Ultra-luxury hotel brands Bulgari,Waldorf Astoria and Raffles have joined the race for Oberoi Realty's new luxury hotel in Worli, Mumbai after talks with the original suitor Mandarin Orientaldid not make much headway.

The three ultra luxury hotel brands are seeking to make an India entry through a management tie-up with Oberoi Realty as per a report in ET.

Vikas Oberoi, managing director of Oberoi Realtysaid he is talking to three hotel companies, but did not reveal their names and did not comment on the talks with Mandarin Oriental. "We have signed an MOU and are under a confidentiality agreement and cannot comment on this," said Oberoi.

Mandarin, which began talks with Oberoi Realty for a management contract a year ago, did not specifically comment on talks falling through, but said it is still looking for an entry into India.

"Our development team constantly reviews opportunities around the world for potential new hotels, including in India. India remains an important destination for Mandarin Oriental," said a company spokesperson in an email response.

Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, which owns the Raffles brand already has two brands - Fairmont and Swissotel - in India and is looking at bringing in the Raffles brand to the country soon. "India is surely on the development map of Raffles. We would like to do two hotels in the country," said Vivek Narain, director for development for Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, but declined to comment on talks with Oberoi Realty.

Marriott, which has a joint venture with jeweler and luxury goods designer Bvlgari SpA for the Bulgari Hotels & Resorts brand is already present in Indian through its other brands like Courtyard, Marriott and Ritz Carlton. Waldorf Astoria's parent Hilton also has its other brands like DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn and Hampton by Hilton in India.

Rajesh Punjabi, vice-president, development - India, Hilton Worldwide did not confirm if the company was talking to Oberoi Realty for a management contract for the Waldorf Astoria brand, but said: "The development of Waldorf Astoria in key markets within India is part of our core strategy and are in conversation with potential developers. The fundamentals that drive growth in the Indian hospitality industry are strong and these will continue to propel the industry."

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