After establishing a foothold in China with four projects racing for completion by 2009, Langham Hotels International (LHI) is planting its first flag in India.
The Langham Place, Koregaon Park in Pune – also known as Poona – India is scheduled for an early 2010 launch. About 180 rooms will make up the inventory.
Pune, southeast of Mumbai, is a fast-emerging hub that has attracted IT, car manufacturing and financial services entities. It has also been long regarded as a centre of learning, boasting a wealth of universities and educational institutions such as the highly respected University of Pune. These factors, plus India’s notorious limited room supply situation, have created the right environment for a new hotel opening. Currently, a Taj and Le Meridien are the only branded hotels operating in Pune.
“The IT business and education sector will be among our main targets,” said Paul Walters, LHI director of brand. “And the financial services sector as well, as it is starting to boom.”
The nine-storey facility will feature contemporary interiors, a ballroom with five breakout rooms and the executive product Club L.
LHI’s China current projects include Langham Place Beijing, Langham Place Beijing Capital Airport, Langham Place Changchun and The Langham, Yangtze Boutique Shanghai.
Margie T Logarta
