating meal, but the sight of the dark chocolate mousse garnished with air-dried fruits, macadamia nuts and chocolate sand won me over – it was love at first taste.

Even breakfast the next day – which is usually a predictable affair – had some tasty treats up its sleeve. On the general manager’s recommendation I tried a savoury crepe stuffed with cheese and parma ham, and boy was I glad I took his advice! Add to this the strawberry Danish and some fresh apple juice and I was pretty sure I was going to leave Shillim a lot heavier than when I arrived.
The little things

Luxury at the Hilton Shillim is in the little things - like the personal butler who comes with every villa or the little buggy that he will ferry you around in. Imagine not having to walk more than a few hundred metres to get anywhere – it was nothing short of being treated like royalty. While only 33 villas have opened at present, about 66 more are in the pipeline and there resort has plans to expand the spa zone and the lifestyle zone. In collaboration with the institute, villa guests will have the chance to go trekking, learn horse riding, take a pottery class or even go check out the Lake Pavna nearby. For those looking to chill out, there is soon going to be a well-stocked wine lounge, a library and even a tea bar with its own in-house blends.

If you’re used to the fun vibe of seaside resorts, this hillside getaway might be not your first choice for a getaway. But with its strategic location just hours from Mumbai and its relatively easy accessibility, it’s sure to become one of the better getaway options.

The complete quiet and deep stillness at Shillim can work both ways – you’ll either love the infinite silence or you’ll miss the hustle and bustle that pervades every city. Another reason for that could be the complete lack of signal on your phone! No blinking lights and no incessant pings ensured that I could finally get back to a way of life that had a lot less technology and a lot more peace.

Walking around the property just before leaving, listening to the expansion plans and the new facilities that were coming up, and taking in the fresh mountain air, I couldn’t help but wonder how heading back to the insanity of a city would feel like after this haven of peace.

[wO_Ow]

InterContinental Hotels plans 47 new hotels in India

Global hospitality major InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) today said it plans to open 47 new hotels in India by the end of 2017 thereby taking its room strength to over 12,000 in the country.

“We currently have 47 hotels in our pipeline. The hotels will be ready by 2017. These will be additional 9,882 rooms,” Jan Smits, Chief Executive Officer – Asia, Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) said.

IHG currently operates 13 hotels in nine cities across India, including Benguluru, Mumbai, Pune, Kochi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Delhi with a total of 2,334 rooms.

The company will be opening five new hotels in 2013 and 8 new hotels in 2014, he added.

“The pipeline of 47 hotels includes the 13 hotels that we signed in 2012. These will be in cities like Chennai, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Gurgaon and Delhi, among others,” Smits said.

Out of 47 hotels, 25 will be under Holiday Inn brand, 15 will be under Holiday Inn Express, 6 will be Crowne Plaza and one will be InterContinental.

“The big opportunity in India is in the mid-scale. India has a very strong middle-class, there is very high demand of domestic traveller segment. The opportunity lies in over 10 to 15 cities for Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express brands,” Smits said.

[ChennaiIndian]

Cross-posting from Chennai hotel thread. Courtesy: saysenthil

http://www.fortmilltimes.com/2013/02...-inspired.html



Located in the Cultural Capital of South India, The 215-room Westin Chennai Velachery Offers a New Haven for Travelers with Signature Westin Experience in a Sensory-Rich Environment

CHENNAI, India --
Westin Hotels and Resorts, part of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT), today announced the opening of The Westin Chennai Velachery. Strategically located in the fast growing business district of Chennai in the Southern part of India, The Westin Chennai Velachery is the sixth Westin hotel in India and the first out of seven new Westin hotels expected to open in 2013 across Asia Pacific.

“The Westin Chennai Velachery is a significant addition to our strong Westin portfolio in India,” said Brian Povinelli, Global Brand Leader, Westin Hotels & Resorts. “We are delighted with the success of the brand and the rave reviews it has received from our guests. The prime location of The Westin Chennai Velachery and the draw of the signature Westin experience, designed to provide our guests a bit of well-being in the center of the vibrant city of Chennai, make us confident that this new landmark hotel will soon become a preferred destination for both business and leisure travelers.”

...

[ashwinmandloi]

Swissôtel Goa, India opens



With the opening of a resort hotel in the popular Indian coastal state of Goa, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts will complement its global portfolio with an additional deluxe hotel. First guests are anticipated to be welcomed in the first quarter 2013.

