Many of the best luxury and ultra-luxury hotels from all over the world are readying plans to enter the India market, and are expected to set up chains over the next couple of years. To be specific, around 20 luxury hotel brands are expected to be under development in the next three years in India, experts pointed out.

Analysts reasoned that India is tipped to be a top luxury destination of the world in the next 5 to 10 years, prompting the foreign hospitality brands to turn to this market with all seriousness.

International hotel chains like Jumeirah, Mandarin Oriental, Lebua and MGM are among some of the top end luxury hotel brands who have either announced their India plan or are in the process of tying up for the same.

Las Vegas-based hotel-casino MGM Grand has also firmed up its plans to check into the hospitality district near the International Airport in New Delhi. “The hospitality market in India is one of the most dynamic in the world,” a senior executive at MGM Hospitality said.

Hong Kong-headquartered Mandarin Oriental is in advanced stages of talks with developers for India foray. A deluxe room in Mandarin Hotel in New York would set you off by $695 for a night, and the suite could cost as much as $1,695 a night.

Dubai-based super luxury hotel, Jumeirah, is in negotiations too for bringing its property to India. One and Only Resorts, another high-end brand with presence in Mexico, Bahamas, Dubai, is also keen on the India market and has done research on it. London-based Langham and Bangkok-headquartered Anantara are also among the other luxury chains looking for opportunities in India.

So, what sets these luxury chains apart? “While most hotels provide a spa facility, swimming pool, great furnishing etc, it is the quality of service that these brands provide which makes them luxury. They treat you as if you are the only customer they have,” said a senior corporate executive.

Business Standard