Choice Opens Three New Properties, Takes Total To 25

Anindita Chattopadhyay - New Delhi

Choice Hotels India moved closer to its target of 40 properties by 2005, when the chain recently opened three new properties in Manali, Pune and Trivandrum recently taking its score to 25. Three more properties are expected to be added to the portfolio by September end.

"Yes, our progress is as per our announced expansion plan. We aim to open seven new properties by the end of the year," said Sunil Mathur, chief operating officer, Choice Hotels India.

Quality Inn River Country, Manali is a 40-room new construction located within easy access of the bustling Mall and as an USP, offers ample parking space for cars and coaches. All rooms overlooking the river Beas, modern meeting facilities, Internet access, personal bar, a tea lounge opening out into the gardens, an international cuisine restaurant and a bar area with a dance floor make the hotel attractive for both business and leisure
travellers.

Quality Inn Centurion in Pune is within easy access of the industrial estate of Pimpri Chinchwad and the software parks. The 55-room boutique hotel has two specially designed floors of Quality Club rooms offering enhanced value for money. In addition, it has the most modern facilities for meetings and social functions for up to 250 pax and Silver Leaf, the world cuisine rest-o-bar. Comfort Inn Grand located in MG Road, Trivandrum offers highly functional and comfortable rooms and facilities to both business traffic and transit leisure travellers.

According to Mathur, by design, Choice group's leisure properties are within easy driving distance of metro cities because they are targeted at corporate consumers who generally take short, frequent holidays. "Our presence in all the metro cities gives us an edge, helping us to establish strong linkages with the corporate sector. The strategy is to tap the multiple matrix of generating business by wooing the same segment," Mathur explained.

As a franchisor, expansion for Choice means stringent tab on quality. "We have a formal quality assurance system. Quality evaluation is carried out periodically and the report is sent to our international office. At times we have taken tough decisions of deflagging properties when they failed to meet our stringent quality standards," said Mathur.