US-based Choice Hotels International is streamlining its operations in India at par with global standards, while looking to double the number of hotels here in the next 4-5 years.

At present, 25 hotels operate in India under Clarion, Comfort and Quality brands through franchise agreements and management contracts.

"We are in the process of designing a growth strategy for India. We are streamlining our operations to make sure that they are aligned with global processes," said Choice Hotels India CEO Vilas Pawar.

Choice Hotels India is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based hospitality giant Choice Hotels International.

In 2010, the parent firm had acquired 60 per cent stake of its franchise partners.
"Being a wholly-owned unit of Choice Hotels International gives us an access to world class technology, products, services and marketing tie-ups," Pawar said.

As a part of its aim to match up international benchmarks, the company parted ways with three separate franchise partners earlier this year citing quality issues, he added.

The company franchises its brands to hotel owners and also manages four of the 25 properties (total room inventory of around 2000 keys) in the country .

Commenting on the company''s expansion plan, Pawar said :"In the next 4-5 years we would like to double the current number of hotels here. We also are set to introduce a budget brand ''Sleep'' next year and plan to bring in an upmarket brand ''Cambria'' as well," he said.

The company today announced opening of a hotel -- Comfort Inn Saffron Kiran -- in Faridabad, near Delhi.

The tariffs range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 12,000 per night depending on the location and the brand of hotel.

PTI