CHENNAI, INDIA The opening of Aloft Chennai OMR-IT Expressway marks debut of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s select-service hotel brand in India.
As a younger, tech-driven society, Starwood believes India will become a key market for the Aloft brand’s development outside of the United States. “India is a key focus of Starwood’s expansion efforts, in large part because it is a market that today is relatively ‘under-hoteled,’” says said Vasant Prabhu, Starwood’s vice chairman and chief financial officer. “India is one of the most promising markets within Asia Pacific, with GDP estimates topping 7% for the next two years and a consumer market expected to rank as the world’s fifth biggest by 2025. The market is especially ripe for mid-market products like Aloft, and we look forward to opening several more Aloft hotels in India over the next few years.”
Featuring large guestrooms, buzzing bar scenes, grab-and go cafes and industrial design elements throughout, the Aloft brand seeks to deliver urban-influenced, modern and vibrant design and an energetic guest experience at an affordable price point.
“The energy of Aloft properties in India will reflect the dynamism of the cities where we’re opening our doors,” says Brian McGuinness, senior vice president of specialty-select brands for Starwood. “And we’re excited to connect with India’s taste-making Gen Y travelers, who’ve been eager for a hotel experience that matches their very forward-thinking sensibilities.”
It is the 42nd Aloft hotel globally, and another Aloft hotel is scheduled to open this month in Bangalore. Urbanedge Hotels, a subsidiary of Auromatrix Hotels Pte. Ltd., plans to open several Aloft hotels across India over the next few years. “We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Starwood,” says Kumar Sitaraman, chairman and CEO of Auromatrix Hotels. “Aloft will raise the bar in the mid-market category.”
Aloft Chennai OMR-IT Expressway features 130 loft-style guestrooms, accessible technology and a vibrant social atmosphere. The hotel is located on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), the hub for IT development in Chennai. The hotel is adjacent to more than 5,000 sq. ft. of meeting space and a restaurant.
Aloft Bengaluru Whitefield will include 170 guestrooms, and access to a large restaurant and more than 8,500 sq. ft. of meeting space. The hotel will be located in Whitefield, Bangalore, one of the city’s two major clusters of IT industries, home to several IT parks and an export promotion zone.