Shangri-La to open its first hotel in India

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has confirmed it is to enter the Indian market with the signing of a new management agreement with Hotel Excelsior Private Limited, a member of the Eros Group of India, for a hotel in New Delhi.

Opening in December 2004, the 354-room deluxe Shangri-La Hotel, New Delhi will be the former Hotel Kanishka, which is currently closed for a massive renovation costing over US$30 million.

Re-designed by the renowned Hong Kong based Chhada, Siembieda and Associates Ltd, the 17 storey hotel is centrally located in landscaped gardens in the historic government district and 40 minutes from the airport. It is within a two kilometre radius of Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, Rashtrapati Bhawan and the bustling commercial and shopping district of Connaught Place. 

The contemporary-styled Shangri-La Hotel, New Delhi will feature high-speed internet access and wireless LAN throughout the hotel as well as three new meeting rooms and a 450 square-metre ballroom divisible into three. There will be two restaurants: a coffee shop with a porch terrace overlooking the new outdoor pool and an Asian eclectic restaurant serving Chinese, Thai, Malay and Japanese cuisine. 

The three top floors of the hotel will be Horizon Club floors, Shangri-La's exclusive retreat for frequent travellers offering a host of special privileges and amenities, comprising 69 rooms and an exclusive lounge. In addition, there will be a brand new health club and spa featuring a gym, treatment rooms, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. 

Commenting on the group's first hotel in India, Giovanni Angelini, Shangri-La's chief executive officer and managing director, said: "India represents an exciting new opportunity for Shangri-La and forms a turning point in our expansion strategy. It clearly complements our decision to open an exclusive eco-orientated resort in the Maldives, which will open at the end of next year. The Shangri-La Hotel, Delhi will hopefully be the first of several hotels in India and we look forward to our partnership with Hotel Excelsior Private Limited."

Jagdish Rai Sood, chairman of Hotel Excelsior Private Limited, said: "We selected Shangri-La to operate our hotel due to the strength of the award winning brand and its reputation for highly personalised service. The group will introduce our hotel to its loyal clientele including its rapidly growing Golden Circle membership and its network of worldwide offices." 

The Eros Group is a name synonymous with real estate development in India. Backed by over five decades of expertise, the Eros Group's interests include the five-star Hotel InterContinental Parkroyal Nehru Place, International Trade Tower & American Plaza, residential buildings, cinemas, commercial complexes and a shopping plaza.