European hospitality group Accor, which manages over 4000 hotels worldwide, has firm plans to open a Pullman brand of its hotel in the Lavasa city. With this, India will house three Pullman hotels in the near future, with the two others being planned for Delhi and Gurgaon. The project is a result of the commitment of Accor to expand its hotel business in India and China.
Containing 258 guest rooms and perched atop India's first hill town, Pullman Lavasa will open in mid-2011. The hotel will house two restaurants, a patisserie and a 500-square meter ballroom. For smaller business events, an integrated meeting centre will also be constructed. The hotel will also be connected to Lavasa Lakes Convention Centre. Lavasa is located some 1 hour drive from new Pune International airport.
Michael Issenberg, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer - Accor Asia Pacific, said that their group wanted to see the Pullman brand making a strong foothold in Asian continent, but the rate with which it would grow is not on their mind at present. He added that Pullman brand would cater to the needs of modern traveler, without compromising on the quality. The Pullman brand was re-launched by Accor at the end of 2008, to cater to the demand of hotel owners and investors seeking 5-star hotel products that do not require over investment.
