The Hindu Business Line : Marriott plans 5-star hotels in Bangalore, Hyderabad

The Hyderabad property is likely to be opened in July and the one in Bangalore by the first quarter of 2008, said Mr John Toomey, Director of Marketing-India.

In line with the company's differential branding policy, the Bangalore property will be a five-star deluxe J W Marriot, while the hotel in Hyderabad will be a Marriott — a "notch below JW," said Mr Rajat Chatterjee, General Manager, Courtyard Marriot, Chennai.

Asked if the different brands meant that the hotels would target different segments, Mr Toomey said all the hotels in the major cities target business travellers, while the Goa Marriott will target both leisure and business travellers.

With regard to the Courtyard Marriott in Chennai, Mr Toomey said the property has five serviced apartments in addition to 225 rooms and six suites. "But Marriott International in general would certainly look at having additional serviced apartments in conjunction with a full service hotel," he added.

Mr Chatterjee said the Courtyard brand targets the mid to upper tier business segment, but unlike some international versions of the same brand that offers limited service, the Courtyard is a full service hotel. He said the rack rate for the rooms is $150, but is offered at $125 plus taxes. The serviced apartments are offered at $225 per day if taken for a one-month period.

Asked if he anticipated business to be a bit slow with so many five star hotels in the city, he said with the Courtyard being located on the arterial road in the city, and with businesses flourishing, that would not be a problem. He said it would take about six months for the business to stabilise.

Mr Toomey said the number of rooms in Chennai pales in comparison with the over 40,000 five-star rooms in Singapore. He said there are not enough rooms for the anticipated business demand for the next three to five years.

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