The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts to Invest $300 Million to Open New Five-star Properties

One of India's finest luxury hotel groups, The Leela Hotels, Palaces & Resorts is investing $300 million and adding three new properties in the next two years. With five properties operational, three more hotels opening this year and next, and plans for three more, The Leela aims to be a major force in the Indian hospitality industry with a presence in the country's major resort and business destinations.

As part of a new upscale, mixed-use development in New Delhi's newest satellite business and shopping district, The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi (N.C.R) had its soft opening in January and will have 322 guest rooms and suites and 90 serviced residences. Later this year, The Leela will unveil its newest palace hotel, The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur on Lake Pichola in one of India's most romantic cities. Designed to evoke the life and times of India's royal past with the rich architectural detailing of a traditional Indian palace, the hotel's 80 rooms and suites will have all the latest conveniences. The Leela Palace Kempinski Chennai will be the city's largest business hotel when it opens in 2010 on seven acres of pristine seafront on the Bay of Bengal in the former Madras. Also in 2010, in time for the Commonwealth Games, the 264-room Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi will be built in the prestigious diplomatic enclave in the south of Delhi.

The Leela has more new properties on the drawing board. Following the high-tech trail, The Leela plans to build hotels in Hyderabad and Pune. A property in Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, is also in the planning stages.

"Our credo is Atithi Devo Bhava, "The Guest is God," says Capt. C.P. Krishnan Nair, the visionary hotelier behind The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts. "We aim to provide true Indian hospitality with the highest standards of service. A satisfied guest is our biggest reward," explains Capt. Nair.

The Leela brand is renowned for having the largest guest rooms in India, state-of-the-art spas and cutting-edge business facilities. The company has also made a serious commitment to preserving the environment.

"India is an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers," says Onno Poortier, the president of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. "We know there is a tremendous potential for growth here which is why we are building and opening new hotels," explains Poortier.

Hotel Leelaventure Ltd. owns and operates The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts in Mumbai, Bangalore, Goa, Kovalam (Kerala), Udaipur and has a management and operations agreement with The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi (N.C.R). Located in key business and leisure destinations and charting a pan-India presence in the near future, The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts are a blend of aesthetic sensibility, modern amenities and truly reflect the essence of India. New hotels will soon open in Chennai (2010) and New Delhi (2010); with future plans to develop hotels in Agra, Hyderabad and Pune. The group has marketing alliances with Germany-based Kempinski (Hoteliers since 1897); US-based Preferred Hotel Group and are members of Global Hotel Alliance based in Geneva, Switzerland.

For further information, please visit www.theleela.com