Noida expressway becoming biggest hotel hub in India

Economic Times  reported that the current trouble over land acquisition in the area notwithstanding, the 25-km stretch could be the next hotspot for tourism, conventions, glitterati events, nightlife and shopping as several big hotel groups such as Marriott, Hyatt, Starwood and Oberoi, are firming up their plans already. Analysts expect more than a dozen five-star hotels, with around 2,500 rooms to come up in the area, making it the biggest hotel hub anywhere in the country. “Availability of land in New Delhi to construct future hotels is low. As the most projects on the expressway come under mixed land use category, it has created an opportunity for hotel firms to bring their brands into the NCR region,” Akshay Kulkarni, director-hospitality, Cushman & Wakefield, was quoted saying. The report said some of the projects that have been already announced include Marriott Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments and Fairfield Inn. Hyatt Hotels & Resorts will operate a 600-room Grand Hyatt while Jaypee Hotels is running a resort and plans to build a luxury hotel with 650 rooms. The report quoted sources saying East India Hotels would also set up an Oberoi along the expressway. “Hotels on the expressway are expected to cater to guests from the large supply of commercial and residential complexes coming up on that stretch of land. In addition, tourists arriving in New Delhi and Agra as well as for the Formula One in nearby Greater Noida are expected to create demand in that region,” Navjeet Ahluwalia, senior vice-president, hotel development, Marriott Hotels, was reported saying. Starwood Hotels & Resorts is also said to be looking at bringing its luxury brand St. Regis and W in that region. Managing Director, India and Regional Vice-President, South Asia, Dilip Puri,was quoted saying, “We are in talks with developers to bring more than one hotel brand in that region.” Carlson Hotels is also said to be in talks with developers.