Jetsettersblog

With India hailed as one the key emerging markets in the hospitality industry, Preferred Hotel Group is capturing the growth of its independent hotel sector and home-grown brands. In the first half of 2009, it has increased its pan-India presence to a total of 19 members with four new properties opened in the last few months.

“There has been tremendous interest from new luxury independent properties and locally owned chains in joining Preferred Hotel Group in the last two years. We are recognized in the marketplace for our personalized attention, regional team of expertise and value of services. With the recent expansion in India, we have also expanded our India, Middle East and Africa team to ensure that members have dedicated team of expertise on hand,” said Ananya Narayan, Area Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa.

The newly opened properties include:
Ista Amritsar, Amritsar (www.PreferredHotels.com) – Located 15 minutes away from the Golden Temple, the three month old hotel gives the religious city of Amritsar its first upscale hotel. There are 248 elegantly appointed rooms with panoramic views of the historic city. The extensive Ista Spa covers 3500 sq ft comprising eight treatments rooms and a luxurious steam and sauna facility. Ayurveda, Aromatherapy, Swedish massage, Crystal Healing and Reflexology are some of the specialty spa experiences offered. A key feature is an eight station vitality pool overlooking the greens, adjoining a temperature controlled swimming pool.

Three restaurants and bars include a fine dining Thai/Chinese restaurant with outdoor salas. A combination of indoor and outdoor venues with a performance stage provides the ideal setting for events for up to 800 persons.

Dream Cochin, Kerala (www.SummitHotels.com) – newly opened in April, the hotel marries the drama of the exotic east with the whimsy of the west. Located in the heart of Cochin, 151 lavishly appointed rooms offer complimentary wireless Internet access, Ipod on request, CD/DVD player and includes buffet breakfast. The Spa specializes in Ayurvedic and Thai massage with a rooftop pool and Jacuzzi offering panoramic city views. Two restaurants offer Thai seafood and international cuisine while three lounges provides varied settings for exotic drinks and entertaining. Function spaces can cater up to 650 persons.

The Zuri Kumarakom, Resort & Spa, Kerala (www.PreferredHotels.com)  – Recently upgraded and rebranded, the 72 rooms, cottage and villas are located on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake within 18 acres of lush landscaping.

It offers a unique opportunity to experience Kerala’s rustic backwater with its mangroves and waterways filled with flora and fauna, birds and marine life. Adventurers can water-ski, windsail, canoe, or go fishing in the lake.

The Maya Spa specializes in Ayurveda, Hydrotherapy, Solar therapies and Sabai stone therapies within 14 treatment rooms.

An infinity pool merges into the lake and meditation and yoga takes place on an island in the lagoon.

Four restaurants and bars include a fine dining seafood restaurant with views of the lake. The largest function room can cater for up to 250 persons.

The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur, Udaipur (www.PreferredHotels.com)

 - Located within Rajasthan’s stone walled city on the banks of Lake Pichola, the hotel opened on 15 May 2009, with 80 rooms and suites offering breathtaking views of the heritage city, the City Palace and the majestic Aravalli Mountains.

Designed by the world renowned architect Bill Bensley and interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the hotel combines traditional elements of Rajasthan artistry with contemporary interiors. The dining options include a 24 hour al-fresco dining area, a lounge bar and a fine dining Indian specialty restaurant.

The Spa by ESPA offers a haven for rejuvenation in nine spacious tents as well as 14 treatment rooms. Amenities for meetings include flexible meeting rooms which offer capacity for up to 250 guests. Recreational facilities include a fitness centre and a swimming pool.

Other members in India include:
Preferred Hotels & Resorts:
The Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore, Bangalore
The Leela Kempinski Goa, Goa
The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi NCR
Ista Hyderabad, Hyderabad
The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala
The Leela Kempinski Mumbai, Mumbai
The Imperial, New Delhi
Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh
Devi Garh, Udaipur
Preferred Boutique:
The Bagh, Bharatphur
Summit Hotels & Resorts:
Ista Bangalore, Bangalore
The Zuri Whitefield Bengalaru, Bangalore
The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi, New Delhi
Sterling Hotels:
Leonia Holistic Resort, Hyderabad
Svelte Personal Suites, New Delhi

About Preferred Hotel Group

Celebrating 40 years of excellence, Preferred Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry, delivering high-performance sales, marketing, and technology solutions to more than 700 independent hotels and resorts in over 75 countries. Its family of brands represents a collection of the finest hotels in the world and include: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts (www.preferredhotels.com ), Preferred Boutique™ (www.preferredboutique.com),  Summit Hotels & Resorts™ (www.summithotels.com) , Sterling Hotels™ (www.sterlinghotels.com)  and Historic Hotels of America® (www.historichotels.org).

For more information please visit www.preferredhotelgroup.com