India: The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has opened its second serviced residence in India – the 269-unit Citadines OMR in Chennai.
Citadines OMR Chennai is located along the Old Mahabalipuram Road, which serves as Chennai’s IT Corridor and is lined with IT parks, office complexes and Special Economic Zones (SEZ) such as ELCOT SEZ and State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamilnadu Ltd.
The property offers a variety of units including studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, all with a fully-equipped kitchen and modern amenities. It has a large infinity pool on the rooftop, a children’s pool, a gymnasium with steam and sauna facilities, jacuzzi and residents’ lounge. There are also two meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 100 people, a business centre, 24-hour guest services desk, launderette and a convenience store. Guests can savour a meal at Hola, the 24-hour coffee shop or Delhi Highway, an Indian-cuisine restaurant located within the residence.
Tony Soh, Ascott’s chief corporate officer, who also oversees its business in India, said: “India is one of the world’s top 10 economies; its increasing visitor arrivals and rising affluence present immense opportunities for international brands like Ascott. Our strategy for India is to expand in high-growth cities where there is strong demand for international-class serviced residences from expatriates and business travellers. Ascott has six properties with over 900 units in various stages of development in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Gurgaon and Sri City. By 2021, our presence will grow to 1,600 units in nine properties. India is a key market for Ascott, and we are seeking to expand through strategic alliances, investment and management contracts in cities where we have presence as well as other key business cities including Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune.”
Ajit Koushik, Ascott’s area general manager for India, said: “With the launch of Citadines OMR Chennai, Ascott now has two operating serviced residences in Chennai, a major IT hub with thriving industries such as automobile, banking and finance as well as manufacturing. Our Somerset Greenways Chennai is getting high demand from business executives in these key industries and we expect Citadines OMR Chennai to also perform well. Somerset Greenways Chennai is ideal for business travellers and their families as it has up to three-bedroom units and facilities such as children’s playground, kids club and BBQ pits while Citadines OMR Chennai offers independent travellers the flexibility to customise their stay by choosing from a range of services based on their needs.”</p
