India: AccorHotels is in advanced talks with a real estate developer in Gurugram to launch its first Novotel Suites property in India.
Jean-Michel Cassé, chief operating officer (India and South Asia) at AccorHotels, said construction of the project, which will feature around 100 apartments is likely to start in the next few months.
“We are working on some projects in terms of offering serviced apartments. One or two projects are under development. We will be launching our pure standalone apartment hotel brand Novotel Suites,” he said.
Besides the Gurugram project, the company is exploring an opportunity to launch its service apartment business in Vijaywada in Andhra Pradesh.
Chetan Kapoor, a research analyst at Phocuswright, said: “Up to 15 per cent of online travellers in India are using non-hotel accommodations, including home rentals and serviced apartments. The demand is growing for this space. Four years back, it was about 10 per cent. There has been also been a growing demand from corporate executives for long stay and such apartments provides a convenient option.”