The Swissôtel Goa is located in the town of Calangute which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Goa, only 16 kms from the capital city Panaji and within an hour’s drive from Goa’s international airport. The 135 guestrooms and suites are designed and proportioned among eight three level buildings, which are set within a tropical garden featuring idyllic lily ponds and a courtyard pool area. Rooms vary in size between 31 m2 and 72 m2, depending on category, and feature modern design elements. An all-day dining restaurant, pool bar, cafe, fitness centre, adult and children’s pools, children’s club, as well as conference and banquet facilities will delight even the most discerning guests. The hotel will also have an exclusive beach club for its guests on Calangute beach. Designed by Malaysian Architects Chong Chee Ching and Greg Dall, the elements in the lobby and throughout the resort are accented by numerous works by the Indian artist Krishna Mehta are distributed throughout the resort which present modern and colourful design highlights. The most important night-life happenings and restaurants of North Goa are only a few minutes’ walk from Swissôtel Goa.

Goa is a former Portuguese administrated region and is India’s smallest state with a population of approximately 1.5 million. This year-round vacation destination with its famous cuisine and Portuguese influence provides inspiration with its endless beaches which have delighted tourists from around the world for many years. Goa is a one hour flight away from Mumbai and Bangalore and two hours from Delhi. “With the Swissôtel Goa, we are complementing our growing Indian hotel portfolio with an attractive holiday resort. With the already-opened Swissôtel Kolkata and the three Swissôtels under development in Mumbai, Noida and Bangalore, our portfolio on the Indian Subcontinent is growing continuously,” says Meinhard Huck, President of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. “We are pleased to cooperate in this project with Convention Hotels India Pvt. Ltd. and look forward to welcoming our first guests at Swissôtel Goa.”

”We are delighted to get this hotel underway as it marks the beginning of a long and close relationship that we wish to share with Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts,” said Priyakant Amin, Director of CHI - Convention Hotels India Pvt. Ltd. “We selected Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts to manage this prestigious property due to its reputation for delivering a contemporary luxury hospitality experience. We continue to develop our hospitality portfolio to create best-in-class properties with right partners by our side.”

http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/ne...a-india-opens/

[Gadiri]

Originally Posted by ashwinmandloi

India comes to Marrakech



First impressions matter. And when the heavy wooden doors of the gatehouse swing open to reveal the 600m driveway to the Taj Palace, a low whistle seems the appropriate response. The extravagant avenue leads the eye to the white domes of the main building and on to the snow-capped Atlas mountains beyond — the impact of the hotel is scarcely less imposing than its namesake in Agra.

The Taj Palace is the long overdue addition to the ranks of Marrakech's smartest addresses. Followers of the Sex and the City franchise got a tantalising glimpse of it in the 2010 movie sequel. Sprinkled with stardust, the scene was set for a suitably sparkly launch. But the hotel remained a Hollywood fantasy. Years passed and it still did not open for business.

As part of my homework for this assignment I endured Sex and the City 2 on the flight from London. I watched it, dear reader (as Carrie Bradshaw's toe-curling voice-over might have put it), so that you don't have to. When the credits finally roll, the location is credited as the Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma. Interestingly in the movie itself the fictional hotel is identified as the 'Taj al Saharaa'. Life indeed has imitated art.

Despite having partnered with the Mandarin Oriental group at the outset of his project some six years ago, the owner, Tangier-born entrepreneur Jaouad Kadiri, decided the deal was not working out and went looking for new partners. The falling-out added a three-year delay to what was already a long time horizon on his investment. The Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma became The Hotel That Never Was and has emerged now as the Taj Palace Marrakech. It is the first "Palace" category hotel from the Taj group outside India; all but one of the other six were originally built as bona fide maharajahs' residences. So the bar is set high.

Though it formally opens in January, the design theme is clear: India comes to Marrakech. Just three hours from the UK — and in the same time zone — a maharajah's palace has been conjured up for our convenience. The subcontinent's vivid colours and shameless luxury will soon be available as a weekend break.

The Arabian Nights glamour trailed in SATC2 is still evident, but the faux-rococo style of the set dressing has been replaced by more elegant lines and large blocks of saturated colour. Minimalists, however, may still feel dizzy.

The designer of the complex – responsible for everything from the overall site plan down to the delicate floral patterns in the coffered ceilings — is neither Moroccan nor Indian. American artist Stuart Church came to Morocco in the 1960s and never went home. Soon he found himself looking further east. "Everything was attractive to me about India. If you want anything in this world, you find it in India."

The octogenarian designer found architectural inspiration for the layout of his main block in the galleried courtyards of the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai. And now Stuart's creation has come home — as the youngest sibling in the Taj family.

The hotel is located in the Palmeraie district about 25 minutes from the medina and is completely insulated from the magnificent anarchy of the most famous square in the country — the Jemaa el Fna. Despite being the principal tourist attraction of Marrakech, the square and the adjoining souks retain an air of mystery and even menace.

