Accor is taking the Raffles brand to India with hotel openings in Jaipur and Udaipur in Rajasthan. The two new properties will join 13 Raffles properties across 11 countries.
The Raffles Udaipur will be set on a 21-acre private island in the middle of Udai Sagar Lake, one of the five prominent lakes of Udaipur.
Expected to open mid-20120, the hotel will offer 101 lake-facing rooms with hill and temple views. The suites will have private pools.
The Raffles Jaipur is being built at Kukas in the city of Jaipur as a set of secluded private residences and courtyards adjacent to the larger hotel complex that presently houses the Fairmont Jaipur.
The hotel is anticipated to start operations in 2022 and is located close to key tourist destinations in Jaipur including the Amer Fort, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jal Mahal palace.
Accor chairman & CEO Sébastien Bazin said the group has 51 properties and 10 brands in India and is looking to add another 24 in the next three years.
"India represents only one percent of our total portfolio now, which is way too small. After the pipeline it will go up to 2.4%, which will be getting better. We are looking at opportunities and the right partners to bring in more brands including Banyan Tree, Mama Shelter, Deland, Mondrian and Tribe, among others.”