Hilton Worldwide will open its first Conrad hotel in India in 2015 under a management contract signed with K Raheja Constructions Group. The luxury hotel is currently under development in Pune and would be the 24th Conrad hotel in the world. The brand targets the “global elite”.
“Pune is a key gateway destination and we are delighted to establish our brand’s presence in India, one of the key strategic growth markets for Hilton Worldwide, starting with this wonderful city,” said John T A Vanderslice, global head of Luxury and Lifestyle Brands, Hilton Worldwide.
The 310 room hotel would have around six dining options, a large ballroom and conference and event facility. In a press statement, the company said that the design of Conrad Pune will be characterized by bold geometric shapes, dashes of striking colour and hints of lavish ornamentation. “We believe that with its unique offering of luxury that is contemporary, stylish and innovative, Conrad will set a new benchmark in the hospitality industry,” said Sandeep Raheja, managing director, Palm Grove Beach Hotels.
The hospitality chain is also planning to bring its luxury brand Waldorf Astoria to India. The hotel company operates across brands ranging from mid-market to premium including Conrad, Hilton, Double Tree, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton.
Hilton Worldwide is the second largest global hospitality company in the world, next to Intercontinental Hotel Group with a portfolio of 10 brands spread across 3,900 hotels.
The company has tied up with real estate players including Embassy group, Prestige Developers, Albany and Muthoot Hotels and Infrastructure ventures, Mantri Developers and Panchshil hotels among others for its expansion in India. Hilton has a pipeline of 21 hotels in the next five years across five brands.