The mix of storytellers, musicians, tumblers, hucksters, sword swallowers, fortune tellers and food vendors feels unchanged in centuries.
Attitudes to animals also seem medieval. The snake charmers are here. And others, with less obvious fairground credentials too. One man sprawled on the floor is carelessly prodding a small menagerie around. He has a falcon, a guinea pig, a hedgehog, a pigeon and a puppy. They are all tethered with twine. For a modest fee you can be snapped with a sad hedgehog or a miserable pigeon.

A woman wanders past, in an eye-popping floral-printed djellaba, her face obscured by a flowing black chiffon veil. In her right hand she is brandishing a hypodermic needle loaded with what looks like blood. It is a sinister image. But there is an innocent explanation —she is just a henna lady.

The biggest crowd, though, is for a group of five Berber men. Between them they aren't doing anything that can be obviously interpreted as a performance. One of them is holding a laptop open and refers to it constantly as he addresses the circle that has formed. Due to language and cultural barriers I have no idea what he is selling to the rapt crowd. Fibre-optic broadband? Electronic snake oil?

The drummers strike up a throbbing rhythm; thick blue smoke blows across the square from the food stands; another stand is piled high with brightly coloured Beats headsets by Dr Dre; the snake-charmers' instruments wail — a gleaming red Ferrari pushes its way through the crowds and the muezzin's call to prayer crackles from the loudspeakers of dozens of minarets. All life is here and all the centuries of the past thousand years.

http://www.timesofoman.com/News/Article-4511.aspx

MARRAKECH | Taj Palace | #Realized

Le Taj Palace à Marrakech ou le fruit d’un amour

LIEU Il était une fois, un couple mixte qui vivait heureux, entouré de leurs enfants. Une histoire qui ressemble à un conte de fée avec, dans le rôle de la princesse, Priti Paul, de nationalité indienne et dans le rôle du prince, Jaouad Kadiri, né à Tanger



Le couple de milliardaires vient de prendre possession de son dernier bijou à Marrakech, le Taj Palace, situé dans la Palmeraie. On parle de 100 millions d’euros pour arriver au bout des six ans de travaux nécessaires à la construction de cet incroyable palace. Il faut dire que les propriétaires ne manquent ni d’ambition, ni d’imagination. Ils ont tous les deux créé un lieu qui leur ressemble, inspiré par l’Inde et par Marrakech, la ville où ils se sont rencontrés. Tout ici est dans la démesure, une piscine en marbre vert du Guatemala de 1.600 mètres carrés, une coupole façon Taj Mahal de 25 mètres de haut, 3.800 mètres carrés de spa, des soies brodées, des kilomètres de feuilles d’or et de fils d’argent, … avec en toile de fond les cimes de l’Atlas. Alors que le Taj Palace était encore en travaux, les vedettes de “Sex and the City 2” ont tourné, en 2009, plusieurs scènes du film dans la suite royale de 500 mètres carrés

Depuis leur mariage en 2004 au Rajasthan, le couple, parent de trois enfants, navigue entre l’Inde et le Maroc, avec escales partout dans le monde. Priti Paul, qui a étudié l’architecture et l’économie aux États-Unis, vient d’une des familles les plus fortunées de son pays, productrice de thé. Jaouad Kadiri est le fils d’une famille bourgeoise de Tanger. Le monde de la nuit marocain n’a pas de secret pour cet amoureux de la jet-set, qu’il voit défiler dans son club le Fandango à Casablanca. Des hommes et des femmes, dont certains deviennent les clients de ses luxueuses villas, imaginées avec son ami architecte Stuart Church. C’est d’ailleurs ce dernier qui a signé les plans et le mobilier du Taj Palace.

Les portes du palais seront ouvertes aux hôtes en décembre 2012, pour des séjours d’exception. Marrakech se vit ici dans le luxe des maharadjahs

رجل الأعمال جواد القادري يستضيف نجوم "بوليوود" بمراكش

Originally Posted by WeldLMic

Originally Posted by ilyassmos

Jawad el kadiri avec sa femme indienne et ses enfants



FB

Originally Posted by WeldLMic

Originally Posted by WeldLMic

[Gadiri]

Oberoi will opened a palace in Casablanca marina.

[DeadManWalking]

CHENNAI: Global hospitality major Wyndham Hotel Group has been planning to add 26 new hotels through the franchisee route in India, a senior company official has said.

"Currently we have 17 hotel properties in India with a total room strength of around 1,800. We will be adding 26 more properties with a total room strength of 3,000. Outside India in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, the group plans to add 92 hotels with a total room strength of around 19,600," Duane Elledge, group's executive vice president and managing director, told IANS.

According to Elledge, the group is focused on franchising its brands in India and not managing the hotels.