Marriott opens its doors to Kolkatans

KOLKATA: US-based hotel chain JW Marriott on Monday unveiled a super deluxe hotel in Kolkata, the eighth JW Marriott brand facility in the country.
While Marriott International plans to set up 85 hotels to its India portfolio by the end of this year, the Kolkata luxury facility is the first Marriott hotel in the east; the next stop is at Siliguri, where the chain plans to come up with an 138-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel.Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who inaugurated the hotel, was visibly happy with the new super-deluxe entrant in the city's hospitality sector.
“I am proud that the hotel chain has started its operations in Kolkata, I am aware of its activities across the globe. Marriott will be of great help as Bengal is a popular tourist destination for many , Kolkata being the gateway to Nepal, Bhutan and Singapore,“ she said. The facility, jointly developed by real estate groups Mani and Sattya, has 281rooms, of which 191are now available, and the remaining 90 will be opened in the next phase. The serviced apartments are located in its 28-storey tower, Vivara. “For us, this hotel will be an iconic luxury hotel for this part of India. After the merger with Starwood hotels, the chain has 80 operating hotels in the country and we plan to get the number to 85. We see Bengal as a decade-long growth story ,“ said Rajeev Menon, chief operations officer, Marriott International, Asia-Pacific (excluding greater China). Mani Group chairman Sanjay Jhujhunwala pointed out they invested Rs 1,200 crore for the hotel and the serviced apartments.
By beginning its operations in Bengal, Marriott joins international chains Swissotel, Novotel and Hyatt that have their properties in the city .“To aim and start this class of hospitality was a challenge for Bengal. The state was not looked upon as a destination that can afford high-quality hospitality. But we didn't agree with it and went ahead with the idea. This is one of the best properties in east India,“ said Sanjay Jhunjhunwala, CEO, Mani Group.
“A JW Marriott Hotel in Kolkata marks a great milestone for Marriott International,“ said Neeraj Govil, area vice-president (south Asia), Marriott International.